cover letter addressing key selection criteria example

How to Write a Cover Letter Addressing Selection Criteria in 10 Steps

Written by Nicole Wren

#ezw_tco-9 .ez-toc-title{ font-size: 120%; font-weight: 500; color: #000; } #ezw_tco-9 .ez-toc-widget-container ul.ez-toc-list li.active{ background-color: #ededed; } Table of Contents Toggle Table of Content Toggle

by Nicole Wren | Jan 29, 2024 | Writing Advice

Some job applications will ask you to provide a response to selection criteria , as well as your resume or CV. These criteria are the specific skills and experience that a job requires. In many cases, the application guidelines request that the selection criteria should be responded to within a cover letter. (Sometimes, they request a response in a different format, like this APS Statement of Claims example ). Many people wonder how to write a cover letter addressing selection criteria, though (as selection criteria writers , we get asked daily!).

While your resume or CV should state that you have the relevant experience, a selection criteria response will require more detail and specific examples. As well as providing more information, selection criteria also provide a structured way to assess candidates.

The job ad might include something like this:

Let’s look at 10 things to keep in mind when addressing selection criteria in a cover letter.

1. Start Your Cover Letter in the Standard Cover Letter Format

Begin your cover letter in the standard format, with a header containing your contact information. Then, include the employer’s contact details, including their name (or a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager”). Use a standard font and font size, like Arial 10-12.

2. (Opening Paragraph): Express Your Enthusiasm

Specifically state the role you are applying for. Convey your eagerness to contribute your skills and experience to the organisation. You might also like to mention the company’s values, and how your own align (tip: be specific and authentic here). If there is something else that attracts you to the organisation (such as a recent company achievement), you might like to mention it here, to show you have a good understanding of them.

3. (Body Paragraphs): List and Highlight Each Selection Criteria

List and highlight each of the selection criteria in the body of the cover letter. This will help you keep on task and ensure each selection criterion is adequately responded to (note: you should remove this at the end – see step 9).

4. (Body Paragraphs): Paraphrase Each Criterion and Your Experience

Write an introductory sentence for each criterion, paraphrasing the language and keywords used in the selection criterion.

5. (Body Paragraphs): Brainstorm Ideas for Each Criterion

Make some notes within your document, then choose your ‘best ideas’. Tip: you’ll need to be as specific as possible. Rather than saying you communicated daily with different customers in a previous role, think of a specific time you communicated with a specific customer, and how you had a positive impact.

6. (Body Paragraphs): Use the STAR Format for Each Example

The STAR format is a well-known way to structure selection criteria. It goes like this:

Situation (S): Briefly set the context by describing the situation or problem you encountered. Keep it concise to provide necessary background information. This section should make up approximately 10% of your response.

Task (T): Describe your specific role or task within the situation. Explain what was expected of you and any challenges or goals you needed to address. This section should make up around 10% of your response.

Action (A): This section should make up around 60% of your response. Describe the actions you took in detail. This is where you showcase your skills, competencies, and problem-solving abilities. Use specific examples, highlight your contributions, and explain your thought process.

Result (R): Approximately 20% of your response. Conclude by outlining the positive outcome or result of your actions. Mention any benefits to the organisation. While this is one of the smaller sections, it is one of the most important. Many candidates forget to include a strong result section.

Note, the STAR method is not necessary for yes/no criteria such as certain qualifications. For these criteria, you can simply state that you have the required qualifications.

7. (Conclusion Paragraph): Sign-off Positively

Conclude your cover letter with a short paragraph thanking the reader for their time, and welcoming the opportunity for an interview. You may like to reiterate your interest in the role.

8. Sign Off as in a Standard Cover Letter

End with a professional sign-off such as ‘Kind regards’ or ‘Yours Sincerely’, along with your full name. There is no need to sign the cover letter.

9. Remove the Highlighted Selection Criteria

Since these headings were included only as a guide for you, you should now remove them. Your introductory sentence within each paragraph will be enough to allow the reader to understand that you have addressed each one.

10. Proof-Read and Submit

Proof-read your document for any errors, including grammar and spelling. You may like to have a friend or family member complete this part for you. Another tip is to save the document as a PDF, and read through it that way (the doucmnet will look slightly different and will allow you to assess it with fresh eyes).

Cover Letter Addressing Selection Criteria Example

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you address selection criteria in a cover letter.

There are a few different formats for responding to selection criteria. Sometimes, you may be asked to respond to specific online questions related to the criteria. Sometimes, you may be asked to provide a ‘separate document’ style selection criteria response. Sometimes, you can address selection criteria in a cover letter. It is important that you thoroughly read the application guidelines to determine what is required.

How long should a cover letter addressing selection criteria be?

A cover letter addressing selection criteria should typically be between one to two pages. If the application guidelines specify a length, you should always adhere to that.

How to address selection criteria you don’t meet?

Selection criteria are sometimes deemed either essential or desirable. You should provide a response to both essential and desirable criteria, even if you don’t meet them. You should provide a summary of your most transferrable skills and experience.

Our selection criteria writers specialise in addressing selection criteria, both in cover letter and other formats.

Contact us if you need more assistance with your application.

Read our latest resume tips .

Nicole Wren

Senior Writer

Nicole is the principal resume writer at Resumes to Impress. Nicole loves writing and sharing her knowledge about all things job hunting and career guidance.

Recommended Services:

Selection Criteria Writing

• Adelaide Resume Writers
• Resume Writers Bendigo
• Resume Writing Service Brisbane
• Resume Writing Services Cairns
• Resume Writing Services Canberra
• Resume Writers Darwin
• Resume Writers Diamond Creek
• Resume Writing Services Geelong
• Resume Writing Services Gold Coast
• Hobart Resume Writers
• Resume Writers Launceston
• Resume Writers Mackay
• Melbourne Resume Writers
• Resume Writing Services Newcastle
• Resume Writers Parramatta
• Resume Writers Perth
• Resume Writers Sunshine Coast
• Resume Writers Toowoomba
• Resume Writing Services Townsville
• Resume Writers Wollongong
• Interview Coach
• LinkedIn Profile Writer
• Resume Writing Services For Veterans
• Mining Resume Writing Services
• Nurse Resume Service
• Professional IT Resume Writing Services

Two-Page Cover Letter Addressing the Statement of Duties

• Post author: theresumewriters
• Post published: January 12, 2019
• Post category: Australian Public Service / Cover Letters / Selection Criteria
• Post comments: 2 Comments

Two-page cover letter addressing the statement of duties/selection criteria

The format which has all but wholly replaced traditional selection criteria.

By Jacquie Liversidge

Navigate to:

How to write a 2-page cover letter that addresses government requirements.

More and more, there are content length limitations placed on selection criteria responses, and the majority of the time, these are two pages, or roughly 1500 words. 

This has been implemented by the Commonwealth and most state governments in response to enormous selection criteria responses being submitted for government roles, jam packed with empty content which doesn’t demonstrate an applicant’s capabilities.

When applicants write their selection criteria, there is a tendency to fill the selection criteria with ‘padding’, or useless material, to increase the length with the idea that more is better.

Length certainly isn’t everything. When it comes to selection criteria, you want to get your material out quickly and efficiently with the most impact and the lowest word count.

You want to use your audience’s limited time well.

And this is where directions for a two-page cover letter come in to play.

How to spot it when it applies

Either on the applicant guide or the initial link to the prospective role, there will be a section titled ‘How to Apply’. 

Read this section carefully and make sure you are aware of what the directions are.

How to interpret the position description

Click on the position description and look over what is listed therein.

On the position description for most government applications, you will usually find the following sections titled exactly like this, or very similarly:

• Position Objective
• Role context
• Responsibility
• Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Selection Criteria – in relation to the major duties)

Selection criteria can also be called Essential Requirements, Role Specific Requirements, Success Criteria. Nonetheless, the easiest way to spot these questions are by looking for dot-pointed content that looks a bit like this:

eg. – Demonstrated ability to provide consumer-centred care

– Exceptional communication skills and conflict resolution skills.

– Proven report writing capabilities.

Once we have a good idea of the important background, context, and scope,  and we’ve found the selection criteria we need to respond to, we can start on our content. Here’s a bunch of over ten detailed selection criteria examples to get you started.

Here’s an example of a two-page cover letter addressing the required sections Queensland Government.  Increasingly, these questions are values based, as they were below :

Two-page statement example

The structure, introduction: why you’re applying, what you’re offering, and why you’d be a great fit, the selection criteria question restated which is entirely optional. it’s also appropriate to skip this part, and move on to the next., our response, with the topic sentence (first sentence) repeating the question. (do this for all questions), a call to action (cta) statement ending the cover letter, professional sign-off, tips, tricks, and other information to note:.

