Selection Criteria is requested from large organisations and government bodies as way of determining a candidate's true potential.
If you see your career in a large organisation or government body that constantly requests Selection Criteria to be addressed, it may be worth finding out the preferred way to write a winning selection criteria.
Download Premium Key Selection Criteria Templates PLUS Our Proven Magic Formula for Writing KSC, it's a Step by Step Guide on How to Write Interview Winning KSC Responses.
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Government Departments - Department of Immigration & Citizenship, Marine, Customs and Border Protection, Australian Taxation Office, Executive Level Management roles, Police
Education Sector - Selection Criteria for School Teachers, Non-Academic Staff and Senior Educators
Health Sector - Selection Criteria for Nursing Staff, Graduate Nurse and Nurse Unit Managers
Project Management - Selection Criteria for Project Managers and Project Co-ordinator Selection Criteria
Working within Australian Government organisations can provide excellent working conditions; job security and exposure to some very interesting roles.
There are plenty of opportunities to work for government at all levels and in diverse locations such as in other Countries or within Australia's capital cities and regional areas.
"I just got a call for a job interview! Good work on the KSC and resume - see you Thursday for Job Interview Practice!" - EL2, APS Executive
"Just got out of the interview, and I nailed it! There were 5 on the panel, as I walked out the Exec Director shook my hand, winked and said "Great interview, well done" - EL2, APS Executive
Responding to Key Selection Criteria could be your biggest hurdle to receive a job interview for your ideal role within a government funded organisation. We Can Show You How to Write Your Own Selection Criteria Responses, and then have a look at them, Or We Can Write Them for You
If you are seeking job opportunities within this sector, or any agency that is funded by the federal, state or local governments, we encourage you to learn how to effectively write your own answers.
We are happy to review and edit your draft response, and if you have limited time, we can even write them for you. It can take 3 -4 days to write them, so if the clock is ticking, take action today!
Running out of time to write the Key Selection Criteria?
Melbourne Resumes are happy to provide an immediate and no obligation quote for evaluating the answers you have written to Key Selection Criteria, or writing them on your behalf.
If you prefer us to write the key selection criteria, we require 2 examples of how you have successfully demonstrated the competencies, which need to be outlined in the STAR format (see point 10 above Essential Reading).
If you wish us to review your answers, email through your existing CV, the Job Description (with the Key Selection Criteria), and your answers.
The fee for editing and writing key selection criteria varies depending on the level of the position, the length of each answer and the complexity of the key selection criteria. Writing from scratch starts from $44, reviewing your answers starts from $25. We prefer to meet you when providing this service so we can create more tailored answers that highlight your most relevant work experiences. Phone consultation is also available, if travel or time is an issue. Click here for more on booking in our services.
What is Key Selection Criteria?
Selection Criteria is a process used in recruitment that promotes equality to find the right candidate to fill a job opportunity.
Shortlisted candidates are selected for job interview based on merit, skill and capabilities.
Every applicant will be matched against the key selection criterion as set down by the government department or organization doing the recruiting.
Is used primarily by government, government funded agencies and statutory authorities.
First time at attempting Key Selection Criteria?
The process of applying for jobs requiring selection criteria is important and it must be followed, read through this web page to develop the skills and knowledge required.
The advertisement will invite you to download the Position Description or an information package. This package is important and must be read carefully. It will contain:
A job description and duty statement
Information on the agency or government department
Conditions of employment, selection criteria document
Specific instructions on how they want you to address each selection criteria. These can be attributes, skills, knowledge, qualifications, experience and the organization's values.
"How Sensational! You've done a great job on my Key Selection Criteria! My achievements have really being highlighted and I Thank you."
Naifs A. - ICT Manager for an international hotel chain seeking a role within the Victorian Police Force.
"WOW! You've made me SHINE in the Key Selection Criteria! Great Job"
- Nathan P. - Carpenter seeking role in local council, City of Monash. Vic.
6 Steps - How to Answer Key Selection Criteria
No matter how Key Selection Criteria appear, you respond to them the same way:
Read and reread the advertisement, Key Selection Criteria and Position Description.
Print or save the Job Details, Position Description, so you can easily refer to it later.
Highlight key words in the first Key Selection Criteria and think about what the employer is asking for.
List examples of how you meet the Key Selection Criteria . Describe relevant skills, experience, incidents, training, personal qualities, expertise and things you couldn't have done without all these.
Review your list and summarise, in 60-120 words, how you demonstrated the Key Selection Criteria .
Repeat Steps 3 to 5 for the remaining Key Selection Criteria.
Warning - Don't Jeopardise Your Job Prospects!
