do you address selection criteria in a cover letter

How to Write a Cover Letter Addressing Selection Criteria in 10 Steps

by Nicole Wren | Jan 29, 2024 | Writing Advice

Table of Contents

Some job applications will ask you to provide a response to selection criteria, as well as your resume or CV. These criteria are the specific skills and experience that a job requires. In many cases, the application guidelines request that the selection criteria should be responded to within a cover letter. (Sometimes, they request a response in a different format, like this APS Statement of Claims example ). Many people wonder how to write a cover letter addressing selection criteria, though (as selection criteria writers , we get asked daily!).

While your resume or CV should state that you have the relevant experience, a selection criteria response will require more detail and specific examples. As well as providing more information, selection criteria also provide a structured way to assess candidates.

The job ad might include something like this:

Let’s look at 10 things to keep in mind when addressing selection criteria in a cover letter.

1. Start Your Cover Letter in the Standard Cover Letter Format

Begin your cover letter in the standard format, with a header containing your contact information. Then, include the employer’s contact details, including their name (or a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager”). Use a standard font and font size, like Arial 10-12.

2. (Opening Paragraph): Express Your Enthusiasm

Specifically state the role you are applying for. Convey your eagerness to contribute your skills and experience to the organisation. You might also like to mention the company’s values, and how your own align (tip: be specific and authentic here). If there is something else that attracts you to the organisation (such as a recent company achievement), you might like to mention it here, to show you have a good understanding of them.

3. (Body Paragraphs): List and Highlight Each Selection Criteria

List and highlight each of the selection criteria in the body of the cover letter. This will help you keep on task and ensure each selection criterion is adequately responded to (note: you should remove this at the end – see step 9).

4. (Body Paragraphs): Paraphrase Each Criterion and Your Experience

Write an introductory sentence for each criterion, paraphrasing the language and keywords used in the selection criterion.

5. (Body Paragraphs): Brainstorm Ideas for Each Criterion

Make some notes within your document, then choose your ‘best ideas’. Tip: you’ll need to be as specific as possible. Rather than saying you communicated daily with different customers in a previous role, think of a specific time you communicated with a specific customer, and how you had a positive impact.

6. (Body Paragraphs): Use the STAR Format for Each Example

The STAR format is a well-known way to structure selection criteria. It goes like this:

Situation (S): Briefly set the context by describing the situation or problem you encountered. Keep it concise to provide necessary background information. This section should make up approximately 10% of your response.

Task (T): Describe your specific role or task within the situation. Explain what was expected of you and any challenges or goals you needed to address. This section should make up around 10% of your response.

Action (A): This section should make up around 60% of your response. Describe the actions you took in detail. This is where you showcase your skills, competencies, and problem-solving abilities. Use specific examples, highlight your contributions, and explain your thought process.

Result (R): Approximately 20% of your response. Conclude by outlining the positive outcome or result of your actions. Mention any benefits to the organisation. While this is one of the smaller sections, it is one of the most important. Many candidates forget to include a strong result section.

Note, the STAR method is not necessary for yes/no criteria such as certain qualifications. For these criteria, you can simply state that you have the required qualifications.

7. (Conclusion Paragraph): Sign-off Positively

Conclude your cover letter with a short paragraph thanking the reader for their time, and welcoming the opportunity for an interview. You may like to reiterate your interest in the role.

8. Sign Off as in a Standard Cover Letter

End with a professional sign-off such as ‘Kind regards’ or ‘Yours Sincerely’, along with your full name. There is no need to sign the cover letter.

9. Remove the Highlighted Selection Criteria

Since these headings were included only as a guide for you, you should now remove them. Your introductory sentence within each paragraph will be enough to allow the reader to understand that you have addressed each one.

10. Proof-Read and Submit

Proof-read your document for any errors, including grammar and spelling. You may like to have a friend or family member complete this part for you. Another tip is to save the document as a PDF, and read through it that way (the doucmnet will look slightly different and will allow you to assess it with fresh eyes).

Cover Letter Addressing Selection Criteria Example

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you address selection criteria in a cover letter.

There are a few different formats for responding to selection criteria. Sometimes, you may be asked to respond to specific online questions related to the criteria. Sometimes, you may be asked to provide a ‘separate document’ style selection criteria response. Sometimes, you can address selection criteria in a cover letter. It is important that you thoroughly read the application guidelines to determine what is required.

How long should a cover letter addressing selection criteria be?

A cover letter addressing selection criteria should typically be between one to two pages. If the application guidelines specify a length, you should always adhere to that.

How to address selection criteria you don’t meet?

Selection criteria are sometimes deemed either essential or desirable. You should provide a response to both essential and desirable criteria, even if you don’t meet them. You should provide a summary of your most transferrable skills and experience.

Our selection criteria writers specialise in addressing selection criteria, both in cover letter and other formats.

Contact us if you need more assistance with your application.

Read our latest resume tips .

Nicole Wren

Senior Writer

Nicole is the principal resume writer at Resumes to Impress. Nicole loves writing and sharing her knowledge about all things job hunting and career guidance.

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How to address key selection criteria in a cover letter

This article is recommended for individuals near the beginning of their careers, introduction.

