problem solving skills selection criteria

• Bookkeeping
• Financial Planning
• Animal Care
• Animal Science
• Dog Training
• Horse Breeding & Equine Studies
• Pet Grooming
• Veterinary Nursing
• Graphic Design
• Interior Design
• Photography
• User Experience Design
• Building & Construction
• Real Estate
• Business Administration
• Business Development
• Business Operations
• Change Management
• Customer Engagement
• Entrepreneurship
• Human Resources
• Leadership & Management
• Organisational Development
• Project Management
• Quality Management
• Small Business
• Supply Chain Operations
• Alcohol & Other Drugs
• Community Services
• Individual Support
• Education Support
• Training & Assessment
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Conservation & Land Management
• Health Science
• Horticulture
• Social Science
• Sustainability
• Dermatology
• Eyebrow Specialist
• Eyelash Extension
• Hairdressing
• Nail Technology
• Allied Health
• Counselling
• Dental Assisting
• Health Services Assistance
• Life Coaching
• Medical Administration
• Mental Health
• Natural Therapies
• Naturopathy
• Practice Management
• Sports & Fitness
• Event Management
• Hospitality
• Wedding Planning
• Cloud Computing
• Cyber Security
• Data Science & Analytics
• Programming
• Systems Administration
• Web Development
• Compliance & Risk
• Criminal Justice & Psychology
• Work Health & Safety
• Advertising
• Digital Marketing
• Digital Media
• Social Media Marketing
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Western Australia
• South Australia
• Graduate Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• Associate Degree
• Graduate Certificate
• Undergraduate Certificate
• Certificate
• Certificate I
• Certificate II
• Certificate III
• Certificate IV
• Courses by Provider
• Government Funded Courses
• Student Hub
• The Workforce Training Hub

Selection Criteria Examples: 13+ Good Selection Criteria Responses

In this post, what are selection criteria, how to address selection criteria, the star model in selection criteria, what are the different types of selection criteria, selection criteria examples and templates, selection criteria faqs.

In this post Show

Selection criteria have the power to decide the fate of your job application. Imagine: you’ve been on the edge of your seat for two weeks, waiting to hear back from your dream employer . And now — unbeknownst to you — the moment of truth has arrived.

With a double click, Gary the hiring manager brings your application up onscreen. He rubs his eyes, takes a gulp of coffee and a deep breath, and starts skimming through your resume and cover letter .

If you’re applying for a position where the job advertisement included selection criteria (for example, a job in the Australian Public Service , or a large company), things can go one of two ways from this point:

“Wow, this applicant’s experience could make them a great fit,” Gary thinks. “And their cover letter tells me they’re passionate about this field.” 

He glances across at the list of key selection criteria for this position. And then he realises there’s no third page. You haven’t addressed the selection criteria at all.

He closes the window, sighs, and drags your application to the bin. Next!

Gary reads your stellar resume and your eloquent cover letter. Then he opens your ‘Key Selection Criteria Responses.docx’ document.

He compares your selection criteria responses against his list. A smile starts to spread across his face, and he sits up a little straighter. You’ve used the right keywords, structured it with the STAR framework, and organised it into skimmable bullet points. Gary adds your application to the shortlist — the selection panel is going to love it.

Okay, so Gary isn’t real, but key selection criteria are very real. Take them seriously, or be ready for Scenario A (i.e. the bin).

But don’t worry — you already have the skills you need to do an excellent job. If you’ve ever told a story to a friend about something that happened at work, you’re halfway there. 

Today, you’ll get the tools you need to get the rest of the way — all the way into your dream job.

Selection criteria are the essential skills , knowledge, experience and qualifications you must demonstrate to be eligible for a job. HR departments use them to evaluate candidates’ competency, and they are necessary for most government jobs, and for new roles at most large organisations. They don’t just benefit hiring managers, either. You can use them to see whether the job is a good fit for you.

It’s crucial to answer the selection criteria when applying for a position. To respond to key selection criteria, create a separate document to your covering letter and resume — both of which you have customised for this position, using the same language as in the job description. You’ll need to describe how well you meet each of the primary selection criteria in order to answer them, provide detailed information when asked, and use relevant examples from your work experience. 

Job advertisements may also list desirable criteria . Unlike the key selection criteria , these aren’t essential. But if you can show that you possess these criteria too, your chances of scoring a job interview will be much higher.

What are some examples of selection criteria ?

• Ability to work in a team and a collaborative environment
• Exceptional time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of effective team management
• A qualification in a relevant industry area
• What skills do you have that are relevant to this position?
• Is it possible for your abilities to be transferred to this position?
• How do you go about honing your skills?
• Give some examples of your abilities in action.
• What relevant professional knowledge do you have for this position?
• What skills would you bring to this position?
• How do you keep your knowledge and skills up to date?
• What kind of experience did you get and where did you get it?
• What is your level of experience?
• What skills do you have that might be useful in this position?
• Give a few examples of how you’ve used your skills.
• What qualifications do you have that would make you a good fit for this position?
• What personal qualities do you have that would make you a good fit for this position?

Need resume templates?

Get your job application started with templates to create a polished, professional resume, tailored for Australia.

When addressing selection criteria as a job applicant, you must be thorough. To do this, you must explore each criterion mentioned in the advertised position description in separate paragraphs and relevant examples. Back up your answers with related examples of what you have achieved and why these experiences will help you thrive in the role.

Here are five simple steps to effectively answer selection criteria:

• Analyse and dissect the selection criteria
• Write an opening statement
• Brainstorm ideas for each selection criterion
• Go into further detail and support your claims with ‘the how’
• Write out in full sentences, using a checklist

Read on for more detail.

1. Analyse and dissect the selection criteria

Read the selection criteria on the job advertisement thoroughly before jumping right in. As an example, let’s look at interpersonal skills. The associated criterion details could be ‘ w ell developed interpersonal skills’ .

This includes the ability to:

• Express opinions, information and critical points clearly and concisely via effective verbal communication
• Effectively working with others to resolve interpersonal conflicts in a positive way
• Being able to work in both formal and informal settings with others in groups and teams

If you look into this further, you can break down the desired sub-skills:

• Verbal communication
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Team-working

2. Create an opening statement

For each selection criterion, clearly state how you fulfil it in one sentence making sure you incorporate key points. Keep it short – you will go into further details and specific examples and relevant experience in the next step.

“I possess strong interpersonal skills, which I have developed throughout my role as a Project Manager.”

3. Brainstorm ideas for each selection criterion

Here, you can pull together some examples of your work experiences relevant to the role you are pursuing. For example, sticking with the theme of Project Management, an applicant may think of the following scenarios to show how they fulfil the selection criteria before writing their response:

• Project Manager at X – Encountered conflicts when managing teams and resolved these accordingly.
• Project Manager at Y – First managerial role. Perfected verbal communication through many encounters with fellow team members. Learned to deliver my points clearly and concisely.
• Project Coordinator at Z – Working with teams.

4. Go into further detail and support your claims with ‘the how’

Once you’ve got the base points that surround the overarching selection criteria, you can then go to these and choose which examples suit best. A great way to do this is by employing the STAR Method technique.

Example response to the STAR Method:

5. Write out your responses in full sentences, using a checklist

Now, you can write the paragraph in full. When reading through your final draft, check the following steps before you submit your job application.

Have I addressed all elements of the selection criteria?

Once you’ve completed your application, it is good to revisit the wording of that particular selection criterion found in the position description. Make sure your content correlates and that the descriptors used in the advertisement are directly addressed in your writing. Double-check that you have met the requirements of the process itself- there may be a word limit you need to stick to, or the recruiter might ask you to list examples using bullet points instead of keeping them in paragraph format.

Are my claims justified with relevant examples?

This is as simple as making sure you are specific, concise and that your answers remain relevant using real experience. There is no use going on a tangent and writing an essay if it is a bunch of useless content irrelevant to the position.

Have I chosen the right words?

Match your language with that used in the job advertisement. When a recruiter is scanning your document, and there are words that they believe to be relevant to the position, this will more than likely generate some interest – after all, every corporate job posting gets 250 applications on average. Hence, yours needs to stand out in the selection process to make it on the shortlist.

Avoid ambiguous and passive language to make sure your writing is clear and delivers your point effectively.

Has someone else proofread my response?

Sometimes a new set of eyes can pick up on some mistakes that you might have missed. When you’ve been working on a piece for a long time, everything starts to look the same. Have them look through your work and compare it to the job advertisement – they may be able to offer some insight on how to improve your piece further.

The STAR model is one technique used to demonstrate relevant information for a specific capability within selection criteria.

Create context by describing where you applied the skills that helped to gain your knowledge

What was your role in the situation, and what were you required to accomplish?

How did you respond to the situation? What measures did you take?

What did you accomplish? How does this result relate to the job that you are applying for?

Selection criteria are more than just the desired skills an employer is looking for. It also includes experience, abilities, awareness and both hard and soft skills. The most common type of selection criteria includes qualifications. Most jobs, especially at a professional level, have a set requirement of qualifications needed.

Course Finder Questionnaire

Step 1 of 5

What is your motivation to study?

If you want to understand more about what it takes to write a successful selection criteria response, find some of the most popular criteria skills below and our examples of them. Whether you need to show your communication, teamwork, or technology abilities, use these examples to write your perfect response based on your experience.

Selection criteria: Proven ability to work in a team and a collaborative work environment

Here is an example of a typical teamwork selection criteria . The readers are looking for an example of when you’ve worked in a team as proof that you’ll be able to share and work with other employees if they hire you.

Teamwork criteria example

When working in hospitality, I continually proved my ability to work with a team in a very team-oriented environment. While at Johnny’s restaurant, I worked in a large team every shift, and in hospitality, teamwork is crucial to providing smooth and efficient service. Daily tasks were often team-oriented, including service, preparation and post-service jobs, which needed to be coordinated amongst staff to ensure we completed everything. 

This coordination meant communicating with other staff on shift, including chefs, dish staff, bar staff and other floor staff, and regularly attending meetings where I collaborated with other employees and management to improve the way we delivered service to customers. Regardless of how new an employee was or what training level, I treated every other staff member as equals, which helped forge professional associations and strengthened the team overall. As a result of my teamwork skills and collaborative work efforts, management often offered me extra shifts because they knew that I could work effectively with everyone to get the job done.

Selection criteria: Demonstrate a high level of effective team management

Here is a popular way of wording selection criteria for leadership skills. When a potential employer asks this, you may either be looking at a job that requires or may require leadership in the future or a position where you may have to be semi-autonomous.

Team management criteria example

When working at Smith and Son’s as a receptionist, I often had to demonstrate an ability to lead teams. After working there for five years, I became one of the longest-serving receptionists, which meant leading team meetings, organising staff events and coordinating a team of up to five receptionists at a time working on the floor. Growing genuine friendships and connections with new staff members was a priority to complete these tasks, as I knew they would come to me with problems more readily. I also needed to visibly complete my daily tasks ahead of schedule so that other receptionists would respect my participative leadership style. Staff will not respect a leader if they can’t do their job. As a result of my collaborative and friendly leadership, staff were confident in my ability to lead them and often came to me to communicate with upper management on their behalf, as well management relying on me to collaborate with them regarding receptionist staff and their needs.

Selection criteria: The ability to show a high level of quality customer service and management

Here is a typical example of phrasing for customer service selection criteria . This criterion means that the job you’re applying for will have customer-facing tasks, and management is looking to see that you have experience working with customers.

Customer service criteria example

While completing my studies, I worked part-time at Myer as a sales assistant for two years, where customer service was one of the most critical elements of my job. During my time at Myer, I worked across several departments. I demonstrated my customer service skills multiple times, especially with tricky customers or clients upset about something outside my control.

Clear communication and genuine concern with a customer’s needs is crucial to delivering exceptional customer service. When I worked in the womenswear department, a mother of the bride came in whose outfit had arrived (they’d ordered the dress online), but it didn’t fit, and we weren’t able to get a replacement in time for the wedding. 

The customer was understandably distraught, so I worked with her over a few hours, calming her down and coming up with some options for alternatives. This process included calling down items from different departments and ensuring she felt important and valued by getting her to sit down and have a cup of tea while I found all the pieces she wanted to view — or that I thought she might like. 

She ended up finding a dress that she liked more than the original and left a positive review a few days later on our Facebook page about her experience. Being able to help people when something goes wrong is one of the most rewarding elements of customer service and management. I developed this skill while working at Myer, as evidenced by many positive reviews and winning ‘best sales assistant of the month’ five times over my two years.

Selection criteria: Demonstrate the ability to use business technologies and analyse data and information effectively

Here is an example of how using technology selection criteria may be worded in a job application. In this case, the reader is looking to see how you’ve used relevant business technologies in the past and that you’ve been able to read the information given by these programs accurately.

Technology criteria example

When completing my Diploma in Administration, I was required to complete work placements that used business technologies in everyday tasks, including online library databases, microfiche and Microsoft office, and basics in Xero software.

When I completed my month-long work placement at Smith’s Chiropractors, I discovered that they were still using entirely paper-based data collection systems. I organised the transfer to a cloud-based company database system. This process included uploading files to the cloud, then connecting with multiple other programs, including Microsoft Excel, to create spreadsheets for chiropractors at the office to use in their day-to-day work. It also meant analysing large quantities of data online and turning them into practical, easy to use information. 

This use of business technologies helped both the chiropractors and the full-time administration staff become more efficient. They were no longer reliant on a paper-based system. They streamlined several processes throughout the workplace, allowing the clinic to see where processes were going wrong or could be improved.

Selection criteria: Demonstrate the ability to apply analytical and research skills

Here is a common way job applications may ask you to prove you fulfil analytical and research selection criteria. They are looking to see that you can apply what you’ve learned in analytical skills and research to everyday situations.

Analytical and research criteria example

When I was training as a teacher’s aide, I researched the special needs school and students I would be working with, both in work placements and my future work. I researched autism and students on the spectrum, looking at how different students may respond to stimuli within the school environment or having another teacher’s aid to their usual one. Students with special needs often react in unusual ways to new and changing circumstances, so it was important that the research papers I was working on were relevant and gave me valid analytical accounts and theories. 

The research I did, both within teachers aid training and independently, had to be applied in day to day practical ways, rather than just understanding the theory. I completed several projects on the topic, which required extensive literary research and analysing statistical data.

When I did my two-month-long work placement at St John’s primary school, I regularly applied the theories and concepts I had come across in my research in everyday situations. There was one student who particularly struggled with writing due to the texture of the pencils and pens. My investigation into textural sensations for students with autism helped me find ways to alter the pencils with everyday items, such as blue tac, which made it much easier for him to write. By applying the research to practical everyday learning, I helped increase class participation — not just for this student but also for students in other classes. This potential to improve learning outcomes is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a teacher’s aide.

Selection criteria: Proven ability to use interpersonal skills in everyday workplace situations

Here is a common way of phrasing interpersonal skills selection criteria. Interpersonal skills refer to, basically, people skills. Communication skills are a part of it because if you can’t communicate effectively, you’re not going to be much of a people person — but generally, they are separate.

Interpersonal skills criteria example

When working as a bartender at the Northern Hotel, there were many times when my interpersonal skills were called upon to improve difficult situations. In a busy hotel on a Saturday night, especially when customers have had a few too many drinks, relating to customers and talking them down from becoming angry is a crucial skill that I honed over the four years I worked there.

One night, a particularly irate customer was getting angry at one of our newest staff members who had cut him off. I didn’t want to get involved too early because this can often make new staff members feel undervalued, but I stepped in when he started getting personally offensive. The customer was a regular I knew relatively well, so I explained that I would have done the same thing and helped cool him down. I ensured that the new staff member was still involved, checked up on her several times throughout the night, and gave security and management a heads up. 

Two years later, she told me that one of the reasons she had stayed working with us for so long was because she knew, from that first shift, that other staff members would always support her on shift. Management recognised my interpersonal skills formally, and I won the ‘most supportive staff member’ award at our annual awards nights organised by management.

Selection criteria: Job applicant must be competent with a high level of administration skills such as database management, Microsoft Office and basic computing

Employers are looking for individuals skilled in specific programs that ensure efficiency and modernisation. In the 21st century, organisations expect anyone with a level of administrative background or skills to be competent with multiple programs and the general handling of a computer system.

Administration skills and database management criteria example

Whilst completing my Diploma in Administration, I was fortunate enough to take an Internship at Elixir Wealth Advisory, where I was an assistant to the Administration Officer. The opportunity allowed my database and computing skills to improve significantly, whereby I became efficient in using multiple Microsoft and Google applications. Working in administration involved working with clients’ details, answering phone enquiries and ensuring I organised notices and meetings for all staff members. 

