EL1 Selection Criteria Guide: Victorian Government FAQs for 2025
If you’re applying for a Victorian Government role, chances are you’ll need to address Key Selection Criteria (KSC) in a formal written response.
This is one of the most detailed application requirements in Australia — and it’s where many applicants lose confidence.
Below, I’ve answered the most common questions I get about Victorian Government selection criteria, so you can respond clearly, meet the expectations of the panel, and increase your chances of shortlisting.
Do I Have to Use STAR Format for Every Criterion?
Yes — the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method is the most effective way to answer KSC because it provides evidence, not just claims.
Some criteria might benefit from multiple short STAR examples rather than one long one, but each example should still follow the structure.
Can I Use Multiple Examples for One Criterion?
Yes — if you have more than one strong example that demonstrates the capability, you can use 2–3 short STAR examples.
This is particularly useful for broad criteria like “Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively”.
Should I Write in First Person or Third Person?
Use first person — it’s more direct and makes your contribution clear.
Example:
- ✅ “I developed a new reporting system…”
- ❌ “Demonstrated ability to develop reporting systems…” (too impersonal)
How Long Should Each Response Be?
- General guideline: 300–500 words per criterion for most roles
- For complex or senior-level criteria, you may need 500–800 words if providing multiple examples
Check the job ad for word or page limits — they must be followed exactly.
Do I Need to Address the Victorian Public Sector Values?
Yes — many departments expect these values to be reflected in your examples. The seven values are:
- Responsiveness
- Integrity
- Impartiality
- Accountability
- Respect
- Leadership
- Human rights
You don’t need a separate section for them — instead, weave them naturally into your STAR responses.
Example:
“I ensured the process was fair and transparent (Integrity, Impartiality) by providing equal access to all stakeholders.”
Should I Copy the Criterion Wording Into My Answer?
Yes — restating the criterion (or its key terms) in your opening sentence makes it clear you’re addressing it.
Example:
“I have demonstrated strong written communication skills through…”
What If I Haven’t Done Exactly What the Criterion Asks For?
Focus on transferable skills and similar experiences.
Use the STAR method with an example from a related task, explaining how the skills apply to the new role.
Can I Use the Same Example from My Resume in My KSC?
Yes — but expand it with full STAR detail in your KSC.
Your resume should give the “headline” version; the KSC provides the full story.
Should My KSC Be a Separate Document or in the Cover Letter?
Most Victorian Government applications require a separate KSC document.
Only include them in your cover letter if the job ad specifically asks you to.
Do I Need to Number the Criteria in the Same Order as in the Job Ad?
Yes — always respond in the order listed. This makes it easier for assessors to check each criterion off.
Do I Need to Include the Criterion Text in My Response?
Yes — include the full criterion as a heading above your answer. This removes any ambiguity for the panel.
How Do I Avoid Sounding Repetitive?
If two criteria are similar, use different examples or at least different aspects of the same example.
Vary your action verbs and results to keep responses fresh.
How Recent Should My Examples Be?
Ideally within the last 3–5 years, but older examples can be used if they are highly relevant.
If you use older examples, briefly explain why they remain significant.
Final Word
A strong Victorian Government selection criteria response will:
- Use STAR structure for every example
- Weave in the Victorian Public Sector Values naturally
- Match the word/page limits exactly
- Respond in the same order and with the same wording as listed in the job ad
- Provide specific, measurable results that prove capability
Follow these guidelines, and your KSC document will give the selection panel exactly what they need to shortlist you.
What Makes a Strong EL1 Selection Criteria Response?
Writing selection criteria for EL1-equivalent Victorian Government roles requires more than simply listing your experience. Assessors are looking for evidence that you can operate with autonomy, lead teams or projects, and contribute to strategic outcomes — not just execute tasks. A strong response demonstrates the depth and complexity of your contributions, not just what you did, but how and why it mattered.
At Resumes To Impress, our founder Nicole Wren brings a rare combination of psychology and post-graduate HR credentials to every document she writes. Understanding how assessors think — and what they’re really looking for when they score your response — is what separates a templated answer from a compelling one. With over 14 years of experience and a 4.86/5 star rating from 96+ reviews, we’ve helped hundreds of candidates successfully navigate competitive government recruitment processes.
How Long Should EL1 Selection Criteria Responses Be?
Most Victorian Government selection criteria responses at the EL1 level should be between 300 and 500 words per criterion, unless the job advertisement specifies otherwise. Always read the advertisement carefully — some roles ask for a combined pitch or two-page statement rather than individual responses. Regardless of format, the principle is the same: be specific, be evidence-based, and make the assessor’s job easy by clearly linking your experience to the capability being assessed.
Should I Use the STAR Method for Victorian Government Selection Criteria?
Yes — the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) remains the most widely accepted structure for addressing behavioural criteria in Victorian Government applications. However, for EL1-level roles, it’s important to go beyond simply describing what happened. Assessors want to see your judgement, your leadership, and the strategic context of your actions. A strong EL1 response shows that you understood the ‘why’ behind your decisions, not just the ‘what’.
Can I Use the Same Selection Criteria Responses for Multiple Applications?
Reusing responses is one of the most common mistakes applicants make. While it can be tempting to recycle a strong response, Victorian Government roles vary significantly in their capability frameworks, organisational context, and level descriptors. A response written for one department may not align with the values or language of another. Tailored responses consistently outperform recycled ones — and at a competitive level like EL1, the difference is often what determines whether you’re shortlisted.
If you’re ready to put your best application forward, explore our professional selection criteria writing service or view our government resume packages — both tailored for Australian public sector applications at every level.
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