Government Job Selection Criteria Australia — How to Write Key Capabilities in 2026

What Are Selection Criteria?

Selection criteria are specific capabilities, skills, or experience that the employer has identified as essential or desirable for the role. They're used across all levels of Australian government — from entry-level APS roles to senior executive positions — as well as universities, hospitals, and many not-for-profit organisations.

The STAR Method for Selection Criteria

• Situation: briefly describe the context
• Task: what was your role or responsibility?
• Action: what specific actions did you take?
• Result: what was the outcome — use numbers where possible

Each criterion response should be 200-400 words and tell a complete story that directly demonstrates the capability being assessed.

How to Identify the Right Examples

Before writing, map your experience to each criterion. For each one, brainstorm 2-3 examples from your work history that demonstrate that capability. Choose the example that is most recent, most relevant, and has the strongest measurable outcome. Government assessors are looking for evidence, not claims.

Common Selection Criteria in Australian Government Jobs

• Communicates with influence
• Achieves results
• Supports productive working relationships
• Displays personal drive and integrity
• Cultivates productive working relationships
• Thinks strategically

APS Work Level Standards

For Australian Public Service roles, selection criteria are assessed against the APS Work Level Standards for the relevant classification (APS 1-6, EL 1-2, SES). Higher classifications require you to demonstrate broader impact, more complex decision-making, and leadership.

State Government Capability Frameworks

• NSW: NSW Public Sector Capability Framework
• Victoria: Victorian Public Sector Capability Framework
• Queensland: Leadership Competencies for Queensland
• Western Australia: Leadership Expectations framework

AI Selection Criteria Writer for Australian Government Jobs

Most Australian government roles are advertised on SEEK, APSJobs, and individual agency websites. Once you find a role, ProfessionalResume.au's Selection Criteria Writer generates compelling STAR-method responses tailored to Australian government capability frameworks. Just paste the criterion and your background, and get a professional response in seconds. Try it free.