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Mastering Government Job
Applications in WA

Addressing Selection Criteria for WA State and Federal Govt Jobs

Do you need help with your resume or CV, cover letter and selection criteria responses for your WA State,
WA local government or Federal government application? Navigating the process of applying for
government jobs in Western Australia can be daunting, yet understanding the nuances
can significantly increase your chances of success.

Government Resumes

Tailoring your resume and addressing govt selection criteria can really pay off

Government job applications in WA require more than a standard Resume or CV and cover letter. A crucial component is the response to selection criteria, which is a decisive factor in the screening process. This step demands not only a demonstration of your skills and experience but also how they align with the specific requirements of the role. Meeting the essential selection criteria is non-negotiable. These criteria, which include necessary skills, qualifications, and experience, are fundamental in determining your suitability for the role. Additionally, addressing the desirable selection criteria can enhance your competitiveness.

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Will Your Resume or CV Get Through Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)?

ATS systems are the government's digital gatekeepers

ATS software automatically scans your resume or CV, cover letter or eNote, and responses to selection criteria, searching for the keywords and qualifications that the recruiting executive and departmental grade specifies.

High Reliance on ATS in WA Government Departments

With a high volume of applications for government positions, most government-run organisations in WA rely on applicant tracking software to manage initial screening. This technology filters applications based on position-specific keywords, alignment with selection criteria, and qualifications.
To ensure your application reaches human eyes, it must be optimised with the correct terminology and credentials. Otherwise, the chance of it being screened out is high, potentially as much as 80% for certain positions.

What WA Public Service Roles Require Selection Criteria Responses?

Jobs that require statements addressing the selection criteria include Nursing, Midwives, Teachers, Teachers Assistants, University positions, Cleaners, and Administration staff (especially in hospitals or schools), and all government based roles, as well as positions within public health, education administration, environmental management, and other public service roles.

What Federal Public Service Roles Require Selection Criteria Responses?

In the Australian public sector, particularly within the Australian Public Service (APS), addressing selection criteria is a common requirement for job applicants. This process is integral across various roles, especially those involving policy development, public administration, and service delivery. Roles that typically require applicants to address selection criteria include those in administration, healthcare, education, and technical fields such as engineering and IT.

What are Federal govt departments looking for in selection criteria responses?

The selection criteria are used to assess an applicant's qualifications, experience, and skills against the specific needs of the job. They often cover areas like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and the ability to follow government policies and procedures. For example, federal jobs in the APS at levels APS3 and APS4, which may involve managing small policy areas or projects, require candidates to demonstrate their ability to allocate resources, plan, and deliver outcomes effectively.

It's always a good idea to review job descriptions thoroughly for any role within government sectors to understand the specific requirements, including any need to properly address selection criteria.

New to the Public Sector job application process?

For those new to the public sector application process, using the STAR system (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can be helpful in structuring responses to selection criteria. This method allows you to clearly demonstrate how your experiences align with the job requirements. A simple example might be:

[Criterion Title, e.g., Excellent Communication Skills]

Situation: Briefly describe a relevant situation or context where you have demonstrated an effective use of your communication skills.
Task: Explain the task you were responsible for in this situation.
Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the task or situation.
Result: Describe the outcomes of your actions, emphasising any positive impact or achievements. Include quantifiable results if possible.
[Repeat for each criterion]

How to create a compelling government resume and responses to selection criteria

Crafting a compelling government job application in WA requires a blend of professionalism and precision. Whether you seek professional help or take on this task yourself, it's crucial to tailor your resume, cover letter, and responses to the specific selection criteria of the position you're targeting. By paying close attention to detail and adopting a strategic approach, you can significantly boost your prospects in the competitive public sector job market of WA.

Tips for government job applications: resumes, addressing selection criteria, and crafting cover letters

ATS-Friendly - Master the art of creating documents that are not only visually attractive and well-structured but also compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Keywords - Incorporate critical keywords and qualifications into your application to enhance your chances of advancing to the interview phase for government roles.
Follow the instructions - Ensure that your statements addressing the Selection Criteria are complete and formatted properly to adhere to the standards expected for public sector applications.
Avoid Fancy Design - Don't use the fancy templates you get from the internet and avoid design elements like columns, headers, footer, colours, or text boxes; ATS bots struggle with these.
Use Standard Headings - Use straightforward headings such as Education, Qualifications, Experience, and References.
Don't Use Old File Formats - If your old resume was originally created as a ".doc," it's time to start fresh with a new ".docx" file. Similarly, if you've converted an old resume from a PDF, Mac, or any other format, it's best to begin anew with ".docx." Using "Copy and Paste" often carries over the original source code, so opt for "Paste Without Formatting" to avoid this and ensure your document is clean.
Use Full Qualification Titles and Acronyms - List both the full title and acronym of your qualifications (e.g., Bachelor of Commerce and BCom) to ensure the ATS understands your qualifications.
Check File Formats - Save and upload your resume or CV and cover letter in a format that preserves formatting and is readable by ATS, typically PDF.
Keyword Alignment - ATS systems filter resumes and cover letters based on specific keywords and phrases that relate to the job description. By customising your documents to include these keywords, you significantly increase the likelihood of your resume moving past the ATS and being reviewed by a human.
Relevance to Job Description - Customisation involves tailoring your documents to mirror the language and requirements specified in the job description. This not only helps with ATS but also shows the hiring officer that you are a perfect fit for the role.
Consistent Messaging - Your resume, cover letter, responses to selection criteria, any additional application documents, and LinkedIn should present a cohesive and consistent narrative. This shows professionalism and helps the recruiter see a clear picture of your qualifications and career goals.

