Selection criteria: example of how to answer the selection criteria to get a government job

When you’re writing an application, use real workplace examples to show how you meet the criteria. Here’s a real-world example that landed an applicant her dream job:

Selection criteria

Statement

Job Title: Administrative Officer (AO2)

EducationQueensland

Vacancy reference number: 000000

Name: SALLY SAMPLE

Address: PO Box 000

The Gap Qld 4061

Telephone: 00 – 0000 0000 (Address)

0000 000 000 (Mobile)

Email: To be completed by the applicant

Administrative Officer (AO2) VRN: 000000

Selection Criteria – 1

Demonstrated administration, keyboarding, and word processing skills, including Microsoft Office, and the ability to operate independently and/or with limited supervision.

1. In my current and previous roles, I have operated independently and have demonstrated proficiency in administration, typing, and word processing. In my position at Victorian Health, I relieve at two different locations and work freelance at both locations. In my position with the Australian Defense Force, I supervised 15 members of staff.

• In my current position as an Administrative Assistant at Victorian Health and in my previous position as an Office Manager at Secureit Security Systems, my administrative skills are evidenced by the following:

o Carry out tasks of reception and attention to inquiries and claims by telephone and window; transfer incoming calls to six different extensions

o Arrange appointments for staff and perform public relations tasks.

o Prepare general correspondence and write memos and emails for staff

o Sorting, opening and processing incoming and outgoing mail

o Operate computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, etc.

o Maintain accurate customer databases

o Checking and preparing all accounts for payment, and managing petty cash, bank reconciliations and monthly expenses

o Process daily billing and work within established budgets

o Maintain a lost and found register for Victorian Health

o Request office supplies to ensure adequate levels and increase requests for stock, stationery and consumables using SAP (government procurement system)

o Obtaining quotes, preparation of purchase orders and reimbursement of monthly expenses

o Successful setup of all office systems and procedures for Secureit security systems

• My computer skills are demonstrated through the following:

o typing speed of 70 words per minute

o Proficiency in the use of Windows 2000, MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express and ‘Group Wise’ (VIC Health system).

o Basic knowledge of the Database Management System (SMS) used in Victorian schools for retrieval of information for supply teachers, student details etc.

I got this knowledge through volunteer work in a state elementary school.

• From the examples listed above, I am confident that I have demonstrated my administrative, keyboarding, and word processing skills and my ability to set up and maintain efficient office systems while operating independently without supervision.

Selection Criteria Statement Sally Sample Page 1 Administrative Officer (AO2) VRN: 000000

Selection Criteria – 2

Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work with all members of the school community, both individually and as a member of a team.

1. My interpersonal and communication skills are demonstrated in my current role as Administration Officer (AO2) for Victoria Health (Linen Services), where I am the first port of call for all bedding order inquiries from clients for all Victorian Health hospitals, nursing homes, dental centers. Clinics, Dental Mobile Vans and School Dental Clinics. I handle complaints about supply shortages, quality issues, and late deliveries, and can resolve issues quickly by showing empathy, listening to make sure I get all the facts, asking questions to get an accurate understanding of the problem, and then taking all steps to fix it quickly. I always follow up to make sure clients are completely satisfied with the result.
2. My team skills are displayed through the turnover in two hospital locations, where I have developed strong working relationships with all operational staff, based on mutual respect. I work collaboratively with people from numerous sections of the organization, including the Packing Supervisor, Transportation Supervisor, and Sterile Linen Supervisor to organize changes to standard orders and ensure we achieve the best possible results for our customers. I have been told that I am very approachable and often receive thanks for going out of my way to help solve everyday problems.
3. In my role as Office Manager at Secureit Security Systems, I arranged appointments and liaised between technical staff and clients regarding appointment changes and special requirements. I also responded to customer inquiries regarding electronic security issues and resolved any customer issues striving for a WIN/WIN result.
4. I am aware of the need to protect client confidentiality and ensure that all documents are maintained in accordance with policies and procedures.
5. My referees will confirm that I have a ‘hands-on’ approach and am always willing to go above and beyond to help other members of staff get the job done. I believe in supporting each other as members of a happy and productive team.
6. From the examples listed above, I believe I have demonstrated my highly developed communication, interpersonal and team skills.