If it’s a two-page cover letter for a government role, and it says nothing about addressing the requirements of the role, but there is selection criteria present,  you do still need to address the selection criteria.

Traditionally, where the position description/advertisement asks for responses to the selection criteria, you would develop your questions and title them with the question. This approach is exactly the same, but incorporates the cover letter element of an introduction statement, and it simply does not contain the selection criteria within the documents as headings.

The point of the exercise is  demonstrate  your capability to perform in the role via  examples of your ability to do that prior. The only part of the story which demonstrates  your capability, are the actions that you took.

Focus on the inner content

Save your space for the real content that will get you selected by keeping your introduction short and to the point, and your call-to-action statement at the end within 2 sentences.

Introduction example:  

I wish to submit my application for the position of Communications Officer as listed on the Tasmanian Government jobs website. I am confident I would be an ideal candidate for the position given my extensive experience within the corporate communications environment, my proven successes in a variety of roles and my strong interest in supporting strategic objectives through strong external communication.

Call-to-Action example:  

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the role of Communications Officer. Please do not hesitate to contact me on the details contained herein for further information or to arrange an interview.

Keep your content focused on the selection criteria. Keep it concise and make every word count.

And that’s all folks. 

Happy hunting!

You Might Also Like

The number one question to ask: getting into the public service, what is active and passive language and why it matters., cover letter and resume: how are they different, this post has 2 comments.

Pingback: Applying for Australian Government Jobs - State by State | The Resume Writers

Pingback: How to use STAR in selection criteria & cover letters | The Resume Writers

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Resume Writers acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which our business operates. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present.

• Book a Discovery Call
• Resume Writing
• Government Selection Criteria
• Get In Contact
• How It Works
• Terms, Conditions and Privacy Policy
• 1300 272 477
• 5/18 Elizabeth Street Hobart TAS 7000
• 903/50 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
• Level 8, 805/220 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• 9/204 Alice St, Brisbane QLD 4000
• 202/37 Barrack St, Perth WA 6000
• 3/55 Gawler Place, Adelaide SA 5000
• [email protected]
• Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM

© All rights reserved

Discover more from The Resume Writers

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• List of services
• Employment services
• Current vacancies
• Register for job alerts
• Become a temp
• Submit your CV
• Other services
• Payroll services
• International candidates
• Job hunting blog
• Recruitment services
• Permanent recruitment
• Executive search
• Temp recruitment
• SEEK advertising
• DISC profiling
• Outplacement
• Payroll outsourcing
• Contingency vs retained
• Recruitment blog

How to address key selection criteria in a cover letter

This article is recommended for individuals near the beginning of their careers, introduction.

Having spent a significant portion of my career in the realm of recruitment, I've come to understand the importance of job seekers ably addressing the key selection criteria of a vacancy in their cover letter.

It can truly make or break your job application. This is particularly true when an employer has noted these criteria as basics.

Allow me to share with you a step-by-step guide for taking on the key selection criteria within your cover letter.

How to address selection criteria

Understand the criteria.

As a start, read over each of the key selection criteria talked about in the job ad. Make sure you have a clear grasp of what the employer is looking for in a candidate.

Create a table or list

Sort the key selection criteria into a table or a list format. This will help you keep track of each criterion and your answer to it. 

Use specific example

For each criterion, give specific examples from your past work experiences, education, or other related aspects of your background that show your skills, abilities, and experiences related to that criterion. Be sure to talk about your achievements, responsibilities, and any measurable results.

Follow the STAR method

When discussing each criterion, try using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to write your responses. Describe the situation or context, the task you had to carry out, the actions you took, and the results you gained. This is a clear and concise way to show your qualifications.

Highlight relevance

Make a strong link between your qualifications and the requirements of the job. Explain how your skills and experiences align with the specific criteria and how they will elevate your success in the role.

Tailor each response

Customise your answers for each criterion to match the language and terms used in the job ad. This shows your attention to detail and that you've carefully thought about the employer's needs.

While giving detailed examples is important, aim to keep your responses concise and focused. Avoid undue elaboration or extra details that could take away from the main points.

Prioritise & order

Cover the key selection criteria in the order of importance as shown in the job ad. If the criteria are not explicitly ranked, try addressing them in the order that best reveals your strengths and relevance to the role.

After drafting your responses, carefully edit your cover letter to ensure it is free of errors, typos, and grammatical mistakes. A well-written cover letter shows your professionalism and attention to detail.

Overall cover letter structure

Integrate your answers into the overall structure of your cover letter. Start with an introduction that briefly talks about the role you're applying for and why you're interested. Then address the key selection criteria, using a paragraph for each criterion. Finally, finish with a summary of your enthusiasm for the role and your availability for further discussion.

If you're looking for more in-depth help with cover letter writing, please click the button below to read my free e-book on the topic.

By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively discuss key selection criteria in your cover letter, making a great case for your suitability for the job.

Remember to customise each cover letter for the specific position you're applying to, as a tailored approach is more likely to capture the employer's attention.

For further assistance, I recommend you check out myfuture's article: How to respond to key selection criteria .

Are you looking for a job?

Now that you understand how to address key selection criteria in a cover letter, you should take a moment to check our  current vacancies page .

At 11 Recruitment, we have a range of white-collar temp and perm jobs available. We're always on the lookout for top talent to place with our clients, so we encourage you to apply for any positions that are of interest.

If none of our current vacancies are right for you, you should register for job alerts . Then we’ll be able to notify you when we receive a position that matches your profile.

How to make conversation

How to impress in an interview

Should you put referees on your CV?

What not to wear to an interview

How to write a LinkedIn summary

Is it illegal to lie on your resume?

Who should you follow on LinkedIn?

How to prompt ChatGPT to write a cover letter

How to write a resume in Australia

How to be more likeable

How to write a resume for international students

How to be a good manager

Do you need a cover letter?

Are job applications confidential?

Do I need a resume to apply for a job?

How to demonstrate leadership

Examples of hobbies and interests in resume

What to post on LinkedIn

What questions to ask in an informational interview

How to tell if your new job is going well

Click here to learn more about 11 Recruitment

What are your thoughts?

I'd love to have a conversation with you about this topic - please leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or opinions 🙂

Christian Madsen

Managing Director of 11 Recruitment

How to write a great LinkedIn headline

How to be a problem solver, how to write a job application email, how to send a follow up email after networking.

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

• EXPLORE Random Article
• Happiness Hub

How to Address Key Selection Criteria in a Cover Letter

Last Updated: May 23, 2020 References

This article was co-authored by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM . Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 64,552 times.

If you're applying for a job, you may be unsure how to write the cover letter or how to include key selection criteria. The key selection criteria, also known as the job requirements, are the main things your potential employer wants to see, and you must address each one in your cover letter. Start by figuring out exactly what the employer wants, and address them in the body of your letter. Follow up with a thorough proofreading, including checking your cover letter against the selection criteria.

Breaking down the Key Selection Criteria

• You could also ask the opinion of someone you know to see what they think it means.
• Some countries, such as Australia, require that all public-sector jobs provide a list of key selection criteria.

• For instance, maybe the job description states the following: "The employee will act as an intermediate between clients and the accounting department. They will take phone calls and emails from both sides, and they will be expected to communicate professionally."
• From this text, you can gather that one of the key criterion for the position is to be able to communicate on a professional level with both clients and other staff members.

Structuring Your Cover Letter to Fit the Criteria

• For instance, you might write, "My name is Jessica Roberta, and I am applying for the position of invoice coordinator, a position I heard about through a friend, Jerry Flores. I am uniquely suited for this position due to my 20+ years experience in invoicing, as well as the positions I've held as an administrative assistant."

• "I am applying for this position because I have the initiative, organizational skills, and relevant computer experience you are looking for in a candidate."
• Move on to discussing your examples of each criteria.

• Keep it concise and to the point, as you don't have much space in a cover letter.
• For instance, maybe you wrote, "training book project at the accounting firm," "burger job," and "school project." Pick the most important one.
• You could write, "I often take initiative on projects. For instance, when I realized my accounting firm didn't have a training manual, I took the initiative to create one myself."

• For instance, with good organizational skills, you might say, "I have strong organizational skills." Then go on to your example: "I reorganized the filing system for the office I worked in, and efficiency improved by 25%."

Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM

In the middle paragraph, include five bullet points that state your experience. Make your points relevant to the job you're applying for. Keep your cover letter short and concise with about three paragraphs and bold a couple of the essential words to make them pop off the page.

