When I think about addressing selection criteria, I associate it with negative words and feelings; similar to those I had in high school when I was told I had to write a 1000 word essay! I use to dread the thought of having to address selection criteria. Late nights, long hours and even weekends spent researching, planning, typing and re-typing responses JUST to get an interview. It’s hard to keep motivated when there is so much work involved.

You’re probably reading this because you too have hit a brick wall the size of China. You’ve spent the long hours looking for the right answers, making notes, drafting responses and re-writing them over and over again and it’s still not right…. Right? Well hopefully the advice I have will help you get over the Great Wall and get you back on track to the light at the end of your tunnel…

Firstly, remember why you’re addressing your selection criteria! The answer may be simple but the simple things are often easily forgotten. I needed a new direction in my working life; I’d spent the last three years in the same job, doing the same thing day in, day out. I needed a new challenge and something that would stimulate my mind, so I decided that I needed a new job. My selection criteria was the key to a gateway of opportunities; my get out of jail free card. So my number 1 rule is to always keep sight of your goal!!

Now there are a few misconceptions around town about how selection criteria are meant to be addressed. Don’t let these old wives tales INTIMIDATE you into thinking that addressing selection criteria is too hard. Example, I was always told that when addressing selection criteria I had to write at least one page for every response and to use big words to make you sound intelligent. So here I was with my thesaurus (Shift F7 shortcut keys in Microsoft Word) trying to write a novel for each criterion. Big No No! The selection panellists don’t have the time to read novels. You decide… If you had to read through 20+ applications would you prefer to read one that is long winded and boring or one with the same information that is simple, clear and concise? Exactly, so don’t waste your time using big words and writing elaborate stories. My number 2 rule is keep it simple, state the facts and follow the STAR method (one criterion at a time)!

My number 3 rule is to give yourself enough time. The more time you have to write your criteria the more confident you’ll feel to keep you motivated. This will also give you the opportunity to draft your first copy, read it (or have someone else read it and give you feedback) and make the necessary changes and read it again. Double check everything, the first draft, the ones in between and most definitely the final draft.

Rushing an application makes the process of addressing selection criteria a difficult task when it doesn’t have to be that way. Addressing selection criteria’s for your new job or promotion is an opportunity to sell YOU and should be a positive and rewarding experience! You’ll be overwhelmed with self accomplishment once you’ve finished.