Key selection criteria are the skills, attributes, knowledge and qualifications that the employer has defined as being essential for satisfying the requirements of the job and can be found in every Position Description. Show When applying for a job you are required to write a short statement against each criterion, which outlines how your current skills, attributes, knowledge or qualifications satisfy this criterion. Including selection criteria in the application process assists the Selection Panel in assessing all applicants fairly and consistently. Applicants are also benefited by the selection criteria, as it gives you a better understanding of what the job requires and you will be able to assess your own capabilities against the requirements of the job. Describing how you meet the selection criteria will make sure that all the information about your fittingness for the position is acknowledged. Therefore, increasing your chances in the selection process. Key selection criteria may be drawn from the University's Competency Index. You should review this when addressing the selection criteria. What if I don’t address the Selection Criteria?An application that fails to address the stated key selection criteria may not be considered. All applications must address the key selection criteria. Directly addressing each key selection criteria provides the opportunity to show the selection panel that you are the best person for the job. How will this information be used by the selection panel?The panel will use all the information provided in the application and the attachments provided, to assess how well an applicant meets the selection criteria. Where do I find out about the Key Selection Criteria?The key selection criteria are found in the Position Description. It clearly documents the qualifications, skills, attributes and knowledge a person must possess to properly perform the duties of the position. How do I address the Selection Criteria?When addressing Selection Criteria it is important to consider the following steps: 1. Create a new document Start the document with your name, the job title and position number and a heading such as Statement of Claims against the Key Selection Criteria or Summary Addressing Key Selection Criteria. 2. Read the Selection Criteria carefully One capability may ask for ‘experience in’ while another may specify ‘knowledge of’. Make sure that you understand and address these subtle differences. If you have questions regarding the selection criteria, contact the contact person indicated on the front of the position description before submitting your application. Indigenous applicants are invited to contact the Indigenous Employment Coordinator on 03 8344 9978 for advice and support with your application. 3. Address each Selection Criteria individually Use each of the key selection criteria as a separate heading in the document and summarise in the space below how your skills, qualifications, experience and personal attributes are relevant for that particular criteria. 4. Break the Key Selection Criteria into key points The selection criteria may be written in such a way that more than one quality is being assessed. Underline key words and determine what the employer is asking for. For example a capability such as Ability to communicate with people from a variety of backgrounds could be broken up into the factors of ability, communication and people from a variety of backgrounds. How often did you communicate? What was your level of responsibility? What sort of communication was required? How often? With whom? How well did you communicate? How do you know? 5. Support your claims with evidence Avoid blank unsubstantiated statements such as ‘I have extremely well developed communication skills’. This is your opinion; the employer needs evidence that it is true. You need to provide concrete examples that demonstrate your skills and abilities and illustrate the complexity and demands of the task used as an illustration. It may be easier to do this if you use the CAR approach:
6. Use active verbs Statements such as I negotiated or I liaised with have more impact than I was involved in or I was responsible for. The use of strong, specific verbs will help you to describe your role more clearly. 7. Use good English Your ability to communicate in writing will be assessed by the way in which you address the key selection Criteria. Ask someone else to proofread your responses for you as it is easy to make spelling and grammatical mistakes without realising! 8. Ask yourself the 'so what?' question When attempting to provide appropriate evidence to support your claims it is useful to ask yourself the ‘So What?’ question. For example: Leadership, change management and teamwork skills: Applying the ‘So What?’ question: So what? Why did you do this? What did you accomplish? I have been able to demonstrate sound and appropriate judgement in a wide range of (staffing/supervisory/management) situations during a time of significant change in my (Faculty/business unit/team/area). Additionally I have formed strong working relationships with senior managers/academic, colleagues and staff reporting to me. Additionally, I have contributed to (special projects, working groups, committees?) to illustrate my abilities to work independently and as part of a team. |