(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.