The secret to answering Key Selection Criteria, particularly for government job applications has long been a mystery. Many that do tackle this application process alone, have several days of writing and re-writing to look forward to, before they seek the advice of well meaning unqualified friends and ultimately fall into selection criteria hysteria, a condition, which involves much stress, the delivery of a heartfelt but generalised application and ultimately no interview and no job”, she said.

So what is Government Selection Criteria and what are so many of us doing wrong?

Many applicants simply don’t know the rules. A government selection criterion is a test and for full marks you must first identify the question code and keywords. What we call the ‘code’ is the first few words that indicate what sort of answer to give. For example: If a question begins with the word ‘Demonstrate’ you must give a very specific example, describing the situation and detailing your course of action and the result. If the question begins with the words ‘Understanding of’ you must not only show the depth of you knowledge for a topic, but detail your deeper comprehension and understand it’s significance.

Once you have de-coded the specific type of answer you need to give, you must identify the keywords and skills. For example does a demonstrated ‘Communication Skills’ question need you to discuss a situation showing your oral and written communication skills or negotiation and interpersonal skills?

Finally you must tie the examples you select as closely as possible to duty statement of the role.

These are not easy things to do. Many people who consider themselves good writers and well qualified for the position can write a beautiful and even inspiring response. However, if they miss even one keyword, or have not given a specific demonstrated example when one was required, they will lose points and not get the job.

What job seekers need to know is that Government Selection Criteria are designed to provide a transparent and accountable recruitment and selection process. Because of this it may often seem arbitrary, with selection panels appearing more interested in score sheets than your talent or potential. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of fairness, the system means that the best person for the job, doesn’t often get the job.

With this in mind, some government departments are now running internal courses to teach staff how to re-apply for their own positions! For those in the corporate sector, seeking to break into the public sector, help is harder to find.

Winning Resumes recommends that:

1. You carefully consider the position – Can you thoroughly answer each question? Do you have the ‘demonstrated’ experience? If you don’t, then don’t put yourself through it, for you wont get the job.
   
   
2. If you are not skilled in writing selection criteria, you are time poor or have low stress tolerance, seek professional help!
   
   
3. If you do not secure the position or even an interview, you are within your rights to call the panel to discuss your score sheet to improve your next application. Make the most of this service.

To win the job and keep your sanity, learn to play the game and get it working for you.

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