Selection Criteria! Where do I start? 

Staring blankly at the computer screen waiting for divine inspiration to strike? Waiting for your true brilliance to flow through your fingertips onto that miserable looking blank page? Fear not! The key is preparation and the method is step by step.

·        Grab your favourite coloured highlighter and go to work on each of the Selection Criteria – identify each key skill or experience (KSE’s)

·        Working on one criterion at a time, set up a page with two columns

·        Working on KSE at a time, in the left column make brief, bullet point notes about your experience that relates to each of the key skills and experience you have highlighted, for example – Written Communication Skills:

o       Monthly reports for 3 years in ABC job

o       Prepare client correspondence, letters and emails in DEF job through all of my jobs – 12 years

o       Write print advertisements

o       University assignments

·        In the right column, make notes of the evidence that demonstrates your ability / understanding of the corresponding KSE – such as successes, awards, achievements, promotions, improvements to process, cost savings, increased sales, customer / management feedback etc. For example:

o       Monthly reports were extensive - up to 15 pages - explaining complex operational issues- received excellent feedback in annual performance reviews as to the quality of my reports

o       Client correspondence – carefully proof read and edit work for accuracy – commended on my professional writing skills

o       Print advertisements – developed many creative ads – campaigns generated between a 5 and 20% increase in sales

o       University assignments – over 5 years of study achieved a credit average

·        That’s all the preparation required! From here it is drafting (using the STAR method to explain specific examples), editing and proof reading – a bit like joining the dots really!

Tanya Clonan

Managing Consultant