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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the APS classification levels in the Australian Public Service?

The Australian Public Service uses a classification system from APS1 (entry level administrative) to APS6 (senior officer), followed by Executive Level 1 (EL1 — assistant director), Executive Level 2 (EL2 — director), and the Senior Executive Service (SES). Each level has different salary bands and requires you to demonstrate progressively broader impact and more complex decision-making.

How do I write a selection criteria response for an Australian government job?

Use the STAR method: briefly describe the Situation and your specific Task, then explain the Actions you personally took (using 'I' rather than 'we'), and finish with the measurable Result. Each response should be 200 to 400 words and use a specific real example from your work history — not a general description of your skills.

Do state government jobs in Australia use the same selection criteria as federal roles?

State government roles use their own capability frameworks. Key examples include the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework, Victoria's Victorian Public Sector Capability Framework, Queensland's Leadership Competencies framework, and Western Australia's Leadership Expectations framework. Check which framework applies to the state you are applying in before writing your responses.

What is the difference between essential and desirable selection criteria in Australia?

Essential criteria are mandatory — failing to address them will result in your application being rejected regardless of how strong the rest of your submission is. Desirable criteria are preferred but not required. Always address all essential criteria fully and, where possible, address desirable criteria as well to strengthen your application.

AI Selection Criteria Writer for Australian Government Jobs

Most Australian government roles are advertised on SEEK, APSJobs, and individual agency websites. If you're new to government applications, start with our complete guide to getting a government job in Australia to understand the full process. 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.

Related guides: see 7 fully worked selection criteria example answers for government jobs to use as models for your own responses, and our complete STAR method guide for Australian selection criteria for a step-by-step breakdown with before-and-after examples.