FREE Selection Criteria: 200+ Interview Winners | Plus Tips on Resumes, Cover Letters, Interviews & More

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Australian Job Market Trends for 2014

According to recruitment company Hays, Australia’s job market in 2014 is heading for strong growth; a big area of growth in 2014 will be crossover roles. Hays’ Managing Director in Australia and New Zealand states: “Australia’s economy is maintaining momentum and consumer confidence is strong heading into 2014; the economy is expected to grow by 2.8% in 2014, at a slightly faster rate than in 2013”. Specific trends for 2014 include: [...]

Winning Strategies in Addressing Selection Criteria

Follow these guidelines and rest assured you will have a strong selection criteria document which will be noticed by those who have the responsibility of shortlisting applications and the interview panel… - Always stay within the word length limit specified for each criterion or the overall page length limit to address all the selection criteria. Applications that do not follow instruction in this regard will not be considered. - Avoid the [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Responses and Samples – Graduate Radiographer

This particular client applied for a Graduate Radiographer role in state (Qld) government with Queensland Health (QH) and gained a job interview. QH, like the majority of state government departments in Queensland typically specify the addressing of competencies, skills and attributes in cover letter format, maximum of two pages in length. Six key competency areas required addressing including patient focus, team focus, quality focus, continuous learning, technical skills, and work values. [...]

Australian Job Market – Latest and Worrying Trends

I do not like to be the bearer of bad news but for those of you who are becoming increasingly disheartened with your job search endeavours, do not take it personally. Here the latest facts which will reflect that the problem is external to you: - Unemployment is rising toward 6%. - Unemployment amongst the age group 15 to 24 years has reached over double the national average at 13%. - [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Examples – Finance Director

This particular client applied for a senior level role in a state (NSW) government department in the capacity of Finance Director. The selection criteria component involved addressing eight criteria. His application was well received and he went on to gain an interview. Following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Extensive experience working at a strategic level within a Finance function (or equivalent). I possess over 25 years’ experience working for [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Business Support Officer

This particular client applied for a Business Support Officer role in a state (Qld) government department and gained a job interview. Six criteria required addressing: five from the Capability Leadership Framework (CLF), derived from the APS’ Integrated Leadership System (ILS), and an additional technical criterion. Just to recap as outlined in previous blogs, the stock standard five ILS and CLF criteria include: Supports Strategic Direction, Achieves Results, Supports Productive Working Relationships, [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples and Answers – Compliance & Risk Manager

This particular client applied for the role of Compliance & Risk Manager within an APS government department, Defence. The application was very well received with the selection panel verbalising as such during the interview process. Several APS departments request that you outline barriers/challenges when addressing selection criteria and preparing relevant examples/answers. This application required the addressing of six criteria each with a corresponding maximum 400-word length limit. Following is a full [...]

Addressing Selection Criteria Examples

Addressing selection criteria can be a time-consuming, frustrating and complex undertaking for those who are new to the process, even for those of you who have attempted them many times. Research has shown that it takes the average person a solid 21 hours of work to prepare and suitably address selection criteria (an average of five criteria with a 500 word length limit for each criterion). Since July 2009 I have [...]

Australian Job Market – Occupational Job Growth

In DEEWR’s newly-released Australian Jobs 2013 report, the roles expected to grow fastest over the next five years include accountants, teachers, carpenters, and dental assistants. The report said the strongest growth of 16% over five years was expected among information professionals, which includes mathematicians, archivists, curators, economists, policy analysts, and librarians. Health, welfare and support employment were major areas of likely jobs growth as predicted in DEEWR’s Employment Projections report. Health [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples – Service Desk Liaison Officer

This particular client applied for the role of Service Desk Liaison Officer in a state (Qld) government department. He gained a job interview and gladly accepted the job offer. The application required the preparation of a two-page statement addressing five criteria/competencies as per the Capability Leadership Framework (CLF), which is derived from the Australian Public Service (APS) Integrated Leadership System (ILS). Following is a full example of one of the criteria. [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples – Finance Officer

This particular client applied for the role of Finance Officer in Queensland Health and gained an interview. The selection criteria component involved addressing five key competency areas in a two-page statement. Following is a full example of one of the competencies. Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary accounting standards and processes. I currently hold Bookkeeper Registration and BAS Provider Certification under the Tax Practitioners Board legislation. As a Bookkeeper, I have gained and [...]

Australian Job Market – Jobs in Demand 2013

News.com.au posted an article in early May 2013 revealing the most in demand jobs. The latest Clarius Skills Indicator has revealed that Managers are in short demand across five key areas. The Clarius Skills Indicator shows a dramatic shortage of managers across a range of industry sectors in the March quarter, while there is an oversupply of skilled labour in other sectors. For those who occupy a management level role in [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples – Administration Officer

This particular client applied for two roles back-to-back one month apart within the same State (Queensland) Government Department. She gained interviews for both roles and was offered and accepted one of the roles. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, the majority of Queensland Government Departments require the addressing of criteria/competencies in two pages maximum. Following is a full example of one of the criteria. Coordinate and prioritise the delivery of [...]

