Mastering Government Job Applications in VIC

Addressing Selection Criteria for VIC State and Federal Govt Jobs

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

selection criteria writer melbourne
Government Resumes

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

Government job applications in VIC 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 VIC Government Departments

  • With a high volume of applications for government positions, most government-run organisations in VIC 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 VIC 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 VIC 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 VIC.

    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.
selection criteria Writer, Melbourne

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 Melbourne 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.

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CV or Resume, which should I use?

First job or haven't needed a resume for a long time? Start here. More...

Resume - In the Melbourne job market, a resume is usually a concise two to three page document that summarises your skills, education, strengths, and experience. It should focus on what is most relevant to the role, and make it easy for an employer to see why you should be shortlisted.

CV - A CV (curriculum vitae) is most common in academia and research, and in some highly technical fields. It covers similar ground to a resume, but typically includes additional credentials such as publications, presentations, grants, professional affiliations, and referees. The term is Latin for "the course of one’s life".

Not sure? - In parts of Australia, "CV" and "resume" are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Always follow the employer’s application instructions, and if the role is important, seek advice so you submit the right document. Choosing the wrong format can cost you an interview.

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Do I need a cover letter?

Resumes or CVs almost always need to be accompanied by one, but what type? More...

Purpose of a cover letter - A cover letter tailors your resume or CV to a specific Melbourne role. For many employers, it is the first screening step. If it does not meet expectations, your resume may not be reviewed. It provides a short narrative that links your experience to the employer’s selection criteria.

What to include - Use your cover letter to explain how your skills, experience, and qualifications fit the role, and to demonstrate genuine interest in the organisation. Both the resume or CV and the cover letter exist to market you, so employer needs should always come first.

When a cover letter matters - Each application requires a tailored cover letter. Reusing generic letters is one of the most common reasons candidates fail to reach interview stage.

Online applications - In online systems, the cover letter may appear as a short written statement or eNote. It serves the same purpose, and carries the same weight, as a traditional cover letter.

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LinkedIn and CVs or resumes

Should you consider creating a LinkedIn profile, and why? More...

Do I need LinkedIn? - LinkedIn is most relevant for executives, professionals building a career trajectory, and those in sales, marketing, or leadership roles. It is not essential for every general job application, but it becomes increasingly important as seniority increases.

Why LinkedIn matters - LinkedIn is now a key self marketing tool for career focused candidates. A well written profile can attract headhunters, Melbourne based recruiters, and direct approaches from employers. It also supports networking and visibility in ways a resume alone cannot.

Consistency counts - Employers commonly review LinkedIn to sense check a candidate’s background. Your LinkedIn profile should align closely with your CV or resume, as inconsistencies can raise doubts.

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What are your qualifications?

The industries I specialise in, and why I am qualified to help you. More...
Professional background - I have worked directly with major organisations in biotech, mining, resources, marketing, HR, and recruitment. Over many years, I have supported applicants pursuing roles across Australia, the UK, and the United States. With a degree in Information Science, I bring a practical understanding of how digital recruitment systems and screening tools operate, and how candidates are assessed within them. I hold dual UK and Australian citizenship with extensive experience across both markets.

Sector experience - My consulting work spans a wide range of organisations, including energy providers, universities, police services, the ADF, state government bodies, health services, information services firms, and large private enterprises. I regularly work with candidates across sectors such as:
  • Mining, resources, oil and gas roles
  • Pharmaceutical, biotech, health, and nursing positions
  • Primary, secondary, and tertiary education, including leadership roles
  • Corporate management and C suite appointments, including international roles
  • Political, chief of staff, and party pre selection applications
  • Government roles at local, state, and federal level
  • Franchise applications and commercial operator submissions
  • Capability statements for professionals and contractors
  • Marketing and sales leadership roles
  • IT, AI and digital leadership positions
  • ADF and former ADF applications
My credentials - I am a founder-member of the UK-based CVRA, which professionally certifies and educates CV and Resume Writers worldwide.

Certified Resume Writer Corporate consultancy - I have delivered resume writing seminars and outplacement workshops for Australian state and local government employees, as well as universities in Australia and the UK.
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What is the Resume creation process?

A resume carefully designed to pass ATS filters & appeal to the employer. More...

My role is to guide and support you with clear, honest advice as your resume takes shape. It must sound like you, because you will need to stand behind it at interview. If you are not targeting a specific role, I will shape your resume around broader industry expectations to appeal to multiple employers. Where a particular role is in scope, a tailored resume will always deliver stronger results.

How we create your resume together

Here is how the process works:

  • Initial conversation

    We begin with a detailed discussion about your background, experience, and career goals. This gives me the context needed to represent you accurately and effectively.

  • Drafting your resume

    Using our discussion as a foundation, I develop a resume that reflects your strengths and aligns with what employers are looking for.

  • Bringing your strengths forward

    The focus is not just on listing roles. We draw out what differentiates you, so your experience feels relevant and compelling rather than generic.

  • Review and refinement

    We review the document together for clarity, structure, accuracy, and tone, refining it until you are confident submitting it.

  • Ensuring it gets through screening

    As most employers use ATS software, I ensure your resume is formatted and written to pass automated screening and reach human decision makers.
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Do I need a General or Executive Package?

Executive applications typically involve more complex selection criteria. More...

General roles - These applications are for positions where you are not accountable for overall staff or budget management. You may supervise others without full managerial responsibility. Common examples include hospitality, healthcare, trade, and operational roles.

Executive roles - Executive applications require a different level of strategy. These roles involve direct responsibility for people, budgets, and outcomes, from senior management through to C suite appointments. Selection criteria are often detailed and demanding, and an executive resume must demonstrate leadership capability, strategic judgement, and measurable impact.

When choosing between a general or executive package, consider the level of accountability involved and the complexity of the selection criteria for the role you are targeting.
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How do I choose the right package?

It pays to start with a close look at the job ad and job description. More...

Start with the job advertisement - The job ad sets out exactly what the employer is seeking, and should guide which documents you need and how comprehensive they must be.

What the packages include - Resume packages are built around four core components: the resume or CV, a cover letter, LinkedIn, and selection criteria. A resume on its own is rarely enough to secure an interview in competitive Melbourne roles.

  • Resume or CV - A focused summary of your qualifications, skills, experience, and achievements, written to align closely with the role’s selection criteria.
  • Cover letter - Often submitted online as a short written statement, this translates your experience into a clear, role specific pitch.
  • LinkedIn - Developed from your resume, LinkedIn supports your application by reinforcing credibility and visibility. It is essential for senior, commercial, and network driven roles, but less critical for entry level or general positions.
  • Selection criteria - Many roles require written responses addressing essential and desirable requirements, covering skills, knowledge, experience, and outcomes.
    • In government, education, health, and not for profit roles, a separate selection criteria document is commonly required.
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