How to Write Selection Criteria: Essential Guide + 101 Selection Criteria Examples

INSTANT DOWNLOAD guide includes:

• • Editable TEMPLATES for pitch, statement of claims, cover letter etc.
  • 101 Examples for common criteria like Communication, Leadership etc.
  • Full written EXAMPLES using STAR & CAR
  • Editable government resume TEMPLATE
  • 8-STEP WRITING PROCESS

This guide will be emailed to you instantly; it will not be mailed in physical format.

Our guide has been developed based on best-practice advice based on 10+ years’ experience writing Australian selection criteria applications.  Our DIY Selection Criteria Guide Includes:

* FULLY EDITABLE TEMPLATES for Common Selection Criteria Applications (Government and Non-Government):

• ‘Pitch’
• ‘Statement of Claims’
• ‘Cover Letter’
• ‘Selection Criteria’
• Application Questions

* 101 Selection Criteria Examples for Common Selection Criteria Including:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Time Management
• Problem-solving
• Customer Service
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Attention to Detail
• Leadership
• Confidentiality
• Interpret and Apply Legislation
• Workplace Health and Safety
• Computer Proficiency
• Supports Strategic Direction
• Achieves Results
• Supports Productive Working Relationships
• Displays Personal Drive and Integrity
• Communicates With Influence
• Technical Skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Project Management

* COMPLETE EXAMPLE RESPONSES in STAR or CAR Format for APS Levels (APS2 – EL2):

• 2x ‘Pitch’ Examples (APS5 and APS3)
• 2x ‘Statement of Claims’ Examples (APS6 and EL2)
• 1x Selection Criteria Example (APS4)
• 1x Cover Letter Example (EL1)
• 1x Application Questions Example (APS2)

* 1x FULLY EDITABLE RESUME TEMPLATE

• Fully editable in Microsoft Word

* 8-STEP PRACTICAL METHOD to Write Your Selection Criteria Application

• 3 Methods to Brainstorm Relevant Examples
• How to *Practically* Incorporate the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and Work Level Standards (WLS) Using Our Keyword/ Phrases List for Each APS Level
• What to Write in your Opening and Closing Paragraphs

Here’s a snippet from just one (of MANY) included government selection criteria examples – for an APS5 500 Word Pitch (these examples will help you understand how to structure your response and what sort of detail to go into):

APS5 – 500 Word Pitch Example – Training Coordination Supervisor

The following was included in the application guidelines:  Your 500-word pitch should address the key selection criteria and demonstrate how your skills, experience, and qualifications align with the requirements of the APS5 Training Coordination Supervisor role. Please refer to the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) and APS Work Level Standards for APS5, highlighting your ability to perform within the context of this role.

“I am an experienced Learning and Development professional with over seven years of experience in the public sector. My background in coordinating complex training schedules and managing stakeholder relationships is directly relevant to the Training Coordination Supervisor role at the Department of X. I am particularly drawn to this position because of its focus on joint warfare training and the opportunity to contribute to the professional development of military and civilian personnel. I am confident that my skills in budget management, adherence to strict deadlines, and exceptional communication will enable me to make a meaningful contribution.

At the National Training Institute, I identified opportunities to enhance training efficiency and effectiveness through innovative approaches. Recognising the need for streamlined communication and feedback mechanisms, I proposed and implemented a digital training management platform. This platform revolutionised our training coordination by enabling real-time updates, integrated feedback loops, and comprehensive resource management. By leveraging this technology, we achieved a 30% increase in training satisfaction rates.

During a critical training initiative where unforeseen logistical challenges threatened project timelines, my leadership skills came to the fore. As the Training Coordinator, I led a cross-functional team in devising contingency plans and reallocating resources to mitigate delays. I facilitated regular crisis management meetings, providing clear guidance and support to team members under pressure. By maintaining open communication channels and fostering a proactive approach to problem-solving, we successfully navigated the challenges and delivered the training program on schedule…”

Stop Staring at a Blank Page — Get Interview-Ready Responses, Fast

Selection criteria responses are one of the most intimidating parts of any government or public sector job application. Most applicants spend hours guessing what hiring managers actually want to read — and still submit responses that miss the mark.

This Essential Guide was created by Nicole Wren, a qualified psychologist with post-graduate HR credentials and the founder of Resumes To Impress — Australia’s trusted resume and selection criteria service since 2012. Nicole has spent 14 years helping Australians land roles in the public sector, not-for-profit, and corporate spaces. This guide distils that expertise into a practical, immediately usable resource.

What You Get — Instantly, for AUD $29

• • 101 selection criteria examples written in STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) — covering the most common criteria across Australian government applications
  • Fully editable templates for common selection criteria types — just adapt to your own experience

Complete example responses so you can see exactly what a strong answer looks like from start to finish

• Nicole’s proven 8-step writing method — the same framework used in Resumes To Impress’s professional writing service, now available as a self-guided resource
• Instant digital download — no waiting, no shipping, access your guide the moment payment is confirmed

Is This Guide Right for You?

This guide is ideal if you’re applying for an Australian Public Service (APS) role, a state government position, or any job that requires written responses to key selection criteria. It’s also a smart starting point if you’ve never written selection criteria before, or if your previous applications haven’t made the shortlist.

At AUD $29, it costs a fraction of a professional writing service — and gives you a reusable resource you can return to for every application you submit. Compare that to the hours (and stress) of trying to figure it out alone, and the value is clear.

Built on Real Expertise — Not a Template Mill

Resumes To Impress has been helping Australians present themselves confidently on paper since 2012. With a 4.86-star rating from 96+ verified reviews, Nicole’s approach is known for being thorough, tailored, and genuinely effective. This guide reflects that same standard — practical, psychologically informed, and written specifically for the Australian job market.

If you’d prefer to have Nicole write your selection criteria responses for you, explore our professional selection criteria writing service or browse our full range of resume writing services.

Ready to Write Winning Selection Criteria?

Download the guide today and start your next application with clarity and confidence.