Addressing selection criteria

Most advertised positions will have a list of selection or essential criteria. It is very important to address these criteria to prove you meet the requirements of the job. All government positions will have a list of essential and desirable criteria that you should address. Other companies may have less obvious selection criteria and you may have to telephone the company to clarify the selection requirements.

To address selection criteria you can either develop a cover letter and attach a separate document addressing each criteria or provide the relevant information within the body of the cover letter. Make a heading for each criteria and provide dot points that demonstrate how you meet the criteria.

For example, a job advertisement may state that the company wants a team player, a good communicator and someone with strong technical and organisational skills. It may be helpful to set out your response as follows:

Team Player

My final year project involved working with 2 classmates, researching and presenting on Marketing Strategy. Additionally, I have co-ordinated and participated in a series of volunteer Red Cross workshops on emergency medication.

My two part time jobs in customer service demand effective work in teams and in the Swiss Ice cream shop, I initiated a new, time effective teamwork approach to the front counter operations.

Communication Skills

My marketing degree at UTS involved the completion of written assignments and oral presentations. My results indicate a credit average demonstrating effective written and oral communication skills. I am also Secretary of the AYBC (Asian Youth Business Council) which involves writing and editing regular newsletters along with presentations to employers.

My position as Customer Service Representative at Grace Bros. has involved dealing effectively with the public, work colleagues and supervisors.

Technical and Organisational Skills

At East St. Market Research Company I was required to complete technical analysis of survey results and consequently have gained a thorough knowledge of Excel, Word and Powerpoint.

Balancing part time jobs and study demanded skills in organisation. I have become adept at prioritising key issues in my work, academic and social life.