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When writing your selection criteria responses you will be required to address two kinds of criteria, this will vary from job to job but the principle will be the same.

Essential Selection Criteria

You will at bare minimum need to be able to address the essential criteria as these are the skills that have been deemed to be necessary for acting within the role. They will be looking for Selection criteria examples where you have successfully handled key issues in previous work situations.

Desired Selection Criteria

These are non essential but desirable criteria and although you may not meet all of them they will make your application much more effective and will help build your case.

An example would be: Proficient in Microsoft publisher and Presentations. You may have not have used publisher for your current role but may have used publisher at home to create a slide for a 21st birthday.

When using Selection criteria examples try to focus your example on a situation where you resolved an issue this is a very effective way of getting your point across and demonstrates your ability to address issues.

Using the STAR Method is a great way to structure your examples, you need to make your point reinforce it with proof and give an example that supports your claim.

Situation
What was the situation? This is a brief outline of the situation faced and your role.

Task
What were the main issues involve with the situation?
What needed to be done?
What task/s needed to be achieved and what was the desired outcome?
What obstacles had to be overcome?

Action
What were the steps you took to complete the task?
This will include allocation of resources, people involved etc.

Results
What was the outcome?
How did it change things at work?
What lessons did you learn from this event?

(2) Include power words in your statements. The three most effective power words are, Success, Results and Achieve.

(3) Try not use bullet points unless absolutely necessary to get your point across; carefully constructed sentences are far more effective. The key to successfully responding is to provide examples from your own experiences and use active language; an example would be “I implemented a system…” not “A system was implemented…”

(4) Your sentences should be short and concise; generally shorter sentences demonstrate better writing communication skills and will be favoured by the selection panel.

(5) Surveys indicate that the average successful Resume is two and a half pages long with emphasis on the work experience related to the Selection criteria under application.

(6) Once you have completed your first draft replace any sentences stating “we” and replace with “I” but be careful not to use the same phrase over and over again.

(7) Keep paragraphs between three and five sentences and try to duplicate your structure for all paragraphs. This will create a good sense of balance and flow for the reader. (also see tip #10)

(8) Start each criterion on its own page with the criterion as the title.

(9) Consistency is the key! Your cover letter, resume and statements against selection criteria should appear as if they are one document. Make sure all of the fonts, colour, spacing etc. Are fluent.

(10) A paragraph should contain some particular structure in the following order.

1 A topic sentence – motivates the reader to want to read more

2 The first main point – proves backs up or explains the topic sentence.

3The second main point – usually provides a reason for the last point made.

4The third main point – can help prove the topic sentence or backup the first or second main point of the paragraph.

5The conclusion – sums up the main points or ideas and usually completes the topic.

(11) Remember that your experiences can be from outside of your work life, an example would be under leadership skills, you may have been a team captain for your sporting team.

What are selection criteria and why are they used?

Selection criteria describe the qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities and experience a person requires in order to do a job effectively. They are divided into:

• essential criteria
• desirable criteria.

You must meet the essential criteria to be considered for a position because without having the relevant qualifications, knowledge, skills or experience you would not be able to do the job. If you do not meet the essential criteria, you will not be shortlisted for interview.

It is not necessary for you to have the qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience described by the desirable criteria, but your chances of being shortlisted are better if you do. Where there are several applicants who meet the essential criteria, the selection panel will shortlist on the basis of the desirable criteria.

Examples of selection criteria

Apart from qualifications and experience that may be specific to a particular job, there are several selection criteria that are common to many University positions. These include:

• ability to maintain confidentiality
• ability to work as part of a team
• ability to work independently
• ability to work under pressure
• attention to detail
• flexible and adaptable approach to work
• initiative
• keyboard skills
• knowledge of University organisation, policy and procedures
• organisational/planning skills
• problem-solving ability
• sensitivity
• supervisory skills
• verbal communication/interpersonal skills
• written communication skills.

Why selection criteria must be addressed

For any general staff vacancy at the University, the selection panel is required to assess each applicant in terms of how well they meet the selection criteria.

However, it is not up to the selection panel, who may have 100 applications to assess, to wade through your résumé and covering letter trying to find the relevant information about you that relates to each criterion.

The onus is on you to summarise the relevant information about yourself and to present it in a form which is easily accessible to the panel.

This will assist the panel to rate your application against the selection criteria and against other applicants, and to decide who to shortlist for interview. Many good applicants are overlooked because they don’t clearly address the selection criteria and assume that the panel will be able to Ôead between the lines in their résumé.

