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Selection criteria example

Selection Criteria Example

"Demonstrated ability to identify issues in a social context and take initiative towards creating a solution"

As Support Leader of my student accommodation complex, I identified that many of the international students were not making social connections, and some were feeling isolated. I took the initiative to speak with students individually to get an idea of their challenges, and discovered that many were finding it hard to make friends outside of their area of study.

At the next committee meeting I suggested the idea of starting a few activity and interest groups to promote social connection. The committee agreed with my concept, and after speaking with the students I set up a yoga and table tennis group. Within days we had 8 students sign up. I put together a rotating game schedule to promote engagement, and created a leaderboard & scoreboard.

I also organised a 2 hour chat session around dinner time, once a week in our common room. Over a period of six weeks, we were getting a minimum of 15 people who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and were able to a get to know each other. Both the table tennis and dinner chats have been running for almost a year and many great friendships have developed. I received positive feedback, and other groups have followed my lead including a yoga group and cricket club.

To ensure ongoing success I also took the initiative to create a welcome pack for new students at the accommodation, including information about joining the groups.

Further Tips

  • When responding to selection criteria, it's important to follow the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action and Result. This is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate your ability to meet selection criteria by providing a clear example of when you've applied a specific skill, experience, attribute, qualification, knowledge and/or expertise.
  • Don't just copy from your resume or from a previous application. Tailor it, use their terminology.
  • Answer all the criteria, don't leave any blank. For example, if you don't have the specific software skill, talk about a relevant software skill you do have and/or examples of how you pick up new software quickly.