The selection criteria

Some job advertisements, especially government departments, statutory bodies and universities, list the main Functions of the job (or provide an outline of its key Duties) and provide a statement of the ESSENTIAL and DESIRABLE CRITERIA for the position. A detailed package including the above job information is usually available from the contact person. You can arrange to obtain this job application package when you make your initial inquiries about the position.

With this type of job, the selection criteria are the most important part of your application. Many capable applicants are not selected for an interview because their application does not convince the selection committee that they meet the selection criteria.

Presentation

• Unless directed to do otherwise, address the criteria on a separate attachment with a heading such as "Statement addressing selection criteria".
• Use each criterion as a separate heading, explaining underneath how you satisfy it. You make the selection panel's task easier if your heading is a complete restatement of each criterion in full.
• If using more than one example under a criterion, list the strongest example first.
• You can address selection criteria in prose or a combination of prose and dot point forms.
• Use good English
• Be aware of key expressions
• Be concise
• Free of spelling errors
• Active rather than passive verbs

Further resources available at Careers & Student Employment:
How to Address Selection Criteria, A. D. Villiers
How to Write a Job Application, Careers & Student Employment