If you don't address the selection criteria correctly, you may not be invited to an interview. You may have all the qualifications and attributes for the job and may be a "perfect match". However, if you don't understand how to write a document to address each selection criteria correctly and effectively you will not get an interview. Your future job prospects rely on the Key Selection Criteria articulating how you have demonstrated the skills and abilities the organization is seeking.
Melbourne Resumes will support you in this process by giving tips and guidelines on how to write answers for Key Selection Criteria. Learn how to address Key Selection Criteria, write down your rough draft, and then ask us to take a look at your answers and evaluate if there is any more information you need to provide. Alternatively we can write your answers after asking you a series of pertinent questions.
Our team have 17 years experience working with government departments and organisations subsidized by government grants. We have well honed skills and understand the style and content required by these institutions.
First Steps to Addressing Key Selection Criteria:
Achieve the best results by conducting some basic research about the job and the company.
Ask for a job description, contact the department who is recruiting and ask what personality traits would fit into the culture of the team.
Think about how this person answered the questions, and what new things you have learned about the job opportunity.
Develop a Strong Understanding of the Job Requirements:
Develop a full understanding of the job requirements and the type of character that would excel in the position.
Study the Position Description, including Key Selection Criteria, along with any other relevant information you have collected.
If you are unsure about any aspects of the job, call the person responsible for recruiting (the name and telephone number will be in the job details). They should be happy to answer your questions.
Write down all the skills, experience, knowledge and personality traits you possess that would benefit the job.
Evaluate the 4 parts of the Job Description
There are four main parts to look at and review in a Position Description:
Values
These tell you about the way the organisation works and what it expects of its employees. Check that you are comfortable these values fit with the way you want to work. Read their website and find out what their priorities are in terms of gaining profit versus community care. Try to find someone who knows what it is like to work there. Measure the values and the company culture against your own values and personality traits.
Company Values need to match your own personality - Do you think an outgoing and talkative woman would enjoy working at the State Library? .... I don't think so!
Accountabilities
This is a list of the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks of the job. Each job has a key focus - for example some roles supervise staff, some manage resources or provide policy advice; others deliver support services. Your career background and interests should match the requirements of the job.
You will need to be able to demonstrate that you have the capabilities - personal qualities, knowledge and skills to do the job. Perhaps you have worked in a related field or industry or have private interests that are relevant.
Key Selection Criteria
The Key Selection Criteria outline the qualities, knowledge and skills needed to do the job. You will need to write short statements that sell your specific capabilities for each of the criterion. It is important to include specific examples or situations where you have demonstrated the behaviour, knowledge, skills and personal qualities asked for in the Key Selection Criteria.
Writing a good Key Selection Criteria response statement is invaluable in preparing you for the interview stage of the selection process. Now that you have specific examples you will be better prepared to answer questions about your ability to do the job. Make sure you check your Key Selection Criteria statement for spelling and grammar.
By law, the organisation must assess all candidates for jobs fairly and consistently - to select on merit. Companies do this by using the Key Selection Criteria given to all candidates to assess their ability to do a job.
When you go for a job, Key Selection Criteria are clearly described in the Position Description - so you know what's required.
Describing how you meet Key Selection Criteria ensures the organisation captures all information about your suitability for a job. When applying online, you can usually type in the spaces on your online application or cut and paste text from a document you've prepared.
Examples of Key Selection Criteria
Key Selection Criteria are based on key capabilities such as Problem Solving, Conflict Management, Organsiational Abilities, and Team Work. Key Selection Criteria may vary among employers and jobs. Traditionally, they are statements combining skills, knowledge, experience and personal qualities, e.g.
"Ability to develop and maintain systems and processes for mail distribution and storage of publications and brochures"
"Ability to work under pressure, prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and remain tolerant"
No matter how Key Selection Criteria appear, you respond to them the same way:
Read and reread the advertisement, Key Selection Criteria and Position Description.
Print or save the Job Details, Position Description, so you can easily refer to it later.
Highlight key words in the first Key Selection Criteria and think about what the employer is asking for.
List examples of how you meet the Key Selection Criteria . Describe relevant skills, experience, incidents, training, personal qualities, expertise and things you couldn't have done without all these.
Review your list and summarise, in 60-120 words, how you demonstrated the Key Selection Criteria .
Repeat Steps 3 to 5 for the remaining Key Selection Criteria.
This may seem unfamiliar and a bit awkward to begin with, but around 60% of government jobs are filled by people not currently working in government organisations. And doing it this way ensures you're considered fairly along with all other candidates. See below for three examples of Key Selection Criteria responses.