One of the memorable days during my internship involved a client urgently requesting an appointment with his advisor. As the Administrative Officer was away sick that day, it was my job to fit the client into the busy schedule of the small business. I used our database system MySQL to rearrange the specific advisors day, then telephoned and used Microsoft Office to email other clients to inform them of their short-notice change to the day. Despite being short notice, the day’s meetings ran smoothly, and we could fit in the urgent session. Without using the databases and applications, the Advisory wouldn’t have known who the client was before they met and would not have been prepared to act quickly.

Selection criteria: Job applicant must have the ability to demonstrate sound written and oral communications skills

In many jobs, you need to show how you can effectively communicate as part of a team and to various people. Strong written and oral communication skills are vital in all departments and come in useful for daily tasks.

Written and oral/verbal communication criteria example

In my first full-time job at Flight Centre, oral and written communication skills were essential to being a successful travel agent. Many clients depended on me to tailor travel itineraries to their preferences during this career.

To ensure clients were satisfied both before and during their travel, communication was crucial to inform them of alterations to their plans. Once clients start their journeys, sometimes unexpected changes occur. One such situation was a significant weather disruption. A family of 4 were unable to travel to New York and spend the desired four days there. Due to their stopover in LA, I needed to organise four days of activities elsewhere. I made multiple phone calls to the clients to brief them on planning and status, understand their requests for the four days, and comfort them during this stressful time. Organising accommodation and activities in a different time zone required me to send many emails confirming availability on short notice. After constant communication with the family and many managers, I successfully reorganised the days spent in LA instead of New York, where the family enjoyed their altered stay. They even brought back a thank you gift for my consistent communication and quick thinking. Without being confident in my communication skills, being a travel agent would have been extremely difficult. It was crucial to organise, control, reach out to multiple people, and ensure clients were always satisfied with my service.

Selection criteria: Have the ability to prioritise tasks accordingly and demonstrate a high level of organisation

Organisational skills are a vital capability for working in any job in any field of work. The reader would be looking for an example of when you demonstrated your organisational skills at a time of need — or in your everyday work — that you can continue to display if they hire you.

Organisation criteria example

In my current position as the Year 6 teacher at Saint Mary’s Primary School, my job is to help the students become more mature before they reach high school and ensure their numeracy and literacy skills are all up to the standard. It is essential to teach them skills that will carry on throughout their schooling careers, such as organisation, socialisation and dedication. 

One of my tasks as a teacher includes converting weekly objectives into achievable tasks that the students will understand, such as homework or in-class activities. For example, a typical Friday will mean the collection of homework. I analyse the homework and monitor which areas the students struggled, passed or excelled in and use this to integrate into the following week’s lessons. I will develop the week’s timetable appropriately, considering any activities the students have to attend, allowing me to determine the relative importance of each task. 

By Monday morning, I am aware of the students’ weekly progress and tasks and have set the week’s goals. It is imperative as a teacher to remain constantly organised and prioritise the student’s needs and difficulties to ensure they can get the best education.

Selection criteria: Demonstrated time management skills with delegated tasks and ability to meet deadlines

Time management means that you need to demonstrate how you can work effectively. Employers expect all staff to make optimal use of their time and allocate it appropriately. Managing time is a crucial aspect of a business, and an employer needs to know how to use your skills to benefit the company.

Time management criteria example

While studying Business as a full-time university student, being part of a competitive dance team and having a part-time job at Kmart, my early 20’s were very busy. In addition to plenty of daily activities, I kept up with housework, grocery shopping and cooking, and proactively managed my full study load.

Whilst I considered myself a busy person, one week seemed particularly busy where I knew I had to manage my time well. That week consisted of two university assignments to complete, a total of 4 shifts at Kmart, and an extra dancing practice as there was a competition that weekend. I had to organise the appropriate time to allocate to each activity, as my Kmart shifts, university lectures and dancing classes were all at set times. To remain organised, I designed a timetable for the week, allocating my set activities first, and filling the blanks with when I could cook, study, sleep and attend to other activities. As one of the two assignments was due on the Friday of that week, I prioritised that task to complete first before I did the other one, which was due the following week. By Saturday, I had managed my time successfully as I met all my set commitments and had finished the first assignment Wednesday, leaving ample time to complete the second assignment during the rest of the week. It was continuously crucial in my 20s to manage my time appropriately in my day-to-day life and prioritise tasks based on their importance.

Selection criteria: Ability to approach difficult tasks and sudden changes appropriately

Employers are looking for an individual who can develop ideas to assist in formulating, creating and evaluating several possible solutions to a problem. Problem-solving skills are vital in high-stress scenarios and demonstrate quick thinking and versatility in the workplace.

Problem-solving criteria example

When working as the Head Waiter at Ballara Receptions, it was common for me to take control of multiple situations and lead the other waitresses by example and as a leader. The position itself entailed allocating specific tasks to the waiters and ensuring a smooth flow of the night. One night, there was an error in the number of guests attending the wedding. Whilst this issue needed to be dealt with quickly, there was not enough staff to meet the number requirements. I had to re-organise my plan for the night and allocate extra tasks to the other waiters to make up for the lack of staff and the additional people. There were many situations to rearrange, such as seating, the number of staff allocated to each job and the extra materials needed to serve the guests. 

Whilst it was lucky a staff member was willing to work that night, without the ability to adapt quickly and evaluate a situation, the night would not have gone smoothly with the multiple changes that occurred.

Selection criteria: Strong analytical skills and attention to detail

Analytical skills are essential in the workplace as they tie in with problem-solving. An employer wants to understand how you gather information, analyse it, and solve problems that ensure a smooth workplace productivity flow.

Analytical skills criteria example

It is essential in any job to constantly evaluate simple and complex problems in the workplace using skills such as paying attention to detail and researching and analysing problems. 

When I was completing my Certificate IV in Bookkeeping, I was required to undertake a group assignment that required us to record an actual business’s financial affairs for a month. We worked with Benjamin’s Patisserie to help ensure his sales and costs were accurate. Whilst spending time at the café and working closely with the staff, I noticed that all staff completed multiple jobs throughout their shift with no allocated task for each. It became noticeable that some team members were more suited to a specific task such as serving, making coffee and working the cash register. I suggested to the owner Benjamin that he allocate tasks to each staff member based on their strengths and weaknesses. Immediately I noticed that sales increased as there was a smoother flow of productivity in the café, tasks were completed efficiently and at a higher standard than before. It is crucial always to analyse ways an organisation can improve or if there is an issue that you can resolve as it helps to increase success in the workplace.

What is the difference between selection criteria and selection process?

Selection criteria play a role in the selection process, and are used as a tool to choose the most suitable applicants for a position.

The selection process is the procedure an organisation uses to hire new people. Usually, the company will form a selection panel of two to three staff who will review all applications, then choose a group of applicants to advance to the interview stage. This process can include an interview, a written assessment, and psychometric testing. In most cases, this takes 4 to 8 weeks.

How do you write a good selection criteria?

To write a good selection criteria response, use the specific language from the job description, use concrete examples that prove you meet the criteria, and provide measurable outcomes where possible.

What is the difference between selection criteria and job qualifications?

Qualifications are a type of selection criteria, and are used in some jobs to ensure that a new hire has the appropriate certification to work in this role, as required by the industry.

How long should a selection criteria response be?

Generally, a selection criteria response should be around 250 words. This will vary depending on the question asked, however. For example, some criteria may only require you to state your qualifications. On the other hand, some may ask you to give a more detailed description of a scenario.

What kind of examples can you use in your selection criteria?

It’s usually best to use examples of times when you had to deal with an unusual or unexpected situation at work, but you can also use more general examples that show how you managed your day-to-day tasks.

What are some reasons for rejecting a response to selection criteria?

Hiring managers may reject an applicant who:

• Fails to proofread their selection criteria responses
• Fails to use concrete examples
• Uses irrelevant examples

Perfected your selection criteria responses?

… then you’re ready to polish your interview technique. Your interviewer is bound to ask some of these 38 interview questions — are you prepared for them?

Download PDF

• Firstname *
• Industry * What industry are you in? Administration Agriculture & Horticulture Arts Beauty Buiding & Construction Business & Accounting Child Care Design Education Fitness & Personal Training Government & Defence Health & Nutrition Hospitality Human Resources (HR) Information Technology (IT) Insurance Legal Logistics Marketing Mining Music, Film & Television Project Management Psychology Real Estate Retail Travel Work Health & Safety (HMS)
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Thanks for downloading the template

• Popular Subjects
• Qualification Type
• Courses by Location
• Business Admin
• Courses In ACT
• Courses In NSW
• Courses In NT
• Courses In QLD
• Courses In Tasmania
• Courses In VIC
• Courses In WA

Newsletter sign up

Newsletter sign up.

We’ll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.

You are currently visiting our Australian website Training.com.au

Would you like to visit our New Zealand website instead?

• Career blog
• Resumes & CV's
• Job Applications

minute read

Key Selection Criteria: what it is and the best way to respond

Applying for a job that requires a response to Key Selection Criteria? Follow this guide on what it is, how to respond and the top mistakes to avoid.

Key Selection Criteria are used as a recruitment tool throughout the public, not-for-profit (NFP) and academic sectors but are becoming increasingly common in the private sector too.

If this is the first time you have encountered it you may be tempted to bypass the request, especially if you feel that you are a really strong candidate and have a comprehensive resume and cover letter ready to send.

But before you opt for the easy route and hit submit, you need to know that if you do this you are very unlikely to be considered for the position because your application will be seen as incomplete – even if you are the perfect fit for the role.

Undeniably this is going to take some work on your part but if you follow this guide it will be easier than you think, plus it will give you invaluable preparation for your interview

What is Key Selection Criteria?

Key selection criteria are the skills, attributes, knowledge and qualifications that the employer has defined as being essential for satisfying the requirements of the job you are applying for.

You will need to clearly show how your personal values, knowledge, skills and experience meet this criteria through examples from other jobs, experience gained outside or work, or from your formal studies.

The words used in selection criteria statements will give you a clue as to how to structure your response. When you see ‘demonstrated’, ‘proven’ or similar, it is an explicit instruction to use an example to demonstrate your suitably.

How are selection criteria assessed?

Selection criteria are each assessed separately and will have points assigned to it. You will score higher points by successfully demonstrating the skills/experience that they are looking for in that criterion. Your overall response – covering all questions within the selection criteria – then gets an overall mark. Those that score well across the board move on to the next stage of the recruitment process which is typically a first interview.

How long should a response to Key Skills Criteria be?

The simple answer is as long as they ask for.

Somewhere in the application instructions there will be a ‘How to Apply’ guide or similarly worded document. You might find it at the foot of the job advert, in the job description or on the company’s careers page. Once you find it, read it carefully and comply with their exact instructions. They most probably will also have set a word count or page limit for your responses too so make sure you strictly adhere to that as well.

If there are no limits set, approximately 250 words is generally an appropriate length for each criterion. However, this will depend upon factors such as the complexity and seniority of the role in question.

Regarding the layout, where possible dot points should be used rather than long paragraphs of text. This will make it easier for the selection team to read your application and will also positively demonstrate your written communication skills.

There should be no errors anywhere in the document, it should use a clean and clear format and the sentences should be grammatically correct and concise.

What if I don’t meet all of the Key Skills Criteria?

This is dependent on how specialised the role is.

For example, if you have only 3 years’ experience and they have set a minimum of 5 but there are very few people with your particular skills and experience, then it may well be still worth applying.

However, if you can be sure that there will be many candidates with the same skills applying for this role then I suggest you adopt the 80% rule.  If you cannot satisfy at least 80% of the requirements then it probably is not worth the considerable time and effort of applying.

To help you decide whether you reach that 80% threshold, take a look at the Job Description and ask yourself these questions:

• Do I meet all or most of the Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Qualifications of the job?
• Could I do the job with some training - formal or on-the-job?
• Do I have skills gained in other fields of work that may be transferable?

If the answer is yes, then you are ready to start your response and that starts with a with little bit of research.

How to prepare a response to Key Skills Criteria

From our experience, people who do some basic research about the job before answering the Key Selection Criteria and submitting their applications achieve the best results.

So before compiling your response, research the company and learn about projects, key personnel and events. This will help you to focus your application better.

Now you are ready to prepare your response.

Read and re-read the advertisement, KSC and Position Description.

It is really important that you clearly understand what is meant by each selection criterion before putting pen to paper.

If you don't fully understand the job requirements you may have difficulty demonstrating that you are the best person for the job.

If you are unsure about any aspects of the job, call the Recruitment Officer (the name and telephone number will be in the job details) during normal business hours.

Print or Save

Print or save the Job Details, Position Description, and KSC so you can easily refer to it as you go through this process.

Highlight key words in the first KSC and think about what they are really asking for.

Now brainstorm a list examples of how you meet the KSC.

Describe relevant skills, experience, incidents, training, personal qualities, expertise and things you couldn’t have done without all these.

Ideally these should be from the last 3-4 years.

Use the STAR method to review your list and summarise, in 50-120 words, how you demonstrated this KSC.

Star stands for Situation , Task, Action and Result .

The situation will highlight a duty, problem or challenge.

The task will be what was needed to be achieved or resolved.

The action will be what you actually did and how you did it.

The outcome will be the positive result you were responsible for. 

Repeat Steps 3 to 5 for the remaining KSC.

Examples of KSC responses

Here are a few examples to help you see how they work out in a real paragraph plus the sort of length you should be aiming for.

Problem Solving

Seeks all relevant facts. Liaises with stakeholders. Analyses issues from different perspectives and draws sound inferences from available data. Identifies and proposes workable solutions.

"Problem solving has been a critical part of my roles over the past five years. While working as the Project Manager at XYZ Company, I dealt with a variety of urgent and non urgent issues. While many could be resolved easily, 2-3 per week were more complex and required a detailed process to resolve. I had to investigate what had happened from the staff and customer’s points of view, clarify the facts and work out what had gone wrong and why. I then had to propose suitable solutions and negotiate a mutually satisfactory outcome. I was often commended by my manager for my sensitive handling and speedy resolution of these problems. Less than 1% of complaints had to be escalated."

Computer Skills

Uses a wide range of software features for word processing,

"As an Administration Assistant to the Manager at XYZ Company, about half my time was spent preparing letters and reports using Word. I used detailed information in Excel spreadsheets to prepare graphs and tables to demonstrate the results of our budget analysis and to analyse Departmental performance. I often prepared major PowerPoint presentations for my Manager and maintained a database of her contacts. I also managed many daily emails and searched for information on the Internet to answer questions."

Communication Skills

Sound communication including interpersonal and negotiating skills, along with well-developed written and oral skills.

"In my 5 years as a Foreman for XYZ Company, strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills have been essential. I have dealt with a wide range of people, including workers, colleagues, the public and Contractors. I was involved in a community project where I had to build new pedestrian road crossings. As part of this project, I successfully negotiated with the three local schools in the area who agreed to use additional staff to ensure kids could cross the roads safely. This agreement required me to update my written JSA clearly outlining the safety measures to be used."

Operator Skills

Demonstrated ability to safely operate and maintain road construction plant.

"In my 7 years as a Plant Operator I have operated backhoes, loaders and bobcats. I have recognised certificates of competencies for each of these plants. I have never had an accident whilst operating plant. Whilst I was working at XYZ Company I was used as an official tester to assess applicants’ knowledge of plant maintenance and their competency to operate loaders and bobcats.”

10 mistakes to avoid with Key Selection Criteria responses

There are many areas that can trip you up but here are the 10 most common to avoid.

01 Choose recent 

If possible, select examples that have taken place in the last twelve months to provide fresh experience. 

02 Choose relevant

For example, if it is HR then it needs to be an HR related example. If you don’t have one, then pick ones that prove transferable skills.

03 Match seniority

The more senior you are, the more responsibility and accountability you have. Take care to choose an example at the appropriate level.

04 Don't make things up

Do not twist the question to suit an example – really think about the question and find an example that answers it naturally.

05 Always support

Remember to support your claim. Your examples must be detailed and be very clear about the process of the task and the action.

06 Stay on track

Responses to criteria can easily go off track ad include irrelevant information. Start your first sentence using the language of the criterion. If it’s about solving problems, then start by saying something like ‘I have demonstrated my problem solving skills in my roles as xxx, yyy and zzz.’