• For example, you might write the following closing paragraph: "In closing, I would love to work for Invoicing Brands. My valuable experience would make me a great fit. Thank you for your time, and if you need to reach me, I am available all this week and next at 123-456-7890 or [email protected]." [9] X Research source

Providing Examples and Checking Your Work

• For instance, you might write, "In my position as an invoice manager, I was able to submit invoices on time 98% of the time. I managed that by prioritizing incoming invoices and working quickly to get them done. Then I finished the rest of the work that needed to be done in the office."

• For example, you could write, "I have shown resiliency in past positions, particularly when I worked on a training manual at XYZ Financials. It took me several months to complete the project, partly due to lack of support and printing issues, but in the end, I persevered. XYZ Financials now has a training manual to be proud of."

• For example, you might write, "At my position with XYZ Financials, I noticed staff members wasted time because of an inefficient filing system. No one wanted to shut down the area long enough to reorganize it during the week. I came up with an innovative solution, a weekend refiling extravaganza. We took one weekend to completely reorganize the area."

• For instance, maybe 3 of the criteria are "good organizational skills," "takes initiative," and "competent computer skills."
• You might write, "In my position as an office clerk, I built a database to reorganize the office filing system. Efficiency improved by 25% in the office, and my manager was impressed by my computer skills, my organizational abilities, and my initiative."
• Read through your letter. As you do, check off each of the key selection criteria you were supposed to cover. Make sure you included as many as you could in the letter.

• For example, don't say, "My organizational skills aren't great, but I am fantastic on the computer."
• Instead, say, "My computer skills are above par, as evidenced by the fact that I developed a database for our filing system in my last position."

• Make sure you have spelling and grammar check enabled on your document to help you catch mistakes.
• Ensure you've set a formal tone throughout. A formal tone is more professional than an informal tone. Don't use slang, and avoid contractions. You can use jargon specific to your field, but only if you're sure your potential employer will know it. [16] X Research source
• Once you've polished it, let another person proofread it. You can ask someone you trust professionally, for instance. If you're a student, take it to the career center if your campus has one. [17] X Research source

• When looking for flow, check that each sentence moves smoothly into the next one. For instance, you might write the following sentences: "I gained experience in computer skills at my position at XYZ Financials. Because of this position, I have experience in Microsoft Office and databases."
• They flow together because you use one sentence to transition into the next, referencing the position from the previous sentence to begin the following sentence.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://careers.vic.gov.au/vacancies/key-selection-criteria
• ↑ https://www.monash.edu/career-connect/jobs/apply/selection-criteria
• ↑ http://www.jobs.uwa.edu.au/applying/written/addressing
• ↑ http://www.uvm.edu/~career/?Page=letter.html&SM=jobsubmenu.html
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/723/03/
• ↑ http://www.jobs.uwa.edu.au/applying/written/letter
• ↑ https://www.washington.edu/doit/key-elements-cover-letter
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/723/01/
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/flow/

About this article

When writing a cover letter, you can give yourself the upper-hand by addressing each job requirement. First, carefully read through the job description and and highlight the requirements, like good communication skills or the ability to work under pressure. Then, write an example of your relevant education, training, or past job experience for each requirement so you can back them up with evidence. Use the body of your cover letter to address the requirements. If you have space, write a short paragraph for each requirement and link each one to a specific example from your experience. If this would take too much space, group together similar requirements with one example. For more tips from our Career Coach co-author, including how to write a compelling intro and conclusion to your cover letter, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

Reader Success Stories

Hamida Begum

Jun 30, 2022

Did this article help you?

• About wikiHow
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Compare courses from top Australian unis, TAFEs and other training organisations.

Explore Careers

Find A Course

Career FAQs markets a range of courses from leading Australian tertiary education providers, and receives a commission from them for each prospective student.

Resume Tips

Resignation Templates

Job Interview Questions

Job Hunting Tips

Write For Us

Partner With Us

Partner Quality Assurance

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

© Career FAQs 2024

Writing Your Key Selection Criteria Responses

The first thing you need to do is find out what the selection criteria are. You will find them either in the advertisement or on the government department’s website along with a downloadable job application kit.

Sue Stevens

Oct 13,2011

Many people applying for government jobs for the first time may not be aware of the importance of selection criteria responses, or how to approach them. These are a critical part of most government applications and essential to creating an outstanding application. 

Even if you have a brilliant resume that shows you have excellent skills and qualifications to do the job and you’ve written an absolutely sensational cover letter tailored to the position , if you don’t address the selection criteria in a separate document that explains how well you fit each criterion, chances are you will be overlooked. Fulfilling the selection criteria to the satisfaction of the selection committee is the only way you can make it across the line to the next stage of the recruitment process – the interview.

Where to start?

Then you need to create a new document and list all the criteria, word for word, as they appear in the job application kit.

Name the document and make sure you include your own name at the top of the page. You can use a heading such as:

• Statement addressing selection criteria
• Selection criteria summary
• Responses to selection criteria
• Statement of claims, selection criteria

FYI When it comes to naming documents, all your application documentation should have your name prominently displayed and it’s best to name the electronic documents with your name, not just ‘selection_criteria.doc’. This will make it easy for the receiver to identify your document from all the others that have also been submitted.

Give examples

When answering the selection criteria think about how you meet each selection criterion and list examples of relevant skills, experience, incidents, training and personal qualities. You need to make the link between what you can do, and have done in the past, and how it relates to the job. If you don’t have any actual work experience, use other relevant experience such as something you have done at university, for a voluntary organisation or a club to illustrate your capacity to undertake the work required.

In every answer to the criteria, you need to demonstrate that you have developed and practised these skills in your past experience/s. It’s not enough to just state that you can do ‘it’.

Use keywords

Part of the trick of responding to selection criteria is identifying and understanding the keywords in each criterion and incorporating these into your response. These subtle differences and the way you word your response could be what sets you apart from the other applicants.

Know the difference between phrases such as ‘ability to’ (means having the skills), ‘knowledge of’ (familiarity gained from actual experience) and ‘understanding of’ (fully comprehend the matter). Incorporate your understanding of these terms into your response and you’re on the right track to submitting an outstanding statement.

Choose the right words

When writing a selection criterion response, find one excellent example from your past and demonstrate what and how you achieved a good outcome. Make sure that you use strong action words such as ‘demonstrated’, ‘reviewed’, ‘developed’, ‘initiated’ or ‘negotiated’ rather than less powerful words such as ‘involved in’ or ‘assisted’.

Always give examples and avoid unsubstantiated claims. You can use bullet points if there is a list of points you are making.

Address all the parts

More often than not, selection criteria will consist of several parts and are sometimes qualified as either essential (must-have skills and experience) or desirable (good to have and improve your chances of being highly regarded).

It is tempting to write a broad response focusing on just one part of the criterion and hope this will get you through. But if you want to hit the selection criteria nail on the head and guarantee yourself an interview, then this isn’t good enough.

For example, ‘Ability to contribute ideas and demonstrate initiative and flexibility’ actually has three components – ability to contribute ideas, demonstrate initiative and demonstrate flexibility. In order to respond to this correctly it is vital that you address all three of these skills, making sure to include the keywords in your response.

STAR approach

As mentioned above, the key to responding to selection criteria well is to address all parts of the criterion, to include the keywords and give specific examples. Many well-written statements follow what is known as the STAR method of response: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

The following example response is broken up into the STAR components, with each section labelled. This is for your benefit – don’t label the sections in your final statement!

Ability to apply academic knowledge and concepts to practical situations

Another acceptable way of answering selection criteria is SAO: Situation, Action, Outcome. Whether you choose STAR or SAO, it is important that you show how you can meet each criterion.

The final touches

Some government departments and agencies do not want any more than three paragraphs per criterion (or about 250 words); others do not have any limit. As a general rule, try to be as concise as possible and at the maximum, write no more than one A4 page per criterion.

Once you have completed your statement of claims in relation to selection criteria, check over your responses and make sure there are no typographical errors and that the sentences read well.

Finally, make sure that the formatting of your selection criteria document matches the accompanying resume (or CV), cover letter and any other documentation you are submitting. By having a consistent formatting style with fonts and font sizes, your application will present as a cohesive whole. This alone shows that you have taken considerable care and attention to detail.

Get the selection criteria right and you’re on your way to an interview – and one step closer to the job!

If you’re looking for inspiration, take a look at our sample key selection criteria responses . 

About the author.

Trending Articles

Launch Your New Career or New Venture With a Ducere Business Degree

Bronwyn Jones

February 15, 2021

Taryn Ewens – Software Engineer

August 31, 2020

How to kickstart your UX design career

August 10, 2020

How to Address Selection Criteria

Addressing selection criteria in 3 steps.

