How to Write Effective Written Responses
Key selection criteria (commonly referred to as KSC) are essentially road signs to guide both job applicant and the selection panel. They are core characteristics and qualities considered essential for carrying out the position competently.
These requirements also allow the selection panel to objectively choose the right candidate for the job. That is, the candidate that fulfils the position requirements the best is selected.
Types of Key Selection Criteria
There are a number of different types of KSCs that a candidate will come across in a job application summary. Those key selection criteria that relate to experience refer to the actual performance of a task.
You will need to provide specific details and relevant evidence demonstrating the level of experience you possess. It is important to also provide panel members with clear details regarding strengths, skills in a way that is familiar to them.
To achieve this level of impact it is essential that the keywords and phrases from the position description feature in written responses.
Knowledge and understanding are also common position requirements. In support of this claim, a candidate should provide concrete examples of when these skills were demonstrated. Skills and abilities should also be supported via the use of examples.
It is not enough to write that you possess these talents; you also need to show when and how they have been demonstrated. Once again, you can’t simply state you are honest or fair, you need to prop up your claims with compelling practical examples.
A Common Misconception: The Importance of Desirable Key Selection Criteria
Key selection criteria also come in two different types – essential and desirable. There is a common misconception that desirable key selection criteria are not all that important to the overall success of the application.
As such, candidates don’t often spend as much time writing and thinking about these requirements. This, actually could be the reason why a candidate misses out on their dream job.
Well written desirable key selection criteria are vital to the success of the statement and being awarded the job.
Although a candidate could still be considered if they lack desirable key selection criteria, it is misleading to believe that the strength of your essential key selection criteria will get you past that winning post.
That is, if the interview panel is having difficulties choosing between two candidates, it could very well be the desirable key selection criteria that makes all the difference.
Tips When Preparing Written Responses
Tip 1 Don’t have different fonts and layouts for each criterion. It will only make it look unprofessional
Tip 2 Key selection criteria statement should incorporate a heading that includes: the job name; position reference number and your name featured in the footer
Tip 3 Preferred font styles are Arial, Times New Roman, Tahoma and Verdana. The most common font size is 11 points. Written responses should feature minimum font size of 9.5 points
Tip 4 Carefully select the top 3 or four keyword phrases in the key selection criteria statement and ensure you use these phrases at least once in your written response
Is There An Easier Way?
There in no questioning that writing compelling written responses is tricky. There is a lot to remember; the actual writing process is time consuming; and, it can take frequent writing attempts to develop the required skills to write that job-winning statement.
Many government job seekers have discovered a much more effective and efficient way using software that guides job applicants with easy to use templates that make the job much easier.
About The Author
Glenn Ayrton is an Australian nationally accredited workplace trainer and assessor with over 20 years experience in local and state government. He has performed a range of roles including project management, government recruitment and training including interview technique and job application writing. He is also the designer and creator of Australia’s first software package that assists in writing government job applications called ‘Selection Criteria Writer‘.
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