Australian Job Market Outlook – 10 Jobs Projected to Grow

The online resource Career FAQs posted an article in the middle of April 2013 which listed 10 jobs/careers projected to grow in the next few years. They include (in no particular order):  - Graphic/web designer and illustrator  - Psychologist  - Fitness instructor  - Nursing support and personal care worker  - General manager  - Veterinary nurse  - Welfare support worker  - Mining engineer  - Human resource professional  - ICT manager Other jobs [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples – VET FEE-HELP Coordinator

This particular client applied for the role of VET FEE-HELP Coordinator within a State (Queensland) government department. As is the standard for application preparation in Queensland government, the preparation of a two-page statement was required to address five key competencies. My client gained a job interview and although she was not offered the role, the panel advised that she placed second. Following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Demonstrated ability [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Examples – General Designer

This particular client flew up from Canberra on one weekend to meet with me and brainstorm subject matter for an ATO application, an APS6 level role: General Designer. He was successful in gaining an interview. Criteria were based on the APS Integrated Leadership System (ILS); six required addressing for this application, each 500-word maximum. See previous posts on a more in-depth explanation of the APS ILS. Following are excerpts from two [...]

Australian Job Market – Job Vacancies Plummet Nationwide

The Australian job market is not doing at all well; the number of vacant jobs is declining which of course is making it much harder for people to find work. A comprehensive ABS national survey of vacancies revealed that job vacancies fell 8% in the past year. The most dramatic slide has been in public sector vacancies. Recently elected state governments have cut public service employment to long-term lows. There were [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Senior Funding Policy Officer

This client applied for the role of Senior Funding Policy Officer within an Australian Public Service (APS) Government department. She gained an interview and accepted the job offer. Six criteria required addressing utilising the APS’ Integrated Leadership System (ILS), including: supports strategic direction, achieves results, supports productive relationships, displays personal drive and integrity, communicates with influence, and technical/role-specific. The standard APS ILS criteria typically encompass the first five criteria as outlined [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Executive Assistant

This client applied for the role of Executive Assistant (EA) within one of NSW’s State Government departments and gained a job interview. Six criteria required addressing; following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, liaison and communication skills. In instances requiring the negotiation of changes to deadlines, I approach the CFO (face-to-face) to commence initial discussions. Recently, I was successful in negotiating the repriotisation of the CFO’s diary [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Test Analyst

This client applied for an IT-related role within the Queensland Police Service and gained an interview. The applicant pool totaled 82 and only 6 were chosen for interviews. The written component required the addressing of four criteria in two pages. Following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Sound analytical and problem resolution skills. A recent example that demonstrates my proficiency in analysing and problem solving was when I was using [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Accountant

This particular client applied for a role in a State (Qld) Government department, gained an interview and was offered and accepted the role. As stated in previous blogs many of Qld's departments have streamlined the selection criteria component which now requires the addressing of criteria (or competencies) in a two-page statement. For this application, the criteria were based on the Capability Leadership Framework (CLF) which is derived from the Australian Public [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Administration Officer

This particular client applied for a role within Queensland Health as an Administration Officer. She gained an interview and was offered and accepted the role. A two-page statement addressing key competencies in cover letter format was required. The majority of State (Qld) government departments have streamlined the selection criteria component where only a two-page statement is now required as part of the written application process. Following is a full example of [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Senior Case Officer

This client applied for the role of Senior Case Officer (APS EL1 level) in one of the Commonwealth/APS Government Departments and gained an interview. The selection panel judged my client's application (from a nationwide pool of 90 written applications) as the best one received. Seven criteria required addressing. Following is a full example of one of the criteria. Decision Making. In my current role as a Senior Case Officer with the [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Centrelink Call Performance

This particular client had been working at Centrelink for the past four years when she commissioned my services to apply for the above-named internal role. Five criteria required addressing (up to ¾ to 1 page in length maximum) utilising the APS ILF. She gained an interview and was offered and accepted the role. Following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Understanding of Centrelink's strategic environment. In my current role at [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Executive Officer Admissions

This particular client gained an interview for the role of Executive Officer Admissions at one of the universities located in Melbourne. Typically with roles in the tertiary sector, the selection criteria component is divided into ‘Essential' criteria and ‘Desirable' criteria. For this particular application, a total of 11 criteria required to be addressed (9 Essential and 2 Desirable). Following are excerpts from two of the Essential criteria. Extensive experience and management [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers: 200+ Interview Winners | Government (APS/Commonwealth/Federal, State/Territory, Local/Council) & Tertiary