Tips for Resume Customisation: getting an edge over other applicants

Analyse the Job Ad - Start by thoroughly reading the job ad and noting the specific skills and experiences it requires. These should be clearly reflected in your resume, responses to selection criteria, and cover letter.
Use the Job Description's Language - Incorporate the exact phrases and language used in the job description into your resume. This not only helps with ATS scanning but also aligns your application with the employer's expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experiences - Focus on your experiences and skills that are most relevant to the job. In your cover letter or eNote, relate your previous job achievements to potential contributions you can make in the new role.
Adapt Your Professional Summary - Tailor the professional summary at the top of your resume to reflect the qualities the employer is seeking. Make it succinct and impactful, clearly stating how you meet the selection criteria.

It's important to note that hiring officers do not have the time to read between the lines on your resume, responses to selection criteria, and cover letter. It is crucial to tailor your application to each job and to meet the specific requirements listed in the job ad.

By customising your resume or CV, cover letter, and responses to selection criteria for each job application, you increase your chances of passing through ATS filters and getting it read by human recruiters. This tailored approach shows your attention to detail and your commitment to the role, significantly boosting your prospects in the competitive Perth job market.

If you need help with your CV, you can order a package by clicking the button below. I'll contact you within 24 hours to work on your CV until you're satisfied with it. Additional services are also available if needed.

TAGS: WA selection criteria writing services | government selection criteria writers Perth, Australia | selection criteria or CV writing services WA government

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Fill out this form if you would a 15 minute phone chat before deciding to buy my CV writing services. I'll get back to you to schedule a specific time and date.

If your needs are urgent please contact me by phone, FB or Text.

Click on the phone, anytime night and day, to book a complimentary 15 minute call at a time that suits you.

How do I engage you to write my resume?

A brief phone chat allows you to meet the person crafting your resume – me! More...

This initial conversation helps you choose the package that best suits your needs.

During the call, I'll explain my process and what kind of support and communication you can expect from me. The main goal is to ensure you feel confident in my ability to maximise your interview prospects.

Ready to get started? Please select a package and complete your payment via debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. We'll then set up a call to discuss your specific requirements. Together, we'll perfect your resume, responses to selection criteria, and any other documents included in your package until you are completely satisfied.

How do I select a Resume package?

Start with a close look at the job advertisement and job description. More...

The job ad normally sets out what the employer wants from you. There are three elements: the resume and responses to selection criteria, the cover letter, and the LinkedIn Profile. A resume or CV, on its own, is very unlikely to get you a job.

The cover letter (covering letter) is used to pick out and emphasise the relevant bits of your skills, knowledge or experience. You may be asked to 'address' (comment on) the 'selection criteria' (what they need from an applicant) in the cover letter or separately.

Resume or CV - this document provides a concise summary of your qualifications, knowledge, skills, experience, and achievements, all ideally tailored to the job’s specific selection criteria.
Cover Letter - Often in digital form (an e-note) for today's online application processes, this distils your resume's key attributes into a succinct pitch.
Addressing the Selection Criteria - You are often required to respond to both essential and desirable skills, knowledge, experience, and achievements, ensuring your application aligns with what the employer is looking for.
- In government, education, health and non-profit applications, you will almost certainly have to also write a stand-alone document.

Your application should demonstrate alignment with the employer's selection criteria, even if that's not explicitly requested. Example: While solid or diverse professional network might be a key hiring criterion, that might not be in the job ad.

The roles of the cover letter and LinkedIn

The cover letter, or its electronic counterpart, and LinkedIn profile derive from your resume, supporting your application for the specific role. LinkedIn is crucial for roles where a network or online skills are key (like sales or marketing) but is not essential for entry level and general job applications.

What are your credentials?

I've helped thousands of Perth job seekers land interviews over many years. More...

I've had direct experience working for top mining and resources companies in Western Australia, in marketing, HR, and recruitment roles. Over the years, I've assisted countless individuals in applying for positions in Australia, the UK, and the USA. With a degree in Information Science, I bring unique insights into the digital recruitment filters and systems that applicants encounter. I'm a dual UK-Australian citizen, with family in both WA and Leicestershire.