07 Recognise levels

If there are several jobs at different levels on offer that you wish to apply for, make sure you understand the differences between them. Read the job descriptions carefully for the word changes as you may need to make some adjustments to cater for these subtle differences.

08 No abstract nouns

Responses to criteria need to be written in strong, direct language that puts you centre stage as the main actor. For example, ‘During the meeting I negotiated an agreement with all stakeholders to appoint a new project leader.’

09 Use past tense

Always use past tense because it works better to convey that you have demonstrated a skill.

10 Positive outcomes

This is the most important element of key selection criteria. For example, you could have saved money, improved efficiency, or provided fantastic customer service. Many people are afraid of blowing their own trumpet and can dilute this section by being too humble. Do not be – this is your chance to really shine and put yourself above your competition.

Don't let this hard work put you off. A great application sets you up for a great interview. Plus, keep a record of your responses because they can provide the foundation for other applications should you need them.

So many people never apply when they see the words Key Selection Criteria so if you put the effort in, you stand a higher chance of making it through to the interview stage.

Have any questions? Leave a comment below and I will be happy to help.

Mark Daniel

About the Author

A global resume writer and career coach, Mark is known for his honest, direct, and hard-hitting advice, helping people manage job applications and succeed at interviews. Now based on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, he is the co-founder of Real Life Career Advice and a prolific publisher, contributing to several industry magazines and his daily career advice blog to his 45,000 LinkedIn followers.

What are your thoughts?

Leave a comment or ask a question., enjoyed this article.

Find more great content here:

LinkedIn Easy Apply: don’t do it – unless you do this

How to apply for unadvertised jobs: the cover letter that opens doors.

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Addressing selection criteria

How to write convincing statements that hit key points

Selection criteria are the skills, knowledge, and experience required to successfully do the job.

A key aim of a job application is to demonstrate that you meet the inherent requirements of the role. While a resume may offer an overview of your skills and experience, statements that directly address the selection criteria provide more detail about how you have demonstrated the competencies required to do the job. The employer can then compare candidates against the same set of criteria.

Where do I address selection criteria?

Keep the selection criteria in mind when describing your skills on your resume, but most employers will also expect you to address the selection criteria more directly elsewhere in your application.

Here are the most common formats for addressing selection criteria:

A statement of claims against selection criteria is a document where you will use each criterion as a heading and write a description of how you meet each one. Organisations that use this method of addressing selection criteria include government departments, non-government organisations (NGOs), universities and research institutes. They will request this document in the job advertisement or information package. Use the title the organisation has given this document and include the job title and reference number, if applicable, as well as your name as a header on each page. Deal with the criteria in the same order as in the advertisement or duty statement.

An online application may require you to address each criterion in a text box within an online form. This process is very similar to writing the statement of claims against selection criteria mentioned above. Alternatively, the selection criteria may be phrased as questions that you will need to answer in detail, for example:

• “Can you describe a time you have successfully worked as part of a team?” (Selection criterion: teamwork skills)
• “What have you gained from your studies in chemistry?” (Selection criterion: knowledge and skills specific to chemistry)
• Why are you applying to work in our consulting department?” (Selection criterion: knowledge of and interest in consulting)

Online applications are commonly used by large organisations and in recruitment for graduate or internship programs.  

A cover letter in which you will address the selection criteria more briefly and in the format of a formal single page letter. Be aware that some organisations require that you write both a cover letter AND a statement against the selection criteria.

Examples of selection criteria

Selection criteria often fall into two main categories: essential and desirable. It is important to address both essential and desirable criteria to maximise your chance of being selected for an interview. Within these two categories, there are different types of criteria that refer to different requirements.

Qualifications

Usually a degree, diploma or other certified training course. Example: ‘A minimum four-year degree in Social Work, Psychology or related discipline.’

These can be technical, discipline-specific or transferable skills .

Technical example: 'Intermediate programming skills, preferably using Python and/or SQL.'

Discipline specific example: 'Sound research skills including the ability to conduct literature reviews and analyse data.'

Transferable example: 'Excellent time management skills including an ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.'

This refers to duties or activities that you have performed before. Remember that experience can be gained through a variety of avenues including volunteering and extracurricular activities.

General example: 'Customer service experience.'

Specific example: 'Experience in arts administration, preferably within a gallery or museum.'

An understanding of a subject area through exposure, study or experience. Example: 'An understanding of marketing principles relevant to the FMCG industry.'

How to address selection criteria

To address selection criteria in a one-page cover letter, see our cover letter tips and template . 

Your responses to the selection criteria in a statement of claims or online application form will be more detailed and contain enough evidence to convince the employer that you meet the job criteria. A simple one- or two-line answer will rarely be sufficient.

The key to writing a strong response lies in identifying examples of instances where you have clearly demonstrated the required competency. Use the STAR formula to construct your answer. About 80% of your answer should focus on the 'Action', describing what you did and how you did it.

Example selection criteria using STAR

Criterion: Demonstrated problem solving skills and initiative.

Situation – where, when, and context of your example.

As the event coordinator for the University’s Science in Media Society, I volunteered to organise a fundraising event for a cancer research facility while in the final year of my Communications and Media Studies degree.

Task – the task or problem to be solved.

Our budget was cut during the preliminary planning and I needed to devise a strategy on how to run the event with only half the funds I was anticipating.

Action – how you solved the problem, fulfilled the task or handled the situation. What did you do and how did you do it, that demonstrates the criterion you are addressing?

In the first instance, I calculated which expenses were critical and could be covered by our current budget. Next, I decided to make up the shortfall by approaching local businesses for sponsorship. I created an online flyer to outline the benefits of getting involved, such as positive publicity and the opportunity to raise their profile with high achieving students, and cold called 36 targeted businesses. To ensure a good attendance at the event I utilised my social media skills to activate a network of potential supporters, and advertise an attractive range of lucky door prizes.

Result – the outcome/s achieved as result of your action/s. Quantify the result where possible.

As a result of my actions I convinced 11 businesses to contribute funds which covered all outstanding expenses. The event attracted over a hundred attendees and raised $5000 for the research facility. I was also subsequently invited by the University’s student association to contribute to a development workshop for new student leaders, in recognition of the skills I had displayed in managing this event.

Tips for addressing selection criteria

• When selecting examples, choose examples that are relevant to the criterion, the employer and the job. Where possible, select more recent examples, and use examples that give you the best opportunity to demonstrate your level of skill.
• For most industries, you can choose examples from a range of different activities such as internships, casual work, volunteering, university projects and extracurricular activities.
• If you are writing a statement of claims against selection criteria as a Word document, list criteria as headings in bold print, and address each criterion in a couple of paragraphs.
• For criteria with more than one part, eg, ‘Effective written and verbal communication skills’, ensure you address each part.
• Quantify your experience or outcomes if you can, eg, ‘three years’ experience in creating monthly budgets using Microsoft Excel’.
• Use action-oriented words, eg, ‘assessed’, ‘implemented’, ‘organised’, and ‘developed’, that reflect the language used in the job description.  
• Where you have extensive relevant experience to draw on, you can start your statement addressing a criterion with a brief summary of that experience and follow with one or two detailed examples.

Register for career skills workshops

How to write a resume.

A clear, tailored and professional resume is essential for any job application. It should aim to convince an employer that your qualifications, work experience and skillset make you a strong match for the job.

How to write a cover letter

A cover letter is your first introduction to a potential employer, so it needs to show that you’re a suitable candidate.

Useful links

• Cracking the Code: How to apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service
• BOM Guide on Addressing Selection Criteria

How to write key selection criteria

• Careers.Vic
• Vic public sector
• My Applications

• Search Jobs
• Why work for Victoria
• Career pathways
• Preparing your application
• How to reply to selection criteria
• Job application checklist
• What happens after you apply
• Checks we need to make
• Interview tips
• Getting help
• Public sector values and integrity
• Grades, salaries and enterprise agreements
• Organisation contacts

Well written key selection criteria may help you get an interview.

Many roles in the public sector ask you to write responses to key selection criteria. But some don’t.

Check the job advertisement and position description to see if you need to respond to key selection criteria.

If you do, a selection panel will read your responses to work out if they want to interview you.

Use your responses to help prepare for your interview, as they’re good answers to refer to.

Step 1: brainstorm key words and ideas

Copy and paste the criteria from the position description into a new document.

For each criterion:

• highlight the keys words you think the employer is looking for
• list examples of your skills, experience, incidents, training, personal qualities and expertise

Step 2: write a statement using the SAO approach

Write a statement under each criterion of 60 to 120 words using the SAO approach:

• Situation, where and when you did something
• Action, what you did and how you did it
• Outcome, what was the result of your actions 

Step 3: proofread your statements

Each of your responses to the criteria should be:

• free of errors
• concise, precise and relevant
• factual and positive
• about your capabilities and experience

Key selection criteria examples

KSC1: Problem solving - Seeks all relevant facts. Liaises with stakeholders. Analyses issues from different perspectives and draws sound inferences from available data. Identifies and proposes workable solutions.

Problem solving has been a critical part of my roles over the past five years. While working as Customer Complaints Officer at Acme Department Stores, I dealt with a variety of problems. While many could be resolved easily, two to three per week were more complex and required a detailed process to resolve. I had to investigate what had happened from the staff and customer's points of view, clarify the facts, and work out what had gone wrong and why. I then had to propose suitable solutions and negotiate a mutually satisfactory outcome. I was often commended by my manager for my sensitive handling and speedy resolution of these problems. Less than one per cent of complaints had to be escalated.

KSC2: Advanced computer skills - Uses a wide range of software features for word processing, spreadsheets, etc. Helps others solve problems with software.

As Personal Assistant to the Marketing Manager at SYZ Enterprises, about half my time was spent preparing letters and reports for clients using Word. I also used detailed information in Excel spreadsheets to prepare graphs and tables, to demonstrate the results of our market research and to analyse client company performance. I often prepared major PowerPoint presentations for my manager and maintained a database of her contacts. I also managed many daily emails and searched for information on the Internet to answer questions.

KSC3: Sound communication, interpersonal and negotiating skills, including well-developed written and oral skills, and the ability to develop and deliver interpretation and education services.

In my five years as a teacher, strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills have been essential. I have dealt with a wide range of people, including parents, colleagues and students. I was involved in a community project where I co-wrote a booklet on helping children learn and have fun. As part of this project, I led successful negotiations with the local council and three schools in the area who agreed to run a series of weekend family science programs for kids in the area.

10 selection criteria examples for your resumé

When you’re browsing job ads, you’ll notice that many of them ask you to  respond to selection criteria in your cover letter. But what are they exactly? They’re the skills, knowledge and qualifications the employer thinks are essential for succeeding in the role. 

By addressing these criteria in your cover letter, you can improve your chances of advancing to the next stage of the recruitment process . In this article, we explore more about what ‘key selection criteria’ is, look at common criteria on job ads, and provide a selection of criteria response examples you can use as a guide for your cover letters.

What is ‘key selection criteria’?  

Key selection criteria are the qualities, skills, knowledge and experience that a job seeker needs to be able to perform in a role. A list of key selection criteria on a job ad tells you which attributes the employer thinks you need for the position. This list allows hiring managers to efficiently assess the job applications they receive.

As a job seeker, it’s important to pay attention to the key selection criteria of every job you apply for, to figure out whether you’re a good fit for the role. If you match these criteria, you can use the selection criteria list as a guide when preparing your job application, to ensure you address the job role’s essential requirements.

Common types of key selection criteria 

There are different types of key selection criteria, often categorised into three main groups: technical skills, soft skills and personal attributes. By addressing each of the different types of key selection criteria, you can show the hiring manager that you’re suitable for the role.

1. Technical skills 

Technical skills refer to specific knowledge and abilities required to perform particular tasks. These are often acquired through education, training or previous work experience and are directly related to the job’s duties. 

Examples of technical skills include:

• Proficiency in software like Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Suite
• Familiarity with coding languages such as JavaScript and Python for technical roles
• The ability to operate specialised equipment (tools, machinery, medical equipment, electrical appliances, etc.)

2. Soft skills 

Soft skills are interpersonal skills that determine your ability to work and interact with others. While soft skills are less tangible, they’re just as important as hard skills, and essential for successful teamwork, stakeholder management and problem solving. 

Sought-after soft skills include:

• Communication skills, including both verbal and written
• Leadership and team-building skills  
• Time management and organisational abilities

3. Personal attributes 

Personal attributes are traits or qualities that shape how you approach work and collaboration. These are often reflective of your work ethic, attitude and personal values . 

Examples of valuable personal attributes include:

• Adaptability, or how you adjust to changes or handle unexpected challenges
• Attention to detail, or your ability to do accurate, error-free work
• Resilience shows that you can overcome setbacks

10 key selection criteria examples  

After identifying the job’s key selection criteria, it’s important to tailor your application to suit. Here are some common criteria often listed in job descriptions, along with a few tips for addressing selection criteria, with examples.

Communication skills 

Communication skills refer to your ability to clearly convey information, verbally and in writing, to different audiences. They’re important across a range of roles whether you’re working as part of a team, liaising with clients or customers, or taking on a leadership role .

Here are a couple of examples addressing selection criteria to do with communication.

I have a high level of communication skills, both verbal and written. In my previous role, I was often meeting facilitator and took minutes for my team’s weekly meetings. I also attended departmental meetings, providing updates on project milestones and addressing questions from stakeholders.

During my time as a customer service representative, I demonstrated exceptional verbal communication skills when dealing with guests. In most instances, I was able to diffuse situations by working with the customer to understand their issue and provide a resolution without escalating to my manager.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

Analytical and  problem-solving skills refer to your ability to analyse situations, identify underlying issues, and implement practical solutions. Employees with strong analytical and problem-solving skills can help improve efficiency and productivity in their workplaces. 

My current role as a project manager requires strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. My responsibilities include identifying bottlenecks and testing solutions to streamline our workflow. 

Ability to work well under pressure 

When you work well under pressure, you’re able to maintain performance standards and manage priorities in challenging situations. These skills are important in the workplace for meeting deadlines while maintaining work quality. 

My current role as a graphic designer frequently involves juggling competing projects. To keep my work quality high, I have developed strategies to help me prioritise, and I truly enjoy the excitement and energy of working in a fast-paced environment. 

Demonstrated leadership skills 

Leadership skills refer to your ability to guide, motivate, and inspire a team toward achieving organisational goals. Whether you’re looking to move into a leadership role or wanting to take the lead on a project, leadership skills can help advance your career .

Example: 

I have proven leadership skills, demonstrated in my last two roles, where I have led teams to exceed their KPIs. I currently manage a five-person team, delegating tasks, overseeing work, and encouraging collaboration, to meet and exceed project milestones. I have the lowest staff turnover rate of any team leader in my company. 

Commitment to continuous professional development 

Many employers value continuous professional development . Showing a commitment to lifelong learning shows that you’re proactive in developing your skills and knowledge, and will work to keep yourself an asset to your employer. 

I am dedicated to continuous professional development, actively seeking opportunities to improve my skills and knowledge in my field. I regularly attend workshops, webinars and industry conferences, and have a list of recent certifications. 

Technical proficiency 

Technical proficiency involves possessing specific technical skills or knowledge relevant to the role. This varies depending on your industry, with each role requiring specific skills and knowledge. 

I regularly update my skills through online courses and on-the-job training. I believe it’s important to stay informed about advancements in my field and also to contribute my own knowledge to help others. I keep up to date by subscribing to industry newsletters and attending local workshops. 

Ability to work as part of a team 

Effective collaboration involves working with others to achieve common goals. It’s important for all workplaces, because it means you’re an easy person to work with. Ability to work as part of a team includes things like supporting colleagues and keeping an open mind about others’ perspectives.

I believe I work best as part of a collaborative team, paired with other professionals who inspire and support each other. I have years of experience working in teams with diverse backgrounds and from different disciplines, and genuinely enjoy the social aspect of collaborating with others.

Effective time management 

Time-management skills are highly valued by employers. They refer to your ability to prioritise tasks and use your time efficiently to meet deadlines. Not only does this help improve the quality of your work, but it can also help reduce stress . 

Through years of being a private tutor, I have developed excellent time-management strategies, allowing me to book up to 20 students per week without sacrificing the quality of my teaching. I have many long-term students that I have helped throughout entire degrees to graduation.

Attention to detail 

Attention to detail means performing tasks with precision and accuracy. By paying attention to the finer details, you can reduce the chance of errors and produce higher quality work. 

I am detail-oriented and take pride in my work, paying close attention to small details and often picking up small errors that other people miss. 

