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Selection Criteria, your
CV & Cover Letter
Think of job selection criteria as the checklist for getting noticed.
It's all about making sure your application highlights the skills
and achievements your future boss is looking for.
Matching your CV and cover letter to the employer's needs
For many employers, like supermarkets, government, and NHS jobs, directly addressing these criteria is a standard part of the application process. It's not just about listing your experiences; it's about matching them to what the job description asks for. This means clearly showing how your background and qualities make you the best match for the role.
Selection Criteria help determine if you are the right person for the job
You need to address the employer's selection criteria as part of your cover letter, or sometimes as a separate document or online form. Your CV should include the words and phrases from the most important selection criteria.
Selection criteria are the skills, experience, and qualities a company wants in its workers. This is especially key for those looking to fit into a company's way of working and goals. They might include things like:
- The right training or work background.
- Experience supervising a team or handling projects.
- Knowledge specific to the job or industry.
- Important qualities like being dependable and flexible.
These criteria, sometimes called Job Specs or Position Requirements, help you understand what a company is looking for. They cover both the hard skills needed for the job and the kind of person they want.
Getting these criteria right in your application is crucial to showing you're the right fit and moving forward in your career. Sometimes they are clearly stated, but often, you'll need to read between the lines to figure them out.
Addressing Selection Criteria demonstrates that you understand what the employer wants and have good written communication skills
Can you prove on paper that you are the best person for the job? If you fail to do so, you won't be given the opportunity of proving your verbal communication skills at an interview.
Here are examples of selection criteria within a job advert or description:
Whether the criteria are spelled out (explicit) or you need to dig a bit to find them (implicit), making sure your application speaks directly to these points can really set you apart.
Explicit (spelled out) Selection Criteria:
Criterion: "Minimum of 3 years of experience in project management."
Definition: This is a specific requirement stated directly in the job description. Candidates must have at least three years of experience in project management to be considered for the position.
Implicit (dig for them) Selection Criteria:
Criterion 1: "Strong communication skills."
Definition: While not explicitly mentioned in the job description, effective communication is often implied as an essential skill for success in most roles. This includes verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Criterion 2: "Ability to work well in a team."
Definition: Though not explicitly stated, many job postings expect candidates to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders. This implies the need for teamwork, cooperation, and interpersonal skills in the workplace.
Why selection criteria are so important
Selection criteria represent the specific needs of the employer. Consequently, CVs and cover letters are evaluated to assess how well a candidate meets these criteria. Initially, this screening is performed by automated systems (ATS), followed by human review if the candidate passes the initial stage.
Selection Criteria Tips: Read the Job Description Form (JDF) and Job Ad
Instructions provided by the employer are typically outlined in the JDF and/or the Job Ad. If there's no specification to submit a separate document, include your information addressing the selection criteria in your cover letter. Ensure that keywords and phrases from the selection criteria are also integrated into your CV. This is crucial for passing through Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) scans, which occur before human review.
Selection Criteria Tips: Formatting the Document
Statements addressing the selection criteria should adhere to specific formatting guidelines to facilitate easy comparison by the organisation. It's essential to follow these guidelines precisely, as they help ensure a fair evaluation process. Pay attention to the recommended length for your documents, as exceeding the specified page limit could negatively impact your application. For instance, if instructed to limit your statement to no more than four single-sided A4 pages, ensure you do that to avoid any adverse effects on your application.
Selection Criteria Tips: Answering the Questions
Now that you know the required page count and formatting rules, the next step is to assess the number of questions. For instance, if you're tasked with addressing eight questions regarding the selection criteria, allocate approximately half a page for each response. When answering these questions, strive for brevity. You needn't provide every example you can think of; reserve some for the interview. A couple of well-considered answers will offer recruiters the insight they seek, prompting them to invite you for an interview to discuss your examples and experiences in person.
Recruiters aim to determine whether your past experiences qualify you for the new role.
Employ the STAR method to ensure your responses to the selection criteria questions remain concise and focused. Outline the Situation or Task you encountered, describe what you Did to address it, and elucidate the Results of your actions.
Constructing responses to selection criteria questions demands thoughtful consideration and time, so allocate sufficient time for this task.
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