How to address selection criteria

Format and Layout

There are a number of things you can do to make your selection criteria statement effective and easy for the selection panel to read.

• Make it a separate attachment from your résumé and covering letter. This is a University requirement.

• Give the document a heading and include the following details:

• • title, e.g. ‘Statement Addressing Selection Criteria‘
  • name of the position
  • position reference number (e.g. 18/96)

• Address each criterion separately:
  • give each a title, using exactly the same wording as appears on the selection criteria form, e.g. ‘Excellent verbal communication skills’
  • list each criterion in the same order as the selection criteria form
  • indicate whether the criterion is essential or desirable
  • under each heading write one or two short paragraphs explaining how you meet that particular criterion (how to do this is explained below).

Content

Your statement addressing the selection criteria needs to demonstrate how your previous experience, skills, education and training have equipped you to meet the requirements of the position.

Below are some suggestions for what to include in the statement you write for each criterion.

• Highlight your relevant skills and experience by describing your major responsiblities in current or previous employment (this may include relevant non-paid work). Where possible, mention the same kinds of tasks and responsibilities as are listed in the advertised duty statement. For example:

Selection Criterion: Prepare agendas, minutes and reports for the …. Committee.

• ‘I have been secretary to a number of senior level University committees. My responsibilities have included organising meetings, researching background information, taking minutes, and preparing and distributing agendas, reports and minutes.’

Selection Criterion: Filing, photocopying and general office duties.

• ‘In all my previous positions I have performed general office duties such as handling telephone inquiries, greeting visitors, arranging meetings, filing, photocopying, sorting and distributing mail.’

• Indicate the extent of your experience in relation to a particular criterion, e.g. number of years’ experience, number of staff supervised, etc. For example:

• • ‘I have over four years’ experience using Microsoft Word 5.1 on a daily basis. I am able to use advanced features of the program, such as ….’
  • ‘I am responsible for supervising the day-to-day work of five staff ….’

This is very useful if you want to emphasize that you have lots of experience. If your experience is limited, you may prefer to be vague about how much you have!

• Briefly give details of one or two specific things you’ve done that are good examples of your ability to meet the criterion. For example:

• • ‘I was responsible for organising a large seminar attended by 100 staff. This involved ….’
  • ‘My ability to work well in a team was demonstrated when ….’

• Where possible, indicate how successfully you meet the criterion. You could do this by referring to feedback you’ve received from others, or things you’ve set up that are still being used. For example:

• • ‘A report I wrote about …. was well received by the …. Committee, and circulated as a discussion paper.’
  • ‘The accounting spreadsheet system I introduced two years ago is working effectively and staff say that they find it easy to use.’

• Mention any relevant qualifications and training you have, particularly if your experience is limited. These might include:

• • details of any relevant training courses you’ve attended, such as ‘Effective Communication at Work’, or ‘Introduction to Microsoft Excel’
  • subjects studied as part of award courses, such as bookkeeping, office practice, etc.

Providing Additional Information

At the end of your selection criteria statement you may like to add any extra information that you believe is relevant to the job. Alternatively you could refer to it in your covering letter. Examples of things you could mention include:

• skills and abilities which you think are important and which haven’t been mentioned in the selection criteria, e.g. ‘flexibility’, ‘ability to maintain confidentiality’

• knowledge or experience you have which you believe is important to the job, e.g. knowledge of particular University systems, policies or procedures.

Make sure that any information you include is directly relevant to the position.

Selection criteria Example

An example of a selection criteria statement follows.

SELECTION CRITERIA STATEMENT

Administrative Assistant, School of Business (Ref: 18/96)

QUALIFICATIONS

Year 12 or equivalent competency (Essential)

I successfully completed Year 12 in 1980. I am currently studying part-time towards a Diploma in Business Administration at TAFE.

Current A Class driving licence (Desirable)

I have held an A Class driving licence with no demerit points for the last ten years.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILIITIES

Excellent verbal communication skills (Essential)

In all the positions I have held I have been the first point of contact for internal and external clients, both on the telephone and face-to-face. At present I have contact with staff at all levels in the University including executive deans, heads of department, academic and general staff. I also have regular contact with students and the public. I answer general enquiries, provide information about the department’s policies and procedures, and welcome visitors to the department. In 1995 I attended an interpersonal skills workshop which has assisted me in dealing with sensitive issues. I have been complimented on my helpful manner and tactful approach to difficult situations.

