Selection Criteria Responses
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Responding to a job advertisement can be difficult so we have done our best to document the thought process behind a difficult reply. These four easy steps can help you flesh out selection criteria content.
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Step 1. If you are having difficulties responding to a criterion - try fleshing out the statement first...
Something as simple as responding to a seemingly harmless statement about your communication skills can turn into a mission. Here's an example of how you might break down a simple statement to provide many response possibilities.
Advertisement example:
Lets say amongst other criteria the employer has stated that 'excellent communication skills' is an essential characteristic of the successfull candidate.
Sample Response
1. Begin by defining communication skills.
"Communication is commonly defined as "the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs". Although there is such a thing as one-way communication, communication can be perceived better as a two-way process in which there is an exchange and progression of thoughts, feelings or ideas (energy) towards a mutually accepted goal or direction (information).[1]"
2. There are a couple of key points that we can extract from the definition of 'communication skills':
- "the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs"
- "communication can be perceived better as a two-way process in which there is an exchange and progression of thoughts, feelings or ideas (energy) towards a mutually accepted goal or direction (information)."
3. Response to Point 1. "the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs"
Given that we are responding to a job application we can respond to Point 1 in the context of relevant educational or work experience.
Examples
- Any project or group work requires some degree of "interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs"...right? Hence, projects or group work can be a good example. Briefly explain your role and the methods you used to persuade or convey your ideas to the group.
- Debates are also a good example. Explain your degree of participation, i.e. debated once a week for two years as well as key outcomes such as "we won over 70% of our inter-school debates".
Quality Response
The quality of the response will hinge on two things;
- Your ability to demonstrate the interchange of ideas within a work or educational environent
- The relevance of the situation to the advertised position.
4. Response to Point 2. "communication can be perceived better as a two-way process in which there is an exchange and progression of thoughts, feelings or ideas (energy) towards a mutually accepted goal or direction (information)."
A simple way of reading the definition above is that "We write, speak AND listen"
Once again, because we are responding to a job application we can respond to Point 2 in the context of relevant educational or work experience.
Example
- Groups or associations (even online) may be a good starting point to describe a communications exchange.
- Reports are a good way to demonstrate formal written communication skills.
Related Pages
Aristotles Cover Letters - Really useful discussion about logic and persuasion.
Cover Letters that Rock - Popular article that helps you focus your content on the productive material.
How Credible Are Your Applications? - Nobody will interview you if they don't believe you. See how these tips will help.
Quality Response
The quality of the response will hinge on two things;
- Your ability to describe the communication process and a resulting positive outcome.
- The relevance of the situation to the advertised position.
