When you’re looking to land your dream job, you’ll most likely encounter a request to address selection criteria during the application process. It can be time-consuming, but on the upside, it’s also an ideal way to provide evidence of your suitability for the job. So, what exactly are selection criteria, and how do you ensure you have addressed them correctly?

What are selection criteria?

Selection criteria are the qualifications, abilities, knowledge, experience and personal characteristics that a hiring manager or panel will use to assess applicants for a certain job or position within a company or organisation.

Employers use selection criteria to determine which applicants are most suited for a position based on their competencies and qualities. Selection criteria ensure applicants have the knowledge and abilities to execute the job successfully.

Selection criteria can vary depending on the company or organisation and the nature of the role. They might contain the following criteria:

Education

The level of education of the candidate, including formal qualifications, professional development or short courses that are required for the role.

Work experience

The duration of relevant work experience or industry-specific field experience.

Technical skills

Specialised knowledge and abilities relevant to the profession include software program competencies, technical proficiency, or specialised training.

Interpersonal skills

The capacity to communicate effectively, manage relationships, work in a team and interact successfully with stakeholders.

Analytical and problem-solving ability

The capacity to recognise and solve issues, analyse data, make judgements, and think critically.

Flexibility and adaptability

The ability to handle competing responsibilities and tasks and perform in dynamic environments.

Leadership and management skills

Capability for managing teams, projects, tasks and organisational objectives.

Communication skills

Strong verbal and written communication abilities and the capacity to communicate information effectively, persuasively and clearly.

Time management and organisational skills

The capacity to set priorities, adhere to deadlines and manage resources successfully.

Personal qualities

Characteristics include motivation, initiative, focus on details, dependability and a solid work ethic.

How to address selection criteria

The following steps will help ensure you successfully address the selection criteria to give yourself the best chance of progressing in the application process.

1. Understand the selection criteria

To ensure you accurately address the selection criteria in your application, carefully review the criteria listed in a job application. You can indicate your suitability for the position and raise your chances of being chosen for further consideration by responding to these requirements.

2. Gather evidence

Look for examples that demonstrate you can meet each of the selection criteria. Condition. Gather evidence of credentials, abilities, and experiences. You can include evidence of prior employment, academic achievement, volunteer work, professional development, short courses, and other significant activities.

3. Structure your response

First, create a new document stating your full name, the job title, and a headline, such as Summary Addressing Key Selection Criteria.

Next, divide your response to each of the selection criteria into three sections, including:

Introduction: Briefly restate the selection criterion and provide a succinct overview of how you meet it.

Example/evidence: Provide a specific example highlighting your skills and experience related to the criterion. Describe the task or situation, outline your actions, and highlight the favourable outcome or result experienced (see point 4 on using the STAR method).

Conclusion: Summarise the example and accentuate how it demonstrates your suitability for the role.

4. Use the STAR method

When providing examples of your skills in action (highlighting necessary qualifications or experience), follow the STAR method to ensure your response is structured and compelling.

Situation: Describe the situation (or context) in which you demonstrated a particular skill in the workplace, study, or life.

Task: Outline the specific challenge or task you faced in that situation.

Action: Identify the steps you took to address that challenge or task

Result: Explain the positive impact or outcome of your actions

5. Be specific

provide details: Ensure your responses are detailed, precise, and provide relevant information. Use quantifiable results whenever possible to showcase your achievements and impact.

6. Tailor your responses

Customise your responses to align with the requirements of the specific role or organisation. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that directly relate to the position.

7. Proofread and edit

Review your responses to ensure they are clear, concise, and error-free. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. Consider asking a trusted friend or colleague to review your responses as well.

Other (random) tips to succeed!

 

Employ active verbs

Active verbs result in assertive and succinct communication – perfect for addressing selection criteria. For example, write ‘I managed or negotiated’ instead of the weaker ‘I was involved in or responsible for.’ As you can see, the active verb helps you describe your role more clearly.

Use correct English

You will be judged on your ability to communicate in writing. So, make sure your responses to the selection criteria use correct English. You should run your writing through a proofreading software program, proofread yourself and ask a family member or friend to double-check that your work is error-free.

Ask yourself, so what?

You must be brutal regarding what to include and what to leave out. No one wants to read superfluous selection criteria, and hiring managers are generally time-poor. So, ensure you are succinct while including enough evidence of suitability – it’s a balancing act.

Be honest and authentic

You want to sell yourself, but not at the expanse of exaggeration or misrepresentation. So, be genuine and provide accurate and compelling examples that demonstrate you’re a good fit for the role.

Incorporate keywords

A handy trick to ensure you’re on track in your responses is to look for keywords and phrases used in the selection criteria and the job description. You should strategically incorporate these keywords throughout your answers to show strong alignment with the requirements.

Seek feedback

Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review your responses to the selection criteria if possible. Their feedback will be valuable in finding areas for improvement and enhancing your answers.

Highlight transferable skills

You may not be able to meet all of the selection criteria. But you can highlight any transferable skills you possess that still demonstrate your ability to meet the criterion in the future.

Remember, knowing how to address selection criteria is vital to landing your dream job. When done correctly, it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and qualifications. It provides potential employers with evidence of your suitability for the job. So, make sure you take the time to prepare thorough and tailored responses that strongly demonstrate your suitability for the role.

 

If you’re looking for professional development opportunities to help you land your dream job, contact one of our friendly Course Consultants today on Live Chat or 1300 76 2221. We would love to help you find your new direction!