Good organisational ability (Essential)

Good organisational ability is essential in my present position, as I frequently have to arrange meetings, departmental seminars and presentations, as well as travel and accommodation for overseas visitors. I am able to handle a wide range of tasks and meet daily and weekly deadlines, including payment of invoices and timesheets. In 1994 I was responsible for all the administrative aspects of organising a conference attended by 100 delegates. This involved arranging advertising, handling registrations, booking venues, accommodation, catering and entertainment, and ensuring that the conference ran smoothly. The event was successful and several delegates commented on how well it had been organised.

Good written communication skills (Essential)

In my current job I regularly write letters and memos on behalf of my supervisor. I have also produced two short reports on the use of computers within the department. Last year I developed a leaflet containing information about the department to help in the induction of new staff. Staff have said that they found the leaflet clear, concise and easy to read. I also assisted in writing a procedures manual for the department. The one-day workshop I attended recently called ‘How to write clear, concise letters and reports’ has further enhanced my skills.

Ability to use initiative (Essential)

As my supervisor is away from the office several times a week, I have to work independently and use my initiative to handle situations in her absence. Examples of things I have initiated in the past include a new system for handling course enrolments, which has resulted in less paperwork and quicker processing of applications; and a spreadsheet system for monitoring expenditure of departmental accounts. Both systems have been operating successfully for the last two years.

Ability to work as part of a team (Essential)

I have worked in teams as large as 15 and others as small as three. I have always worked well with other team members and enjoyed a good rapport with them, both at work and sometimes socially. In my present job good team work is vital to ensure that events are organised effectively, that reports are distributed on time and that the office runs smoothly. I often volunteer to assist other team members in meeting their deadlines.

EXPERIENCE

Relevant office experience (Essential)

I have worked at the University for the past six years, and previously in clerical and administrative positions in the private sector. The experience I gained working in the Department of Business at Warwick University in the UK is particularly relevant to this position. I have effectively performed the full range of office duties, including handling enquiries, word processing, arranging meetings, organising diaries, filing, photocopying, sorting mail, etc.

Accounts experience (Essential)

I am currently responsible for the payment of all accounts in my department and have been for the past three years. This includes raising purchase orders and R Forms, payment of invoices, checking of monthly account printouts, and monitoring expenditure against the budget. I am familiar with the University’s Financial Records System, which I access electronically on a weekly basis to monitor account transactions.

Apple Macintosh experience (Desirable)

For the past four years I have used an Apple Macintosh computer on a daily basis as part of my work. I am able to use a number of software packages, including Microsoft Word 5.1 and 6.0, Microsoft Excel 4.0, and Claris works. I am able to use all of the advanced features of Microsoft Word, including mail merge, tables, graphics, etc., and I have set up several spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. I have also used an IBM personal computer, both at home and at work for two years.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

I am familiar with various University computer systems, including the Human Resources Enquiry System and Student Records System, which I use on a regular basis. I use electronic mail every day and I am currently learning how to access information on the World-Wide Web.

Addressing Selection Criteria

Article source: URL: http://www.csd.uwa.edu.au/job/guide/sec_3_5.htm

For more information on selection criteria examples check out the homepage for guidance.

Choosing and Preparing Examples For Your Written Application – Selection Criteria & KSAs

By Vanessa Jordan

One of the hardest parts of addressing selection criteria is coming up with appropriate examples to demonstrate your skills. Below are a few different pointers for coming up with and choosing the best examples to write about.

· Keep brainstorming lists and drafts of previous applications for future applications. Even better, keep a career journal (templates for keeping a career journal are in included in rthe ebooks The Selection Criteria Coach, The KSA Coach and Get That Job if you have these publications). Having a point of reference will make your example writing a lot easier than just starting with a blank page.

· Examples should not extend to more than five years in the past. The more recent the example the better, because the selection panel will see this is a current capability. Examples of events that have occurred within the past two years will provide more credibility.

· Only where you do not have relevant work related examples should you use examples from different aspects of your life, for example university, clubs, community organisations. It is acceptable to talk about volunteer work. But remember, you work examples should always come first.

· Select which examples to use, based on their relevance to the criterion and their strength. Remember that you are trying to prove that you are the best person for the job, not just an acceptable one, so make your examples strong ones!

Consider the following when using examples:

· What was the situation?

· What were you trying to accomplish?

· Was there a problem that you were trying to solve?

· What was your task?

· How did you address the situation or the problem?

· What strategies did you come up with?

· What tools did you use?

· What process did you follow?

· What was the result?