Selection Criteria Statement Sally’s Sample Page 2 Administrative Officer (AO2) VRN: 000000

Selection Criteria – 3

Ability to understand or quickly learn about Education Queensland administrative policies, practices and procedures used in schools.

1. In current and previous positions, I have demonstrated my ability to quickly learn and apply relevant policies, practices, and procedures. Likewise, I am confident that I can quickly gain an understanding of the administrative policies, practices, and procedures used in the schools. From researching the internet and talking to Education Queensland staff, I have become familiar with the following documents:

o Manual of the Department of Education (DOEM) that provides administrative guidelines on issues such as safety, finances, health, etc.

o School Accounting Manual (SAM) that provides guidelines for purchases, inventory control, stock control, etc.

o Student handbooks that provide procedures relevant to the particular school regarding uniform requirements, behavior standards, library checkout procedures, clothing store hours of operation, lunchroom, etc.

1. In my role at Victoria Health, I have gained insight into contemporary management practices, such as occupational health and safety, equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination, through reading the Director’s Policies General, the Workplace Health and Safety Summary, and the Anti-Discrimination Summary.
2. I have a basic understanding of private act and its implementation with respect to the confidentiality of information about parents, students, and other personnel. In all previous positions, I demonstrated my commitment to maintaining client and staff confidentiality and handled sensitive matters with tact and discretion.
3. As a parent of one child in a state elementary school and one in a state high school, I have a good working knowledge of administrative policies, practices and procedures, including permission forms to leave school during school hours, ‘late passes’ ‘, notification of student absences and consent forms for field trips and school camps. I am also familiar with student handbooks that contain school rules, uniform requirements, and behavior requirements, etc. I work cooperatively with the school’s teaching and administrative staff and assist with fundraising activities, book packaging, and stationery sales as needed.
4. From the examples above, I believe I have demonstrated my ability to quickly learn about the administrative policies, practices, and procedures used in schools.

Selection Criteria Statement Sally’s Sample Page 3 Administrative Officer (AO2) VRN: 000000

Selection Criteria Statement Sally’s Sample Page 4

Selection Criteria – 4

Basic understanding of occupational health and safety, equal employment opportunity, and anti-discrimination practices and conduct applied in a work environment.

1. I have a basic understanding of occupational health and safety, equal employment opportunity, and anti-discrimination practices that apply in the work environment through previous employment and by reading information from the Division of Health and Safety at the Site of Labor and relevant government departments. I understand that the Occupational Health and Safety Law places legal responsibility on both employers and employees in a workplace to ensure the health and safety of others. Employers are responsible for providing practical advice on identifying and managing risk exposure in the workplace, while employees must follow the organization’s policies and procedures for their safety and the safety of others. I follow all procedures related to proper manual handling techniques, hazard identification and reporting, and promotion of a safe workplace.
2. I also understand that the Equal Employment Opportunity Law provides for the creation of conditions that allow all workers to have the same opportunities to seek and obtain employment and promotion, based on merit. I further understand that employment discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favorably than others because of their gender, marital status, age, race, religion, etc. Sexual harassment is illegal and a crime under the Act. For the past three years, I have helped promote acceptance of cultural differences in schools by regularly sponsoring stay-at-home Japanese students through the Queensland International Student Services for periods of between two and 14 days. This provides a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about each other’s cultures.
3. In my current role at Victorian Health, I work with a group of people made up of Fijians, Germans, Russians, Malaysians and New Zealanders. We value cultural diversity, treat each other with mutual respect, and work well as a multicultural team.
4. I believe that my answers listed above demonstrate my understanding of occupational health and safety, equal employment opportunity, and anti-discrimination practices and behavior applied in a work environment. I understand that this application will be considered in relation to EEO principles and will be based solely on merit.

Additional factors

1. My application for a Suitability Card from the Commission for Children and Youth is currently being processed.
2. In my position with the Australian Defense Force I have attended numerous First Aid and CPR training courses and am willing to undertake the required training to update these qualifications as required.