Today, Sharon Cousins from Ready Resumes in Wollongong talks about how to properly address selection criteria, an integral (and often complicated) part of applying for a job these days.

 

I hope it is useful to you. Any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me through the contact form.

 

Do’s

• Be concise.

• Organise your application.

• Give relevant personal details.

• Comment on the extent to which your claims match the selection criteria giving concrete examples. (Ready Résumés Tip – Refer to key words in job description for relevance.)

• Format your application neatly.

• Check for spelling and grammatical errors.

• Submit your application on time or seek a time extension with good reason.

• Include a covering letter & résumé with your statement addressing each criterion.

 

Don'ts

• Give great detail about duties performed many years ago that are not relevant to the current position.

• Use poor photocopies of old or general applications.

• Waffle. 
                                                                             

(Source www.careers.unsw.edu.au)

 

Aim to write about a half a page for each criterion, with anything more than a page becoming too much! 

 

The following examples address a criterion relating to ‘teamwork’ from two different experiences:

 

Example one – Experience gained at university

At university I regularly work within teams to complete assignments. An example of this occurred recently while undertaking a survey for an occupational safety unit. [This statement identifies the situation]

 

This involved team discussions to decide who was responsible for particular aspects of the survey, milestones and time frames in order to ensure the unit objectives were met. My team also discussed and agreed to processes that we would follow should a member of the team not complete their assigned task. [This states behaviour based actions and activities]

 

This resulted in a very positive team environment where our members shared and discussed information openly and which led to us all receiving good grades for the unit. [This notes what happened as a result of your behaviour]

 

Example two – Experience gained from community involvement

For the past two years I have been a volunteer at my local youth club.

 

This has involved a range of team-based activities that include:

 

• Club meetings to plan activities and agree group responsibilities

• Undertaking shared administrative and on-call club duties every month

• Liaising with other team members to ensure we all have the same information

• Representing the club at council meetings providing feedback to the team

• Strong commitment to effective teamwork which has directly affected our being recognised as a safe place for local youth within the community.

 

Remember …

• Read & follow any instructions provided in the job advert. or job application pack.

• Brainstorm with others to identify examples of your past behaviours that will highlight your competencies.

• Address essential and desirable criteria separately.

• Use clear headings for each criterion.

• Include statements that highlight achievements and outcomes.

• Check your spelling and grammar.

• If in doubt ask the Human Resources department or a Careers Advisor for help.