Please visit the updated post: FREE Selection Criteria Examples: Over 200+ | Government & Tertiary Sector Roles where all the following selection criteria examples are hyperlinked with one-click access. You can also access them here: Addressing Selection Criteria Category and Monthly Archives. 2024: Executive Officer, Local Government … 1 Mar 2024 STAR Model: Strategic Team & Operational Leadership … 1 Feb 2024 2023: APS Biosecurity Officer … 1 Dec 2023 STAR [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Claims Services Officer

This particular client applied for a role with an APS Government Department as a Claims Services Officer. She gained an interview, was offered the role and gladly accepted. Five criteria needed to be addressed utilising the Integrated Leadership Framework (ILF). Following is a full example of one of the criteria. Cultivates productive working relationships. Currently employed with CCC in the capacity of Team Member within the EM division, I was recently [...]

Australian Job Market 2012 – Top 10 Skills Shortage

HC Online posted an article on the 7th February 2012 outlining the latest skills shortages across the nation. The latest skills index has revealed a severe undersupply of skilled labour in corporate services and engineering, and both require a ‘high level and immediate response' by organisations. The skilled labour supply was measured by Clarius group across 20 specific occupations. As a result, many companies are recruiting candidates from overseas to counter [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Dietitian / Nutritionist (Graduate)

This particular client applied for an entry level graduate role as a Dietitian/Nutritionist in Queensland Health. The written application process involved the preparation of a two-page statement requiring the addressing of five competencies. My client was successful in gaining an interview, being offered the role and gladly accepting. Following are excerpts from two of the competencies. Demonstrated base to increasing level of knowledge, expertise and skill in nutrition. In my recent [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Ranger

This particular client applied for the role of Ranger at one of the national parks in WA. He was successful in gaining an interview. The written component required the addressing of three criteria in three pages maximum. Following is a full example of one of the criteria. Ability to or demonstrated experience in construction and maintenance, carrying out routine maintenance duties, including the use of hand tools, power tools, chainsaws and [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Schools Liaison Officer

This particular client applied for a School Liaison Officer role within a Queensland-based TAFE College. A two-page statement addressing criteria/competencies (five of them) was required as part of the written application process. My client was successful in gaining an interview and more; the interview was a very interesting process and here's why...The College had recently advertised for a Business Development Officer role. The interview panel asked my client why she did [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Assistant Director, Client Services

This repeat client previously utilised my services to prepare selection criteria (see blog posted on 1st February 2011 for the Policy Manager role). This time around he once again commissioned my services to address seven criteria for a high level management position within a State (NSW) Government department. He was not only successful in gaining a job interview, but was also offered the role which he enthusiastically accepted. Following are excerpts [...]

Australian Job Market: 2011-12 Industry Growth and Decline

According to business information research firm IBISWorld's latest forecast, the oil and gas production industry was highlighted as this year's top industry performer with revenue growth predicted to increase by 18.3% in 2011/12. Conversely, gaming and vending machines manufacturing was named as the worst performing industry, with a forecasted revenue fall of 12.6%. Full lists are outlined below. IBISWorld's Top 10 growth industries for 2011/12: 1.    Oil and gas production [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Customer Service Manager

This client applied for an internal role within Centrelink and gained a job interview. A three-page document was prepared addressing six criteria (the standard five criteria contained in the APS Integrated Leadership System) and an extra criterion focused on the management of customer service operations). Following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Develops and maintains valuable relationships. When dealing with staff, I am proactive in taking the time to consult [...]

Australian Job Market – Findings on Current Recruitment Processes

According to a new and recent survey (of approximately 800 professionals) conducted by Robert Walters, it was revealed that the two biggest influences on job-seekers' opinions of an employer are: the length of the recruitment process; and the person(s) conducting the interviews. The survey showed that over 75% of prospective employees were turned off a job/employer by a lengthy recruitment process. Specifically, the research found that 79% of job seekers were [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Corporate Information Officer

This particular client applied for the above-named role in one of the Victorian local Council establishments and gained a job interview. A four-page document was prepared covering a total of 12 criteria encompassing three main sections: Qualifications and Experience, Technology, Interpersonal. Following is a full example of one of the criteria. Broad knowledge of activities and operations of Local Government. Working for the YYY Council has provided me with broad knowledge [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – ATO Debt Collection Officer

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is one of the most fiercely competitive Australian Public Service (APS) Government departments to step foot into; as well as in progressing and moving forward once you've secured a role and prove yourself. It's typical for the ATO to receive 3000-4000 written applications for entry level roles (APS 3 or 4); and a very high number of applications for jobs listed internally. This particular client of [...]

