The document provides tips for job application writing, specifically for selection criteria. It recommends breaking selection criteria into smaller parts to address individually. It also suggests researching how others have answered similar criteria to understand common themes and mistakes. The document stresses using specific examples to demonstrate skills and abilities claimed in the application. Following these tips can help improve one's chances of success in job application writing.

1. 1P A G E
Modern PowerPoint Presentation

2. 2P A G E
Job application writing is often daunting and difficult. Not only do candidates need to find a
job that suits their skills and qualifications they must also complete a myriad of forms through
the application writing process including a resume and selection criteria. Employers are making
a longer, longer list of demands for skills and knowledge and it is virtually impossible to fulfil all
that is required. Selection criteria designed to assist employers find the ‘perfect’ candidate
through the job application writing process often discourage people from applying at all
because they feel they just don’t meet the high standards asked of them.
Job application writing

3. 3P A G E
So what is the best way to approach job application writing and in particular those dreaded
selection criteria? What strategies should the job application writer adopt to improve their
chances? Here are a few suggestions that may assist you in the process.

4. 4P A G E
2. Research other
people’s responses
1. Break down the selection
criteria into parts
job application writer
4. Use specific
examples
3. Sell you skills in the
right selection criteria

5. 5P A G E
As mentioned job application writing is tricky. It is not uncommon for selection criteria to
be made up of a number of smaller components that must each be addressed in your
response. Employers want to see that you understand the entire question and can pick
out the important parts. Let’s look at an example:
“Demonstrated high level of communication skills both oral
and written and the ability
to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people”
Break Down the Selection Criteria into Parts

6. 6P A G E
What are the important things in this selection criteria? Let’s break it down into smaller,
more manageable parts.
§ High level of communication skills
§ Oral communication skills
§ Written communication skills
§ Communicate with diverse range of people
Now that you have some smaller points it’s a great idea to use dot points to get your
thoughts into place. Place some dot points under each heading about how you can
answer each part. Use the dot points to craft an answer that addresses all parts of the
question. Job application writing is all about showing you understand what is being asked
of you and that you can articulate this in a written response and the skilled job
application writer will address these issues.

7. 7P A G E
If you are still feeling unsure about writing an answer to the selection criteria it pays to do a
bit more investigating. Generic selection criteria such as those relating to communication,
team work and organisational skills are used by multiple organisations and are often tweaked
slightly to become individualised to a particular company. Don’t be afraid to google the
common answers to these selection criteria to see how others have addressed them. Look for
the common mistakes and the common themes that make a successful response. What words
are most commonly used in a job application writer’s responses and do these apply to you? A
word of caution, it is important to never plagiarise any information found on the internet.
While you can use this to assist in your answers, copying and pasting responses can violate
copywrite laws and cause you a whole lot of trouble!
Research other People’s Responses

8. 8P A G E
There is no doubt that every person has unique skills and abilities. That is why we
have the job application writing process – to determine the best person for the job.
So, it is important for the job application writer to showcase your skills and abilities in
the correct selection criteria. As mentioned above, breaking down the selection
criteria and creating dot points under each one will provide direction. Expand on this
further and add the skills/abilities you think are relevant to each dot point. This will
give you a good understanding on where to showcase your skills and abilities.
Sell you Skills in the Right Selection Criteria

9. 9P A G E
Within any written job application an employer is looking for specific examples that
can demonstrate or evidence what you are claiming to be able to do. For example
when addressing a selection criteria on communication you could write:
I have extensive communication skills, both written and oral and understand the
importance of communicating clearly.
Use Specific Examples

10. 10P A G E
I have extensive communication skills, both written and oral and understand the
importance of communicating clearly. In my current position as XXXX I am required to
prepare daily communications for staff, sub-contractors and customers. I do this in
both written from, via emails, and orally, by telephone. I am also responsible for the
development and distribution of a monthly newsletter that is send to clients and staff.
Further to this, I compile several monthly reports for senior management that are
used to guide the future direction of the company.
Or you could substantiate it with some examples

11. 11P A G E
It is very clear which answer an employer will lean towards. Adding in examples
proves that you are capable and experienced and that you understand the
expectations of the role.
These simple tips will help you in your job application writing journey and improve
your skills as a quality job application writer. Add in some perseverance and
motivation and you never know where you may end up!

12. 12P A G E
Please also “friend” or “like” us on Facebook
http://www.redtapebusters.com,
follow us on Twitter – Red Tape Busters or check us out on YouTube just
search for Red Tape Busters.

13. 13P A G E
Thank You!!