Sample Answers on How to Answer Key Selection Criteria
Problem Solving - Seeks all relevant facts. Liaises with stakeholders. Analyse issues from different perspectives and draws sound inferences from available data. Identifies and proposes workable solutions.
"Problem solving has been a critical part of my roles over the past five years. While working as Customer Complaints Officer at Acme Department Stores, I dealt with a variety of problems. While many could be resolved easily, 2-3 per week were more complex and required a detailed process to resolve. I had to investigate what had happened from the staff and customer's points of view, clarify the facts and work out what had gone wrong and why. I then had to propose suitable solutions and negotiate a mutually satisfactory outcome. I was often commended by my manager for my sensitive handling and speedy resolution of these problems. Less than 1% of complaints had to be escalated"
Advanced Computer Skills - Uses a wide range of software features for word processing, spreadsheets, etc. Helps others solve problems with software.
"As Personal Assistant to the Marketing Manager at SYZ Enterprises, about half my time was spent preparing letters and reports for clients using Word. I used detailed information in Excel spreadsheets to prepare graphs and tables to demonstrate the results of our market research and to analyse client company performance. I often prepared major PowerPoint presentations for my manager and maintained a database of her contacts. I also managed many daily emails and searched for information on the Internet to answer questions"
People Skills - Sound communication, interpersonal and negotiating skills, including well-developed written and oral skills and the ability to develop and deliver interpretation and education services.
"In my 5 years as a teacher, strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills have been essential. I have dealt with a wide range of people, including parents, colleagues and students. I was involved in a community project where I co-wrote a booklet on helping child learn and have fun. As part of this project, I led successful negotiations with the Local Council and three schools in the area who agreed to run a series of weekend family science programs for kids in the area"
Qualifications:
In many cases qualifications are either not required or are an added advantage- desirable. However, some roles need formal or mandatory qualifications, such as a University Degree. You must be able to produce documentary evidence of these qualifications to be appointed to the job.
How to Write High Quality Answers to Key Selection Criteria
Before starting to write your Key Selection Criteria, it will pay dividends (and even a job offer!), to spend 30 - 60 minutes researching various components of the job opportunity, the company and the industry.
Find out about the employer
The Federal and Victorian Government are large employers in this State, with thousands of jobs in lots of organisations operating across Victoria. Every department and agency has different objectives, functions and programs and may deliver services in a variety of ways to the Victorian community.
So it's important that you find out what the employing agency does - its' objectives and functions and how the job you are applying for fits in. A good starting point is to look at the agency's corporate website or visit a public library to find out about:
The agency - look at Annual Reports, Business and Corporate Plans. There may well be a question asked at the job interview to explore your understanding of the agency's role. If you've done your homework, you will be able to impress your potential employer by describing what you understand the organisation does;
The organisation structure - an organisation chart sets out the reporting arrangements and may tell you where the advertised job fits in. Usually the organisational context will be stated in the Position Description
Agency values - these vary for each agency. Public sector values are responsiveness; integrity; impartiality; accountability; respect and leadership.
Decide if you are you qualified to do the job
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I meet all or most of the Key Selection Criteria of the job? 2. Could I do the job with some training - formal or on-the-job? 3. Do I have skills gained in other fields of work that may be transferable?
If so, then you are ready to apply. But before you start your online application, make a few notes on all the information you have gathered:
- Summarise the background and skills you can offer - Highlight your strengths and relevant experiences, achievements and capabilities. - Highlight relevant achievements from past jobs. - Address any obvious weaknesses and what training you are willing to do to address these. - Address each Key Selection Criterion for the job. - Prepare or update your resume or CV.
Talk to your referees about the job you are applying for and what they will say about you to a prospective employer. Now you are ready to apply. Go to Current Vacancies, find the job and apply online- good luck!
Skills: Also referred to as capabilities; aptitude, capacity, ability or facility.
Skills In: Or a Capacity to means you do not need to have necessarily done this work before, but you must show you are capable of applying the skills, knowledge and / or experience in this area.
Ability: The means having the skills, knowledge or competency to do the task required.
Knowledge Of: Or Awareness of means you need to have acquired the knowledge, but not necessarily applied it.
Experience in:Background in You must be able to show you have done this work before. Provide an example of your experience using this skill. You need to show you have a proven record of demonstrating this experience.
Effective, Proven, Highly developed, Superior: Show your level of achievement giving as much detail as you can, using 2 or 3 examples of your achievements to show your level of skills, knowledge and experience.
Good Communication skills: show you have the relevant communication skills to do a good job. Give an overview of your communication skills in different situations , experience in written work, interpersonal exchange and situations where you have effectively solved a problem.