Adaptability and flexibility 

Flexibility is a personal attribute that is highly valued among employers, so it’s often worth demonstrating your capability to adjust to new challenges, work in unpredictable conditions, and adapt to changes in the workplace. Example:

I am a flexible and adaptable worker who welcomes new challenges. I’m always open to learning new skills and processes, as demonstrated by my role as unofficial team trainer in my current position. I’m always the first to volunteer upskilling my co-workers.  

As a job seeker, it’s essential to identify the selection criteria listed in a job ad, and address each point in your job application. Pay close attention to what the hiring manager is asking for and adjust your resumé and cover letter to include these specifics. By matching your application to the selection criteria, you’ve got a better chance of making it through the application stage to an interview.  

What is the best selection criteria? 

The best selection criteria will depend on the role as well as the objectives and values of the hiring company. The best selection criteria to have are the ones that match the requirements and objectives of the job, as listed in the ad. 

What should be included in selection criteria? 

Selection criteria should include specific attributes, qualifications, skills and experience deemed essential or desirable for a job. The selection criteria should address all relevant aspects of the role: qualifications, experience, skills and personal attributes. 

What are the five selection criteria?  

Selection criteria typically fall under five categories, including:

• Qualifications
• Technical skills
• Soft skills
• Personal attributes

How do you answer key selection criteria in a cover letter? 

When answering the key selection criteria in your cover letter, use the STAR approach. The below example of key selection criteria responses for a cover letter demonstrates how you can use this method: 

• Situation: describe the situation where you used the skill/attribute.
• Task: follow that with the task or the role you played.
• Action: explain the actions you took to address the situation or task.
• Result: detail the outcome or impact of your actions, emphasising any achievements or successes.

How many kinds of selection criteria are there? 

There are a number of different types of selection criteria that fall into broad categories: qualifications, experience, technical skills, soft skills and personal attributes. Some positions might also have selection criteria that relate to ethical values or employee background.

What are selection criteria used to assess? 

Hiring managers use selection criteria to assess whether a job seeker’s qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge and personal attributes match the requirements of the position. 

For example, if you’re applying for a government position, common government selection criteria examples include:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher
• A clean background check (no criminal history)
• Working with Children Check (for the education sector)
• Australian citizenry
• Experience working in a large, complex organisation
• Strong computer literacy (for office positions)
• Stakeholder management

What are some examples of selection criteria? 

Here are some examples of selection criteria:

• Qualifications: possesses a relevant degree, certification or qualification in the field.
• Technical skills: proficient in programming languages, including Python, Java and C++.
• Personal attributes: analytical, adaptable, empathetic, creative, self-motivated.

How do you answer key selection criteria questions?

Answering key selection criteria requires a structured approach to ensure you provide relevant examples that demonstrate your suitability for a role. Start by understanding the selection criteria and identifying examples that match. From here, you can use the STAR approach to tailor your answer. Provide clear evidence of your accomplishments and keep your response concise.  

How can I spot key selection criteria hidden within a job listing? 

Selection criteria are either listed separately in a job ad or written into the job description. Look for recurring phrases or keywords, like ‘required skills’, ‘ideal applicant’, ‘ability to…’, and ‘proficient in’. This language often indicates key selection criteria. 

Top search terms

Popular on seek, explore related topics, subscribe to career advice.

How to improve your problem solving skills and build effective problem solving strategies

Design your next session with SessionLab

Join the 150,000+ facilitators 
using SessionLab.

Recommended Articles

A step-by-step guide to planning a workshop, how to create an unforgettable training session in 8 simple steps, 18 free facilitation resources we think you’ll love.

• 47 useful online tools for workshop planning and meeting facilitation

Effective problem solving is all about using the right process and following a plan tailored to the issue at hand. Recognizing your team or organization has an issue isn’t enough to come up with effective problem solving strategies. 

To truly understand a problem and develop appropriate solutions, you will want to follow a solid process, follow the necessary problem solving steps, and bring all of your problem solving skills to the table.  

We’ll first guide you through the seven step problem solving process you and your team can use to effectively solve complex business challenges. We’ll also look at what problem solving strategies you can employ with your team when looking for a way to approach the process. We’ll then discuss the problem solving skills you need to be more effective at solving problems, complete with an activity from the SessionLab library you can use to develop that skill in your team.

Let’s get to it! 

What is a problem solving process?

• What are the problem solving steps I need to follow?

Problem solving strategies

What skills do i need to be an effective problem solver, how can i improve my problem solving skills.

Solving problems is like baking a cake. You can go straight into the kitchen without a recipe or the right ingredients and do your best, but the end result is unlikely to be very tasty!

Using a process to bake a cake allows you to use the best ingredients without waste, collect the right tools, account for allergies, decide whether it is a birthday or wedding cake, and then bake efficiently and on time. The result is a better cake that is fit for purpose, tastes better and has created less mess in the kitchen. Also, it should have chocolate sprinkles. Having a step by step process to solve organizational problems allows you to go through each stage methodically and ensure you are trying to solve the right problems and select the most appropriate, effective solutions.

What are the problem solving steps I need to follow? 

All problem solving processes go through a number of steps in order to move from identifying a problem to resolving it.

Depending on your problem solving model and who you ask, there can be anything between four and nine problem solving steps you should follow in order to find the right solution. Whatever framework you and your group use, there are some key items that should be addressed in order to have an effective process.

We’ve looked at problem solving processes from sources such as the American Society for Quality and their four step approach , and Mediate ‘s six step process. By reflecting on those and our own problem solving processes, we’ve come up with a sequence of seven problem solving steps we feel best covers everything you need in order to effectively solve problems.

1. Problem identification 

The first stage of any problem solving process is to identify the problem or problems you might want to solve. Effective problem solving strategies always begin by allowing a group scope to articulate what they believe the problem to be and then coming to some consensus over which problem they approach first. Problem solving activities used at this stage often have a focus on creating frank, open discussion so that potential problems can be brought to the surface.

2. Problem analysis 

Though this step is not a million miles from problem identification, problem analysis deserves to be considered separately. It can often be an overlooked part of the process and is instrumental when it comes to developing effective solutions.

The process of problem analysis means ensuring that the problem you are seeking to solve is the right problem . As part of this stage, you may look deeper and try to find the root cause of a specific problem at a team or organizational level.

Remember that problem solving strategies should not only be focused on putting out fires in the short term but developing long term solutions that deal with the root cause of organizational challenges. 

Whatever your approach, analyzing a problem is crucial in being able to select an appropriate solution and the problem solving skills deployed in this stage are beneficial for the rest of the process and ensuring the solutions you create are fit for purpose.

3. Solution generation

Once your group has nailed down the particulars of the problem you wish to solve, you want to encourage a free flow of ideas connecting to solving that problem. This can take the form of problem solving games that encourage creative thinking or problem solving activities designed to produce working prototypes of possible solutions. 

The key to ensuring the success of this stage of the problem solving process is to encourage quick, creative thinking and create an open space where all ideas are considered. The best solutions can come from unlikely places and by using problem solving techniques that celebrate invention, you might come up with solution gold. 

4. Solution development

No solution is likely to be perfect right out of the gate. It’s important to discuss and develop the solutions your group has come up with over the course of following the previous problem solving steps in order to arrive at the best possible solution. Problem solving games used in this stage involve lots of critical thinking, measuring potential effort and impact, and looking at possible solutions analytically. 

During this stage, you will often ask your team to iterate and improve upon your frontrunning solutions and develop them further. Remember that problem solving strategies always benefit from a multitude of voices and opinions, and not to let ego get involved when it comes to choosing which solutions to develop and take further.

Finding the best solution is the goal of all problem solving workshops and here is the place to ensure that your solution is well thought out, sufficiently robust and fit for purpose. 

5. Decision making 

Nearly there! Once your group has reached consensus and selected a solution that applies to the problem at hand you have some decisions to make. You will want to work on allocating ownership of the project, figure out who will do what, how the success of the solution will be measured and decide the next course of action.

The decision making stage is a part of the problem solving process that can get missed or taken as for granted. Fail to properly allocate roles and plan out how a solution will actually be implemented and it less likely to be successful in solving the problem.

Have clear accountabilities, actions, timeframes, and follow-ups. Make these decisions and set clear next-steps in the problem solving workshop so that everyone is aligned and you can move forward effectively as a group. 

Ensuring that you plan for the roll-out of a solution is one of the most important problem solving steps. Without adequate planning or oversight, it can prove impossible to measure success or iterate further if the problem was not solved. 

6. Solution implementation 

This is what we were waiting for! All problem solving strategies have the end goal of implementing a solution and solving a problem in mind. 

Remember that in order for any solution to be successful, you need to help your group through all of the previous problem solving steps thoughtfully. Only then can you ensure that you are solving the right problem but also that you have developed the correct solution and can then successfully implement and measure the impact of that solution.

Project management and communication skills are key here – your solution may need to adjust when out in the wild or you might discover new challenges along the way.

7. Solution evaluation 

So you and your team developed a great solution to a problem and have a gut feeling its been solved. Work done, right? Wrong. All problem solving strategies benefit from evaluation, consideration, and feedback. You might find that the solution does not work for everyone, might create new problems, or is potentially so successful that you will want to roll it out to larger teams or as part of other initiatives. 

None of that is possible without taking the time to evaluate the success of the solution you developed in your problem solving model and adjust if necessary.

Remember that the problem solving process is often iterative and it can be common to not solve complex issues on the first try. Even when this is the case, you and your team will have generated learning that will be important for future problem solving workshops or in other parts of the organization. 

It’s worth underlining how important record keeping is throughout the problem solving process. If a solution didn’t work, you need to have the data and records to see why that was the case. If you go back to the drawing board, notes from the previous workshop can help save time. Data and insight is invaluable at every stage of the problem solving process and this one is no different.

Problem solving workshops made easy

Problem solving strategies are methods of approaching and facilitating the process of problem-solving with a set of techniques , actions, and processes. Different strategies are more effective if you are trying to solve broad problems such as achieving higher growth versus more focused problems like, how do we improve our customer onboarding process?

Broadly, the problem solving steps outlined above should be included in any problem solving strategy though choosing where to focus your time and what approaches should be taken is where they begin to differ. You might find that some strategies ask for the problem identification to be done prior to the session or that everything happens in the course of a one day workshop.

The key similarity is that all good problem solving strategies are structured and designed. Four hours of open discussion is never going to be as productive as a four-hour workshop designed to lead a group through a problem solving process.

Good problem solving strategies are tailored to the team, organization and problem you will be attempting to solve. Here are some example problem solving strategies you can learn from or use to get started.

Use a workshop to lead a team through a group process

Often, the first step to solving problems or organizational challenges is bringing a group together effectively. Most teams have the tools, knowledge, and expertise necessary to solve their challenges – they just need some guidance in how to use leverage those skills and a structure and format that allows people to focus their energies.

Facilitated workshops are one of the most effective ways of solving problems of any scale. By designing and planning your workshop carefully, you can tailor the approach and scope to best fit the needs of your team and organization. 

Problem solving workshop

• Creating a bespoke, tailored process
• Tackling problems of any size
• Building in-house workshop ability and encouraging their use

Workshops are an effective strategy for solving problems. By using tried and test facilitation techniques and methods, you can design and deliver a workshop that is perfectly suited to the unique variables of your organization. You may only have the capacity for a half-day workshop and so need a problem solving process to match. 

By using our session planner tool and importing methods from our library of 700+ facilitation techniques, you can create the right problem solving workshop for your team. It might be that you want to encourage creative thinking or look at things from a new angle to unblock your groups approach to problem solving. By tailoring your workshop design to the purpose, you can help ensure great results.

One of the main benefits of a workshop is the structured approach to problem solving. Not only does this mean that the workshop itself will be successful, but many of the methods and techniques will help your team improve their working processes outside of the workshop. 

We believe that workshops are one of the best tools you can use to improve the way your team works together. Start with a problem solving workshop and then see what team building, culture or design workshops can do for your organization!

Run a design sprint

Great for: 

• aligning large, multi-discipline teams
• quickly designing and testing solutions
• tackling large, complex organizational challenges and breaking them down into smaller tasks

By using design thinking principles and methods, a design sprint is a great way of identifying, prioritizing and prototyping solutions to long term challenges that can help solve major organizational problems with quick action and measurable results.

Some familiarity with design thinking is useful, though not integral, and this strategy can really help a team align if there is some discussion around which problems should be approached first. 

The stage-based structure of the design sprint is also very useful for teams new to design thinking.  The inspiration phase, where you look to competitors that have solved your problem, and the rapid prototyping and testing phases are great for introducing new concepts that will benefit a team in all their future work. 

It can be common for teams to look inward for solutions and so looking to the market for solutions you can iterate on can be very productive. Instilling an agile prototyping and testing mindset can also be great when helping teams move forwards – generating and testing solutions quickly can help save time in the long run and is also pretty exciting!

Break problems down into smaller issues

Organizational challenges and problems are often complicated and large scale in nature. Sometimes, trying to resolve such an issue in one swoop is simply unachievable or overwhelming. Try breaking down such problems into smaller issues that you can work on step by step. You may not be able to solve the problem of churning customers off the bat, but you can work with your team to identify smaller effort but high impact elements and work on those first.

This problem solving strategy can help a team generate momentum, prioritize and get some easy wins. It’s also a great strategy to employ with teams who are just beginning to learn how to approach the problem solving process. If you want some insight into a way to employ this strategy, we recommend looking at our design sprint template below!

Use guiding frameworks or try new methodologies

Some problems are best solved by introducing a major shift in perspective or by using new methodologies that encourage your team to think differently.

Props and tools such as Methodkit , which uses a card-based toolkit for facilitation, or Lego Serious Play can be great ways to engage your team and find an inclusive, democratic problem solving strategy. Remember that play and creativity are great tools for achieving change and whatever the challenge, engaging your participants can be very effective where other strategies may have failed.

LEGO Serious Play

• Improving core problem solving skills
• Thinking outside of the box
• Encouraging creative solutions

LEGO Serious Play is a problem solving methodology designed to get participants thinking differently by using 3D models and kinesthetic learning styles. By physically building LEGO models based on questions and exercises, participants are encouraged to think outside of the box and create their own responses. 

Collaborate LEGO Serious Play exercises are also used to encourage communication and build problem solving skills in a group. By using this problem solving process, you can often help different kinds of learners and personality types contribute and unblock organizational problems with creative thinking. 

Problem solving strategies like LEGO Serious Play are super effective at helping a team solve more skills-based problems such as communication between teams or a lack of creative thinking. Some problems are not suited to LEGO Serious Play and require a different problem solving strategy.

Card Decks and Method Kits

• New facilitators or non-facilitators 
• Approaching difficult subjects with a simple, creative framework
• Engaging those with varied learning styles

Card decks and method kids are great tools for those new to facilitation or for whom facilitation is not the primary role. Card decks such as the emotional culture deck can be used for complete workshops and in many cases, can be used right out of the box. Methodkit has a variety of kits designed for scenarios ranging from personal development through to personas and global challenges so you can find the right deck for your particular needs.

Having an easy to use framework that encourages creativity or a new approach can take some of the friction or planning difficulties out of the workshop process and energize a team in any setting. Simplicity is the key with these methods. By ensuring everyone on your team can get involved and engage with the process as quickly as possible can really contribute to the success of your problem solving strategy.

Source external advice

Looking to peers, experts and external facilitators can be a great way of approaching the problem solving process. Your team may not have the necessary expertise, insights of experience to tackle some issues, or you might simply benefit from a fresh perspective. Some problems may require bringing together an entire team, and coaching managers or team members individually might be the right approach. Remember that not all problems are best resolved in the same manner.

If you’re a solo entrepreneur, peer groups, coaches and mentors can also be invaluable at not only solving specific business problems, but in providing a support network for resolving future challenges. One great approach is to join a Mastermind Group and link up with like-minded individuals and all grow together. Remember that however you approach the sourcing of external advice, do so thoughtfully, respectfully and honestly. Reciprocate where you can and prepare to be surprised by just how kind and helpful your peers can be!

Mastermind Group

• Solo entrepreneurs or small teams with low capacity
• Peer learning and gaining outside expertise
• Getting multiple external points of view quickly

Problem solving in large organizations with lots of skilled team members is one thing, but how about if you work for yourself or in a very small team without the capacity to get the most from a design sprint or LEGO Serious Play session? 

A mastermind group – sometimes known as a peer advisory board – is where a group of people come together to support one another in their own goals, challenges, and businesses. Each participant comes to the group with their own purpose and the other members of the group will help them create solutions, brainstorm ideas, and support one another. 

