How to answer the Million Dollar Question: ‘Should I apply for this job?’

1.   Take the first step - phone for an Information Pack or download one from the
      internet.

2.   Analyse the Position Description thoroughly. Take out a highlighter and mark
      all the important pieces of information such as the Vacancy Reference
      Number (VRN), application requirements, selection criteria, duties of the
      position, closing date, etc.

3.    Find out as much as you can about the organisation by:
      Checking their listing in the Yellow Pages telephone directory
      Conducting research on the internet (most departments have websites)
      Reading their promotional materials (flyers, brochures, prospectuses)
      Contacting the company directly to ask for information

4.    Decide if you have the determination to write a professional application
      Consider what is involved and decide if it is worth your while. It may take
      many hours - even days - to write a professional application. Are you really,
      really, really motivated about getting this position?

5.   Can you supply actual examples for each of the Selection Criteria?
      Write down examples where you have demonstrated your knowledge, skills
      or abilities for each of the Selection Criteria. For example, if the criterion is
      about Quality Customer Service, jot down examples of where you have
      provided quality customer service. If you can’t provide concrete examples,
      you will be wasting your time and effort. There may be one criterion where
      you don’t have the required skills, knowledge or abilities. But, if you feel you
      have comparable experience or knowledge that can transfer to what is
      required, it is probably worth completing an application.

6.   Do I really want this job?
      You should only apply for this position if you can provide a resounding ‘YES’
      to all of the following questions:

      Have I analysed and understood the Position Description?   YES/NO
      Have I researched the position and the organisation?         YES/NO
      Can I provide concrete examples for all of the criteria?       YES/NO
      Am I willing to commit the time and effort required?           YES/NO
      Do I really, really, really want this job?                            YES/NO

Congratulations! That's one of the hardest parts of answering selection criteria.

This extract comes from the book Selection Criteria Toolkit, available for purchase from this site. Click here to order your copy.