More Free Tips on How to answer the selection criteria
The Selection Criteria are those skills, abilities, experience, knowledge and qualifications which are essential for the job functions to be effectively and efficiently performed. The degree to which applicants meet the selection criteria is a fundamental component of the overall selection process. Failure to address the selection criteria prevents the panel from easily and accurately assessing your competencies, and may exclude you from further consideration.
A Selection Panel determines your suitability for the job based on how you prove you meet the selection criteria. You are therefore required to address and reply to each of the selection criteria questions in full. Some questions may only require a short answer, such as the name of qualifications or licenses and when and where you obtained them.
Notes to remember when addressing the Selection Criteria:
Addressing the selection criteria questions is your opportunity to show the Selection Panel that you are the best person for the job.
Be specific. Outline how your qualifications, skills, abilities, experience and knowledge meet the requirements of the job. You should read the selection criteria questions carefully, and determine what each one is actually asking.
When forming your answers QUALITY not quantity counts. Go through your statement carefully and if a paragraph does not relate directly to the selection criteria, consider leaving it out.
Each job opportunity may use slightly different language and will provide instructions on how to write "responses to the selection criteria", "how to address the selection criteria or "statement of claims against the selection criteria". Use the terms or language that has been used in your selection criteria package as a header for your document.
There is a very specific process involved in writing responses to selection criteria. It isn't easy, even for experience people, and can be very time consuming, but it is worth learning how to do if you want a career in the public service.
Demonstrated or proven ability - you should have successfully performed the duty or used the skill in the past. Actual experience rather than potential to perform the duty is required.
An ability to rapidly acquire - you do not already have the skills, knowledge and abilities. You should demonstrate your potential to acquire these by comparing them to relevant tasks or responsibilities you have undertaken in previous positions or through study.
Thorough, sound or high level - that advanced skill or knowledge is required.
ESSENTIAL READING - The STAR method
Melbourne Resumes recommends the STAR method for responding to selection criteria:
Situation Task Activity / Action Result
Carefully read the selection criteria.
Describe a situation where you have demonstrated the competency.
Write about the actual situation, what the task was, what activity or action you undertook (including delegation or team work), and the result of your efforts. It is important to be very clear and concise in your response.
When using the STAR method, you can incorporate the following:
1. An initial statement- (SITUATION)
This should be a clear statement of how you meet the criterion. For example: · This is what I do · I possess a high level of skill in · My role as demands that I
2. Supporting argument - (TASK, ACTIVITY, RESULT)
Justify your initial statement by showing how you meet the criterion. Identify the issues for each selection criterion and include these in your response. Provide one or two examples that best demonstrate your skills, knowledge or abilities and cover as many of the relevant issues as possible.
Examples should include:
Content - what occurred and what you did. Context - your responsibility: whether you were in charge, responsible or part of a team that was responsible. Outcome - what happened as a result? Was your work approved? Adopted? Successful? What difference did your work make to the organisation?
3. Validity statement
Validate your examples by showing supporting evidence. For example:
· Attached testimonials verify · Feedback from customers was · In support of my claims please contact
4. Concluding statement
Reinforce again why and how you meet the criterion. Relate your responses back to the criterion. For example: · I believe that through this I have gained · This demonstrates
Addressing the selection criteria question for the job is the most important part of your application.
The Panel will use all the information provided in your application but will concentrate on the selection criteria answers for an analysis of your qualifications, skills, ability, experience and knowledge.
How to Prepare your Referees to Result in a Great Reference
Assist your referees by: · Asking if they will act as a referee for you. · Notify your referees that you are applying for the job. · If you become shortlisted, give them a copy of the position description and advertisement (for the selection criteria) to allow them time to think about any responses they may need to give. · You may wish to give them a copy of your application as well.
In your application, nominate at least two (2) referees who have first-hand knowledge of your work performance, preferably your current or most recent supervisor.
Be sure to state their name, position, department and/or organisation and contact details.
The checking of references is a technique that confirms or clarifies issues and claims you have made in your application, interview or other selection techniques.
It is a requirement that information provided by an applicant can be verified, if necessary, by referees before an appointment is made.
"Thanks for doing my Selection Criteria for the Airport jobs, I got an interview at Immigration and with Security, my goal of working within the Australian Public Service is looking good!"Adrian C, Tullamarine, Call Centre Operator, seeking secure position within the APS, ideally close to home, Dec 2009.
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Qualifications: 
Notes to remember when addressing the Selection Criteria:
nominate at least two (2) referees who have first-hand knowledge of your work performance, preferably your current or most recent supervisor.