Writing to a Selection Criteria.. :-(

Addressing selection criterias... Pain the bum I tell ya!.. :mad: :(

Yes it can be but having sat on a few selection panels i can tell you the best answers are the ones that are on the short side but answer the question

I disagree with that. I think you need to provide indepth answers to all the criteria. They can only judge you on what you write and can't include any assumed knowledge..... that's my experience :-)

i also disagree, having written a few and gotten a lot of feedback that hinted that they should be longer rather than shorter.

like 1 page per question, minimum.

Irinaldi you also need to consider, does someone on the panel want to be reading a 10 page application? I think not. I've sat on a selection panel for a government job so i've seen both ends of it.

Essentially with the criterion 1 is the most important so should have the most emphasis placed on it and the last one being the least important... usually it will end up being something like can follow a code of conduct or is aware of equity and diversity within the workplace.

When addressing criterion keep in mind of the STAR principle...

Situation – provide a brief outline of the situation or setting
Task – outline what you did
Action – outline how you did it, and
Result – describe the outcomes.

Also when addressing criterion - usually the job will have a duty statement supplied with the selection criteria... make sure you write your answers in context of the duty statement.

Say for an IT job

ie - 1. Demonstrates analytical skills and sound judgement including problem solving skills and seeking technical advice as necessary.

Dont go writing saying you have analytical skills as evidenced by your job working at mcdonalds, you need to put in the context of an IT job...Although if this is an entry level position just ignore what i've just said as because anything will do as long as you can prove you have the above skills....

Please please please do not waffle on, be concise and to the point. You should keep in mind your application will not be the only one so make sure it stands out from the others. Get a lot of people to proof read the application because i can guarantee they will pick up mistakes you miss.

-edit-

By the way Diva knows what she is talking about. You just need to have an application to suit the level of job you are applying for.. If it happens to be something like a 100k job sure the application will have to be big as no doubt it requires large skillset, but for something entry level, all you need is something that sastisfies the selection criteria. Also keep in mind the application is to get you through to Interviews. The interview carries more weight than the application....

-edit-

wait... you're lloyd aren't you....? you should know all this already man :P It's piss easy to write for defence.

if it's for govt: short

for private sector: long

Quote from Minorci;295385:

Situation ? provide a brief outline of the situation or setting
Task ? outline what you did
Action ? outline how you did it, and
Result ? describe the outcomes.

Best advice ever.

However, I disagree that it's as rigid as people make it out to be - regardless of the salary cap of a position. Don't be afraid to use situations that are outside the box. They don't have to be relevant to the field if you don't have the experience.

But if you don't have the experience, make sure your actions and the outcome were positive. The situation should be something you know that 50 other people won't have just explained to the panel before you got in.

You'd be surprised how many times people get passed panel selections because they had an example that was memorable, if not directly relevant.

Be prepared, confident in your answers, and don't be afraid to be spontaneous - which you'll find isn't hard if you've done your homework.

It is tough yeah... but I think they'd be more impressed if you would be able to convince them that despite not knowing the answer or not having the exact skill they are looking for, you have what it takes to get the job done properly or you can work it out professionally. (eg. I may not know how to operat an <model device> but given having learned to drive at the age of 17 and getting a full license by the age of 20, I do not think it will be a hindrance for me to learn how get the job done using the equipment).

But then again, there are those that have their own agenda and it's tough to go against that (eg. "I appologize for the delay in responding to your application, but I regret to inform you that the position has been canceled ").

Quote from Minorci;295385:
Irinaldi you also need to consider, does someone on the panel want to be reading a 10 page application? I think not. I've sat on a selection panel for a government job so i've seen both ends of it.

wait... you're lloyd aren't you....? you should know all this already man :P It's piss easy to write for defence.

hehe.. Cheers Kel.. yus it's me! Not writing one for Defence, they don't pay enough anymore :-P

When on earth did you sit on a panel for the gov ya big fibber.. :grin:

Cheers for the suggestions fellas but I am an old hand at writing to SCs.
But doesn't mean that they aren't difficult to write.. and a pain in the bum..

Quote from lrinaldi;295400:
hehe.. Cheers Kel.. yus it's me! Not writing one for Defence, they don't pay enough anymore :-P

When on earth did you sit on a panel for the gov ya big fibber.. :grin:

Since i moved to the big wide world of Canberra man ;)

Probably the best move you've made mate. They announced today that ICT is being outsourced! UNISYS is the company that'll be taking over :-)

So if you see any interesting jobs in canberra let me know ;-)