Selection Criteria Examples

When using selection criteria examples in your responses you should only use relevant and up to date examples. Talking about a situation that happened 6 years ago is not going to be very convincing to the selection panel that you have what it takes.

The more recent the example the better, prefferably in the past two years which demonstrates you can handle the criterion.

Sometimes we are tempted to use examples from clubs or university, however you should only refer to these examples if you do not have the relevant work related example.

Select your selection criteria examples carefully based on their relevance to the criterion, strength and recency. Always remember what you are selling YOU! so you want to prove that you are the best person for the job. Each example has to demonstrate why you meet the criterion, so make sure that your examples are strong responses. Try working on the easy Key Selection Criteria first then once you have a good flow try to tackle the harder ones.

“If you would like to see some further examples of Selection Criteria Look Here“

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.

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

(1)    Focus on your successes and achievements which are relevant to the criterion.

(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.