Mastermind groups are very effective in creating an energized, supportive atmosphere that can deliver meaningful results. Learning from peers from outside of your organization or industry can really help unlock new ways of thinking and drive growth. Access to the experience and skills of your peers can be invaluable in helping fill the gaps in your own ability, particularly in young companies.

A mastermind group is a great solution for solo entrepreneurs, small teams, or for organizations that feel that external expertise or fresh perspectives will be beneficial for them. It is worth noting that Mastermind groups are often only as good as the participants and what they can bring to the group. Participants need to be committed, engaged and understand how to work in this context. 

Coaching and mentoring

• Focused learning and development
• Filling skills gaps
• Working on a range of challenges over time

Receiving advice from a business coach or building a mentor/mentee relationship can be an effective way of resolving certain challenges. The one-to-one format of most coaching and mentor relationships can really help solve the challenges those individuals are having and benefit the organization as a result.

A great mentor can be invaluable when it comes to spotting potential problems before they arise and coming to understand a mentee very well has a host of other business benefits. You might run an internal mentorship program to help develop your team’s problem solving skills and strategies or as part of a large learning and development program. External coaches can also be an important part of your problem solving strategy, filling skills gaps for your management team or helping with specific business issues. 

Now we’ve explored the problem solving process and the steps you will want to go through in order to have an effective session, let’s look at the skills you and your team need to be more effective problem solvers.

Problem solving skills are highly sought after, whatever industry or team you work in. Organizations are keen to employ people who are able to approach problems thoughtfully and find strong, realistic solutions. Whether you are a facilitator , a team leader or a developer, being an effective problem solver is a skill you’ll want to develop.

Problem solving skills form a whole suite of techniques and approaches that an individual uses to not only identify problems but to discuss them productively before then developing appropriate solutions.

Here are some of the most important problem solving skills everyone from executives to junior staff members should learn. We’ve also included an activity or exercise from the SessionLab library that can help you and your team develop that skill. 

If you’re running a workshop or training session to try and improve problem solving skills in your team, try using these methods to supercharge your process!

Active listening

Active listening is one of the most important skills anyone who works with people can possess. In short, active listening is a technique used to not only better understand what is being said by an individual, but also to be more aware of the underlying message the speaker is trying to convey. When it comes to problem solving, active listening is integral for understanding the position of every participant and to clarify the challenges, ideas and solutions they bring to the table.

Some active listening skills include:

• Paying complete attention to the speaker.
• Removing distractions.
• Avoid interruption.
• Taking the time to fully understand before preparing a rebuttal.
• Responding respectfully and appropriately.
• Demonstrate attentiveness and positivity with an open posture, making eye contact with the speaker, smiling and nodding if appropriate. Show that you are listening and encourage them to continue.
• Be aware of and respectful of feelings. Judge the situation and respond appropriately. You can disagree without being disrespectful.   
• Observe body language. 
• Paraphrase what was said in your own words, either mentally or verbally.
• Remain neutral. 
• Reflect and take a moment before responding.
• Ask deeper questions based on what is said and clarify points where necessary.   

Active Listening   #hyperisland   #skills   #active listening   #remote-friendly   This activity supports participants to reflect on a question and generate their own solutions using simple principles of active listening and peer coaching. It’s an excellent introduction to active listening but can also be used with groups that are already familiar with it. Participants work in groups of three and take turns being: “the subject”, the listener, and the observer.

Analytical skills

All problem solving models require strong analytical skills, particularly during the beginning of the process and when it comes to analyzing how solutions have performed.

Analytical skills are primarily focused on performing an effective analysis by collecting, studying and parsing data related to a problem or opportunity. 

It often involves spotting patterns, being able to see things from different perspectives and using observable facts and data to make suggestions or produce insight. 

Analytical skills are also important at every stage of the problem solving process and by having these skills, you can ensure that any ideas or solutions you create or backed up analytically and have been sufficiently thought out.

Nine Whys   #innovation   #issue analysis   #liberating structures   With breathtaking simplicity, you can rapidly clarify for individuals and a group what is essentially important in their work. You can quickly reveal when a compelling purpose is missing in a gathering and avoid moving forward without clarity. When a group discovers an unambiguous shared purpose, more freedom and more responsibility are unleashed. You have laid the foundation for spreading and scaling innovations with fidelity.

Collaboration

Trying to solve problems on your own is difficult. Being able to collaborate effectively, with a free exchange of ideas, to delegate and be a productive member of a team is hugely important to all problem solving strategies.

Remember that whatever your role, collaboration is integral, and in a problem solving process, you are all working together to find the best solution for everyone. 

Marshmallow challenge with debriefing   #teamwork   #team   #leadership   #collaboration   In eighteen minutes, teams must build the tallest free-standing structure out of 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow. The marshmallow needs to be on top. The Marshmallow Challenge was developed by Tom Wujec, who has done the activity with hundreds of groups around the world. Visit the Marshmallow Challenge website for more information. This version has an extra debriefing question added with sample questions focusing on roles within the team.

Communication  

Being an effective communicator means being empathetic, clear and succinct, asking the right questions, and demonstrating active listening skills throughout any discussion or meeting. 

In a problem solving setting, you need to communicate well in order to progress through each stage of the process effectively. As a team leader, it may also fall to you to facilitate communication between parties who may not see eye to eye. Effective communication also means helping others to express themselves and be heard in a group.

Bus Trip   #feedback   #communication   #appreciation   #closing   #thiagi   #team   This is one of my favourite feedback games. I use Bus Trip at the end of a training session or a meeting, and I use it all the time. The game creates a massive amount of energy with lots of smiles, laughs, and sometimes even a teardrop or two.

Creative problem solving skills can be some of the best tools in your arsenal. Thinking creatively, being able to generate lots of ideas and come up with out of the box solutions is useful at every step of the process. 

The kinds of problems you will likely discuss in a problem solving workshop are often difficult to solve, and by approaching things in a fresh, creative manner, you can often create more innovative solutions.

Having practical creative skills is also a boon when it comes to problem solving. If you can help create quality design sketches and prototypes in record time, it can help bring a team to alignment more quickly or provide a base for further iteration.

The paper clip method   #sharing   #creativity   #warm up   #idea generation   #brainstorming   The power of brainstorming. A training for project leaders, creativity training, and to catalyse getting new solutions.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is one of the fundamental problem solving skills you’ll want to develop when working on developing solutions. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, rationalize and evaluate while being aware of personal bias, outlying factors and remaining open-minded.

Defining and analyzing problems without deploying critical thinking skills can mean you and your team go down the wrong path. Developing solutions to complex issues requires critical thinking too – ensuring your team considers all possibilities and rationally evaluating them. 

Agreement-Certainty Matrix   #issue analysis   #liberating structures   #problem solving   You can help individuals or groups avoid the frequent mistake of trying to solve a problem with methods that are not adapted to the nature of their challenge. The combination of two questions makes it possible to easily sort challenges into four categories: simple, complicated, complex , and chaotic .  A problem is simple when it can be solved reliably with practices that are easy to duplicate.  It is complicated when experts are required to devise a sophisticated solution that will yield the desired results predictably.  A problem is complex when there are several valid ways to proceed but outcomes are not predictable in detail.  Chaotic is when the context is too turbulent to identify a path forward.  A loose analogy may be used to describe these differences: simple is like following a recipe, complicated like sending a rocket to the moon, complex like raising a child, and chaotic is like the game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”  The Liberating Structures Matching Matrix in Chapter 5 can be used as the first step to clarify the nature of a challenge and avoid the mismatches between problems and solutions that are frequently at the root of chronic, recurring problems.

Data analysis 

Though it shares lots of space with general analytical skills, data analysis skills are something you want to cultivate in their own right in order to be an effective problem solver.

Being good at data analysis doesn’t just mean being able to find insights from data, but also selecting the appropriate data for a given issue, interpreting it effectively and knowing how to model and present that data. Depending on the problem at hand, it might also include a working knowledge of specific data analysis tools and procedures. 

Having a solid grasp of data analysis techniques is useful if you’re leading a problem solving workshop but if you’re not an expert, don’t worry. Bring people into the group who has this skill set and help your team be more effective as a result.

Decision making

All problems need a solution and all solutions require that someone make the decision to implement them. Without strong decision making skills, teams can become bogged down in discussion and less effective as a result. 

Making decisions is a key part of the problem solving process. It’s important to remember that decision making is not restricted to the leadership team. Every staff member makes decisions every day and developing these skills ensures that your team is able to solve problems at any scale. Remember that making decisions does not mean leaping to the first solution but weighing up the options and coming to an informed, well thought out solution to any given problem that works for the whole team.

Lightning Decision Jam (LDJ)   #action   #decision making   #problem solving   #issue analysis   #innovation   #design   #remote-friendly   The problem with anything that requires creative thinking is that it’s easy to get lost—lose focus and fall into the trap of having useless, open-ended, unstructured discussions. Here’s the most effective solution I’ve found: Replace all open, unstructured discussion with a clear process. What to use this exercise for: Anything which requires a group of people to make decisions, solve problems or discuss challenges. It’s always good to frame an LDJ session with a broad topic, here are some examples: The conversion flow of our checkout Our internal design process How we organise events Keeping up with our competition Improving sales flow

Dependability

Most complex organizational problems require multiple people to be involved in delivering the solution. Ensuring that the team and organization can depend on you to take the necessary actions and communicate where necessary is key to ensuring problems are solved effectively.

Being dependable also means working to deadlines and to brief. It is often a matter of creating trust in a team so that everyone can depend on one another to complete the agreed actions in the agreed time frame so that the team can move forward together. Being undependable can create problems of friction and can limit the effectiveness of your solutions so be sure to bear this in mind throughout a project. 

Team Purpose & Culture   #team   #hyperisland   #culture   #remote-friendly   This is an essential process designed to help teams define their purpose (why they exist) and their culture (how they work together to achieve that purpose). Defining these two things will help any team to be more focused and aligned. With support of tangible examples from other companies, the team members work as individuals and a group to codify the way they work together. The goal is a visual manifestation of both the purpose and culture that can be put up in the team’s work space.

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is an important skill for any successful team member, whether communicating internally or with clients or users. In the problem solving process, emotional intelligence means being attuned to how people are feeling and thinking, communicating effectively and being self-aware of what you bring to a room. 

There are often differences of opinion when working through problem solving processes, and it can be easy to let things become impassioned or combative. Developing your emotional intelligence means being empathetic to your colleagues and managing your own emotions throughout the problem and solution process. Be kind, be thoughtful and put your points across care and attention. 

Being emotionally intelligent is a skill for life and by deploying it at work, you can not only work efficiently but empathetically. Check out the emotional culture workshop template for more!

Facilitation

As we’ve clarified in our facilitation skills post, facilitation is the art of leading people through processes towards agreed-upon objectives in a manner that encourages participation, ownership, and creativity by all those involved. While facilitation is a set of interrelated skills in itself, the broad definition of facilitation can be invaluable when it comes to problem solving. Leading a team through a problem solving process is made more effective if you improve and utilize facilitation skills – whether you’re a manager, team leader or external stakeholder.

The Six Thinking Hats   #creative thinking   #meeting facilitation   #problem solving   #issue resolution   #idea generation   #conflict resolution   The Six Thinking Hats are used by individuals and groups to separate out conflicting styles of thinking. They enable and encourage a group of people to think constructively together in exploring and implementing change, rather than using argument to fight over who is right and who is wrong.

Flexibility 

Being flexible is a vital skill when it comes to problem solving. This does not mean immediately bowing to pressure or changing your opinion quickly: instead, being flexible is all about seeing things from new perspectives, receiving new information and factoring it into your thought process.

Flexibility is also important when it comes to rolling out solutions. It might be that other organizational projects have greater priority or require the same resources as your chosen solution. Being flexible means understanding needs and challenges across the team and being open to shifting or arranging your own schedule as necessary. Again, this does not mean immediately making way for other projects. It’s about articulating your own needs, understanding the needs of others and being able to come to a meaningful compromise.

The Creativity Dice   #creativity   #problem solving   #thiagi   #issue analysis   Too much linear thinking is hazardous to creative problem solving. To be creative, you should approach the problem (or the opportunity) from different points of view. You should leave a thought hanging in mid-air and move to another. This skipping around prevents premature closure and lets your brain incubate one line of thought while you consciously pursue another.

Working in any group can lead to unconscious elements of groupthink or situations in which you may not wish to be entirely honest. Disagreeing with the opinions of the executive team or wishing to save the feelings of a coworker can be tricky to navigate, but being honest is absolutely vital when to comes to developing effective solutions and ensuring your voice is heard. 

Remember that being honest does not mean being brutally candid. You can deliver your honest feedback and opinions thoughtfully and without creating friction by using other skills such as emotional intelligence. 

Explore your Values   #hyperisland   #skills   #values   #remote-friendly   Your Values is an exercise for participants to explore what their most important values are. It’s done in an intuitive and rapid way to encourage participants to follow their intuitive feeling rather than over-thinking and finding the “correct” values. It is a good exercise to use to initiate reflection and dialogue around personal values.

Initiative 

The problem solving process is multi-faceted and requires different approaches at certain points of the process. Taking initiative to bring problems to the attention of the team, collect data or lead the solution creating process is always valuable. You might even roadtest your own small scale solutions or brainstorm before a session. Taking initiative is particularly effective if you have good deal of knowledge in that area or have ownership of a particular project and want to get things kickstarted.

That said, be sure to remember to honor the process and work in service of the team. If you are asked to own one part of the problem solving process and you don’t complete that task because your initiative leads you to work on something else, that’s not an effective method of solving business challenges.

15% Solutions   #action   #liberating structures   #remote-friendly   You can reveal the actions, however small, that everyone can do immediately. At a minimum, these will create momentum, and that may make a BIG difference.  15% Solutions show that there is no reason to wait around, feel powerless, or fearful. They help people pick it up a level. They get individuals and the group to focus on what is within their discretion instead of what they cannot change.  With a very simple question, you can flip the conversation to what can be done and find solutions to big problems that are often distributed widely in places not known in advance. Shifting a few grains of sand may trigger a landslide and change the whole landscape.

Impartiality

A particularly useful problem solving skill for product owners or managers is the ability to remain impartial throughout much of the process. In practice, this means treating all points of view and ideas brought forward in a meeting equally and ensuring that your own areas of interest or ownership are not favored over others. 

There may be a stage in the process where a decision maker has to weigh the cost and ROI of possible solutions against the company roadmap though even then, ensuring that the decision made is based on merit and not personal opinion. 

Empathy map   #frame insights   #create   #design   #issue analysis   An empathy map is a tool to help a design team to empathize with the people they are designing for. You can make an empathy map for a group of people or for a persona. To be used after doing personas when more insights are needed.

Being a good leader means getting a team aligned, energized and focused around a common goal. In the problem solving process, strong leadership helps ensure that the process is efficient, that any conflicts are resolved and that a team is managed in the direction of success.

It’s common for managers or executives to assume this role in a problem solving workshop, though it’s important that the leader maintains impartiality and does not bulldoze the group in a particular direction. Remember that good leadership means working in service of the purpose and team and ensuring the workshop is a safe space for employees of any level to contribute. Take a look at our leadership games and activities post for more exercises and methods to help improve leadership in your organization.

Leadership Pizza   #leadership   #team   #remote-friendly   This leadership development activity offers a self-assessment framework for people to first identify what skills, attributes and attitudes they find important for effective leadership, and then assess their own development and initiate goal setting.

In the context of problem solving, mediation is important in keeping a team engaged, happy and free of conflict. When leading or facilitating a problem solving workshop, you are likely to run into differences of opinion. Depending on the nature of the problem, certain issues may be brought up that are emotive in nature. 

Being an effective mediator means helping those people on either side of such a divide are heard, listen to one another and encouraged to find common ground and a resolution. Mediating skills are useful for leaders and managers in many situations and the problem solving process is no different.

Conflict Responses   #hyperisland   #team   #issue resolution   A workshop for a team to reflect on past conflicts, and use them to generate guidelines for effective conflict handling. The workshop uses the Thomas-Killman model of conflict responses to frame a reflective discussion. Use it to open up a discussion around conflict with a team.

Planning 

Solving organizational problems is much more effective when following a process or problem solving model. Planning skills are vital in order to structure, deliver and follow-through on a problem solving workshop and ensure your solutions are intelligently deployed.

Planning skills include the ability to organize tasks and a team, plan and design the process and take into account any potential challenges. Taking the time to plan carefully can save time and frustration later in the process and is valuable for ensuring a team is positioned for success.

