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Addressing key selection criteria
Key selection criteria are a list of skills, experience, qualifications and attributes employers want to see in a prospective employee. Sometimes they might be boken into 'essential' and 'desirable' criteria.
Sometimes the key selection criteria are listed in the advertisement. More often they are included in a separate position description which you need to obtain. Most job ads will mention how to get the position description, for example via email, a phone call, or from a website. You may address the key selection criteria in an application form or your cover letter, but more usually you will be asked to address them in a separate document. If you do not do this your application may not even be considered.
How to write the statement addressing the key selection criteria
- use 'Statement addressing the key selection criteria' as the heading of a new document
- use each key selection criteria as a sub-heading in bold
- write two or three sentences underneath outlining how you meet that criteria
- rather than simply saying that you have the skill or attribute, give specific examples of when you have demonstrated them, and any indicators of success. For example:
Organisational abilities
I demonstrated my high level of organisational skills while part of the team that coordinated my local toy library’s annual fundraising fete. I was solely responsible for catering on the day, organising the hire of BBQ equipment, negotiating cost price with local suppliers and overseeing the roster of volunteers. The sausage sizzle was one of the most successful fundraisers on the day raising $500, exceeding our target of $250.
Think creatively
Reading the key selection criteria can often feel intimidating because they tend to be written in jargon and buzzwords. It is also rare to feel that you meet every one. Key selection criteria are really just 'wish lists' and the likelihood that any applicant will meet all of the criteria is pretty low. At this stage all you need to do is get your foot in the door for an interview. If an employer can see you are keen and capable and have a good attitude they may be willing to train you in the areas where you lack experience.
We also often undervalue or overlook our own skills, so talk to people who know you and ask for their ideas.
Where you feel you lack experience, the trick is to find a creative way of connecting something you've done in the past, even outside of paid work, with what they are looking for.
You will find examples of typical parent or carer experiences that meet some common key selection criteria in the Responding to Key Selection Criteria (PDF 79kb) fact sheet.
For more detailed tips also see the section of the Victorian Government Careers website: addressing key selection criteria.
For more inspiration see our Workspeak for your resume fact sheet and our Your transferable skills section.