Addressing selection criteria for a government job is a confusing process that often appears to be shrouded in mystery unless you are already a government employee.

Websites and guides that provide advice usually gloss over what's required and are sometimes outright inaccurate. Examples that are provided are lacking in depth, complexity and length.

As a government recruiter, I see countless job applications that are lacking (note, it is usually the written applications that are lacking in content not the applicants that are lacking in skills) simply because people do not know how to address selection criteria.

In this article, I will outline three steps that I recommend following when writing selection criteria.

Most people start at step three, skipping straight to the drafting stage. But, if you put a little time into steps one and two, can make a world of difference to your finished product.

If you are seriously short on time or you are revising what you've already written, skip down to the 'Identifying the Type of Selection Criteria you are Addressing' section under step two.

Steps to Addressing Selection Criteria:

Step 1 - Investigate the position and how to apply. Step 2 - Plan and pre-write your selection criteria. Step 3 - Draft and refine your selection criteria responses. (Bonus step 4 - Use our free examples).

Read below for these steps in detail!

Step 1 - Investigate The Position and How to Apply

This stage involves:

Researching the position.

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, before you start writing your application, it is important to find out as much information as you can about the position, the company, and the industry.

As an applicant, you need to be able to demonstrate that you are better able to satisfy the requirements of the position than any other applicant. Therefore, you are better positioned if you invest time into researching the government department, the area the position is located in, and the actual position so that you can frame your application to their needs.

  Read more about why you should research a position and how to do it.

Find out what is required in your application.

What do you need to include in your application? How long does it have to be? Are there any selection criteria or targeted questions to answer? Do you need to include a resume? Or written reference checks?

Deciding if you want to invest the time applying.

A government job application requires a significant time investment compared to an application for a job in the private industry, so you should be sure this is a job you want to apply for (before you get halfway through your application and change your mind!)

Speaking to the contact officer.

A lot of applicants feel awkward or embarrassed about ringing the contact officer listed on a job ad. But, successful applications almost always have one thing in common, and this is that they rang the contact officer, had a chat about the position and got some additional information to help when addressing their selection criteria.

   A list of questions you can ask the contact officer is here.

Step 2 - Plan and Pre-write Your Selection Criteria

The planning and pre-writing stage involves:

    A. Identify the type of selection criteria you are addressing (see below).     B. Put the selection criteria into context (see below).     C. Pinpoint the skills you have that are relevant to the position.     D. Brainstorm some actual examples of your skills in action (see below).

A. Identify the Type of Selection Criteria you are Addressing

Know what kind of selection criteria you are addressing will help you frame your statements.

The selection criteria could be: 1.    Skills and abilities 2.    Knowledge 3.    Experience 4.    Qualifications 5.    Work-related qualities

Each type of selection criteria has its own requirements and should be answered according to its type.

B. Put the Selection Criteria into Context

What does this mean?

It means understanding why the selection criteria are important in this particular job.

For example, the type of communication skills required for a Customer Service Officer versus a Chief Finance Officer will be very different.

A different level of complexity exists because these roles will be operating at significantly different levels in the hierarchy, and secondly, these roles will be communicating with different people, about different things, in different contexts and by different means.

To put the criteria into context, you will use the job description or duty statement to point you in the right direction. If you own the ebook The Selection Criteria Coach there are worksheets inside that will help you do this.

C. Identify the Skills you Have That are Relevant to the Position

This is the part the job applicants often find the hardest. We have lists and templates to help with this in our book The Selection Criteria Coach.

You could also create your own simple worksheet such as the one below. A sheet like this can also be used for the next step when brainstorming examples. (If the column headings are difficult to read, they are column 1: selection criteria - column 2: duties / criteria keywords - column 3: my examples).

D. Brainstorm Examples for Your Selection Criteria

Brainstorming ideas and examples of things to write about in advance is a lot easier than writing on the fly.  It will make your statements easier to structure in advance, and with all the planning processes, make your statements quicker to write and more effective in the long run.

Your brainstorming list should include examples of your actual skills in action and be related to the position (that you have discovered in step 1 above), the type of selection criteria (outlined in step 2 above), and the context of the selection criteria.

Step 3 - Draft and Refine

The drafting and refining stages includes:

• Writing your first draft.
• Editing your first draft.
• Having someone else read over your work.

Writing Your Selection Criteria Response Draft

Writing selection criteria is a lot like writing an essay (remember those?)

Your document will need to have a beginning (introduction), a middle (the body) and an end (the conclusion). Just like with a high school essay, the body is going to be the most important part because it is where you provide evidence for your argument. (And of course, your argument is that you are the best person for the job!)

Selection criteria as a general rule are inescapably full of three things: 1.    Facts 2.    Opinions 3.    Inferences Most statements addressing selection criteria contain a lot of inferences (make a blanket statement and leave the selection panel to read between the lines or put the dots together), a moderate amount of opinions (sentences or paragraphs without any evidence to back them up, or someone’s general knowledge), and few facts. Good statements addressing selection criteria are the exact opposite. They have lots of facts and barely any opinions or inferences. The best way to pack your statements addressing the selection criteria with facts, is to give solid examples and include measures of success and data if you can.

Addressing Selection Criteria Example

For example, a person applying for a Project Manager position in the APS , with a middle management salary, that is required to work autonomously and with little supervision, would write a prioritising selection criteria like this: "The ability to prioritise your own work"

• Managing four contracts with a value of approximately $12million.
• Supervising and coordinating the work of a team of five project assistants.
• Participating on tender evaluation boards as an independent member.
• Acting as subject matter expert on Selection Advisory Committees for recruitment actions in my own team and other projects.
• Taking on the role of Occupational Health and Safety representative for my building.
• Acting as project manager when the permanent manager is on leave or working internationally.

All these tasks required different time inputs with varying and often conflicting deadlines. In addition, I reported to different people for most of these tasks and have found over the past four years in this role that I have gained exceptional skills in balancing different managers and stakeholders who invariably all want my attention at the same time. I think my excellent organisational and negotiation skills have made it possible to juggle these priorities and keep all parties satisfied that their task has my full attention.

You will notice that the applicant has provided actual examples of what they have done and what they have achieved in the context of the position that they are applying for.

Making this match is essential if you want to make an impression and get an interview.

All three stages are really important. I have seen selection panel members put applications in the 'no pile' simply because someone has had a couple of spelling errors in their selection criteria statements and this has reflected poorly on their written communication skills. A proof read, or having someone else read the application before hand would have meant this person probably would have gotten an interview.

Selection Criteria Examples

Our free sample of the ebook Selection Criteria Exposed contains free selection criteria examples that you can download right now.

More Help With Your Job Application:

Resume and Selection Criteria Writers Give Away Free Tips

You go back to the job advertisement to upload your resume. But wait!

“Applicants must submit a cover letter and address the selection criteria in the job description,” you shockingly read.

Are you now fuming the internet to find quick hacks on how to write a cover letter and respond to selection criteria ? Have you spent hours finding the best example of a personal statement? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the selection criteria responses you’ve read online and thinking of just letting the opportunity to secure your dream job pass?

Well then, your search stops right here!

The Perfect Resume team is here to guide you and make your job application stand out! We will help you polish your application by providing you with a FREE cover letter and selection criteria samples. Read on and be on your way to landing the job of your dreams!

Cover Letter Dread: The Basics and Effortless Ways to Create One in 2022 — With Examples

A cover letter is a one-page document that aims to express your intention of securing the spot. Like a golden ticket, your cover letter is a paper that introduces you to a potential employer, aside from your resume or CV. Know to some as a motivation letter , your cover letter is submitted to explain and persuade your readers as to why you are the best candidate for the job.

Regrettably, many clients choose to pour all their efforts into perfecting their resumes only. But did you know that your cover letter can be the difference between championing your job search and being sent to the “NO” pile without any hesitation?

“How come,” you ask.

This brief document is a chance for you to showcase your communication skills, experiences, and how you can meet the potential employer’s business needs and exceed expectations. Furthermore, according to SEEK , recruiters and hiring managers still claim to read cover letters to further extract information about applicants, such as their relevant skills and tangible achievement. Zety has shared information that 45% of employers or hiring decision-makers say they expect to receive cover letters. On the other hand,  22% expect letters of interest to be addressed to the Hiring Manager.  Thus, it is always a perfect idea to tailor your cover letter to each job application!

Speaking of tailoring or personalising your job search tool, Professional Resume Writers and Career Experts from The Perfect Resume put together a guide on what to include and leave out of your cover letter, including the dos and don’ts when crafting one.