3 Action Steps   #hyperisland   #action   #remote-friendly   This is a small-scale strategic planning session that helps groups and individuals to take action toward a desired change. It is often used at the end of a workshop or programme. The group discusses and agrees on a vision, then creates some action steps that will lead them towards that vision. The scope of the challenge is also defined, through discussion of the helpful and harmful factors influencing the group.

Prioritization

As organisations grow, the scale and variation of problems they face multiplies. Your team or is likely to face numerous challenges in different areas and so having the skills to analyze and prioritize becomes very important, particularly for those in leadership roles.

A thorough problem solving process is likely to deliver multiple solutions and you may have several different problems you wish to solve simultaneously. Prioritization is the ability to measure the importance, value, and effectiveness of those possible solutions and choose which to enact and in what order. The process of prioritization is integral in ensuring the biggest challenges are addressed with the most impactful solutions.

Impact and Effort Matrix   #gamestorming   #decision making   #action   #remote-friendly   In this decision-making exercise, possible actions are mapped based on two factors: effort required to implement and potential impact. Categorizing ideas along these lines is a useful technique in decision making, as it obliges contributors to balance and evaluate suggested actions before committing to them.

Project management

Some problem solving skills are utilized in a workshop or ideation phases, while others come in useful when it comes to decision making. Overseeing an entire problem solving process and ensuring its success requires strong project management skills. 

While project management incorporates many of the other skills listed here, it is important to note the distinction of considering all of the factors of a project and managing them successfully. Being able to negotiate with stakeholders, manage tasks, time and people, consider costs and ROI, and tie everything together is massively helpful when going through the problem solving process. 

Record keeping

Working out meaningful solutions to organizational challenges is only one part of the process.  Thoughtfully documenting and keeping records of each problem solving step for future consultation is important in ensuring efficiency and meaningful change. 

For example, some problems may be lower priority than others but can be revisited in the future. If the team has ideated on solutions and found some are not up to the task, record those so you can rule them out and avoiding repeating work. Keeping records of the process also helps you improve and refine your problem solving model next time around!

Personal Kanban   #gamestorming   #action   #agile   #project planning   Personal Kanban is a tool for organizing your work to be more efficient and productive. It is based on agile methods and principles.

Research skills

Conducting research to support both the identification of problems and the development of appropriate solutions is important for an effective process. Knowing where to go to collect research, how to conduct research efficiently, and identifying pieces of research are relevant are all things a good researcher can do well. 

In larger groups, not everyone has to demonstrate this ability in order for a problem solving workshop to be effective. That said, having people with research skills involved in the process, particularly if they have existing area knowledge, can help ensure the solutions that are developed with data that supports their intention. Remember that being able to deliver the results of research efficiently and in a way the team can easily understand is also important. The best data in the world is only as effective as how it is delivered and interpreted.

Customer experience map   #ideation   #concepts   #research   #design   #issue analysis   #remote-friendly   Customer experience mapping is a method of documenting and visualizing the experience a customer has as they use the product or service. It also maps out their responses to their experiences. To be used when there is a solution (even in a conceptual stage) that can be analyzed.

Risk management

Managing risk is an often overlooked part of the problem solving process. Solutions are often developed with the intention of reducing exposure to risk or solving issues that create risk but sometimes, great solutions are more experimental in nature and as such, deploying them needs to be carefully considered. 

Managing risk means acknowledging that there may be risks associated with more out of the box solutions or trying new things, but that this must be measured against the possible benefits and other organizational factors. 

Be informed, get the right data and stakeholders in the room and you can appropriately factor risk into your decision making process. 

Decisions, Decisions…   #communication   #decision making   #thiagi   #action   #issue analysis   When it comes to decision-making, why are some of us more prone to take risks while others are risk-averse? One explanation might be the way the decision and options were presented.  This exercise, based on Kahneman and Tversky’s classic study , illustrates how the framing effect influences our judgement and our ability to make decisions . The participants are divided into two groups. Both groups are presented with the same problem and two alternative programs for solving them. The two programs both have the same consequences but are presented differently. The debriefing discussion examines how the framing of the program impacted the participant’s decision.

Team-building 

No single person is as good at problem solving as a team. Building an effective team and helping them come together around a common purpose is one of the most important problem solving skills, doubly so for leaders. By bringing a team together and helping them work efficiently, you pave the way for team ownership of a problem and the development of effective solutions. 

In a problem solving workshop, it can be tempting to jump right into the deep end, though taking the time to break the ice, energize the team and align them with a game or exercise will pay off over the course of the day.

Remember that you will likely go through the problem solving process multiple times over an organization’s lifespan and building a strong team culture will make future problem solving more effective. It’s also great to work with people you know, trust and have fun with. Working on team building in and out of the problem solving process is a hallmark of successful teams that can work together to solve business problems.

9 Dimensions Team Building Activity   #ice breaker   #teambuilding   #team   #remote-friendly   9 Dimensions is a powerful activity designed to build relationships and trust among team members. There are 2 variations of this icebreaker. The first version is for teams who want to get to know each other better. The second version is for teams who want to explore how they are working together as a team.

Time management 

The problem solving process is designed to lead a team from identifying a problem through to delivering a solution and evaluating its effectiveness. Without effective time management skills or timeboxing of tasks, it can be easy for a team to get bogged down or be inefficient.

By using a problem solving model and carefully designing your workshop, you can allocate time efficiently and trust that the process will deliver the results you need in a good timeframe.

Time management also comes into play when it comes to rolling out solutions, particularly those that are experimental in nature. Having a clear timeframe for implementing and evaluating solutions is vital for ensuring their success and being able to pivot if necessary.

Improving your skills at problem solving is often a career-long pursuit though there are methods you can use to make the learning process more efficient and to supercharge your problem solving skillset.

Remember that the skills you need to be a great problem solver have a large overlap with those skills you need to be effective in any role. Investing time and effort to develop your active listening or critical thinking skills is valuable in any context. Here are 7 ways to improve your problem solving skills.

Share best practices

Remember that your team is an excellent source of skills, wisdom, and techniques and that you should all take advantage of one another where possible. Best practices that one team has for solving problems, conducting research or making decisions should be shared across the organization. If you have in-house staff that have done active listening training or are data analysis pros, have them lead a training session. 

Your team is one of your best resources. Create space and internal processes for the sharing of skills so that you can all grow together. 

Ask for help and attend training

Once you’ve figured out you have a skills gap, the next step is to take action to fill that skills gap. That might be by asking your superior for training or coaching, or liaising with team members with that skill set. You might even attend specialized training for certain skills – active listening or critical thinking, for example, are business-critical skills that are regularly offered as part of a training scheme.

Whatever method you choose, remember that taking action of some description is necessary for growth. Whether that means practicing, getting help, attending training or doing some background reading, taking active steps to improve your skills is the way to go.

Learn a process 

Problem solving can be complicated, particularly when attempting to solve large problems for the first time. Using a problem solving process helps give structure to your problem solving efforts and focus on creating outcomes, rather than worrying about the format. 

Tools such as the seven-step problem solving process above are effective because not only do they feature steps that will help a team solve problems, they also develop skills along the way. Each step asks for people to engage with the process using different skills and in doing so, helps the team learn and grow together. Group processes of varying complexity and purpose can also be found in the SessionLab library of facilitation techniques . Using a tried and tested process and really help ease the learning curve for both those leading such a process, as well as those undergoing the purpose.

Effective teams make decisions about where they should and shouldn’t expend additional effort. By using a problem solving process, you can focus on the things that matter, rather than stumbling towards a solution haphazardly. 

Create a feedback loop

Some skills gaps are more obvious than others. It’s possible that your perception of your active listening skills differs from those of your colleagues. 

It’s valuable to create a system where team members can provide feedback in an ordered and friendly manner so they can all learn from one another. Only by identifying areas of improvement can you then work to improve them. 

Remember that feedback systems require oversight and consideration so that they don’t turn into a place to complain about colleagues. Design the system intelligently so that you encourage the creation of learning opportunities, rather than encouraging people to list their pet peeves.

While practice might not make perfect, it does make the problem solving process easier. If you are having trouble with critical thinking, don’t shy away from doing it. Get involved where you can and stretch those muscles as regularly as possible. 

Problem solving skills come more naturally to some than to others and that’s okay. Take opportunities to get involved and see where you can practice your skills in situations outside of a workshop context. Try collaborating in other circumstances at work or conduct data analysis on your own projects. You can often develop those skills you need for problem solving simply by doing them. Get involved!

Use expert exercises and methods

Learn from the best. Our library of 700+ facilitation techniques is full of activities and methods that help develop the skills you need to be an effective problem solver. Check out our templates to see how to approach problem solving and other organizational challenges in a structured and intelligent manner.

There is no single approach to improving problem solving skills, but by using the techniques employed by others you can learn from their example and develop processes that have seen proven results. 

Try new ways of thinking and change your mindset

Using tried and tested exercises that you know well can help deliver results, but you do run the risk of missing out on the learning opportunities offered by new approaches. As with the problem solving process, changing your mindset can remove blockages and be used to develop your problem solving skills.

Most teams have members with mixed skill sets and specialties. Mix people from different teams and share skills and different points of view. Teach your customer support team how to use design thinking methods or help your developers with conflict resolution techniques. Try switching perspectives with facilitation techniques like Flip It! or by using new problem solving methodologies or models. Give design thinking, liberating structures or lego serious play a try if you want to try a new approach. You will find that framing problems in new ways and using existing skills in new contexts can be hugely useful for personal development and improving your skillset. It’s also a lot of fun to try new things. Give it a go!

Encountering business challenges and needing to find appropriate solutions is not unique to your organization. Lots of very smart people have developed methods, theories and approaches to help develop problem solving skills and create effective solutions. Learn from them!

Books like The Art of Thinking Clearly , Think Smarter, or Thinking Fast, Thinking Slow are great places to start, though it’s also worth looking at blogs related to organizations facing similar problems to yours, or browsing for success stories. Seeing how Dropbox massively increased growth and working backward can help you see the skills or approach you might be lacking to solve that same problem. Learning from others by reading their stories or approaches can be time-consuming but ultimately rewarding.

A tired, distracted mind is not in the best position to learn new skills. It can be tempted to burn the candle at both ends and develop problem solving skills outside of work. Absolutely use your time effectively and take opportunities for self-improvement, though remember that rest is hugely important and that without letting your brain rest, you cannot be at your most effective. 

Creating distance between yourself and the problem you might be facing can also be useful. By letting an idea sit, you can find that a better one presents itself or you can develop it further. Take regular breaks when working and create a space for downtime. Remember that working smarter is preferable to working harder and that self-care is important for any effective learning or improvement process.

Want to design better group processes?

Over to you

Now we’ve explored some of the key problem solving skills and the problem solving steps necessary for an effective process, you’re ready to begin developing more effective solutions and leading problem solving workshops.

Need more inspiration? Check out our post on problem solving activities you can use when guiding a group towards a great solution in your next workshop or meeting. Have questions? Did you have a great problem solving technique you use with your team? Get in touch in the comments below. We’d love to chat!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Going from a mere idea to a workshop that delivers results for your clients can feel like a daunting task. In this piece, we will shine a light on all the work behind the scenes and help you learn how to plan a workshop from start to finish. On a good day, facilitation can feel like effortless magic, but that is mostly the result of backstage work, foresight, and a lot of careful planning. Read on to learn a step-by-step approach to breaking the process of planning a workshop into small, manageable chunks.  The flow starts with the first meeting with a client to define the purposes of a workshop.…

How does learning work? A clever 9-year-old once told me: “I know I am learning something new when I am surprised.” The science of adult learning tells us that, in order to learn new skills (which, unsurprisingly, is harder for adults to do than kids) grown-ups need to first get into a specific headspace.  In a business, this approach is often employed in a training session where employees learn new skills or work on professional development. But how do you ensure your training is effective? In this guide, we'll explore how to create an effective training session plan and run engaging training sessions. As team leader, project manager, or consultant,…

Facilitation is more and more recognized as a key component of work, as employers and society are faced with bigger and more complex problems and ideas. From facilitating meetings to big, multi-stakeholder strategy development workshops, the facilitator's skillset is more and more in demand. In this article, we will go through a list of the best online facilitation resources, including newsletters, podcasts, communities, and 10 free toolkits you can bookmark and read to upskill and improve your facilitation practice. When designing activities and workshops, you'll probably start by using templates and methods you are familiar with. Soon enough, you'll need to expand your range and look for facilitation methods and…

Design your next workshop with SessionLab

Join the 150,000 facilitators using SessionLab

Sign up for free

Selection Criteria

Any example demonstrates many skills.

An approach to selection criteria is to use the STAR model – Situation, Task, Action, Result. One of the limitations of this approach is that one example is used to demonstrate one area of skill. In explaining the situation, other skills may be overlooked. In reality, any example demonstrates multiple skills.

Take an example of problem solving. A problem is a situation that is unsatisfactory and causes difficulties for people. It can be a puzzle, needing logical thought to solve.

Let’s supposing you are writing about solving an IT problem. Or perhaps it is an error in some financial records that needs solving. Or maybe it’s a problem about how to meet a deadline when there seems to be too many things to do and not enough people.

In order to solve any of these problems a range of skills could potentially be used:

• Analytical thinking to work out what the problem actually is.
• Research skills to find out how to solve the problem.
• Information sharing skills to explain to someone else what the problem is.
• Interpersonal skills to understand the problem.
• Customer service skills to help someone else know how fixing the problem is progressing.
• Writing skills to explain to a technician what the problem is.
• Decision-making skills to determine what option to choose to fix the problem.
• Negotiation skills to win someone’s cooperation who is central to fixing the problem.
• Facilitation skills to brainstorm with a team what could be causing the problem.
• Coaching skills to help build someone else’s skills who is involved in this problem.
• Teamwork skills to divide up the work and help each other out to meet the deadline and get the work done.
• Self-management skills in deciding priorities and meeting deadlines.

Two ideas flow from this analysis.

When keeping records of examples to use as evidence, capture the full range of skills used in the example. While you may think it relates to a particular skill, this may narrow your perspective. There may be a core skill, and there are bound to be others used to support that skill.

When writing about any example, use skill-based language when talking about what action you took. For example, “To solving this problem I researched …. and analysed ….. Following my negotiations with …. I established three options, only one of which would satisfy the customer. To implement this solution I selected a three-person team and provided coaching so that ….”

• Career presentations
• Career development practitioners
• Job applications
• Job interviews
• Managers/selection panels
• Career Management
• Capabilities
• Daring Dames
• Sensemaking

Your Keys to Selection Criteria

Book a free 15-minute phone call with a Public Sector Career Coach

Key insights into the government selection criteria, aps selection criteria, introduction.

The Australian Public Service (APS) was formally established on 1 January 1901 , the same day that Australia became a federation. However, its roots can be traced back to the colonial public services that existed before the Federation.

The Australian Public Service (APS) is the largest employer in Australia, with over 159,469 employees working across a range of departments and agencies. Working in the public service offers a rewarding career path, but the selection process is rigorous, with candidates required to meet specific selection criteria.

Having served as members of selection panels, we understand the importance of addressing the Key Selection Criteria when applying for Australian Public Service jobs. Regardless of your qualifications or experience, failing to adequately meet these criteria will likely disqualify you from consideration. The Government’s commitment to Procedural Fairness means that recruitment processes must be strictly objective and based on predetermined criteria. Your Key Selection Criteria responses, along with your CV and interview, form the three legs of the stool that support your job application. Ensure you meet the minimum requirements in each area to succeed.

What are Selection Criteria

Selection criteria are used to determine if a candidate has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to perform the job. They are used to assess candidates at different stages of the recruitment process, including application screening, shortlisting, and interviews. Meeting the selection criteria is essential if you want to succeed in your application for a public service job.

a. Definition of Selection Criteria

Selection criteria are a set of requirements or qualifications that an employer specifies when advertising a job vacancy. They are the essential skills, knowledge, abilities, qualifications, and experience that an employer is looking for in a candidate to perform the duties of a particular job effectively.

b. Types of Selection Criteria

Selection criteria can be broad or specific, depending on the nature of the job and the needs of the employer. They may include criteria such as 

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Problem Solving and Analytical Skills
• Organisational and Time Management Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Governance and Compliance
• Strategic Thinking and Planning
• Personal Drive and Integrity
• Proven Ability to Manage Projects.

