March 13, 2017 - By Monique Thompson
How to write Selection Criteria
Selection criteria play a crucial role in government and public sector recruitment, forming the foundation of how hiring panels assess suitability, capability and alignment with role requirements. Whether applying for APS, state government or education department roles, the ability to write clear, evidence based and persuasive selection criteria responses is essential to progressing through merit based recruitment processes.
As one of Australia’s leading providers of professional résumé writing, government applications and selection criteria services, 1300 Resume has helped thousands of candidates secure interviews and appointments by crafting strong, targeted and compliant responses. Understanding what panels look for, how to structure your examples and how to align your experience with the advertised capabilities can significantly improve your competitiveness as an applicant.
Understanding What Selection Criteria Really Assess
Selection criteria are designed to evaluate your capability, experience and behaviour in real workplace situations. They help recruiters determine how you perform under pressure, how you respond to challenges, how you resolve complex issues and how you contribute to organisational outcomes. Strong responses must demonstrate depth, insight and results, not simply describe tasks.Common capability frameworks across Australia include:
- APS Integrated Leadership System
- NSW Public Sector Capability Framework
- Queensland Public Sector Capability and Leadership Framework
- Education Department core capabilties
Understanding the language in these frameworks helps you tailor your examples more effectively.
Use the STAR Method to Structure Your Responses
Government assessors expect applicants to use a structured behavioural framework such as STAR. This ensures clarity, logical flow and measurable evidence.
- Situation – Provide context and background
- Task – Describe the challenge, expectation or responsibility
- Action – Explain what you did, how you did it and why
- Result – Demonstrate the impact and measurable outcome
Weak responses often fail because they describe responsibilities rather than actions or omit quantifiable results. Strong responses clearly demonstrate what you personally contributed.
Common Mistakes When Writing Selection Criteria
Across decades of reviewing government applications, Monique Thompson has identified recurring issues:
- Writing vague statements without evidence
- Repeating résumé content instead of expanding on examples
- Focusing on duties rather than achievements
- Writing responses that are too short or too long
- Using generic, non specific language
- Not addressing each part of the criterion
- Including examples that are outdated or irrelevant
Selection criteria require focus, accuracy and a strong understanding of what the panel is assessing.
How to Choose the Right Examples
Your response should align with the complexity level of the role. For example:
- APS3 applicants may use operational or administrative examples
- APS5/APS6 should demonstrate analysis, stakeholder engagement and problem solving
- EL1/EL2 must demonstrate leadership, strategic influence and high level judgement
Always choose examples that showcase achievements, initiative and measurable outcomes.
Strengthen Your Application Through Professional Writing
A well written selection criteria response demonstrates communication ability before the interview stage even begins. Panels assess your clarity, structure, written communication, judgement and professionalism through the quality of your written submission. Investing time into editing, refining and ensuring your examples are compelling is essential.
Partnering with Professional Selection Criteria Writers
Crafting selection criteria can be challenging and time consuming. Many applicants benefit from partnering with a specialist selection criteria writer who understands government frameworks, panel expectations and modern recruitment processes. At 1300 Resume, our expert writers and career coaches craft targeted, evidence based responses that clearly demonstrate capability and align with legislative and departmental requirements.
If you are seeking expert support to strengthen your selection criteria responses, government résumé or public sector job application, our team can assist with tailored writing services, interview coaching and application guidance.
Contact 1300 RESUME or email us for personalised support and a no obligation quote. With more than 10,000 clients assisted since 1995, we look forward to helping you advance your government career.