Cover Letter Tip # 1:  Never ever forget the must-have sections, namely:

• Contact Section. Up above in your heading section is where your contact information should be ideally placed, such as your mobile number. Why? It is the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager must-see. Without these details, it would be unlikely that you will even hear a callback or stand out from all the other applicants. Therefore, do not ever ditch this part. Additionally, make sure that your contact details are up to date and are reachable.

• Company name, date, appropriate salutation, and the name of the job you're going for. Getting this part right is very crucial. This will reveal if you dedicated enough time to research the company and the person who shall receive your cover letter. As the old saying goes, “well begun is half done.” Addressing the contact person by his or her name will provide a personalised touch and good impression to give you brownie points for an interview shortlist. However, if the information is ungraspable choose a suitable salutation.

• Attention-grabbing unique selling proposition. This is the best spot to showcase your personality and company values. If you are a person who loves making another laugh, start off with some humour. If you think that the organisation’s cause resonates with you, then it is best to acknowledge it at the beginning of your cover letter. Before you write your introduction, you must identify why do you want to apply for that specific job and why should the employer choose you over the other candidates. Doing this can help you craft a perfect cover letter introduction.

• Experiences, education, key skills, and achievements. As soon as you have your readers hooked, it is now time to shine by highlighting your standout qualities. Due to the limited time hiring managers hold within the recruitment process, it is best to keep it short but sweet! They do not have time for fluff. Hence why they use applicant tracking systems to sort candidates from being a good fit to not so suitable. So, be sure to address the employer’s wants and needs whilst incorporating your applicable past experiences, skills, and wins – both big and small!

Cover Letter Tip # 2:  Familiarise yourself with mistakes to dodge, such as:

• Never start with “I am writing to apply for the XYZ position at XYZ.” Keep in mind that your cover letter is meant to make you stand out. Aside from being superfluous, beginning your cover letter with this phrase will only give the impression that you are boring or not that interested in the job. Do your research and use your cover letter as a way of communicating how you have what it takes to be the company’s next team member.
• Avoid repeating all the information on your resume . A resume is intended to state facts about your career, such as your previous roles, skills, and achievements. On the other hand, your cover letter is meant to explain how you meet the job requirements. It is an avenue for you to introduce yourself in a creative way and display your communication skills. Therefore, it is unnecessary to copy and paste the information from your resume onto your cover letter. You need to tell an interesting story.
• Eliminate the typos. According to research conducted by CareerBuilder, a trusted human capital solutions company, over 70% of hiring managers admitted that they would reject a cover letter bearing grammatical or typographical errors without a doubt. The same also goes for resumes. Therefore, make sure to proofread your document. It is also advisable to use a free online writing assistant or error-checker. Moreover, try having a trusted colleague review your cover letter. Getting a pair of fresh eyes can help catch language oversights in your relevant experience and enhance the flow of your letter of introduction without paying anything.
• Do not forget the evidence of your knowledge. It is easy to claim that you are a ‘team player’ or have all the right values for the job. However, you are not the first candidate to mention it. Often, cover letters are filled with content that applicants merely copied, such as the role title and expertise listed on the job advertisement without backing them up. Hiring managers go for a good match when they are finding candidates for jobs, someone who can communicate their relevant work experience, how they have demonstrated the required skills in their past and are a great match between the hard and soft transferable skills. In addition to that, you can write your selection criteria or professional resume in a more creative way by sprinkling in the results or achievements. Hiring managers love reading engaging resumes, especially when candidates take the time to write in a results-driven manner.
• Stay away from mentioning your expected salary. Unless you are instructed to do so, it is best to do not to mention to the recruiter or company representative how much you are expecting to receive. Indeed, good compensation in any industry is a form of motivation. However, you want to present yourself to your potential employer as a professional eager to contribute to the future of the company, not someone who is excited to just get paid.

Cover Letter Tip # 3:  Create a winning and sincere final statement and call to action.

Your ending paragraph should be as captivating as your introduction. It is also great to include a call of action or a way of encouraging potential employers to contact you for further discussions on how you can be a great asset to the company. Here, you can display your enthusiasm and confidence. Lastly, if you are wondering how to end your cover letter, sign off with kind regards or yours sincerely.

Writing a Cover Letter in Australia Doesn’t Have to Be Tough

We know cover letter writing can be hard, but it doesn't have to be! If you're struggling with trying not to sound desperate or keeping your document easy to read, then fear not! Below, there are some cover letter examples for managerial and graduate roles. On the other hand, if you would like your Professional Writer from The Perfect Resume to craft a unique cover letter that suits your needs, email us at [email protected]  or visit www.theperfectresume.com.au .

Finance Manager Cover Letter Example

Graduate Program Cover Letter Template

Selection Criteria: What is it And How Do I Address It in My Cover Letter?

The key selection criteria demonstrate how well suited you are for your dream job. Your responses are what potential employers shall use to shortlist you for a job. Unlike a cover letter, a selection criteria response is a direct, concise, and focused explanation to a situational question, for example, ‘demonstrate a time when you had to meet tight deadlines' or ‘explain a situation when you had to be flexible,’ You may address this job requirement in your cover letter. How? Through an applicant tracking systems formula:

Example Statement + Example Situation + How you overcame the challenge/problem = Criteria Response Evidence

How do you write the selection criteria for a job application.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to answer selection criteria questions correctly depends on the specific question being asked and the job you are applying for. However, there are a few general tips that can help you to answer selection criteria questions effectively:

• Read the question carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked of you.  Selection criteria can vary from employer to employer, so it’s important to read through the job ad thoroughly and understand what is required before you start writing your application. Follow the instructions: make sure you read and understand the selection criteria before starting to write your response.
• Outline how your skills, experience and qualifications match up with what is being asked for in the question.  Do not be afraid of referring to previous roles. Employers want someone who can hit the ground running. Therefore, make sure that if you have experience in a similar role and the required qualifications and skills for the position, you want your next employer to know.
• Use specific examples to back up your claims and show that you have what it takes to do the job.  A professional resume template will help to strengthen your argument and show that you have what it takes to do the particular job. Numbers and statistics can help add credibility to a document by providing concrete evidence to support a claim. When used effectively, they can help back up an argument with factual information. In addition, they can help to persuade your readers – and make them say, “this is the one!” The best way to use numbers in a selection criteria response is to back up general claims with specific examples. For example, rather than writing, “ I am reliable ,” you could write, “ In the past year, I have worked consistently 5 days per week and have had ZERO unaccounted days off or arrived late on any occasions .” Who would you employ if you could choose between the “I am reliable” guy or someone who has had ZERO unaccounted days off?
• Check for spelling and grammar mistakes before submitting your application.  Nothing looks worse than a sloppy job application! Proofreading is so important for job seekers because it is the first impression that you make on a potential employer. If there are spelling and grammar mistakes in your application, it signals to the employer that you are not detail-oriented and that you may not be taking the job application seriously. It also shows that you may not be capable of doing the specific job if you cannot even take the time to proofread your application. By proofreading your job application, you can ensure that your application looks polished and professional.

Is the job you are applying for requesting selection criteria be addressed? Writing selection criteria is a speciality of The Perfect Resume Professional Resume Writers! If you would prefer to address the criteria on your own, the following style is recommended:

An example of how to plan each criterion:

Then put the paragraph together that you would add into the cover letter:

If you have written your key selection criteria and would like a Professional Resume Writer to proofread it for you we would be happy to. Please click here to get started.

Another Selection Criteria Response Example

How can The Perfect Resume Team Help?

To be successful in your job search, you need to have a compelling cover letter and give it your best shot as you try to address selection criteria. Your cover letter is the first thing that hiring managers will read, and it can help make or break an application. A well-crafted cover letter, coupled with key selection criteria responses should tell the hiring manager why they MUST have you on their team. However, if you still don't know where to start, contact The Perfect Resume today!

The Perfect Resume is here to help you get ahead in your career by providing cover letters and selection criteria responses. We offer professional writing services to make sure your job search tools are perfect before submitting them. Our team of writers is experts in crafting interview-winning documents to impress any hiring manager or recruiter. We know what employers want to see on paper and how they want their candidates presented, so let us do all the hard work.

Please send us an email at   [email protected]   with your resume, cover letter, and link to your dream job. We will give you tips on making prospective employers hire YOU over ALL OTHER CANDIDATES – without paying a penny! 

Likewise, if you find this article helpful, don't forget to share and pass the kindness along to your fellow job seeker!