Having spent a significant portion of my career in the realm of recruitment, I've come to understand the importance of job seekers ably addressing the key selection criteria of a vacancy in their cover letter.

It can truly make or break your job application. This is particularly true when an employer has noted these criteria as basics.

Allow me to share with you a step-by-step guide for taking on the key selection criteria within your cover letter.

How to address selection criteria

Understand the criteria.

As a start, read over each of the key selection criteria talked about in the job ad. Make sure you have a clear grasp of what the employer is looking for in a candidate.

Create a table or list

Sort the key selection criteria into a table or a list format. This will help you keep track of each criterion and your answer to it. 

Use specific example

For each criterion, give specific examples from your past work experiences, education, or other related aspects of your background that show your skills, abilities, and experiences related to that criterion. Be sure to talk about your achievements, responsibilities, and any measurable results.

Follow the STAR method

When discussing each criterion, try using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to write your responses. Describe the situation or context, the task you had to carry out, the actions you took, and the results you gained. This is a clear and concise way to show your qualifications.

Highlight relevance

Make a strong link between your qualifications and the requirements of the job. Explain how your skills and experiences align with the specific criteria and how they will elevate your success in the role.

Tailor each response

Customise your answers for each criterion to match the language and terms used in the job ad. This shows your attention to detail and that you've carefully thought about the employer's needs.

While giving detailed examples is important, aim to keep your responses concise and focused. Avoid undue elaboration or extra details that could take away from the main points.

Prioritise & order

Cover the key selection criteria in the order of importance as shown in the job ad. If the criteria are not explicitly ranked, try addressing them in the order that best reveals your strengths and relevance to the role.

After drafting your responses, carefully edit your cover letter to ensure it is free of errors, typos, and grammatical mistakes. A well-written cover letter shows your professionalism and attention to detail.

Overall cover letter structure

Integrate your answers into the overall structure of your cover letter. Start with an introduction that briefly talks about the role you're applying for and why you're interested. Then address the key selection criteria, using a paragraph for each criterion. Finally, finish with a summary of your enthusiasm for the role and your availability for further discussion.

If you're looking for more in-depth help with cover letter writing, please click the button below to read my free e-book on the topic.

By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively discuss key selection criteria in your cover letter, making a great case for your suitability for the job.

Remember to customise each cover letter for the specific position you're applying to, as a tailored approach is more likely to capture the employer's attention.

For further assistance, I recommend you check out myfuture's article: How to respond to key selection criteria .

Are you looking for a job?

Now that you understand how to address key selection criteria in a cover letter, you should take a moment to check our  current vacancies page .

At 11 Recruitment, we have a range of white-collar temp and perm jobs available. We're always on the lookout for top talent to place with our clients, so we encourage you to apply for any positions that are of interest.

If none of our current vacancies are right for you, you should register for job alerts . Then we’ll be able to notify you when we receive a position that matches your profile.

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Addressing selection criteria

How to write convincing statements that hit key points

Selection criteria are the skills, knowledge, and experience required to successfully do the job.

A key aim of a job application is to demonstrate that you meet the inherent requirements of the role. While a resume may offer an overview of your skills and experience, statements that directly address the selection criteria provide more detail about how you have demonstrated the competencies required to do the job. The employer can then compare candidates against the same set of criteria.

Where do I address selection criteria?

Keep the selection criteria in mind when describing your skills on your resume, but most employers will also expect you to address the selection criteria more directly elsewhere in your application.

Here are the most common formats for addressing selection criteria:

A statement of claims against selection criteria is a document where you will use each criterion as a heading and write a description of how you meet each one. Organisations that use this method of addressing selection criteria include government departments, non-government organisations (NGOs), universities and research institutes. They will request this document in the job advertisement or information package. Use the title the organisation has given this document and include the job title and reference number, if applicable, as well as your name as a header on each page. Deal with the criteria in the same order as in the advertisement or duty statement.

An online application may require you to address each criterion in a text box within an online form. This process is very similar to writing the statement of claims against selection criteria mentioned above. Alternatively, the selection criteria may be phrased as questions that you will need to answer in detail, for example:

• “Can you describe a time you have successfully worked as part of a team?” (Selection criterion: teamwork skills)
• “What have you gained from your studies in chemistry?” (Selection criterion: knowledge and skills specific to chemistry)
• Why are you applying to work in our consulting department?” (Selection criterion: knowledge of and interest in consulting)

Online applications are commonly used by large organisations and in recruitment for graduate or internship programs.  

A cover letter in which you will address the selection criteria more briefly and in the format of a formal single page letter. Be aware that some organisations require that you write both a cover letter AND a statement against the selection criteria.

Examples of selection criteria

Selection criteria often fall into two main categories: essential and desirable. It is important to address both essential and desirable criteria to maximise your chance of being selected for an interview. Within these two categories, there are different types of criteria that refer to different requirements.

Qualifications

Usually a degree, diploma or other certified training course. Example: ‘A minimum four-year degree in Social Work, Psychology or related discipline.’

These can be technical, discipline-specific or transferable skills .

Technical example: 'Intermediate programming skills, preferably using Python and/or SQL.'

