Job Application Writing: How to Nail Selection Criteria Applications



Often the most time-consuming and harrowing parts of job application writing is the process of developing responses to selection criteria.  Some resume writers even avoid applying for just where a statement addressing selection criteria is required.  However, employers use selection criteria to compare applicants by the same measures.   Key selection criteria for a job are usually spelled out in a list of qualities, knowledge and skills needed for the job.  In one way, this creates a more level playing field for job application writers.  Evens so, there are certain things you can do to make your responses stand out.  Here are out top tips:

NUMBER 1:  STUDY THE SELECTION CRITERIA FIRST
Job application writers take some time to consider each selection criteria and consider what qualities and skills the 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 things that they value.  Then you will be able to weave this information into your selection criteria responses.  This will make you seem like a good fit for the company you are applying to.    

NUMBER 3:  GIVE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
In your job application writing, 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.  A selection criteria response is no place for rhetoric.  You must be clear and specific.  

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 resume 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.  

Popular posts from this blog

Tender Writing – The Top Three Qualities of an Effective Tender Writer

Tender writing can be a very challenging process but the effective tender writer will have a personality, a skill set and an approach that sets them apart from the run of the mill tender writer. I believe the really important qualities that a tender writer needs to possess are an ability to stay calm under pressure; an ability to org anise other people within the organisation and to organize resources, information and supporting documents or material and an ability to develop the strategy and approach that pitches the organisation in the right light to win the attention of those assessing the tender response. I will now discuss these qualities in further detail. Calm Under Pressure Tender writing can be a very pressurized situation. There are deadlines to meet. Responses need to be submitted by a specified time, in a specified format and in a specified way. Sometimes tenders need to be hand delivered, sometimes they need to be electronically submitted via a specified web porta
Read more

Avoid Tender Rejection With This Expert Advice

Image
The experienced tender writer finds it hard enough to get their tender considered after applying and following the guidelines, ensuring that the lodgement time is met and that they have crafted a decent tender response. Tender writing requires some skill to prepare a great application yet a lot of writers ensure their tender response is rejected at the first review by making some simple errors. Here are some of the pitfalls you need to avoid to ensure your application is not rejected without first being serious considered. Remember the assessment panel on first review of all the responses will be seeking to reject as many as possible initially to get down to a manageable number and to make the task easier. Following are the mistakes that will almost certainly see your response put into the NO pile. Failure to answer every question or tick every box on the application form This might seem just plain ridiculous. How can anyone fail to fill out the application form completely? W
Read more

Grant Writing – What are the determining factors in applying for a grant?

Image
There are many factors which determine if you should be applying for a grant and if your grant writer should spend time on crafting a great submission. Grant writing is far more than filling out an application and explaining why you need that funding. The outstanding grant writer will adopt a very strategic and thorough approach and will not just apply for everything on a whim. Following is a list of issues to consider when applying for grants. Organisational Eligibility All grants have eligibility criteria relating to the type of organisation Grants might be restricted to a business, an incorporated non profit, an organisation with DGR/PBI status for example. So before applying the grant writer will ensure that the organisation as an entity is eligible to apply for this grant.   Location Restrictions Grants at times can be only available to organisations within a set geographic location or a project being delivered within a specific geographic loc
Read more