Recommended reading suggestions  

• Why calling the recruiter before you apply for a job helps you land an interview?
• Here’s everything candidates need to know about an ATS
• Job Search Tips: How long do you wait for an interview call?
• Address selection criteria examples
• Create a winning resume format 2024

What Our Client's Say About Our Resume Writing Services

I recommend perfect resume to anyone who is looking for a change in their career or getting into a job. Melissa did a wonderful job on my resume and I got into interviews as soon as I started applying for jobs. No delay. Well done Melissa and team! Great work.

I was miserable at my previous job. Now I have a job I love. TPR helped with a brilliant resume and cover letter.

Melissa is great! She quickly prepared my resume, cover letters & selection criteria. I received multiple interviews, very happy customer! Highly recommend.

Defence Industry related with levels of privacy and discretion. The speed and professionalism of the service they provided me was exceptional. What I loved most was that they were willing to be blunt where others were not. Identifying weaknesses in my resume that most people are blind to see for themselves.

Professional, prompt and easy to deal with. I am very happy with the help that Melissa and her team provided to me. I had a fresh, new, exciting and professional resume plus an accompanying cover letter in just a few days, together with great advice, tips and encouragement. I couldn't recommend The Perfect Resume more highly.

Melissa was awesome. She engaged me in the process, gave really good insight and did a fantastic job with my resume. I had previously got someone else to redo my resume for me and they had done a really bad job. But this one is amazing and up to date and all ATS tracked and checked. I would HIGHLY recommend this company if you need help with resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn! They know what they are doing and really work with you.

I recently had the pleasure of working with The Perfect Resume to enhance my resume, and I am extremely pleased with the results. The team at The Perfect Resume demonstrated a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to helping me present my qualifications in the best possible light. From the initial consultation to the final draft, the process was seamless and efficient. The expert resume writers at The Perfect Resume took the time to understand my career goals and tailored my resume to highlight my strengths and achievements. They not only polished the content but also provided valuable insights on industry trends and resume best practices. I appreciated the open communication throughout the collaboration, as the team was responsive to my feedback and ensured that the final document truly represented my professional journey. The refined resume not only showcases my skills and experiences but also reflects a contemporary and visually appealing format. Thanks to The Perfect Resume, I now feel more confident about my job search, armed with a well-crafted resume that sets me apart from the competition. I highly recommend The Perfect Resume to anyone seeking professional resume services – their expertise and dedication to client satisfaction truly make them stand out in the field.

How Our Resume Writing Services Work

• Enter your details below.
• Receive tailored feedback & a personalised quote.
• If you're happy with us, select the package you would like to purchase.
• After the payment is received, we'll send you a few easy-to-answer questions.
• We will reverse-engineer your resume based on the types of jobs you want to apply for.
• We will ask you questions that help your next employer see you can solve their problems.
• We use our certified resume writing skills to make you sound amazing!

Fill in the Form to Request a Professional Resume Writer or Career Coach to Review Your Resume or CV for Free

• Cover Letter
• Selection Criteria
• Interview Coaching
• LinkedIn Profile
• Testimonials

Addressing Selection Criteria

Free selection criteria examples 210+ | government & tertiary sector roles.

Thanks to all of you who return month-on-month; and a warm welcome to new visitors, I guarantee you will find this an invaluable resource. Over 210+ interview-winning selection criteria examples are showcased from various jobs/roles and levels (entry to senior executive). One-click access with all examples hyperlinked. 2024: Supervisor, Building & Asset Services ... 1 Sep 2024 STAR Model: Analysis & Problem Solving ... 1 [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Supervisor, Building & Asset Services

My client applied for the role of Supervisor, Building & Asset Services in State (QLD) Government. Their written application was ranked in the top 1% percentage of candidates. He was interviewed, offered the job and accepted. The application required a two-page statement in cover letter format with examples aligned with the Leadership Competencies for QLD (LC4Q) framework. Three (3) examples were prepared, one for each [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model: Analysis & Problem Solving

Proven high-level capacity to analyse and resolve complex problems. I utilised advanced analytical and problem-solving skills when coordinating the review of data elements within the Australian XYZ Standard. Reviewing two critical data elements involved evaluating stakeholder proposals, researching the feasibility and practicality of proposals via multiple data sources, and formulating internal and external inquiries. I then gathered, collated and analysed the information to develop and [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Child Protection Supervisor

My client applied for the role of Child Protection Supervisor in State (Vic) Government and progressed to the interview stage. A statement addressing 11 criteria in short paragraphs was prepared across three (3) pages. Two of the criteria are combined and showcased. Application of child development theories and legislation. In my current role as Team Leader (TL), Complex Case Management at XYZ, I applied early [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model: WHS/OHS Legislative Knowledge

Current knowledge of legislative obligations around workplace/occupational health and safety and how these impact employment and service delivery. I have robust knowledge of and apply state (WA) legislation around health and safety in line with the Work Health and Safety Act 2020. This Act promotes a preventative approach to adverse incidents in the workplace environment that aims to facilitate individuals’ involvement in policy and implementation [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Executive Officer, Local Government

My client applied for the role of Executive Officer in Local Government and progressed to the interview stage. The written component required addressing six (6) essential and five (5) desirable criteria in three (3) pages. One of the criteria is showcased. Advanced interpersonal, negotiating and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of people. I initiated, devised and recommended [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model: Strategic Team & Operational Leadership

Leading teams and operations in line with strategic direction in a strict procedural and regulatory environment. The XYZ Air Force operated an aircraft fleet named ZZZ Trainers maintained by BAE Systems. The section I supervised was tasked with converting and performing structural modifications to several aircraft in line with BAE procedures and the government's primary aim to bring production capabilities onshore. I took over the [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | APS Biosecurity Officer

My client applied for the role of Biosecurity Officer in the APS (Commonwealth/Federal) Government and progressed to the interview stage. The written component required addressing four (4) selection criteria with a limit of 300 words for each. An excerpt from one of the criteria is showcased. Describe your understanding of working in a regulatory role and some of the challenges this may present. Two of [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model: Health Legislation Knowledge

Sound knowledge of legislation relevant to Hospital and Health Services (HHS) in Queensland. Since the implementation of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 (the Act), there has been a significant shift in the relationships between the Department of Health and HHS and their perspective roles and responsibilities. The Act introduced an integrated health system in which HHS were established as statutory bodies with direct [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Human Resource (HR) Advisor, WA Government

My client applied for the role of HR Advisor in state (WA) government and progressed to the interview stage. The written component required addressing four (4) selection criteria in two (2) pages. One of the criteria is showcased. Demonstrated application of contemporary human resources principles and practice. A situation occurred involving a front-line employee with poor grooming and hygiene who met with clients daily in [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model: Tender & Contract Management

Experience in processing tender bids and managing contracts. Across all my roles, I have managed the tender bidding process involving meticulous preparation of proposals encompassing financial and technical data, both quantitative and qualitative. At XYZ I prepared a large tender from scratch. This involved formulating the budget ($10M) for a key component, forecasting expected costs over a 24-month duration from over 50+ suppliers worldwide, factoring [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Customer Services Officer, Local Government

My client applied for the role of Customer Services Officer in the local government sector, a council in NSW. From a total of 60 applicants, six (6) were shortlisted for interviewing including my client. The written component required addressing seven (7) criteria in a two-page cover letter format. One of the criteria is showcased. Demonstrated experience in providing quality face-to-face customer service to meet customer [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model: Quality Auditing Processes

Understanding of quality auditing processes. I apply a thorough understanding of quality auditing processes in line with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) 3 and 6, and Food Safety Program Verification and Records Standards (STD). As a qualified auditor, I conduct internal bi-annual audits of the hospital’s catering departments; I also attend bi-annual external audits. Internal audits take one day to conduct and a further [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Learning Support Assistant

My client applied for the role of Learning Support Assistant in the ACT Education sector and progressed to the interview stage. The application involved addressing selection criteria across two pages. One of the criteria is showcased. Knowledge of the educational, social and emotional needs of students with disability, complex needs and/or a trauma background. I have in-depth knowledge of the educational, social and emotional needs [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model: Project Management

Substantial experience in project management with demonstrated knowledge and understanding of project management methodologies, principals and policies. During my tenure within the Department of AAA, I managed complex and challenging projects. I applied both PMBOK and PRINCE2 methodologies across the project lifecycle specifically customised for the department, including training systems and processes, policies and procedures. As the Project Manager on a recent project involving the [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Administrative Officer, WA Health

My client applied for the role of Administrative Officer in a state government department (WA Health), progressed to the interview stage, was offered and accepted the role. The application involved addressing selection criteria across three pages. An excerpt of one of the criteria is showcased. Working knowledge of health patient information systems. I am highly competent in using a variety of health patient information systems. [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model: Accounting & Finance Legislation

Demonstrated ability to understand, interpret and apply standards, legislation, policy and guidelines in providing services to customers/stakeholders. I prepare financial statements in compliance with the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (AEIFRS). I regularly refer to the AASB 101; 116; 116 and 139. My auditing experience at NSW DEF solidified my knowledge of legislation (Public Finance Act 1983), [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Project Officer, State Government

Technology and Systems: In a previous Project Support Officer role, I provided hands-on (technical) support during the implementation and rollout of new technology. I held discussions with the department’s information technology (IT) team regarding the creation of a database exchange website to collect annual funding schedules. Specifically, to transition and simplify the department’s existing manual process to one that was streamlined, fully automated and provided [...]

