Getting a government job: top 10 questions on how to answer the selection criteria

Relax! We’ve got you covered. It’s pretty easy once you start…

1. Do I need to complete the Selection Criteria for Non-Government Jobs?

For most private sector applications, you will only need a resume and letter of application. However, many private sector organizations (universities, hospitals, etc.) now use Selection Criteria for the appointment and promotion of staff.

two. Is a ‘Statement Against Selection Criteria’ the same as ‘Responses to Selection Criteria’ or ‘Summary of Responses to Selection Criteria’?

YES! This is a document in which you respond to the Selection Criteria using concrete workplace examples to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and abilities in relation to the Selection Criteria.

3. What is a selection criterion?

‘Criterion’ is the singular form of the word ‘criterion’.

4. How much do I need to write for each Selection Criteria?

You must write enough information to convince the selection panel that you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to do the job. Quality is more important than quantity. A general rule of thumb is to write between a half page and a page in length for each criterion. In some cases, you are advised on the required word length.

5. How long does it take to respond to the Selection Criteria?

This varies depending on your writing skills and application writing experience. It usually takes many hours, even days, to write a professional application. People who say, “I’ll put together an application and see how it goes” are rarely successful.

6. How do I respond when there are double or triple barrel questions?

Each selection criterion can have several elements (for example, oral and written communication skills and negotiation skills). Each section of the selection criteria must be addressed: Oral + Written Communication Skills + Negotiation Skills.

7. If I can’t answer a criterion, what should I do?

Remember when you skipped a question on your exam at school and got zero points? Likewise, a criterion without an answer is worth nothing. If you do not have the specific experience required, please indicate how you have similar experience.

8. How many applications are typically received for each position?

It varies a lot, but for positions like information officer, you may be competing with hundreds of other applicants for two or three available positions.

9. What is the preselection?

The selection panel develops a short list of applicants to be interviewed, based on how well their written applications meet the Selection Criteria or other selection tasks.

10. What is the “weighting” of the criteria?

The selection panel nominates the rating for each criterion based on the requirements to perform the job. There is no such thing as an unimportant criterion. Even a 10% weighted one deserves 100% effort and can be the difference between being selected for the position and being the ‘runner-up’.

Now, you have a basic understanding of what it takes to apply for a government job. Do you remember when you learned to drive a car? It was really hard trying to remember how to shift…and drive…at the same time. But, he soon figured out how to do both tasks automatically.

Similarly, applying for a government job involves learning a variety of new skills. In particular, you should learn how to ‘sell’ yourself on your application, while also providing workplace examples that demonstrate your skills and experience. Keep working on it, it’s a worthwhile journey.