To gain the edge in complex job application processes is a science. To move smoothly to interview applicants must nail their response to selection criteria. Director of Harvest Recruitment presented on this topic at the Geelong Jobs Fair today.

1. .
Gaining the Edge in Complex Application Processes
Presented by Maree Herath
25 July 2016

2. Harvest
Recruitment
Harvest Human
Resources
Harvest Human
Resources
 Recruitment
Services
 Permanent, Part-
time, Temporary,
Casuals
 Diverse
Industries
 HR Compliance
 Systems
 Document
Management
 HR Templates
 Employee
Engagement
 Career Coaching
 Resume Writing
 Interview Skills
Workshops
Established out of Geelong in 2009, and founded on 20 years’ international
recruitment and HR expertise, Harvest is a one stop shop for your
recruitment, job-search and human resource management needs.

3. When applying for jobs…
 Do you see a great company and
opportunity but don’t know where
to start?
 Are you getting bogged down with
Selection Criteria?
 Is it giving you a headache?

4.  Straight forward
 Just follow the instructions
 I’ll pull out a similar application
I did recently
How hard can it be?

5. Maree Herath
Director, Harvest Recruitment and Harvest Human
Resources
Tel 1300 363 128
maree.herath@harvesthr.com.au
Maree works with clients who are struggling when it comes to recruitment,
employment or HR management.
Maree launched Harvest’s Careers Division in 2012 aimed at helping job-
seekers and career shifters pursue and attain their career of choice.
Career Coaching, Resume Writing and Interview Skills Workshops are offered
on a one-on-one basis that are specifically tailored to client’s needs and to
maximise success.
HarvestHR is excited to launch its first Book Club this August.

6. From this session..
Learn
 What it is big employers
want
 The most important
aspect of your job
application
 How to respond with
confidence

7. A Different Approach to Applying
Order of Importance
 Response to Selection
Criteria
 Resume
 Cover Letter

8. What are Selection Criteria?
Job selection criteria are designed to help make the most accurate
match between the requirements of a position and the skills of an
applicant.
http://www.careers.vic.gov.au/vacancies/key-selection-criteria
Selection criteria are the specific skills, knowledge and experience
needed to undertake the duties of a job successfully. Job applicants
are assessed how they fit against the selection criteria to determine
their suitability. http://www.deakin.edu.au/students/career-
education/finding-jobs-and-applications/selection-criteria

9. Selection Criteria Examples
 Excellent verbal and written skills and sound interpersonal skills.
 The ability to achieve positive work outcomes
 Demonstrated skills in office management.
 Solid analytical skills and attention to detail.
 Experience in change management.
 A strong customer focus together with demonstrated customer service
skills.
 Demonstrated computer literacy skills, including the ability to use
spreadsheets, databases and word processing applications – example
one.
 The demonstrated ability to be flexible, to use initiative, and a sound work
ethic.
http://www.selection-criteria.com.au/selectioncriteriaexposedcontentsV3.shtml

10. How to respond to Selection Criteria
 Narrative
 Consider how you
would respond to the
question if asked at
interview?
 Use the STAR
technique

11. Must Haves…
 Address the criteria
 Consider an example (the
situation where the criteria
was displayed)
 Ensure they are real,
relevant and recent

12. Must Haves...
 Demonstrate competence (your
approach, what activity or tasks
you performed, who you involved
and how, the steps taken)
 Results (what you have
achieved, the benefit to the
team/division/company)

13. Do Not…
 Use Hypotheticals
 Assume reader has read resume
 Be vague
 Respond at a different level (too
senior or too junior)
 Use one word/line answers
 Reference another document or
response to an earlier question
 Go off track

14. Some Examples
 Sound oral and communication skills
My work experience at Readers’ Bookstore meant that I developed and applied skills in these areas. I was
dealing regularly with customers, suppliers and staff in person and over the phone.
One of my duties was to field customer enquiries, which utilised all my communication skills. Dealing with
a customer request to order a book involved talking to the supplier over the phone, entering the book and
customer’s information into the computer database, ordering the book and recontacting the customer
when the book arrived.
Further to this, I clearly and concisely documented this information in our filing system for the benefit of
other staff. Using clear communication, in oral and written forms, I ensured a good relationship with our
suppliers was maintained and provided efficient and effective customer service.
As a result of this, my manager commended my communication skills at my performance appraisal, and I
was delegated to the task of staff trainer.
http://www.careerfaqs.com.au/careers/resumes-and-cover-letters-tips/selection-criteria-sample-sound-oral-and-written-
communication-skills

15. Some Examples
 Demonstrated client service focus and experience in a
client service environment
The response to this selection criterion is modelled on the STAR approach.
For the last four years I have been working as a customer service officer in the finance industry. My job
involves direct customer contact on a continuous basis and I am often the first point of contact for
customers. I am proactive in my relationship with customers and have established a loyal customer base
in my local community. This involves a regular calling program to discuss any needs they may have and
ongoing face-to-face contact.
I am required to determine customer needs and provide solutions. For example, an elderly customer
enquired about her bank account as she felt that there was a discrepancy in the balance. After having a
conversation with her in the privacy of my office, I discovered that what was really concerning her was
the amount of her last pension payment. As she was not comfortable contacting Centrelink, I did so on
her behalf and we were able to clarify the issue and resolve her confusion.

16.  Demonstrated client service focus and experience
in a client service environment…cont’d
..She was most appreciative of my help and left my office with her problem solved.
I am passionate and committed to providing excellent customer service and undertake regular
training in customer feedback, customer relations and conflict resolution as provided by my
employer. I am confident in handling any situation that may arise.
http://www.careerfaqs.com.au/careers/resumes-and-cover-letters-tips/selection-criteria-sample-demonstrated-
client-service-focus-and-experience-in-a-client-service-environment

17.  Make your application compelling
to take you to interview
 Tailor your response to Selection
Criteria
 Answer as you would an
interview question
 Use recent, relevant examples
 Use the STAR technique
 Gain feedback
Make Sure You’re Included

18. Jobs Fair Offer
Free half hour consultation with Harvest Recruitment or
Harvest Human Resources..Sign up if interested!
THANKYOU
Tel: 1300 363 128
www.harvesthr.com.au
maree.herath@harvesthr.com.au