New Selection Criteria Framework | Leadership Competencies for Queensland

For State (QLD) Government applications, the Leadership Competencies for Queensland (LCQ) is the new framework that has replaced the previous Capability Leadership Framework (CLF). The LCQ contains 3 competencies (Vision, Results, Accountability) across 5 streams or levels (Individual Contributor, Team Leader, Program Leader, Executive, Chief Executive). The LCQ is an adapted and more streamlined framework that incorporates CLF competencies. The 3 main competencies are broken [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model: Higher Education & VET Sectors

An understanding of the Higher Education and Vocational Education sectors in Australia. The Higher Education sector in Australia is made up of universities and other higher education institutions are often referred to as higher education providers. The national regulator for the higher education sector is the Tertiary Education Standards Agency (TEQSA). Its responsibilities include the registration and evaluation of the performance of higher education providers [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | APS Business Support Officer

My client applied for the role of Business Support Officer in APS Government and progressed to the interview stage. The application involved addressing four selection criteria. An excerpt of one of the criteria is showcased. Demonstrated ability to apply sound judgement, problem-solve, share information and influence management. I initiated and conducted an investigation – in the capacity of Service Coordinator at CAA – and found [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model: Team Management & Leadership

Describe how you used your management and leadership style to effectively motivate and manage staff. In my current role as Senior Manager within the NSW Department of XYZ, I reprioritised and allocated extra time in managing and motivating my team – three at individual level and five in a group setting – at end-of-month (EOM) to complete tasks against strict deadlines. Over the past three [...]

Addressing Selection Criteria = Statement of Claims | Pitch | EOI – Keep Using STAR Model

Government departments across all levels – local (councils), state/territory, federal – are slowly and steadily moving away from asking applicants to prepare standard responses to individual selection criteria. Federal government departments/agencies are leading the way in this regard. They are stipulating word or page length limits; for example, 600-word Statement of Claims, one-page pitch, two-page Expression of Interest (EOI). They request a written response to [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Senior Public Trust Officer, QLD Government

My client applied for the role of Senior Public Trust Officer in State (QLD) Government and progressed to the interview stage. The application involved addressing five selection criteria on one page. One of the criteria is showcased. Supports productive working relationships I determined a new and inexperienced colleague was in need of additional training to enable them to perform at the required competency levels; three [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model: Applying Finance Knowledge

I applied strong knowledge of XXX’s Corporate Card Policy and Procedure Library when completing various accuracy-driven tasks. I referenced this policy continually when reviewing and approving corporate card applications. When I determined applications were completed incorrectly by a cardholder or a staff member’s finance office on their behalf, I referred to a specific section in the policy; namely, Section 6: Obtaining a Corporate Card. This [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Project Officer, QLD Government

My client applied for the role of Project Officer in State (QLD) Government and progressed to the interview stage. The application involved addressing selection criteria across two pages in cover letter format. One of the criteria is showcased. Technology and Systems. In one of my previous roles, I provided hands on (technical) support during the implementation and rollout of a new technology. I held discussions [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model: Communication & Conflict Resolution

Across the board regardless of the level of the role (entry up to senior executive service in Government), tertiary and other sectors requiring the addressing of selection criteria, the most difficult criterion to write against is the COMMUNICATION criterion. Communication can encompass explaining, interpreting, persuading, influencing, negotiating, mediating, resolving, the list goes on. The mistake that most people make when they write for this criterion [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Communications Operator, QPS

My client applied for the role of Communications Operator, in State (QLD) Government – Queensland Police Service (QPS) – and progressed to the interview stage. The application involved addressing five selection criteria in two pages. One of the criteria is showcased. Supports strategic direction. I have an understanding and knowledge of the QPS Strategic Plan 2017-2021 which outlines its Vision and four core Strategic Objectives [...]

FREE Selection Criteria | STAR Model Examples: Change & Risk Management

Two selection criteria examples – both formatted using the STAR Model – are broken down so you have a better understanding of each component of S-T-A-R. The second example throws in the Barrier component (S-T-A-B-R). Several APS Government departments stipulate demonstration of the barrier in the example; in particular, the Department of Defence, and the Australian Border Force (ABF). [Brackets in italics] are included at [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Chief Advisor, Psychological Health

My client applied for the role of Chief Advisor, Psychological Health in State (QLD) Government and progressed to the interview stage. The application involved addressing five selection criteria in two pages in cover letter format. One of the criteria is showcased. Demonstrates expert knowledge. The QLD Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (The Act) is the main legislation that guides me and my current organisation [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Building Inspector, QLD Government

My client applied for the role of Building Inspector in State (QLD) Government and progressed to the interview stage. The application involved addressing four (4) selection criteria across two pages in cover letter format. One of the criteria is showcased. High level interpersonal, consultative, negotiation and mediation skills. On a key project I managed, the majority of stakeholders had conflicting objectives, goals and deadlines. To [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers | Librarian, Tertiary Sector

My client applied for the role of Librarian in the tertiary sector, progressed to the interview stage and just missed out on the role. They came in second; the role was offered to an internal applicant, as is so common in the tertiary sector and across all levels of government (federal, state, local). The application involved addressing seven (7) selection criteria. Two of them are [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Samples | Senior Investigator, WA Government

My client applied for the role of Senior Investigator in State (WA) Government and progressed to the interview stage. The application involved addressing five (5) selection criteria in three pages maximum. Following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Legislative compliance. On a large-scale investigation involving stealing from a high profile multi-national organisation across a wide spread geographical area, I was tasked with investigating the [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Responses | Proof Reader, APS Government

My client applied for the role of Proof Reader in APS Government and progressed to the job interview stage. The application involved addressing five (5) selection criteria with a stipulated 300-word length limit for each. The following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Strong attention to detail and high-level English language skills, particularly written. In my most recent role at the Department of XYZ, [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Program & Schedule Support Officer

My client applied for the role of Program & Schedule Support Officer in APS Government; in Services Australia, previously named the Department of Human Services (DHS) at that time. A total of 1,400 candidates applied; my client was shortlisted and progressed to the job interview stage. The application involved addressing four selection criteria. A full example from one criterion follows. Provide an example of a [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers | Social Worker, Mental Health Clinician

My client applied for the role of Social Worker, Senior Mental Health Clinician in State (QLD) Government and progressed to the job interview stage. The application involved addressing four selection criteria (professional commitment, teamwork skills, communication, and service to clients) across two pages in cover letter format. A full example from the communication criterion follows. Communication A pivotal review of the TTT Service was conducted [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Samples | Ranger – State (QLD) Government

My client applied for the role of Ranger in State (QLD) Government and progressed to the job interview stage. The application involved addressing six selection criteria across two pages; five Capability Leadership Framework (CLF) criteria plus an additional technical/knowledge criterion. Excerpts from two of the criteria follow. Displays Personal Drive and Integrity. Across all my roles and when volunteering on conservation projects, I strictly followed [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Responses | Senior Manager Financial Services

My client applied for the role of Senior Manager Financial Services within State (NSW) Government, progressed to the job interview stage and was offered the role. A two-page statement in letter format addressing two targeted questions was prepared. A full example from one of the questions follows. Describe your role in a significant process improvement project to streamline financial processes and improve internal controls. When [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Admin Officer, Private Education

My client applied for the role of Administration Officer in the private education (secondary) sector and progressed to the job interview stage. The application involved addressing six selection criteria across two pages in cover letter format. A full example from one of the criteria follows. Business administration. In my most recent Administrative role, I undertook a variety of tasks that were highly voluminous, varied in [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers | Student Services Representative

My client applied for the role of Student Services Representative in the tertiary sector, progressed to the interview stage, was offered and accepted the role. As is the case with many tertiary applications, there are typically both essential and desirable selection criteria components to address. One selection criterion from the essential component follows. Ability to work within a clear set of protocols and guidelines, including [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Samples | Telehealth Support Officer

