What is Selection Criteria

Описание: When an employer advertises a position, they will often include selection criteria in the job advertisement. While smaller businesses may not follow this protocol, if you are applying for a position with the Australian government, the selection criteria will be an essential part of the employment process. Sometimes even large corporations require a formal response to selection criteria.
Selection criteria is used for a number of reasons. Primarily selection criteria is used to ensure the right candidate is chosen for the position, but selection criteria is also used to ensure consistent communication with all applicants, promote fairness, and it is also used to explain the exact expectations of the organisation, so applicants can work out themselves if this is the right job for them.
When an organisation decides they have a position vacant, the first thing they need to do is decide what exactly they need the person fulfilling it to do. Vacant positions occur because an organisation has a specific need, or task that needs to be completed. Selection criteria outline what a person needs to know or be able to do, to complete the job requirements successfully.
Many positions will also have industry standards or require specific certification. As an example, if you are applying for a position as a medical doctor, you need to have the appropriate qualifications and certifications for the state and country you live in. If you are applying for a position within the Australian Government, there may also be legal requirements that you are an Australian citizen, or don't have a criminal record. These requirements may be included in the selection criteria, so you know exactly what to expect before submitting your resume and application.
Selection criteria is often broken up into two sections, essential selection criteria, and desirable selection criteria. The essential section covers the qualities, skills and experience that you must demonstrate before you can be employed, and these conditions are not negotiable. These may ask for examples of your real life work experiences and involvement in complex scenarios down to something as simple as having a current driver's licence or your qualifications.
Desirable selection criteria does not need to be met, but if you do it will be highly respected and you'll have a much better chance of gaining the position, over someone who doesn't meet this selection criteria. Examples of desired selection criteria may include previous experience in a similar role, the ability to speak a different language, or other qualities that could help support you in doing a better job.
When you complete your job application, go through each of the criteria carefully and systematically. Ensure that all evidence is included in your resume, but also addressed in your covering letter. When writing your cover letter, address each point and clearly explain why and how you satisfy this. You can also ask a friend or family member to read over your application, and tick off the evidence you provide as it matches with the employment selection criteria.
If you would like assistance, the team at Successful Resumes has had many years experience helping job applicants complete and comply with selection criteria. Click here to locate a Successful Resume team member in your area. [link to SRA website|