Discipline specific example: 'Sound research skills including the ability to conduct literature reviews and analyse data.'

Transferable example: 'Excellent time management skills including an ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.'

This refers to duties or activities that you have performed before. Remember that experience can be gained through a variety of avenues including volunteering and extracurricular activities.

General example: 'Customer service experience.'

Specific example: 'Experience in arts administration, preferably within a gallery or museum.'

An understanding of a subject area through exposure, study or experience. Example: 'An understanding of marketing principles relevant to the FMCG industry.'

How to address selection criteria

To address selection criteria in a one-page cover letter, see our cover letter tips and template . 

Your responses to the selection criteria in a statement of claims or online application form will be more detailed and contain enough evidence to convince the employer that you meet the job criteria. A simple one- or two-line answer will rarely be sufficient.

The key to writing a strong response lies in identifying examples of instances where you have clearly demonstrated the required competency. Use the STAR formula to construct your answer. About 80% of your answer should focus on the 'Action', describing what you did and how you did it.

Example selection criteria using STAR

Criterion: Demonstrated problem solving skills and initiative.

Situation – where, when, and context of your example.

As the event coordinator for the University’s Science in Media Society, I volunteered to organise a fundraising event for a cancer research facility while in the final year of my Communications and Media Studies degree.

Task – the task or problem to be solved.

Our budget was cut during the preliminary planning and I needed to devise a strategy on how to run the event with only half the funds I was anticipating.

Action – how you solved the problem, fulfilled the task or handled the situation. What did you do and how did you do it, that demonstrates the criterion you are addressing?

In the first instance, I calculated which expenses were critical and could be covered by our current budget. Next, I decided to make up the shortfall by approaching local businesses for sponsorship. I created an online flyer to outline the benefits of getting involved, such as positive publicity and the opportunity to raise their profile with high achieving students, and cold called 36 targeted businesses. To ensure a good attendance at the event I utilised my social media skills to activate a network of potential supporters, and advertise an attractive range of lucky door prizes.

Result – the outcome/s achieved as result of your action/s. Quantify the result where possible.

As a result of my actions I convinced 11 businesses to contribute funds which covered all outstanding expenses. The event attracted over a hundred attendees and raised $5000 for the research facility. I was also subsequently invited by the University’s student association to contribute to a development workshop for new student leaders, in recognition of the skills I had displayed in managing this event.

Tips for addressing selection criteria

• When selecting examples, choose examples that are relevant to the criterion, the employer and the job. Where possible, select more recent examples, and use examples that give you the best opportunity to demonstrate your level of skill.
• For most industries, you can choose examples from a range of different activities such as internships, casual work, volunteering, university projects and extracurricular activities.
• If you are writing a statement of claims against selection criteria as a Word document, list criteria as headings in bold print, and address each criterion in a couple of paragraphs.
• For criteria with more than one part, eg, ‘Effective written and verbal communication skills’, ensure you address each part.
• Quantify your experience or outcomes if you can, eg, ‘three years’ experience in creating monthly budgets using Microsoft Excel’.
• Use action-oriented words, eg, ‘assessed’, ‘implemented’, ‘organised’, and ‘developed’, that reflect the language used in the job description.  
• Where you have extensive relevant experience to draw on, you can start your statement addressing a criterion with a brief summary of that experience and follow with one or two detailed examples.

Register for career skills workshops

How to write a resume.

A clear, tailored and professional resume is essential for any job application. It should aim to convince an employer that your qualifications, work experience and skillset make you a strong match for the job.

How to write a cover letter

A cover letter is your first introduction to a potential employer, so it needs to show that you’re a suitable candidate.

Useful links

• Cracking the Code: How to apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service
• BOM Guide on Addressing Selection Criteria

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Address Selection Criteria

Last Updated: October 11, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

If you’re searching for jobs, you’ll notice that many job listings have what are called “selection criteria”: a series of skills and abilities that you should have in order to meet the job’s requirements. When you’re writing a cover letter to apply for a job, you’ll need to address each of these criteria specifically. Doing so will not only show the hiring manager that you’re a good fit for the job, but it will demonstrate that you are well-suited to fulfill the specific job requirements that the selection criteria ask for.

Analyzing Selection Criteria

• For example, an explicit selection criteria may read: “Applicants should be able to write clearly and expressively.”
• A more implicit criteria may say something like, “Writing skills are important in this position, and we’d like our ideal applicant to be able to express themselves clearly and succinctly.”

• For example, if the company wants applicants with “knowledge of” social media, they’re only asking for a demonstration of your knowledge, not hands-on experience.
• But, if they request “experience using” social media, you’ll need to provide anecdotal descriptions of your professional social-media usage, not just your intellectual understanding.

• If, for example, their website makes a big deal out of celebrating employees who are “team players,” you’ll know that the company is looking for employees who work well with others and don’t mind serving on group projects and committees.

Structuring Each Response

• Read the job ad closely. Some jobs may ask that you discuss the selection criteria in your cover letter and do not include a separate criteria-focused document. Or, they may want you to address the selection criteria briefly in your cover letter and in more detail in a separate file.