Candidates are usually required to address each selection criterion in their job application by providing examples of how they meet the criterion based on their past experience and achievements.

c. Importance of Selection Criteria in the Recruitment Process

Selection criteria are used by employers to identify the most suitable candidates for a job and to ensure that the recruitment process is transparent, fair, and merit-based. They help to ensure that candidates are assessed based on their ability to perform the job rather than subjective factors such as personal connections or bias.

How to write selection criteria for government jobs

Guide to tackle selection criteria.

Let’s struggle no more with selection criteria. This guide offers practical tips to help you tackle selection criteria with confidence.”

1. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Communication and interpersonal skills are essential in public service, where employees need to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including colleagues, clients, and the public. Communication skills refer to the ability to convey information effectively, while interpersonal skills refer to the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with others.

To demonstrate high-level communication and interpersonal skills in the selection criteria, candidates should provide examples of their ability to communicate with influence, both verbally and in writing. 

Examples of Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Examples of communication and interpersonal skills could include:

• Convincing a team to adopt a new approach to a problem
• Presenting a complex issue to a non-technical audience
• Providing feedback to a colleague in a constructive and supportive way
• Building rapport with a client during a difficult conversation
• Collaborating with stakeholders to develop a shared understanding of a problem

Case Studies and Scenario

Case Study: A team member continuously interrupts and talks over others during team meetings, causing frustration and communication breakdown. The team leader implements a plan to improve active listening skills and encourages open communication to address the issue.

Scenario: A customer service representative receives a call from an angry customer who has been waiting on hold for a long time. The representative uses active listening and empathy skills to de-escalate the situation and resolve the issue, leaving the customer satisfied with the service provided.

Tips for Communication and interpersonal skills

Tips for improving communication and interpersonal skills include:

• Active listening to understand other people’s perspectives
• Using clear and concise language to convey information
• Adapting communication style to suit the audience and context
• Building rapport through effective body language and eye contact
• Providing constructive feedback that focuses on behaviour, not personality

2. Problem Solving and Analytical Skills

Problem solving and analytical skills are essential in public service, where employees need to identify and solve complex problems in a variety of contexts. Problem-solving skills refer to the ability to identify, analyse and evaluate problems and develop effective solutions, while analytical skills refer to the ability to interpret and use data to inform decision-making.

To demonstrate high-level problem-solving and analytical skills in the selection criteria, candidates should provide examples of their ability to apply clinical knowledge and clinical problem-solving abilities. 

Examples of Problem Solving and Analytical Skills

Examples Problem solving and analytical skills could include:

• Developing a risk management strategy to address a complex issue
• Using data analysis to identify patterns and trends in a particular issue
• Identifying the root cause of a problem and developing effective solutions
• Anticipating potential problems and developing contingency plans

Case Studies and Scenarios

Case Study: A software company’s new product launch is delayed due to a critical bug. The development team collaborates with the testing team to quickly identify and resolve the issue, ensuring the product launch stays on schedule.

Scenario: An accounting firm needs to reduce expenses without affecting the quality of service. The team brainstorms ideas to cut costs while maintaining the same level of efficiency and productivity, resulting in a successful cost-cutting strategy.

Tips for Problem Solving and Analytical Skills

Tips for improving problem solving and analytical skills include:

• Breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts
• Using data to inform decision making and problem solving
• Working collaboratively with others to develop effective solutions
• Being open to feedback

3. Organisational and Time Management Skills

Organisational and time management skills are crucial for success in the Australian Public Service. These skills are necessary for managing complex tasks, meeting deadlines, and prioritising competing demands. Below are some examples, case studies, scenarios, and tips to demonstrate the importance of organisational and time management skills in the public service context.

Examples of Organisational and Time Management Skills

Examples of Organisational and time management skills could include:

• Creating a work plan with clear objectives, timelines and deliverables
• Using technology to stay organised, such as a calendar, task list or project management tool
• Prioritising tasks based on importance and urgency
• Allocating resources effectively to ensure maximum efficiency
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of work progress and outcomes

Case Studies

• A government department is responsible for implementing a new policy initiative. The project requires significant coordination between different stakeholders and departments. The project manager uses effective time management skills to set realistic timelines, establish clear communication channels, and monitor progress. As a result, the project is completed on time and within budget.
• An employee is responsible for managing a high volume of emails, phone calls, and meetings. The employee uses organisational skills to categorise and prioritise these tasks, ensuring that urgent matters are addressed promptly. The employee also uses time management skills to allocate sufficient time for important tasks and to minimise time spent on non-essential activities.
• A public servant is responsible for managing multiple tasks and deadlines. The servant uses organisational skills to categorise tasks based on their level of importance and urgency. The servant also uses time management skills to allocate sufficient time for each task and to avoid over committing.
• A public servant is required to attend several meetings throughout the day. The servant uses time management skills to allocate sufficient time for each meeting, prepare relevant materials in advance, and follow up on action items.

Tips for Organisational and Time Management Skills

Tips for improving Organisational and time management skills include:

• Use a planner or calendar to track deadlines and appointments
• Break down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks
• Set realistic timelines for completing tasks
• Prioritise tasks based on importance and urgency
• Minimise distractions and interruptions while working on important tasks

By improving these skills, public servants can enhance their productivity, reduce stress, and achieve their goals more effectively.

4. Teamwork and Collaboration

Effective teamwork and collaboration skills are critical in public service as it is a sector that relies heavily on cooperation and coordination among employees to achieve its goals. The selection criteria for teamwork and collaboration skills assess the ability of a candidate to work efficiently as part of a team, to support and encourage team members, to manage conflict constructively, and to liaise with clients effectively in a team environment.

Examples of Teamwork and Collaboration

Examples of teamwork and collaboration in the selection criteria could include:

• Led a cross-functional team to develop and implement a new HR policy, incorporating feedback from multiple departments to ensure successful adoption and compliance.
• Collaborated with a team of researchers to analyse and interpret data from a large-scale study, leveraging each team member’s expertise to identify key findings and conclusions.
• Coordinated with external vendors and internal teams to execute a successful product launch, ensuring all deliverables were met on time and within budget.
• Facilitated regular team meetings and workshops to foster collaboration and ideation, resulting in several successful new product ideas and process improvements.
• Worked closely with a client to develop a customised solution to meet their specific needs, collaborating with colleagues across multiple departments to ensure seamless execution and customer satisfaction.

Case Study: A team of engineers collaborated to design and build a new bridge. They worked together to ensure the bridge was safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Through effective communication and cooperation, they completed the project on time and within budget.

Scenario: A marketing team worked together to launch a new product. They conducted market research, developed a marketing strategy, and created advertising materials. By collaborating and utilising each team member’s strengths, they successfully launched the product and increased sales.

Tips for Demonstrating Teamwork and Collaboration

Tips for improving demonstrating teamwork and collaboration could include :

• Use specific examples from your past experiences where you worked collaboratively with others to achieve a goal.
• Highlight your specific contributions to the project or initiative and the role you played in ensuring the success of the team.
• Emphasise your communication and interpersonal skills, including how you liaised with team members, clients, or stakeholders.
• Highlight your ability to adapt to different working styles and personalities and work towards a common goal despite differences in opinions or perspectives.
• Discuss any challenges or obstacles that you faced while working in a team environment and how you overcame them.
• Highlight any leadership or mentoring roles you have taken on within a team and how you supported and motivated team members to achieve the team’s goals.

5. Governance and Compliance

Governance and compliance are critical skills for public servants in the Australian Public Service. These skills involve ensuring that government policies and regulations are adhered to and that public resources are used effectively and efficiently. Below are some examples, case studies, scenarios, and tips to demonstrate the importance of governance and compliance in the public service context.

Examples of Governance and Compliance

Examples of Governance and compliance skills could include:

• Understanding and applying relevant legislation, policies, and regulations
• Conducting risk assessments and implementing appropriate controls
• Ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making processes
• Implementing measures to prevent fraud, corruption, and other forms of misconduct
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of government activities
• A government department is responsible for managing public funds for a large-scale infrastructure project. The department uses governance and compliance skills to ensure that the funds are used effectively and efficiently, with appropriate controls in place to prevent fraud and misuse of funds.
• A public servant is responsible for implementing a new government policy. The servant uses governance and compliance skills to ensure that the policy aligns with relevant legislation and regulations, that stakeholders are consulted, and that the policy is implemented in a transparent and accountable manner.
• A public servant is presented with a conflict of interest in their role. The servant uses governance and compliance skills to identify and disclose the conflict, and to implement appropriate measures to mitigate any risks.
• A public servant is responsible for managing sensitive information. The servant uses governance and compliance skills to ensure that the information is handled securely and that appropriate controls are in place to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure.

Tips for Governance and Compliance

Tips for improving Governance and compliance skills include:

• Stay up-to-date with relevant legislation, policies, and regulations
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities
• Maintain transparency and accountability in decision-making processes
• Implement appropriate controls to prevent fraud, corruption, and other forms of misconduct
• Seek advice from experts or colleagues where appropriate

By enhancing these skills, public servants can enhance their credibility, improve their decision-making processes, and contribute to the overall success of their organisation.

6. Strategic Thinking and Planning

Strategic thinking and planning are essential skills for public servants in the Australian Public Service. These skills involve the ability to analyse complex situations, identify opportunities and risks, and develop effective strategies to achieve organisational objectives. Below are some examples, case studies, scenarios, and tips to demonstrate the importance of strategic thinking and planning in the public service context.

Examples of Strategic Thinking and Planning

Examples of Strategic thinking and planning skills could include:

• Conducting environmental scans and trend analysis to identify emerging issues and opportunities
• Developing strategic plans and frameworks to guide decision-making and resource allocation
• Analysing data and information to inform evidence-based decision-making
• Building partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders to achieve shared goals
• Aligning organisational objectives with government priorities and community needs
• A government department is responsible for addressing a complex policy issue. The department uses strategic thinking and planning skills to analyse the issue, identify key stakeholders, and develop a comprehensive strategy that involves partnerships with stakeholders and evidence-based decision-making.
• A public servant is responsible for managing a complex project that involves multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. The servant uses strategic thinking and planning skills to develop a project plan that includes clear objectives, timelines, and resource allocation, and involves regular monitoring and evaluation.
• A public servant is presented with a new policy issue that requires a strategic response. The servant uses strategic thinking and planning skills to analyse the issue, identify key stakeholders, and develop a comprehensive strategy that involves evidence-based decision-making and collaboration with stakeholders.
• A public servant is responsible for managing a crisis situation. The servant uses strategic thinking and planning skills to develop a crisis management plan that involves clear communication channels, resource allocation, and monitoring and evaluation.

Tips for Strategic Thinking and Planning

Tips for improving Strategic thinking and planning skills include:

• Stay up-to-date with government priorities, policies, and community needs
• Conduct regular environmental scans and trend analysis to identify emerging issues and opportunities
• Use data and information to inform evidence-based decision-making
• Build partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders to achieve shared goals
• Regularly monitor and evaluate strategies and plans to ensure effectiveness

By mastering these skills, public servants can enhance their decision-making processes, improve their performance, and contribute to the overall success of their organisation.

7. Personal Drive and Integrity

Personal drive and integrity are critical qualities for public servants in the Australian Public Service. These qualities involve the ability to demonstrate a strong work ethic, a commitment to ethical behaviour, and a dedication to achieving high standards of performance. Below are some examples, case studies, scenarios, and tips to demonstrate the importance of personal drive and integrity in the public service context.

Examples of Personal Drive and Integrity

Examples of Personal drive and integrity skills could include:

• Demonstrating initiative and a willingness to take on new challenges
• Maintaining high ethical standards and adhering to the APS code of conduct
• Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and development
• Taking responsibility for one’s own performance and professional development
• Demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving organisational objectives
• A public servant is responsible for managing a complex project. The servant demonstrates personal drive and integrity by taking initiative, adhering to ethical standards, and working collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
• A public servant is presented with an ethical dilemma. The servant demonstrates personal drive and integrity by seeking advice, taking appropriate action, and disclosing the issue where required.
• A public servant is responsible for managing a team. The servant demonstrates personal drive and integrity by setting clear expectations, providing support and feedback, and taking responsibility for team performance.
• A public servant is faced with a challenging work situation. The servant demonstrates personal drive and integrity by seeking advice, taking a proactive approach to finding solutions and demonstrating a commitment to achieving high standards of performance.

Tips for Personal Drive and Integrity

Tips for improving Personal Drive and Integrity skills include:

• Maintain high ethical standards and adhere to the APS code of conduct
• Take responsibility for one’s own performance and professional development
• Seek out new challenges and opportunities for learning and development
• Demonstrate a commitment to achieving organisational objectives
• Communicate openly and transparently with colleagues and stakeholders

By demonstrating personal drive and integrity, public servants can enhance their credibility, improve their performance, and contribute to a positive organisational culture.

8. Proven Ability To Manage Projects (Project Management)

The ability to manage projects effectively is a critical skill required in many roles within the Australian Public Service. This involves managing resources, time, and people to achieve project objectives. Below are some examples, case studies, scenarios, and tips to demonstrate the importance of a proven ability to manage projects in the public service context.

Examples of Managing Projects Effectively

Examples of Project Management skills could include:

• Developing and implementing project plans, timelines, and budgets
• Allocating resources effectively to achieve project objectives
• Identifying and managing project risks
• Engaging stakeholders and managing project communications
• Monitoring project progress and adjusting plans as required
• A public servant is responsible for delivering a new government program. The servant demonstrates a proven ability to manage projects by developing and implementing a detailed project plan, engaging stakeholders, and effectively allocating resources to achieve project objectives.
• A public servant is responsible for delivering a major infrastructure project. The servant demonstrates a proven ability to manage projects by identifying and managing project risks, monitoring progress, and adjusting plans as required to keep the project on track.
• A public servant is responsible for managing a complex project with multiple stakeholders. The servant demonstrates a proven ability to manage projects by engaging stakeholders, managing project communications, and effectively allocating resources to achieve project objectives.
• A public servant is faced with unexpected challenges during a project. The servant demonstrates a proven ability to manage projects by identifying and managing project risks, adjusting plans as required, and communicating openly and transparently with stakeholders.

Tips for Project Management

Tips for Project Management skills include:

• Develop a detailed project plan with clear objectives, timelines, and budgets
• Allocate resources effectively to achieve project objectives
• Identify and manage project risks to avoid or mitigate potential issues
• Engage stakeholders and manage project communications effectively
• Monitor project progress and adjust plans as required

The ability to manage projects effectively or Project Management is a critical skill required for public servants in the Australian Public Service. The examples, case studies, scenarios, and tips outlined above demonstrate the importance of this skill in achieving project objectives, managing resources effectively, and engaging stakeholders. By demonstrating a proven ability to manage projects, public servants can enhance their credibility, improve their performance, and contribute to the overall success of the organisation.

Conclusion:

 The Australian Public Service offers exciting and rewarding career opportunities for individuals with the right skills and experience. Meeting the selection criteria is critical to securing a role in the public service, and this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the key skills and competencies required for success.

By understanding the selection criteria and how to demonstrate these skills in the application process, candidates can increase their chances of securing a role in the public service.

Ultimately, the public service plays a vital role in serving the community, and it is essential that it operates with the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct. By developing and improving the skills outlined in this guide, candidates can contribute to this important work and make a positive difference in the lives of Australians.

Guidance by Level

PSCareers – the experts in Australian State, Federal and Local Government recruitment – helping you get that next job!

Scam alert banner

Beware there has recently been an increase in reported recruitment scams currently targeting jobseekers. These scams trick you into handing over your money by offering you a ‘guaranteed’ way to make fast money or a high-paying job for little effort. Click here for more details.

Key selection criteria for goverment jobs | Hays

Key selection criteria, how to address key selection criteria for government jobs.

You've seen an job opportunity that you're interested in, on a jobs board or in the press and want to apply, but where do you start?

A key requirement for jobs in Government is to respond to the Key Selection Criteria (KSC). You need to know how to address the criteria.

On this page:

• Understand job and key selection criteria
• Key selection criteria examples

Qualifications

Find out about the employer.

• Decide if you are qualified to do the job

Our experience also shows that people who do some basic research about the job before submitting their applications achieve the best results. Before you apply, we suggest that you think about the job requirements and gather some information, so that you can focus your job application better.

Understand the job and Key Selection Criteria

If you don't fully understand the job requirements you may have difficulty demonstrating that you are the best person for the job. Study the Position Description, including Key Selection Criteria, along with any other relevant information you have collected. If you are unsure about any aspects of the job, call the Contact Officer (the name and telephone number will be in the job details) during normal business hours. They'll be happy to answer your questions.