Australian Job Market Forecasted Growth Occupations

In this Saturday's (7 May 2011) Courier-Mail's CareerOne section, an article titled ‘Electricians in Demand' stated that this particular occupation will be one of the biggest growth occupations in the next five years. The forecast is outlined in the 2011 Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Industry Employment Projections report. The report indicates that three key industries will require the skills of electricians including communications, mining and housing. Furthermore, according [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Coordinator, Community Engagement

This client gained a job interview for the role of Coordinator, Community Engagement within the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). A total of six criteria were required to be addressed; following is a full example of one of the criteria. Demonstrated expertise in the design, development and implementation of communication materials and stakeholder management processes, tools and training. In my current role as a Business Process Support Analyst with CCC Pty [...]

FREE Career Information Seminars

Last night I attended a very informative free-of-charge (FOC) 2-hour seminar/workshop in the Brisbane suburb of Morningside. The seminar was conducted by Gayl Regina (who is the Founder and Director of Inspirational Life) and her highly motivating team and business associates. The workshop was titled: ‘The Top 5 Mistakes People Make in their Career and What to Do About It!' For the entire session, the audience was totally engaged and the [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Assistant Director, Document Quality Improvement

One of my many repeat business clients gained a job interview for the role of Assistant Director, Document Quality Improvement in APS Government. Five criteria required addressing; following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple activities to achieve quality results to the customer's satisfaction. In my current role as Online Communications Officer at DDD Association, I was tasked with coordinating systems processes and information between the [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Team Leader Centrelink

This particular client was successful in gaining a job interview for an APS level 6 Team Leader role in one of Centrelink's divisions. The written application required the addressing of five criteria based on the Integrated Leadership Framework. Excerpts from two of the criteria are outlined below. Achieves results. I have been instrumental in implementing and supporting change processes. For example, when a whole new work procedures manual was introduced and [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Policy Manager

This particular client commissioned me to develop his resume and address criteria for the role of Policy Manager within a NSW government agency. He was successful in gaining a job interview and received commendation from the members of the interview panel on the high quality of his written application. The application required the addressing of eight criteria; following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Extensive experience in developing policy and [...]

Australian Hiring Forecast for 1st Quarter 2011

The Recruiter Daily posted an article on 19th January 2011 outlining 1st quarter (January to March) 2011 hiring forecasts across all States. According to recent research conducted by Hays, hiring ‘hotspots' are forecasted to be in the following sectors: Accounting and finance (commerce and industry) - project accountants, project accountants, commercially-focused finance managers and commercial managers, analysts, management accountants, accounts receivable and credit controllers; Architecture - BIM software skills, ArchiCAD drafters; Banking [...]

Australian Job Market 2011 and 5-Year Projected Forecast

Happy New Year! Forecasts indicate that job market growth for 2011 and the forthcoming years across many sectors are looking very positive. Based on reported November 2010 hiring figures, Manpower's latest Employment Outlook Survey reports the services and mining and construction sectors have the strongest hiring intentions for the first quarter of 2011. The services sector (encompassing professions such as lawyers, accountants, business consulting, IT and employment agencies) was the only [...]

Australian and Global Skills Shortage in the Engineering Profession

Shortlist posted a very interesting article in December 2010 providing insight into the crisis on the serious short supply of engineers at both a national and global level. A recent report produced by the Australian National Engineering Taskforce (ANET) stated that the engineering talent shortage was crippling construction and development in Australia, and that the skills shortage was chronic. Presently, more than half of the new qualified engineers working in Australia [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Business & Investment Officer

This particular client used my services previously and was successful in gaining an interview for an APS EL2 Senior Manager role (view blog posted on 2nd June 2010). Two weeks later, she commissioned my services again to address selection criteria (totalling seven, each with a 500 maximum word limit) for the role of Business and Investment Officer within a state (NSW) government department; once again, she was successful in gaining an [...]

Australian Job Market – Mining Sector Update

In a report prepared by the National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce (NRSET) a few months back, according to new estimates, 61,500 new operational jobs will be created in the mining sector by 2015 as a result of increased production to keep up with demand from Asia; and tens of thousands more in the construction stages. Construction jobs were expected to peak at 45,000 in 2012 with a focus on technicians, tradespeople, [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Allied Health Professional

This particular client gained an interview with Centrelink for the role of Allied Health Professional. Five criteria based on the APS Capability Leadership Framework were required to be addressed, each up to 3/4 page in length maximum. Following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Achieves results. I am highly competent in autonomously conducting various standardised and non-standardised Occupational Therapy (OT) assessments in the areas of mental health status, functional levels [...]

FREE Selection Criteria Answers and Responses – Blog postings to date

I hope my blogs outlining interview-generating selection criteria examples are of benefit to you. Please ensure you access the Monthly Archives from July 2009 onward as I have been posting selection criteria responses since that time. You can also access all the blogs under the 'Addressing Selection Criteria' Category. I'll keep the blogs coming; enjoy the reading! Cheers, Annie Cerone

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