Selection criteria
Many employers are looking for more than a cover letter and a resume in a job application to assist them in their selection processes. It is quite common for employers from all sectors and fields to expect job candidates to also complete a document addressing the selection criteria for the position.
The selection criteria specifies the qualifications, knowledge, skills, qualities and experience you would need for a job to be performed effectively. Examples of criteria that employers are often interested in, include:
-
Ability to communicate effectively
-
Leadership skills
-
Team work skills
-
Willingness to learn
- Ability to solve problems
Selection criteria help to standardise the selection process for an employer, which is particularly useful if there are large numbers of applicants to assess. Imagine how difficult it is for an employer to be objective when they have to read through hundreds of applications. In these situations, employers can more easily base their decision on who to interview according to how well candidates have demonstrated in writing that they meet the selection criteria.
- What employers look for?
- How to address and prepare selection criteria
- How to answer each criterion
- Links to examples of selection criteria
What employers look for?
Employers are looking for evidence that shows you can deal with the responsibilities and challenges of the role. Don't feel that you have to stick with providing evidence from paid employment. Examples from your education, work experience, community work, and extra-curricular activities can be just as good provided the skills, knowledge and experiences you are describing are applicable to the selection criteria.
It's also very important to note that employers prioritise certain criteria. These are called 'essential criteria'. Many employers will simply not consider you if you cannot answer all of the selection criteria which are considered "essential" to the role. With 'desirable criteria', it is not necessary for you to meet all of them, but your chances of being short-listed are better if you do. Where there are several applicants who meet the essential criteria for a position (which is often the case in graduate recruitment), the selection panel will short-list candidates for interview on the basis of how well they meet both the essential and desirable criteria.
How to address and prepare selection criteria
There are a number of things you can do to ensure that your selection criteria statements make an impact on, and are easy for a selection panel to read:
Layout
Unless the employer states otherwise, create your statement as a separate document to your covering letter and resume. Sometimes however, the employer may indicate in the job advertisement that the selection criteria should be addressed in your resume or cover letter. But only do this if the employer clearly states this. Where possible, check with the employer to find out. You don’t want to be eliminated simply become you haven't provided what was required.
Headings
Give your document a heading as follows:
-
Selection Criteria Statement (sometimes called Statement of Claims)
- Name of position
Titles
Type out each of the essential and desirable criteria for the position in the same order as the person specification (using exactly the same words). Address each one separately, that is, write something under each heading which demonstrates your experience and achievements. Remember - your explanations only need to address the Essential and Desirable Criteria.
How to answer each criterion
Structuring your answer
Consider using the situation/task/action/result model. You provide an example of a time that demonstrates the competency, by using the following format:
-
Situation - describe the context for the activity you are describing
-
Task - what you were required to do
-
Action -what you actually did to complete the task - your approach, processes used, how you managed yourself and the task
- Result - the outcome of your actions, the contribution you made in response to the situation. Quantify the results, if possible.
What to include
If relevant, describe your major responsibilities in current and previous work. This may include your university placements or any unpaid work you have undertaken. You may even find relevant examples from community work or extracurricular activities that you have been part of.
Indicate the extent of your experience where possible, for example, number of years' experience, number of staff supervised, and so on. Alternatively you may be able to describe relevant skills or knowledge in terms of your competency, for example, highly competent, highly developed or advanced skills in certain areas.
Where possible, indicate how successfully you meet the criterion – feedback from others, things that you have developed which are still being used. Other benchmarks include – on time, within budget, safely, with minimum down time, consistently performed/achieved etc.
-
Mention any relevant qualifications or training you have, particularly if your experience is limited.
-
Try to think of what the employer wants you to demonstrate in each of the criteria. Just one word or phrase can change the entire emphasis.
-
Don't take short cuts! Many graduates fall into the trap of addressing selection criteria by combining sections together or writing examples in a covering letter. Avoid this, as a selection panel will not search through your application for evidence of how you meet selection criteria.
- Watch your tenses - a basic point, however many good selection criteria statements become jumbled and incoherent, particularly when dot points are used to cite examples and are listed in mixed tenses.
Try to think of what the employer wants you to demonstrate in each of the criteria. Just one word or phrase can change the entire emphasis.
Don't take short cuts! Many graduates fall into the trap of addressing selection criteria by combining sections together or writing examples in a covering letter. Avoid this, as a selection panel will not search through your application for evidence of how you meet selection criteria.
Watch your tenses - a basic point, however many good selection criteria statements become jumbled and incoherent, particularly when dot points are used to cite examples and are listed in mixed tenses.