· Can you provide any specific measure of success (e.g. increased sales figures, quicker turn around times etc.)

· Ensure your example is pitched at the right level. Higher level jobs require complex skill sets and therefore high level examples. Every day tasks do not demonstrate great skills or consistent performance. Even the worst worker in the organisation can come up with one basic example, so try to establish that you have experience carrying out complex tasks or bringing about major changes or initiatives.

· Avoid examples that cannot be verified or claims that are not supported.

· It is acceptable to use one experience or example to satisfy the requirements of more than one selection criterion. However, it is important that you specifically mention this. Ensure that you still title each criterion separately and cite your example separately for each selection criterion, tailoring it to that criterion. Do not refer your reader to another part of your application.

Vanessa Jordan is the Director of Review Consulting, an HR consulting organisation based in Melbourne, Australia. Her qualifications are in organisational psychology, and her passion is recruitment.

For more valuable resources for applying for a government job, visit http://www.selection-criteria.com.au

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_Jordan

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2492078

With a new year upon us and great new opportunities coming everyday, there has never been a better time to jump in and get yourself a new position or a just move up a level.

I’ve seen literally masses of selection criteria applications advertised and hopefully you have too, so get in there and have a crack at it.

In 2012 you can expect some exciting changes for myselectioncriteria.com.au.

We’ve been keeping all of your emails and ideas on how to make this site a better resource and we plan on implementing those ideas very soon.

Keep your eye out and good luck for 2012, to your success

Dustin

Vacancies within Centrelink are filled upon merit. In other words, positions are won based upon the best candidate for the role. One way of demonstrating that a candidate is the most qualified is that of the selection criteria statement. This is where many applicants fall short. Although, the candidate may possess all the necessary knowledge, skills, qualification and personal attributes, a poorly written selection criteria statement might not demonstrate this.

The Centrelink Job Application

Although general selection criteria writing principles should be adhered to when applying for a job with Centrelink, there are also a number of specific requirements that should also be considered, such as:

• Two referees. You should provide two referee names and contact information. For the Centrelink application, be prepared for these two referees to be contacted by the selection panel. They might be asked about your claims in regards to the selection criteria.
• Resume. As is common in job applications, Centrelink requires that your resume firstly display the latest positions and qualifications you have attained.
• With the Centrelink application, the Application Cover Sheet attached in the application pack is essential. This includes the vacancy details; your personal details; employment in the APS; and, referees.
• Many positions at Centrelink revolve around customer service. As such, depending upon the position, it should be a focus of your selection criteria statement. Candidates should provide relevant and concrete examples of customer service.
• Many of the roles at Centrelink also center on the use of computers. Employees are required to use Centrelink’s elaborate database system and need to conduct research. As such, your written application should be tailored towards this.
• Talk to the Contact Officer if you require further information. The Contact Officer’s name and phone number will be prominently displayed in the application pack.
• The Role Profile in the application pack. This will inform the candidate of the Branch that they will be working in. Rather than referring to the actual physical location, it relates to an arm of Centrelink, such as the Records Management Unit. This will help tailor your application even further.
• Duties. The duties are your responsibilities. They display what you will be required to do. These can also be drawn into your selection criteria statement to further provide focus.
• Additional Information. This is typically included in the department’s job description and can include anything pertinent to the job.

Interview panel members are particularly interested in an applicant’s ability to provide customer service in challenging environments so it is essential that the written application provide compelling evidence of strong customer service and interpersonal skills through well written practical examples.

Important Tip - When developing your customer service examples, ensure that your language uses active clear phrases and make sure that actual phrases from the selection criteria statements appear in the responses developed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3219257

Selection criteria are statements that describe the qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities and experience that are required in a job. When you are asked to respond to selection criteria, you are being asked to describe how you meet the requirements of the job, providing examples.

Types of criteria

The kind of responses you will write for selection criteria will depend on the kind of job you are applying for. Different employers will ask different kinds of questions.

Some employers will focus on your qualifications or your work skills. Others will be experience-based, and will ask you how you have responded to specific situations. For example, you may simply be asked if you have attained a specific qualification or if you have a licence for a certain kind of vehicle. Or you could be asked to explain how you have met deadlines and prioritised tasks, how you have dealt with difficult people, or how you have demonstrated leadership.

In many job applications, written selection criteria are broken down into ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ qualities. You must be able to demonstrate the essential qualities to be considered for the position. If you can also demonstrate the desirable qualities, this will strengthen your application……… To read the full article here

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