Sectors and organisations

My expertise extends to consulting for various organisations including Horizon Power, Curtin University, the WA Police Department, Perth Zoo, Barminco, Allied Pumps, Alcoa of Australia, Western Mining, Sons of Gwalia, Gulf Petroleum, Small Business Development Corporation, WA State Govt., Information Enterprises Australia, and numerous others. I have consulted to organisations in these sectors, among others:

Mining & Resources (Oil and Gas) Resumes or CVs
Pharmaceutical, Health & Nursing Resumes or CVs
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education (Principal and Teacher) Resumes or CVs and responses to selection criteria
General Corporate Managerial and C-Suite Resumes or CVs, including International postings
Political, COS and Party Pre-Selection Resumes or CVs
Government (Local, State and Federal) Resumes or CVs and responses to selection criteria
Franchisee Application Resumes or CVs (for example McDonalds)
Capability Statement CVs for professionals and contractors (especially Mining)
Marketing and Sales Managerial / Director / State Manager Resumes or CVs
IT and Digital Managerial / Director / State Manager Resumes or CVs
ADF and ex-ADF Resumes or CVs

Certification and Memberships

I am a founder-member of the UK-based CVRA, which professionally certifies and educates CV and Resume Writers worldwide.

Corporate engagements

I've conducted resume writing seminars and outplacement workshops for employees of the Western Australian state and local governments, as well as universities.

What is the CV writing process?

Your resume is carefully designed to pass the ATS & appeal to the employer. More...

My role is to support and guide you, offering honest advice to improve your resume. It has to be written in your voice, since you have to defend what's written at interview. If you don't have a particular job in mind, I'll tailor your resume based on broad industry criteria to appeal to a wider range of employers. But remember, a resume customised for a specific role always gives the best results.

How we together create your resume

Here's how it goes:

First Chat
We get started with a chat about your career history and aspirations. This helps me understand your needs, ensuring your resume perfectly represents you.
Making Your resume
With the notes from our chat, I craft a resume that highlights your standout qualities and matches what employers want, boosting your chances of catching their attention.
Highlighting What You're Great At
The goal extends beyond just resume writing. We aim to ensure your unique strengths and individuality are displayed, making your application memorable.
Checking the Details
We carefully review your resume for presentation, readability, and accuracy, ensuring it's something you’re excited to submit.
Making Sure Your resume Gets Seen
Most employers use automated systems (ATS) to pre-screen resumes. I'll ensure it's ATS-friendly, helping it skip past the 'keeper' and reach human eyes.

Need to update an ancient resume?

I get many enquires from people who have not had a resume for many years. Things have changed... More...

If you haven’t updated your resume in yonks, you’ll find that much has changed in creating an effective one. One of the most significant shifts is the emphasis on tailoring your resume to each job application. Gone are the days of a generic resume for all jobs with a bit of tailoring in a cover letter.

Today, it’s crucial to customise your resume to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position you’re applying for. This involves carefully reading job descriptions and incorporating relevant keywords to ensure your resume gets past automated screening systems, known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many companies now use to filter applications.

The digital landscape has significantly influenced how resumes are created and shared. The ability to share your resume electronically and ensure it is mobile-friendly is crucial, as more recruiters and hiring managers review applications on their devices. Electronic submission has become the norm, making it essential to ensure your resume is easily accessible and readable across various digital platforms. Format is key also, since if your resume is derived from a legacy software version, the ATS will likely not understand it.

The key reasons why people 'never hear back' is the format, content, and content structure of their resume and application documents. In many cases, their resume never gets past the digital 'keeper, the ATS.

What exactly are 'selection criteria'?

Think of this as the checklist for getting noticed. It's all about making sure your application highlights the skills and achievements your future employer is looking for. More...

For many employers, like supermarkets, mining, and government jobs, directly addressing these criteria is a standard part of the application process. It's not just about listing your experiences; it's about matching them to what the job description asks for. This means clearly showing how your background and qualities make you the best match for the role.

Whether the criteria are spelled out or you need to dig a bit to find them, making sure your application speaks directly to these points can really set you apart.

Selection criteria are the skills, experience, and qualities a company wants in its workers. This is especially key for those looking to fit into a company's way of working and goals. They might include things like:

The right training or work background.
Experience supervising a team or handling projects.
Knowledge specific to the job or industry.
Important qualities like being dependable and flexible.

These criteria, sometimes called Job Specs or Position Requirements, help you understand what a company is looking for. They cover both the hard skills needed for the job and the kind of person they want.

Addressing these criteria in your application is crucial to showing you're the right fit and moving forward in your career. Sometimes they are clearly stated, but often, you'll need to read between the lines to figure them out.

How To Stuff Up Your Job Application

Applied for lots of jobs and never heard back? If you've wondered why, here are some reasons: More...

Ignoring the ATS

The main problem? Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). More than 70% of resumes are screened and rejected by a robot at this initial stage because they don't match the job description.

Generic Resumes

Sending the same resume for every job application is a sure way to fail. Customise your resume - or at least the cover letter - for each application, showing how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for that role.

Not Matching The Job Specifications

If your resume doesn't include the skills and experience listed in the job ad, it will likely be bypassed. Make sure your resume shows how you match the job requirements stated in the ad.

Pretty Designed Resumes

Beware of those "designed resumes" sold on the internet, which are style over substance. They might look appealing with their colours and columns, but often, ATS can't process them. Opt for a simple, clean layout that ensure readability by the ATS.

To increase your chances of getting an interview, focus on creating a resume that's not only clear and concise but also tailored for the job at hand and compatible with ATS requirements.