There are four main parts to look at and review in a Position Description:

Values : These tell you about the way the organisation works and what it expects of its employees. Check that you are comfortable these values fit with the way you want to work.

Accountabilities: This is a list of the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks of the job. Each job has a key focus - for example some roles supervise staff, some manage resources or provide policy advice; others deliver support services. Your career background and interests should match the requirements of the job. You will need to be able to demonstrate that you have the capabilities - personal qualities, knowledge and skills to do the job. Perhaps you have worked in a related field or industry or have private interests that are relevant.

Key Selection Criteria:  The Key Selection Criteria outline the qualities, knowledge and skills needed to do the job. You will need to write short statements that sell your specific capabilities for each of the criterion. It is important to include specific examples or situations where you have demonstrated the behaviour, knowledge, skills and personal qualities asked for in the KSC.

Writing a good KSC response statement is invaluable in preparing you for the interview stage of the selection process. Now that you have specific examples you will be better prepared to answer questions about your ability to do the job. Make sure you check your KSC statement for spelling and grammar.

By law, we must assess all candidates for our jobs fairly and consistently - to select on merit. We do this by using the Key Selection Criteria given to all candidates to assess their ability to do a job. When you go for a job, KSC are clearly described in the Position Description - so you know what’s required. See jobs advertised on this career web site for the sort of things we look for.

Describing how you meet KSC ensures we capture all information about your suitability for a job. You can type in the spaces on your online application or cut and paste text from a document you’ve prepared. KSC vary among employers and jobs. Traditionally, they are statements combining skills, knowledge, experience and personal qualities, e.g.

• "Ability to develop and maintain systems and processes for mail distribution and storage of publications and brochures"
• "Ability to work under pressure, prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and remain tolerant"

Increasingly, KSC are based on key capabilities e.g.

• Resilience - Perseveres to achieve goals, even in the face of obstacles. Copes with setbacks. Stays calm under pressure. Accepts constructive criticism without becoming defensive.’
• Problem Solving - Seeks all relevant facts. Liaises with stakeholders. Analyses issues from different perspectives and draws sound inferences from available data. Identifies and proposes workable solutions.’

No matter how KSC appear, you respond to them the same way:

• Read and reread the advertisement, KSC and Position Description.
• Print or save the Job Details, Position Description, so you can easily refer to it later.
• Highlight key words in the first KSC and think about what the employer is asking for.
• List examples of how you meet the KSC. Describe relevant skills, experience, incidents, training, personal qualities, expertise and things you couldn’t have done without all these.
• Review your list and summarise, in 60-120 words, how you demonstrated the KSC.
• Repeat Steps 3 to 5 for the remaining KSC.

The SAO approach can help:

• Situation - Where and when did you do it?
• Action - What did you do and how did you do it?
• Outcome - What was the result of your actions?

A word of encouragement, this may seem unfamiliar and a bit awkward to begin with, but around 60% of government jobs are filled by people not currently working in government organisations. And doing it this way ensures you’re considered fairly along with all other candidates. See below for three examples of KSC responses.

Key Selection Criteria examples

Problem Solving:  Seeks all relevant facts. Liaises with stakeholders. Analyses issues from different perspectives and draws sound inferences from available data. Identifies and proposes workable solutions. "Problem solving has been a critical part of my roles over the past five years. While working as Customer Complaints Officer at Acme Department Stores, I dealt with a variety of problems. While many could be resolved easily, 2-3 per week were more complex and required a detailed process to resolve. I had to investigate what had happened from the staff and customer’s points of view, clarify the facts and work out what had gone wrong and why. I then had to propose suitable solutions and negotiate a mutually satisfactory outcome. I was often commended by my manager for my sensitive handling and speedy resolution of these problems. Less than 1% of complaints had to be escalated"

Advanced Computer Skills:  Uses a wide range of software features for word processing, spreadsheets, etc. Helps others solve problems with software. "As Personal Assistant to the Marketing Manager at SYZ Enterprises, about half my time was spent preparing letters and reports for clients using Word. I used detailed information in Excel spreadsheets to prepare graphs and tables to demonstrate the results of our market research and to analyse client company performance. I often prepared major PowerPoint presentations for my manager and maintained a database of her contacts. I also managed many daily emails and searched for information on the Internet to answer questions"

Sound communication, interpersonal and negotiating skills, including well-developed written and oral skills and the ability to develop and deliver interpretation and education services:  "In my 5 years as a teacher, strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills have been essential. I have dealt with a wide range of people, including parents, colleagues and students. I was involved in a community project where I co-wrote a booklet on helping child learn and have fun. As part of this project, I led successful negotiations with the Local Council and three schools in the area who agreed to run a series of weekend family science programs for kids in the area"

In many cases qualifications are either not required or are an added advantage-desirable. However, some roles need formal or mandatory qualifications, such as a University Degree. You must be able to produce documentary evidence of these qualifications to be appointed to the job.

The Government is the largest employer in each State. Each department and agency has different objectives, functions and programs and may deliver services in a variety of ways to the community. So it's important that you find out what the employing agency does - its' objectives and functions and how the job you are applying for fits in. A good starting point is to look at the agency's corporate website or visit a public library to find out about:

• The agency - look at Annual Reports, Business and Corporate Plans. There may well be a question asked at the job interview to explore your understanding of the agency's role. If you've done your homework, you will be able to impress your potential employer by describing what you understand the organisation does;
• The organisation structure - an organisation chart sets out the reporting arrangements and may tell you where the advertised job fits in. Usually the organisational context will be stated in the Position Description.
• Agency values - these vary for each agency. Public sector values are responsiveness; integrity; impartiality; accountability; respect and leadership.

Decide if you are qualified to do the job

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I meet all or most of the Key Selection Criteria of the job?
• Could I do the job with some training - formal or on-the-job?
• Do I have skills gained in other fields of work that may be transferable?

If so, then you are ready to apply. But before you start your online application, make a few notes on all the information you have gathered:

• Summarise the background and skills you can offer
• Highlight your strengths and relevant experiences, achievements and capabilities.
• Highlight relevant achievements from past jobs.
• Address any obvious weaknesses and what training you are willing to do to address these.
• Address each Key Selection Criterion for the job.
• Prepare or update your resume or CV.
• Talk to your referees about the job you are applying for and what they will say about you to a prospective employer. 

HaysSearchEntityForm Portlet

Search for jobs.

• Enter Keywords / Reference No.

TW newsletter promo block

Hays Career Insider Newsletter

Get expert career advice to help you land the job and grow the career you want.

Nurse Selection Criteria + Example Responses

• Careers & Specialisations
• Wages, Salaries & Pay Rates
• Types of Nursing Courses
• ATAR for Nursing
• Scholarships
• Resume Tips & Template
• Nursing Cover Letter
• Interview Questions & Answers
• Selection Criteria Examples
• Tertiary Admissions Centres
• Nursing Agencies
• Nursing Jobs

When it comes to nursing positions, education and experience are important, but they are not the only factors employers take into consideration. Employers also look for certain key selection criteria that demonstrate a candidate’s ability to perform the role effectively. As with any interview, it’s often recommended that you follow the STAR method when provding a response. The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to behavioral-based interview questions by providing the specific Situation, Task, Action, and Result of the particular scenario. This article will go beyond education and experience, and provide insight into the key selection criteria for nursing positions, along with example STAR responses.

1. Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are critical in the nursing profession. You need to be able to communicate with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, being able to form strong relationships with others is important in building trust and providing the best care for your patients. Employers will be looking for evidence of your communication and interpersonal skills during the interview.

Example response:

• Situation: During my time working as a nurse in a hospital, I was faced with a patient who was non-verbal and unable to communicate their needs.
• Task: I needed to assess their condition and administer medication.
• Action: I used non-verbal communication techniques, such as gestures and facial expressions, to understand their needs and communicate with them effectively. I also formed a rapport with the patient, by talking to them in a calm and reassuring tone.
• Result: The patient was able to receive the necessary treatment and was much more comfortable with the process. The patient and their family also expressed their gratitude for my compassionate and empathetic approach.

2. Compassion & Empathy

Compassion and empathy are key traits for nurses as they must be able to understand and connect with their patients. This requires an ability to listen, understand, and respond to the emotional and physical needs of patients. Nurses must be able to show compassion and empathy towards their patients and provide comfort and support.

Employers are looking for nurses who can demonstrate their compassion and empathy skills and show that they are able to connect with and understand their patients. They want to see that you have a genuine concern for the well-being of your patients and are able to provide comfort and support. They also want to know that you are able to maintain a professional demeanor and provide care in a respectful and empathetic manner.

By demonstrating your compassion and empathy skills, you show that you are a caring and empathetic nurse who is able to understand and connect with your patients. You also show that you are able to provide comfort and support to your patients, which is essential for providing high-quality patient care. Your compassion and empathy skills demonstrate your commitment to providing patient-centered care and helping your patients feel supported and understood.

• Situation: I was working in a hospice where a patient was in their final stages of life.
• Task: The patient was in a lot of pain and their family was upset and worried.
• Action: I listened to the patient’s concerns and provided comfort and reassurance to both the patient and their family. I also kept in close communication with the patient’s physician to ensure that their pain was managed appropriately.
• Result: The patient was able to pass away peacefully, and the family felt comforted knowing that their loved one was not alone. They also expressed their appreciation for my compassionate and empathetic approach.

3. Teamwork

Nursing is a team-oriented profession, and it is important to be able to work well with others. This involves being able to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nursing assistants, to provide the best care for your patients. Nurses must be able to work towards a common goal and support their colleagues, while also being able to take initiative and lead when necessary.

Employers are looking for nurses who can demonstrate their teamwork skills and show that they are able to collaborate effectively with others. They want to see that you have a positive attitude, are supportive of your colleagues, and can work well under pressure. They also want to know that you have the ability to take initiative and lead when necessary, as this is essential for providing high-quality patient care.

By demonstrating your teamwork skills, you show that you are a collaborative and supportive nurse who is able to work well with others. You also show that you have the ability to take initiative and lead when necessary, which is essential for providing high-quality patient care. You demonstrate your commitment to teamwork and collaboration, which is essential for ensuring the best outcomes for your patients and the success of the healthcare team.

• Situation: I was working on a busy medical-surgical unit where the staff was stretched thin.
• Task: I needed to ensure that all of my patients received the care they needed in a timely manner.
• Action: I worked closely with my fellow nurses and nursing assistants to prioritize patient care, delegate tasks, and provide support when needed. I also kept open communication with the physician to ensure that everyone was on the same page.
• Result: We were able to provide the best care for our patients and maintain a positive and productive work environment. The unit received positive feedback from patients and their families for our teamwork and collaboration.

4. Quality Improvement

Quality improvement is an essential aspect of the nursing profession as it helps to ensure that patients receive the best care possible. It involves identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to improve the quality of care. This could include improving patient outcomes, reducing errors, increasing patient satisfaction, or improving efficiency.

Quality improvement requires a systematic approach, collaboration, and an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. Nurses play a vital role in this process as they are often on the front lines, working with patients and providing care. By being involved in quality improvement initiatives, nurses can make a positive impact on patient outcomes and contribute to the overall success of the healthcare organisation.

Employers will be looking for evidence of your ability to identify areas for improvement, implement changes, and monitor the results during the interview. They want to see that you have a commitment to providing the best care for your patients and are proactive in seeking ways to improve the quality of care.

• Situation: I was working in a hospital where the discharge process was taking longer than it should.
• Task: I needed to find a solution to improve the discharge process for patients.
• Action: I analyzed the current process, identified areas for improvement, and made suggestions for changes. I also collaborated with the rest of the nursing staff and physicians to implement the changes and monitor the results.
• Result: The discharge process was streamlined, and patients were able to be discharged faster, which improved their experience and satisfaction. The hospital also received positive feedback from patients and their families for the improved discharge process.

5. Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Continuous professional development is important for nurses, as it helps them to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and maintain their competency. Employers are looking for nurses who are committed to their ongoing professional development and have a strong desire to learn and grow in their careers. By demonstrating a commitment to CPD, nurses show that they are dedicated to providing the best care for their patients and are interested in staying current in their field.

• Situation: I was working as a nurse and wanted to further my knowledge in a specific area of nursing.
• Task: I needed to find ways to continue my professional development.
• Action: I researched and attended conferences, workshops, and courses related to my area of interest. I also sought out mentorship opportunities with experienced nurses.
• Result: I was able to expand my knowledge and skills in my area of interest, which helped me provide better care for my patients. I also received recognition from my peers and supervisors for my commitment to continuous professional development.

6. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is a crucial skill for nurses as they often face complex and challenging situations in their daily work. It requires critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to identify and analyse problems and find solutions. Nurses must be able to make informed decisions, prioritise tasks, and work effectively under pressure.

Employers are looking for nurses who can demonstrate their problem-solving skills and show that they can handle challenging situations in a calm and effective manner. They want to see that you can think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to problems. They also want to know that you have the ability to make decisions that benefit your patients, your team, and the organisation.

By demonstrating your problem-solving skills, you show that you are a competent nurse who can handle complex and challenging situations and make informed decisions. You also show that you have the ability to think critically and creatively, which is essential for providing high-quality patient care.

• Situation: I was working as a nurse in a busy emergency room where a patient was in critical condition.
• Task: I needed to find a solution to provide the best care for the patient in a limited amount of time.
• Action: I assessed the patient’s condition, gathered relevant information, and considered multiple options for treatment. I then collaborated with the physician to determine the best course of action.
• Result: The patient received the necessary treatment, and their condition stabilized. The patient and their family also expressed their gratitude for my quick thinking and effective problem-solving skills.

7. Legal Understanding

Legal understanding is an important aspect of nursing as nurses must be aware of and adhere to the laws and regulations that govern their practice. This includes understanding the laws and regulations related to patient privacy, informed consent, and medical ethics. Nurses must also be aware of the legal implications of their actions and understand how to handle difficult and complex legal situations.

Employers are looking for nurses who have a good understanding of the laws and regulations that govern their practice and who can demonstrate their ability to apply this knowledge in their daily work. They want to see that you have a commitment to upholding the ethical and legal standards of the nursing profession and are able to make informed decisions that are in line with these standards.

By demonstrating your legal understanding, you show that you are a responsible and ethical nurse who is committed to providing high-quality care to your patients. You also show that you are aware of the laws and regulations that govern your practice and have the ability to handle difficult and complex legal situations in a professional and responsible manner.

• Situation: I was working as a nurse and was faced with a situation where a patient’s privacy was in question.
• Task: I needed to ensure that the patient’s privacy was protected.
• Action: I consulted the relevant laws and regulations, and determined the appropriate course of action. I also kept the patient informed of the situation and their rights.
• Result: The patient’s privacy was protected, and the hospital was able to comply with the relevant laws and regulations. The patient also expressed their appreciation for my understanding of their rights and protection of their privacy.

In conclusion, education and experience are important factors when it comes to nursing positions, but they are not the only factors that employers take into consideration. Employers also look for evidence of key selection criteria such as communication and interpersonal skills, compassion and empathy, teamwork, quality improvement, continuous professional development, problem-solving, and legal knowledge.

It is essential for nursing candidates to understand these criteria and be able to provide examples of how they demonstrate them during the interview. By following the STAR method and being able to articulate your experiences and accomplishments, you can show the interviewer that you possess the skills and qualities necessary for a successful nursing career.

So, when preparing for a nursing interview , take the time to reflect on your experiences and think about how you can demonstrate these key selection criteria. Show the interviewer that you are a well-rounded and competent nurse who is committed to providing the best care for your patients. Good luck!

More information

• Nursing Schools
• Find Courses
• Diploma of Nursing
• Bachelor of Nursing
• Master of Nursing
• CPD Courses
• Nursing Courses Sydney
• Nursing Courses Melbourne
• Nursing Courses in QLD
• Nursing Courses Brisbane
• Nursing Courses Perth
• Nursing Courses Online
• Nursing Courses in Tasmania
• Nursing Courses in Darwin NT
• Nursing Courses in Adelaide SA
• Nursing Courses in Canberra ACT

Federal Acquisition Regulation

Full far download in various formats.

Browse FAR Part/Subpart and Download in Various Formats

• Data Initiatives
• Regulations
• Smart Matrix
• Regulations Search
• Acquisition Regulation Comparator (ARC)
• Large Agencies
• Small Agencies
• CAOC History
• CAOC Charter
• Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAAC)
• Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council
• Interagency Suspension and Debarment Committee (ISDC)

ACQUISITION.GOV

An official website of the General Services Administration