• Keep in mind that the paragraphs can be brief; they don’t need to exceed 8-10 sentences. It’s better to be concise and to the point than to seem long-winded.

• For example, you could write something like, “Over the course of my 10 years of work experience, I have developed strong written communication skills.”
• Or, say the selection criteria asks for a good “team player.” You could write, “I possess strong interpersonal communication skills and have managed over 40 projects during my career.”

Developing Your Responses

• For example, if the job ad states that they’re looking for someone with experience managing social-media accounts, you could mention how you successfully ran Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for a large car dealership.
• As a general rule, all of the professional experiences and anecdotes that you describe should come from the last 2–3 years.

• For example, say you used to work at a large marketing firm, and drafted copy for a number of high-profile ads. You could write something like, “In my position at ABC Co., I wrote copy for a dozen ads that were featured in nation-wide periodicals. As a result of my copy writing, sales increased by 10% over a 3-month window.

• C: Context. Mention the context in which your actions took place
• A: Action. Describe the specific action you took (e.g., writing copy, initiating a new committee, or engaging in customer service)
• R: Results. Lay out the results of your actions and how it benefitted customers or your company.

• Say something like, “My years of high-level copy-writing experience and noted professional successes will enable me to train junior copywriters and provide polished, engaging copy in this position.”

• If they say “no,” ask them what changes they’d recommend you make to make yourself seem like a better fit for the criteria.

Expert Q&A

• Always use active verbs when you’re describing yourself in the workplace. Instead of saying, “I was responsible for team management,” write, “I managed and oversaw teams.” [12] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• The term “selection criteria” is most commonly used by Australian and New Zealand businesses. If you’re job hunting in another part of the world, job ads may not use that exact phrase. But, it’s still valuable to know how to use your professional experiences to show ways that you’re a good fit for the job. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Some job ads will break out “high-priority” selection criteria and “low-priority” criteria. While you should still write a full paragraph for each criteria, spend more time and effort on the high-priority ones. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.monash.edu/career-connect/build/job-workshops/selection-criteria#tabs__1713523
• ↑ https://www.katieroberts.com.au/career-advice-blog/how-to-nail-your-selection-criteria-responses/
• ↑ https://www.jobjumpstart.gov.au/article/how-address-selection-criteria
• ↑ https://sydney.edu.au/careers/students/applying-for-jobs/addressing-selection-criteria.html
• ↑ https://careers.vic.gov.au/how-to-reply-to-selection-criteria
• ↑ http://www.bom.gov.au/careers/guide2SC.shtml
• ↑ http://www.jobs.uwa.edu.au/applying/written/addressing
• ↑ https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria
• ↑ https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/how-to-address-key-selection-criteria

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• Jan 24, 2021

How To Write A Cover Letter That Addresses The Selection Criteria

#selectioncriteria

#addressingcriteria

#coverletter

Do you need to address a set of key selection criteria within your cover letter, but don't know where to start? In the following post, I will explain how to appropriately incorporate your responses to the key selection within your cover letter .

Make sure that your cover letter has an introduction and a conclusion.

Write up the cover letter as you normally would for any other job. Generally speaking, most cover letters are just a page long. However, because you need to address selection criteria within your cover letter, likely it will go over to two or more pages.

So, with any cover letter, make sure that your letter has all the primary details (address, employer name, your name, date, etc.) plus an introduction and a conclusion.

List out the selection criteria and respond underneath each point.

Nicely structure your letter addressing the selection criteria with headings for each criterion.

After you've done that, you can then write responses for each point listed.

• Key Selection Criteria Writing

Job Jumpstart

How to address selection criteria.

What are selection criteria?

Selection criteria are the list of the skills, attributes and experience that an employer wants for a specific role. Employers use this information to assess an applicant’s suitability for the job.

Selection criteria can include technical skills (such as previous experience working in the role or specific qualifications or certifications) and personal traits (for example, customer oriented, attention to detail, team player).

The selection criteria for a role are often outlined in the job advertisement. They are usually linked to the employer’s ‘ key words’ . If you are approaching a business directly, you should research the employer (visit their website and social media) to get an understanding of what traits and skills they value in workers.

Formal versus informal selection criteria

Some larger organisations, including Government agencies, ask you to respond to specific formal selection criteria. The employer will usually indicate a word or page limit for each response. You should submit your responses to formal selection criteria as a separate document to the rest of your application.

Some examples of specific selection criteria are:

• demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively
• good organisational and administrative skills
• proven ability to work as part of a team
• well-developed customer service skills

For selection criteria that don’t require a formal response (for example, those outlined in a job ad) your cover letter is a good place to address any criteria.

When responding to selection criteria you need to make the link between what you can do, and have done in the past, and how it relates to the job. List examples of relevant skills, experience and personal qualities that you can use to provide this information.

If you don’t have any actual work experience, use examples from other activities such as school, voluntary work or other extracurricular activities, like sport.

Hints and tips

• Keep your response clear and succinct . Keep your cover letter to about a page in length. For formal selection criteria, always stick to any word or page limits.
• Use relevant examples. Show the employer how you have demonstrated this trait or skill in the past and what the result or outcome was for your employer.
• Be honest and factual. Never lie on your application. Employers will check references so make sure you can back up anything you say in your application.

