Addressing selection criteria – How long should the response be?

When addressing a criterion, you don’t want to put the employer off your application by having a lengthy response. Think of how long it is going to take for them to read through your responses and the fact that they have other applications to read through.

Try and keep your answers to about two solid paragraphs or less than half a page long. Make sure your sentences are an easy read and show clearly how your personal values, knowledge, skills and experience meet the selection criteria.

Also include examples from other jobs, experience gained outside of work, or from your formal studies. Be precise and make it relevant; you want to persuade them to continue reading and grab their attention.

Most jobs today have a set of key selection criteria to address, and it helps the employer to sift out those applicants who aren’t interested and those who are genuinely suitable for the role and interested.