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Career Guide

How to write selection criteria

Turn each criterion into a focused evidence response that shows your role, actions, judgement and results within the requested word limit.

Public-sector applicant drafting and editing a selection criteria response at a laptop.

The quick answer

Start by identifying the capability and level behind each criterion. Choose one or two directly relevant examples, state your responsibility, explain the actions and judgement that were personally yours, and finish with concrete results. Address every part of the criterion and follow the exact format and word limit in the vacancy instructions.

Applicant and career adviser linking a selection criterion to a specific evidence example.

A criterion is an assessment question

Treat each response as evidence for a decision, not an essay about your qualities. The panel should be able to identify what you did, why it mattered, how you approached it and what the example proves about your suitability.

Decode the criterion

Underline the capability words, the context and any linked requirements. “Communicates effectively” is broad; “builds productive relationships and negotiates outcomes in a complex regulatory environment” points to specific evidence.

Also compare the criterion with the duties, Work Level Standards and agency context. This helps you distinguish the capability being assessed from the work level at which it must be demonstrated.

Choose the right example

Prefer an example that is recent, relevant, verifiable and appropriately complex. The example should give you enough personal action to discuss. A prestigious project is not automatically useful if your contribution was minor or unclear.

Build the response

A practical structure is:

  1. a direct opening that positions your capability;
  2. concise context and your responsibility;
  3. the actions you personally took and why;
  4. the result, supported by concrete evidence; and
  5. a brief connection to the advertised role where useful.

Use “I” accurately to distinguish your contribution. Explain judgement, adaptation and influence—not only activity.

Edit for evidence

Remove background the panel does not need. Replace broad claims such as “excellent stakeholder skills” with observable behaviour. Check that each sentence helps prove the criterion or understand the result.

Keep claims factual and consistent with your resume, interview answers and referee evidence.

Final checklist

  • Have I addressed every part of the criterion?
  • Is the example at the advertised level?
  • Is my own role unmistakable?
  • Do the actions show method and judgement?
  • Is the result concrete?
  • Have I followed the requested format and limit?
  • Could my referee validate the claim?

Official guidance used for this page

Guidance last reviewed: July 2026

This Professional Resumes Australia guide interprets public recruitment guidance for applicants. Always follow the instructions in the specific job advertisement and candidate information pack.

Questions about selection criteria

Must every response use visible STAR headings?

No. STAR can guide the underlying structure, but the finished format should follow the vacancy instructions and read naturally.

Can I use two examples for one criterion?

Yes when both add distinct, relevant evidence and the word limit allows it. One well-developed example is usually stronger than several shallow examples.

Need help writing or reviewing your selection criteria?

Professional Resumes Australia can help you interpret each criterion, choose stronger evidence and develop or review clear responses tailored to the role.

Selection Criteria Writing and ReviewAPS Application Review