Check out more resources below

Tailoring your job application.

Tips on tailoring your job application to meet the employer's requirements.

Cover letter quality check

Tips to help you ensure your cover letter is high quality and error-free.

How to write a cover letter

Use this workbook to help you develop a cover letter you can adapt for each job you apply for.

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Why you must use keywords in your job application

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Writing Your Key Selection Criteria Responses

Posted october 13, 2011, by sue stevens.

Many people applying for government jobs for the first time may not be aware of the importance of selection criteria responses, or how to approach them. These are a critical part of most government applications and essential to creating an outstanding application. 

Even if you have a brilliant resume that shows you have excellent skills and qualifications to do the job and you’ve written an absolutely sensational cover letter tailored to the position , if you don’t address the selection criteria in a separate document that explains how well you fit each criterion, chances are you will be overlooked. Fulfilling the selection criteria to the satisfaction of the selection committee is the only way you can make it across the line to the next stage of the recruitment process – the interview.

Where to start?

The first thing you need to do is find out what the selection criteria are. You will find them either in the advertisement or on the government department’s website along with a downloadable job application kit.

Then you need to create a new document and list all the criteria, word for word, as they appear in the job application kit.

Name the document and make sure you include your own name at the top of the page. You can use a heading such as:

• Statement addressing selection criteria
• Selection criteria summary
• Responses to selection criteria
• Statement of claims, selection criteria

FYI When it comes to naming documents, all your application documentation should have your name prominently displayed and it’s best to name the electronic documents with your name, not just ‘selection_criteria.doc’. This will make it easy for the receiver to identify your document from all the others that have also been submitted.

Give examples

When answering the selection criteria think about how you meet each selection criterion and list examples of relevant skills, experience, incidents, training and personal qualities. You need to make the link between what you can do, and have done in the past, and how it relates to the job. If you don’t have any actual work experience, use other relevant experience such as something you have done at university, for a voluntary organisation or a club to illustrate your capacity to undertake the work required.

In every answer to the criteria, you need to demonstrate that you have developed and practised these skills in your past experience/s. It’s not enough to just state that you can do ‘it’.

Use keywords

Part of the trick of responding to selection criteria is identifying and understanding the keywords in each criterion and incorporating these into your response. These subtle differences and the way you word your response could be what sets you apart from the other applicants.

Know the difference between phrases such as ‘ability to’ (means having the skills), ‘knowledge of’ (familiarity gained from actual experience) and ‘understanding of’ (fully comprehend the matter). Incorporate your understanding of these terms into your response and you’re on the right track to submitting an outstanding statement.

Choose the right words

When writing a selection criterion response, find one excellent example from your past and demonstrate what and how you achieved a good outcome. Make sure that you use strong action words such as ‘demonstrated’, ‘reviewed’, ‘developed’, ‘initiated’ or ‘negotiated’ rather than less powerful words such as ‘involved in’ or ‘assisted’.

Always give examples and avoid unsubstantiated claims. You can use bullet points if there is a list of points you are making.

Address all the parts

More often than not, selection criteria will consist of several parts and are sometimes qualified as either essential (must-have skills and experience) or desirable (good to have and improve your chances of being highly regarded).

It is tempting to write a broad response focusing on just one part of the criterion and hope this will get you through. But if you want to hit the selection criteria nail on the head and guarantee yourself an interview, then this isn’t good enough.

For example, ‘Ability to contribute ideas and demonstrate initiative and flexibility’ actually has three components – ability to contribute ideas, demonstrate initiative and demonstrate flexibility. In order to respond to this correctly it is vital that you address all three of these skills, making sure to include the keywords in your response.

STAR approach

As mentioned above, the key to responding to selection criteria well is to address all parts of the criterion, to include the keywords and give specific examples. Many well-written statements follow what is known as the STAR method of response: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

The following example response is broken up into the STAR components, with each section labelled. This is for your benefit – don’t label the sections in your final statement!

Ability to apply academic knowledge and concepts to practical situations

Another acceptable way of answering selection criteria is SAO: Situation, Action, Outcome. Whether you choose STAR or SAO, it is important that you show how you can meet each criterion.

The final touches

Some government departments and agencies do not want any more than three paragraphs per criterion (or about 250 words); others do not have any limit. As a general rule, try to be as concise as possible and at the maximum, write no more than one A4 page per criterion.

Once you have completed your statement of claims in relation to selection criteria, check over your responses and make sure there are no typographical errors and that the sentences read well.

Finally, make sure that the formatting of your selection criteria document matches the accompanying resume (or CV), cover letter and any other documentation you are submitting. By having a consistent formatting style with fonts and font sizes, your application will present as a cohesive whole. This alone shows that you have taken considerable care and attention to detail.

Get the selection criteria right and you’re on your way to an interview – and one step closer to the job!

If you’re looking for inspiration, take a look at our sample key selection criteria responses . 

Sue stevens.

Thanks for your enquiry

Good luck with your studies.

Selection Criteria VS Cover Letters

Selection criteria vs. cover letters – there is a difference.

