For the first-time job hunter, and even experienced candidates, section criteria can be a difficult aspect of many job applications. But with some helpful advice and the right technique they don’t have to be confronting.
Many jobs, particularly those in the public sector, require applicants to provide a statement addressing a number of key selection criteria, along with a
cover letter and
resume. It is critically important that you are sure to include your statement addressing all selection criteria, as your application will not be considered without it.
Selection criteria are typically divided into ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ criteria. Ideally, you should meet all of the essential criteria in order to be seriously considered for the role. Your chances of being short-listed for the position are greatly increased if you also satisfy the desirable criteria (although it is not mandatory that you possess all the skills, knowledge and qualifications outlined in the desirable criteria).
It is important to specifically address every individual criterion and clearly outline how you believe you satisfy it. You must use evidence drawn from your experience to demonstrate how you satisfy each criterion; you should provide specific details and, wherever possible, give an indication of the success or result of your actions.
You may find it useful to apply the
STAR model of addressing selection criteria:
- Situation — provide a brief outline of the situation or setting
- Task — outline what you did
- Approach or action — outline how you did what you did
- Result — describe the outcome(s)
The GradCareers website helps graduates and final-year university students find the right career and graduate program for them. It provides information on a wide range of graduate programs and the companies that offer them. Many of these employers offer work locations in countries around the world, as well as throughout Australia. We recommend that you visit the site at
www.gradcareers.com.au and browse the list of employers that offer graduate programs. The graduate programs listed on this site are offered by a broad range of Australia’s top employers. Graduate opportunities with these many companies span a great variety of interesting and exciting industries, fields and jobs. No matter where your interests lie or what degree discipline you have studied there is bound to be an exciting opportunity waiting for you with one of the graduate programs listed on this site. Lucy Ayers is the Editorial Content Coordinator for GradCareers.
