Careers and Personal Development Module
The Written Application (Claim for the Position)
This is the most important part of a job application, where you demonstrate to the employer that you can satisfy all the advertised selection criteria for the position. The information you present here will determine whether you survive the initial cull of applications and are placed on the "short list" of applicants to be called for interview.
It is absolutely essential that you address all of the selection criteria in your written application. This can be done in a covering letter which summarises your claim to the position on each of the criteria. Another approach is to write a short covering letter and enclose a separate "Claim for the Position" statement.
Whichever approach you choose, to make it easy for the selection committee to evaluate your application make a separate heading for each of the selection criteria and then detail your knowledge, experience and skills on each of them. Give specific examples of your achievements. Unsupported, generalised claims will not get you very far. Also, use positive language throughout your claim for the position, emphasising your achievements and the responsibilities you have held.
With these points in mind consider the selection criteria for the Department of Health and Aged Care Program Development Officer position shown in Appendix 2 of this module. (While criterion No. 5 is clearly specific to the particular position being advertised, the other listed criteria are common to most graduate type jobs.) Think about what is meant by the key terms used - i.e. "analytical and problem solving skills", "interpersonal and communication skills", "administrative skills", etc. Then think about what solid evidence you could provide to prove you could satisfy these criteria.
Kevin
McCracken
Phone: +61-2-9850 8388
Email: kevin.mccracken@mq.edu.au