For potential candidates that are sourcing a role in one of the government sectors, Selection Criteria is something you may need to answer. Depending on how well you address each of these could depend on whether you gain an interview spot so it is critical that you get this right.

Most people often don’t realise there is a HUGE difference between a response to Selection Criteria and a Cover Letter.

What is a Selection Criteria response?

•  Is no more than 2 pages, addressing Key Responsibilities  (or Key Selection Criteria)  (4-8 questions)
• Is answering these questions using the STAR method (which is Situation, Task, Action, Result)
• You are required to respond to each question about a “time when” you were in a Situation, doing a specific Task where your Action was required, and then the Result. Use one example per question in a paragraph
• Without this (if the advertisement asks for it), you will not proceed to the next round for interview

What is a Cover Letter?

A Cover Letter is an introduction to yourself, to accompany your resume when you apply for a job.

• Is 1 page only
• Talks about you and why would you be suitable for the role
• Doesn’t cover all your skills (as the resume does this) but more so, it covers your personality traits
• You can talk about 1 main skill they require for the role and HOW you can use this in the new role
• Uses passion and juicy words to attract the reader’s attention

Most people find it more difficult to write a selection criteria response than it is to write a cover letter. The good news though: thinking through examples of your work history to use as answers is also great preparation for your interview.

If you have your heart set on a job that has Selection Criteria, but you don’t know where to start, we recommend you seek professional help.

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Resume and Selection Criteria Writers Give Away Free Tips

You go back to the job advertisement to upload your resume. But wait!

“Applicants must submit a cover letter and address the selection criteria in the job description,” you shockingly read.

Are you now fuming the internet to find quick hacks on how to write a cover letter and respond to selection criteria ? Have you spent hours finding the best example of a personal statement? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the selection criteria responses you’ve read online and thinking of just letting the opportunity to secure your dream job pass?

Well then, your search stops right here!

The Perfect Resume team is here to guide you and make your job application stand out! We will help you polish your application by providing you with a FREE cover letter and selection criteria samples. Read on and be on your way to landing the job of your dreams!

Cover Letter Dread: The Basics and Effortless Ways to Create One in 2022 — With Examples

A cover letter is a one-page document that aims to express your intention of securing the spot. Like a golden ticket, your cover letter is a paper that introduces you to a potential employer, aside from your resume or CV. Know to some as a motivation letter , your cover letter is submitted to explain and persuade your readers as to why you are the best candidate for the job.

Regrettably, many clients choose to pour all their efforts into perfecting their resumes only. But did you know that your cover letter can be the difference between championing your job search and being sent to the “NO” pile without any hesitation?

“How come,” you ask.

This brief document is a chance for you to showcase your communication skills, experiences, and how you can meet the potential employer’s business needs and exceed expectations. Furthermore, according to SEEK , recruiters and hiring managers still claim to read cover letters to further extract information about applicants, such as their relevant skills and tangible achievement. Zety has shared information that 45% of employers or hiring decision-makers say they expect to receive cover letters. On the other hand,  22% expect letters of interest to be addressed to the Hiring Manager.  Thus, it is always a perfect idea to tailor your cover letter to each job application!

Speaking of tailoring or personalising your job search tool, Professional Resume Writers and Career Experts from The Perfect Resume put together a guide on what to include and leave out of your cover letter, including the dos and don’ts when crafting one.

Cover Letter Tip # 1:  Never ever forget the must-have sections, namely:

• Contact Section. Up above in your heading section is where your contact information should be ideally placed, such as your mobile number. Why? It is the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager must-see. Without these details, it would be unlikely that you will even hear a callback or stand out from all the other applicants. Therefore, do not ever ditch this part. Additionally, make sure that your contact details are up to date and are reachable.
• Company name, date, appropriate salutation, and the name of the job you're going for. Getting this part right is very crucial. This will reveal if you dedicated enough time to research the company and the person who shall receive your cover letter. As the old saying goes, “well begun is half done.” Addressing the contact person by his or her name will provide a personalised touch and good impression to give you brownie points for an interview shortlist. However, if the information is ungraspable choose a suitable salutation.
• Attention-grabbing unique selling proposition. This is the best spot to showcase your personality and company values. If you are a person who loves making another laugh, start off with some humour. If you think that the organisation’s cause resonates with you, then it is best to acknowledge it at the beginning of your cover letter. Before you write your introduction, you must identify why do you want to apply for that specific job and why should the employer choose you over the other candidates. Doing this can help you craft a perfect cover letter introduction.
• Experiences, education, key skills, and achievements. As soon as you have your readers hooked, it is now time to shine by highlighting your standout qualities. Due to the limited time hiring managers hold within the recruitment process, it is best to keep it short but sweet! They do not have time for fluff. Hence why they use applicant tracking systems to sort candidates from being a good fit to not so suitable. So, be sure to address the employer’s wants and needs whilst incorporating your applicable past experiences, skills, and wins – both big and small!

