Tips for Responding to Selection Criteria



Often the most time-consuming and harrowing part of completing a job application is the process of developing responses to selection criteria.  Key selection criteria for a job are usually spelled out in a list of qualities, knowledge and skills needed for the job.  Employers use selection criteria to compare applicants by the same measures.  If you want to stand out amongst a sea of applicants, then nailing your responses is a must.  Here are out top tips:  

NUMBER 1:  STUDY THE CRITERIA FIRST
Take some time to consider each selection criteria and consider what qualities and skills your prospective employer is looking for.  Making a bullet point list can be a helpful step.  

NUMBER 2:  UNDERSTAND YOUR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER
Good job application writers ensure that they’ve researched the company for which they are applying before they start their application.  Find out what their core business is and their mission statement.  Use your networks to learn about their culture and the thing that they value.  This will make you stand out from other applicants.  

NUMBER 3:  GIVE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
In your job application, don’t be vague.  Rather than saying, “I worked in a team,” for example, explain specifically what your role was within that team.  Give examples of tasks your completed, problems your resolved, action that you took and results that you achieved.  

NUMBER 4:  SUBSTANTIATE YOUR CLAIMS
Where you can, use hard data to back up your claims.  It’s a powerful thing to be able to say, “I achieved a 20% increase in sales,” or “I attracted 8 new clients to the company.”  Also, if you’ve ever received any awards, be sure to mention them.  Employee of the Month is more than just a token prize. This is a sure fire was for your job application to stand out.  

NUMBER 5: KEEP THE LAYOUT SIMPLE
Bullet points and short sentences are best! Time poor recruiters are looking for the key points in a few words. Less is more when it comes to job applications. 

NUMBER 6: GET SOME HELP
If you need really want to nail your selection criteria, then consider getting some professional help.  Red Tape Busters are specialists in job application writing and can help you produce a resume, cover letter and/or selection criteria that gets noticed. Visit http://www.redtapebusters.com/  for more information. Red Tape Busters are also specialists in providing the following services:

· Lobbying;
· Tender Writing;
· Grant Writing;
· Resumes/Job Applications;
· Organisational/Business Development.

Contact us today! Please also “friend” or “like” us on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/RedTapeBustersShaneBowering, follow us on Twitter – Red Tape Busters or check us out on YouTube just search for Red Tape Busters.  

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