My client applied for the role of Telehealth Support Officer in State (WA) Government and progressed to the job interview stage. The application involved addressing eight essential and three desirable selection criteria. Two demonstrable examples using STAR model follow from one essential and one desirable criteria. Sound conceptual, analytical and problem solving skills. Working as a Field Service Engineer, I dealt with a variety of [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Responses | Expense Management Support Officer

My client applied for the role of Expense Management Support Officer in the tertiary sector, progressed to the job interview stage, was offered and accepted the role. The application involved addressing six selection criteria. Following is a demonstrable example using STAR model from one selection criterion. Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with key stakeholders and clients ensuring service delivery meets key requirements. [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Group Manager Local Government

My client applied for the role of Group Manager in a Council (Local Government) and progressed to the job interview stage. She gained glowing feedback from the entire selection panel and came in second with the job offered to the candidate who had been acting in the role – as is very common – but with much deliberation as my client impressed the panel across [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers | Senior Investigator QLD Government

My client applied for the role of Senior Investigator in State (QLD) Government. He was one of five applicants (from a total of 40) shortlisted for an interview. A two-page statement was prepared to address six selection criteria. Following is a full excerpt of one criterion. An understanding of courtroom etiquette and proceedings. I have attended court on numerous occasions across four States and Territories [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Samples | Administrative & Business Support Officer

My client applied for the role of Administrative & Business Support Officer in State (QLD) Government. She progressed to the job interview stage, was offered the role and accepted. A two-page statement addressing six criteria was prepared. Following is a full excerpt of one criterion. High level customer service skills, interpersonal and communication skills. For a 14 year period I worked in an administrative capacity [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Responses | Intelligence Analyst QLD Government

My client applied for the role of Intelligence Analyst in State (QLD) Government. He was shortlisted with 50 others for an interview from a total of 600 applicants; 15 job vacancies were on offer. A total of 5 selection criteria based on the QLD Capability Leadership Framework (CLF) required addressing in two pages. Following is a full excerpt of one criterion. Supports productive working relationships: [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples | Senior Project Officer

My client applied for the role of Senior Project Officer in State (VIC) Government and was shortlisted for an interview. Even better, he was offered and accepted the role. A total of 6 selection criteria required addressing in three pages. Following is a full excerpt of one criterion. Project Management My high-level experience in project management practices, processes and principles are demonstrated through my involvement [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers | Probation Officer TAS Government

My client applied for the role of Probation Officer in State (TAS) Government and won a job interview. Six specifically-written selection criteria required addressing. A full example of one of the criteria follows. Well-developed interviewing, negotiation and conflict resolution skills including the ability to motivate, challenge behaviours and deal professionally with high risk offenders, critical situations and work related stress. On one occasion during my [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Samples | Manager Compliance

My client applied for the role of Manager Game Compliance in State (VIC) Government and won a job interview. She came in second to a candidate with 15 years’ experience. This was a very large application involving the addressing of 10 selection criteria across four pages in total. Following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Previous investigative or compliance / enforcement experience is required. [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Responses | English Teacher (VIC Government)

My client gained a job interview for an English teaching role in the Victorian education sector. This was a huge application that involved addressing 8 selection criteria, each ranged between 400 and 500 words. On completion, the word count for the entire application totalled approximately 4,000 words – that’s bigger than most university/tertiary assignments at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels! Following are excerpts from two [...]

Selection Criteria VS Cover Letters

Selection criteria vs. cover letters – there is a difference.

For potential candidates that are sourcing a role in one of the government sectors, Selection Criteria is something you may need to answer. Depending on how well you address each of these could depend on whether you gain an interview spot so it is critical that you get this right.

Most people often don’t realise there is a HUGE difference between a response to Selection Criteria and a Cover Letter.

What is a Selection Criteria response?

•  Is no more than 2 pages, addressing Key Responsibilities  (or Key Selection Criteria)  (4-8 questions)
• Is answering these questions using the STAR method (which is Situation, Task, Action, Result)
• You are required to respond to each question about a “time when” you were in a Situation, doing a specific Task where your Action was required, and then the Result. Use one example per question in a paragraph
• Without this (if the advertisement asks for it), you will not proceed to the next round for interview

What is a Cover Letter?

A Cover Letter is an introduction to yourself, to accompany your resume when you apply for a job.

• Is 1 page only
• Talks about you and why would you be suitable for the role
• Doesn’t cover all your skills (as the resume does this) but more so, it covers your personality traits
• You can talk about 1 main skill they require for the role and HOW you can use this in the new role
• Uses passion and juicy words to attract the reader’s attention

Most people find it more difficult to write a selection criteria response than it is to write a cover letter. The good news though: thinking through examples of your work history to use as answers is also great preparation for your interview.

If you have your heart set on a job that has Selection Criteria, but you don’t know where to start, we recommend you seek professional help.

BOOK YOUR FREE 15 MINUTE CAREER CONSULTATION NOW!

Don’t wait for the right opportunity. Create it.

Book in for a free 20-minute career strategy session with one of our consultants, so you can start taking action today!

Kate Langford Career Consulting – An Award-Winning Career Consulting Firm. We believe in helping people find work they love.

HELPFUL LINKS

Blog categories, all rights reserved 2022.

Cover letter template

Explain to the employer the purpose of your letter, why you’re applying for the job, how you meet the job criteria, and how they can contact you for an interview.

Cover letters for job applications

[your street number and name] [your suburb, state and postcode]

[title and name of addressee] [his/her position title if known]

[organisation’s name] [organisation’s address]

Dear [insert Ms/Mr Xxx or Sir/Madam]

    Application for position of [name of role], Reference Number [if given]

OPENING PARAGRAPH(S): The purpose of this letter, and why them.

Paragraph 1 : start by referring to the position you’re applying for (or “I am applying for the above position” if formatted as above) and where you saw the advertisement or heard about the role.

Paragraph 2 : explain why you’re interested in the role and the organisation. In order to do this, you need to have thoroughly read the selection criteria relating to the role and researched the organisation using their website, news sites, industry contacts, and so forth. If you’re applying through a recruitment agency and don't know the name of the hiring organisation, you can research the industry instead. Try to avoid clichés and make your interest in the organisation appear personal and genuine. A brief summary of your key selling points can be included at this point to highlight your ‘organisational fit’.

eg, GreenBuild’s recent exhibit at the Sustainable Cities festival was of particular interest to me as I have a passion for sustainable development. My skills in residential design developed through my Bachelor of Design in Architecture, along with my thorough knowledge of sustainable building practices acquired over two years as a project officer with the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage, would allow me to make a meaningful contribution to your mission to create Sydney’s greenest housing developments.

MIDDLE PARAGRAPHS: Why you?

Paragraph 3 : this is where you provide evidence as to how your qualifications, skills and experience meet the selection criteria for the position. You can draw evidence from a range of experiences if relevant, including academic studies, extracurricular activities, placements, volunteer roles and paid employment history, including casual work. This section where you address the selection criteria should be the longest section in your letter. It may be necessary to divide it into more than one paragraph.

eg, My strong time management skills have been developed through balancing part time work at Bob’s Café with volunteering commitments at my local community centre while meeting all assignment deadlines to maintain a distinction average in my studies.

FINAL PARAGRAPH: Wrap-up

Paragraph 4 : this is where you express the hoped-for outcome of your letter. End on a positive note and a call to further action. You may want to reiterate how your relevant strengths make you a suitable candidate for the role and mention your availability for interview. Refer to any attachments such as resume, transcript, application form, etc.

Yours sincerely [your name typed]

[Note: Use ‘Yours sincerely’ for letters beginning with ‘Dear plus Addressee’s Name’ and ‘Yours faithfully’ for letters beginning with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’]

Speculative cover letters

Speculative cover letters are used when you are proactively seeking opportunities directly with an employer, rather than responding to advertised vacancies. For speculative letters, follow the format above, with the following adjustments:

Opening paragraph : If you’ve been referred by a friend or colleague known to the recruiter, mention this. As no job has been advertised, state that you’re seeking employment opportunities in a particular occupational area or role.

Final paragraph : You may wish to include your intention to contact the employer on a particular day to follow up. Make sure that you keep your promise by noting the date in your diary and contacting the addressee on the mentioned date, as planned.

Need more cover letter tips?

How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter is your first introduction to a potential employer, so it needs to show that you’re a suitable candidate.

Addressing selection criteria

Selection criteria are the skills, knowledge, and experience required to successfully do the job.

How to write a resume

A clear, tailored and professional resume is essential for any job application. It should aim to convince an employer that your qualifications, work experience and skillset make you a strong match for the job.