Cover Letter Tip # 2:  Familiarise yourself with mistakes to dodge, such as:

• Never start with “I am writing to apply for the XYZ position at XYZ.” Keep in mind that your cover letter is meant to make you stand out. Aside from being superfluous, beginning your cover letter with this phrase will only give the impression that you are boring or not that interested in the job. Do your research and use your cover letter as a way of communicating how you have what it takes to be the company’s next team member.
• Avoid repeating all the information on your resume . A resume is intended to state facts about your career, such as your previous roles, skills, and achievements. On the other hand, your cover letter is meant to explain how you meet the job requirements. It is an avenue for you to introduce yourself in a creative way and display your communication skills. Therefore, it is unnecessary to copy and paste the information from your resume onto your cover letter. You need to tell an interesting story.
• Eliminate the typos. According to research conducted by CareerBuilder, a trusted human capital solutions company, over 70% of hiring managers admitted that they would reject a cover letter bearing grammatical or typographical errors without a doubt. The same also goes for resumes. Therefore, make sure to proofread your document. It is also advisable to use a free online writing assistant or error-checker. Moreover, try having a trusted colleague review your cover letter. Getting a pair of fresh eyes can help catch language oversights in your relevant experience and enhance the flow of your letter of introduction without paying anything.
• Do not forget the evidence of your knowledge. It is easy to claim that you are a ‘team player’ or have all the right values for the job. However, you are not the first candidate to mention it. Often, cover letters are filled with content that applicants merely copied, such as the role title and expertise listed on the job advertisement without backing them up. Hiring managers go for a good match when they are finding candidates for jobs, someone who can communicate their relevant work experience, how they have demonstrated the required skills in their past and are a great match between the hard and soft transferable skills. In addition to that, you can write your selection criteria or professional resume in a more creative way by sprinkling in the results or achievements. Hiring managers love reading engaging resumes, especially when candidates take the time to write in a results-driven manner.
• Stay away from mentioning your expected salary. Unless you are instructed to do so, it is best to do not to mention to the recruiter or company representative how much you are expecting to receive. Indeed, good compensation in any industry is a form of motivation. However, you want to present yourself to your potential employer as a professional eager to contribute to the future of the company, not someone who is excited to just get paid.

Cover Letter Tip # 3:  Create a winning and sincere final statement and call to action.

Your ending paragraph should be as captivating as your introduction. It is also great to include a call of action or a way of encouraging potential employers to contact you for further discussions on how you can be a great asset to the company. Here, you can display your enthusiasm and confidence. Lastly, if you are wondering how to end your cover letter, sign off with kind regards or yours sincerely.

Writing a Cover Letter in Australia Doesn’t Have to Be Tough

We know cover letter writing can be hard, but it doesn't have to be! If you're struggling with trying not to sound desperate or keeping your document easy to read, then fear not! Below, there are some cover letter examples for managerial and graduate roles. On the other hand, if you would like your Professional Writer from The Perfect Resume to craft a unique cover letter that suits your needs, email us at [email protected]  or visit www.theperfectresume.com.au .

Finance Manager Cover Letter Example

Graduate program cover letter template, selection criteria: what is it and how do i address it in my cover letter.

The key selection criteria demonstrate how well suited you are for your dream job. Your responses are what potential employers shall use to shortlist you for a job. Unlike a cover letter, a selection criteria response is a direct, concise, and focused explanation to a situational question, for example, ‘demonstrate a time when you had to meet tight deadlines' or ‘explain a situation when you had to be flexible,’ You may address this job requirement in your cover letter. How? Through an applicant tracking systems formula:

Example Statement + Example Situation + How you overcame the challenge/problem = Criteria Response Evidence

How do you write the selection criteria for a job application.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to answer selection criteria questions correctly depends on the specific question being asked and the job you are applying for. However, there are a few general tips that can help you to answer selection criteria questions effectively:

• Read the question carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked of you.  Selection criteria can vary from employer to employer, so it’s important to read through the job ad thoroughly and understand what is required before you start writing your application. Follow the instructions: make sure you read and understand the selection criteria before starting to write your response.
• Outline how your skills, experience and qualifications match up with what is being asked for in the question.  Do not be afraid of referring to previous roles. Employers want someone who can hit the ground running. Therefore, make sure that if you have experience in a similar role and the required qualifications and skills for the position, you want your next employer to know.
• Use specific examples to back up your claims and show that you have what it takes to do the job.  A professional resume template will help to strengthen your argument and show that you have what it takes to do the particular job. Numbers and statistics can help add credibility to a document by providing concrete evidence to support a claim. When used effectively, they can help back up an argument with factual information. In addition, they can help to persuade your readers – and make them say, “this is the one!” The best way to use numbers in a selection criteria response is to back up general claims with specific examples. For example, rather than writing, “ I am reliable ,” you could write, “ In the past year, I have worked consistently 5 days per week and have had ZERO unaccounted days off or arrived late on any occasions .” Who would you employ if you could choose between the “I am reliable” guy or someone who has had ZERO unaccounted days off?
• Check for spelling and grammar mistakes before submitting your application.  Nothing looks worse than a sloppy job application! Proofreading is so important for job seekers because it is the first impression that you make on a potential employer. If there are spelling and grammar mistakes in your application, it signals to the employer that you are not detail-oriented and that you may not be taking the job application seriously. It also shows that you may not be capable of doing the specific job if you cannot even take the time to proofread your application. By proofreading your job application, you can ensure that your application looks polished and professional.

