Effective problem solving skills are essential in nearly every government job. You’ll often see organisational skills as a selection criterion you need to respond to in your government application. These 7 problem solving selection criteria examples in the STAR format will help you understand what sort of information to include in your own responses.

Individual applications differ in how the specific selection criteria is written. The 7 problem solving selection criteria examples below have been written for these variations:

1. Capacity to analyse issues and identify root causes.
2. Skills in developing innovative and practical solutions.
3. Ability to make informed decisions based on available data.
4. Confidence in making decisions under uncertainty.
5. Skills in managing risks associated with problem-solving.
6. Proficiency in facilitating group brainstorming sessions.
7. Ability to identify and implement process improvements.

1. Capacity to analyse issues and identify root causes.

Having consistently approached complex technical and operational problems methodically, I excel at breaking issues down to understand their true origins. At AeroSpark Electronics, I investigated recurring server outages by reviewing error logs, interviewing IT staff, and comparing incident times with recent code deployments. This analysis revealed that a newly integrated third-party library caused memory leaks. After reverting to a stable version, outages ceased, ensuring a more reliable system. In future roles, I will continue using a structured, evidence-based process to quickly pinpoint underlying causes and implement targeted remedies.

2. Skills in developing innovative and practical solutions.

With a track record of applying creative thinking to address stagnating performance, I have developed effective strategies that yield tangible improvements. At Veridian Marketing, engagement on a long-standing email campaign had plateaued. By segmenting the audience based on behavior, experimenting with new subject lines, and personalising content, I achieved a 20% increase in engagement within two months. In future roles, I will blend innovation with feasibility, testing and refining fresh ideas until they deliver measurable results.

3. Ability to make informed decisions based on available data.

Through regular use of analytics and performance metrics, I have honed my ability to weigh options and select optimal paths. At Delta Innovations, when choosing between two new software solutions, I compared cost, compatibility, team skill sets, and performance benchmarks. Selecting the platform that offered better long-term scalability resulted in lower integration costs and a more streamlined workflow. In future positions, I will continue to rely on data-driven analyses to ensure decisions are justified, strategic, and aligned with organisational goals.

4. Confidence in making decisions under uncertainty.

Having led initiatives where information was incomplete and conditions were fluid, I am confident in moving forward with reasoned judgment. At JetStream Logistics, uncertain holiday shipping timelines threatened delivery schedules. By reviewing historical data, applying conservative estimates, and adjusting lead times, I successfully mitigated delays. In future roles, I will embrace uncertainty by using well-researched assumptions, building in contingencies, and communicating transparently to maintain steady progress despite limited clarity.

5. Skills in managing risks associated with problem-solving.

Drawing on experience in environments where strategic changes can carry significant risks, I have learned to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential pitfalls. At TerraSphere, while implementing a new inventory management process, I conducted a risk assessment that highlighted potential supplier delays. By sourcing alternative vendors and setting safety stock levels, we safeguarded production continuity. In future roles, I will continue implementing proactive risk management measures, ensuring that solutions are resilient and setbacks are minimised.

6. Proficiency in facilitating group brainstorming sessions.

With a background in leading cross-functional teams, I have developed methods to stimulate productive, collaborative ideation. At Omni Data Services, I organised a structured brainstorming session where participants used timed rounds to pitch ideas, followed by group voting. This format generated a refined solution that optimized our data pipeline, cutting query times by 15%. In future roles, I will create inclusive, well-structured environments that encourage all voices, leading to innovative ideas and efficient consensus-building.

7. Ability to identify and implement process improvements.

Having consistently sought opportunities to streamline operations, I am adept at spotting inefficiencies and rectifying them. At Insight Analytics, I noticed manual data entry was slowing project turnaround. By automating repetitive tasks with a simple script and retraining staff, we reduced human errors and improved delivery speed by 20%. In future positions, I will maintain a vigilant eye for improvement opportunities and act swiftly to enhance productivity and accuracy.

Selection Criteria Writing Tips

• Adhere to the correct wordcount. Sometimes you may need multiple examples to ensure the length guidelines are met.
• Use the STAR format to format your response (Situation, Task, Action and Result). You can also use the SAO (Situation, Action, Outcome) method.
• Use examples from jobs/ tasks at a higher level than the role you are applying for where possible. For example, if you have acted in higher roles, consider examples from during this time.
• Address all parts of the question. I.e. if a criterion references both identifying AND implementing process improvements, you need to address both parts of this.
• Make sure your examples match the role you are applying for, and include similar tasks/ duties.

We hope these problem solving selection criteria examples have been helpful. If you would like further assistance with writing your application, please get in touch, our selection criteria writers are available to assist.