Selection Criteria Response Example

How can the perfect resume team help.

To be successful in your job search, you need to have a compelling cover letter and give it your best shot as you try to address selection criteria. Your cover letter is the first thing that hiring managers will read, and it can help make or break an application. A well-crafted cover letter, coupled with key selection criteria responses should tell the hiring manager why they MUST have you on their team. However, if you still don't know where to start, contact The Perfect Resume today!

The Perfect Resume is here to help you get ahead in your career by providing cover letters and selection criteria responses. We offer professional writing services to make sure your job search tools are perfect before submitting them. Our team of writers is experts in crafting interview-winning documents to impress any hiring manager or recruiter. We know what employers want to see on paper and how they want their candidates presented, so let us do all the hard work.

Please send us an email at   [email protected]   with your resume, cover letter, and link to your dream job. We will give you tips on making prospective employers hire YOU over ALL OTHER CANDIDATES – without paying a penny! 

Likewise, if you find this article helpful, don't forget to share and pass the kindness along to your fellow job seeker!

Recommended reading suggestions  

• Why calling the recruiter before you apply for a job helps you land an interview?
• Here’s everything candidates need to know about an ATS
• Job Search Tips: How long do you wait for an interview call?
• Address selection criteria examples
• Create a winning resume format 2024

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Two-Page Cover Letter Addressing the Statement of Duties

• Post author: theresumewriters
• Post published: January 12, 2019
• Post category: Australian Public Service / Cover Letters / Selection Criteria
• Post comments: 2 Comments

Two-page cover letter addressing the statement of duties/selection criteria

The format which has all but wholly replaced traditional selection criteria.

By Jacquie Liversidge

Navigate to:

How to write a 2-page cover letter that addresses government requirements.

More and more, there are content length limitations placed on selection criteria responses, and the majority of the time, these are two pages, or roughly 1500 words. 

This has been implemented by the Commonwealth and most state governments in response to enormous selection criteria responses being submitted for government roles, jam packed with empty content which doesn’t demonstrate an applicant’s capabilities.

When applicants write their selection criteria, there is a tendency to fill the selection criteria with ‘padding’, or useless material, to increase the length with the idea that more is better.

Length certainly isn’t everything. When it comes to selection criteria, you want to get your material out quickly and efficiently with the most impact and the lowest word count.

You want to use your audience’s limited time well.

And this is where directions for a two-page cover letter come in to play.

How to spot it when it applies

Either on the applicant guide or the initial link to the prospective role, there will be a section titled ‘How to Apply’. 

Read this section carefully and make sure you are aware of what the directions are.

How to interpret the position description

Click on the position description and look over what is listed therein.

On the position description for most government applications, you will usually find the following sections titled exactly like this, or very similarly:

• Position Objective
• Role context
• Responsibility
• Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Selection Criteria – in relation to the major duties)

Selection criteria can also be called Essential Requirements, Role Specific Requirements, Success Criteria. Nonetheless, the easiest way to spot these questions are by looking for dot-pointed content that looks a bit like this:

eg. – Demonstrated ability to provide consumer-centred care

– Exceptional communication skills and conflict resolution skills.

– Proven report writing capabilities.

Once we have a good idea of the important background, context, and scope,  and we’ve found the selection criteria we need to respond to, we can start on our content. Here’s a bunch of over ten detailed selection criteria examples to get you started.

Here’s an example of a two-page cover letter addressing the required sections Queensland Government.  Increasingly, these questions are values based, as they were below :

Two-page statement example

The structure, introduction: why you’re applying, what you’re offering, and why you’d be a great fit, the selection criteria question restated which is entirely optional. it’s also appropriate to skip this part, and move on to the next., our response, with the topic sentence (first sentence) repeating the question. (do this for all questions), a call to action (cta) statement ending the cover letter, professional sign-off, tips, tricks, and other information to note:.

If it’s a two-page cover letter for a government role, and it says nothing about addressing the requirements of the role, but there is selection criteria present,  you do still need to address the selection criteria.

Traditionally, where the position description/advertisement asks for responses to the selection criteria, you would develop your questions and title them with the question. This approach is exactly the same, but incorporates the cover letter element of an introduction statement, and it simply does not contain the selection criteria within the documents as headings.

The point of the exercise is  demonstrate  your capability to perform in the role via  examples of your ability to do that prior. The only part of the story which demonstrates  your capability, are the actions that you took.

Focus on the inner content

Save your space for the real content that will get you selected by keeping your introduction short and to the point, and your call-to-action statement at the end within 2 sentences.

Introduction example:  

I wish to submit my application for the position of Communications Officer as listed on the Tasmanian Government jobs website. I am confident I would be an ideal candidate for the position given my extensive experience within the corporate communications environment, my proven successes in a variety of roles and my strong interest in supporting strategic objectives through strong external communication.

Call-to-Action example:  

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the role of Communications Officer. Please do not hesitate to contact me on the details contained herein for further information or to arrange an interview.

Keep your content focused on the selection criteria. Keep it concise and make every word count.

And that’s all folks. 

Happy hunting!

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