Embrace your inner gamer and use the same skills needed for TETRIS to write successful selection criteria as part of your next job application. If you’re a university student still studying and looking for work or an internship, applying for a graduate position, or looking to advance your career in a new role, find out how high quality selection criteria form the building blocks for a great job application. From taking your time and understanding the requirements, to researching and the structure, there is probably more similarities between this classic game and addressing job selection criteria than you might think. For more tips and information on writing a résumé, choosing the right cover or application letter, and answering selection criteria, contact Student Services.

1. How answering job selection
criteria is like Tetris

2. Let’s be honest, applying for jobs can be both a
stressful and time-consuming process.
As the demand for highly skilled employees grows,
job applications are becoming more and more
complex and in-depth.
To be successful in today’s job market, you need to
be able to complete all elements of an application to
the highest possible standards, especially within the
graduate, government or professional fields.

3. In addition to a résumé and cover or application
letter, many application processes often include
addressing selection criteria.
Selection criteria are a list of skills, knowledge,
experience, values and attributes the employer deems
necessary for you to do the job.
While many criterion will be considered a
requirement, others may be listed only as desirable.
High quality selection criteria responses are the
building blocks of a great job application.

4. Don’t stress if you’ve never answered selection criteria before!
There is an easy way to make sure yours is
the best it can be; just think of it like a game of TETRIS.

5. T
E
T
R
I
S

6. T ake your time
E
T
R
I
S

7. T ake your time
E nsure you understand what skill is being asked for
T
R
I
S

8. T ake your time
E nsure you understand what skill is being asked for
T hink of past achievements
R
I
S

9. T ake your time
E nsure you understand what skill is being asked for
T hink of past achievements
R esearch available information
I
S

10. T ake your time
E nsure you understand what skill is being asked for
T hink of past achievements
R esearch available information
I mplement the STAR L model
S

11. T ake your time
E nsure you understand what skill is being asked for
T hink of past achievements
R esearch available information
I mplement the STAR L model
S tructure your document

12. Take your time
Just like you shouldn’t rush to hold the down arrow key
in TETRIS, you shouldn’t rush when writing your selection
criteria responses.
While you need to make sure your application is submitted
before the closing date, it is important you take your time to
address every selection criterion to the best of your ability.
To do this, plan ahead and don’t leave it to the last minute.

13. Ensure you understand
what skill is being asked for
Each criterion is like a different shaped TETRIS block; it has its own value and
place in the overall outcome.
Make sure you read each element of the selection criteria thoroughly.
Think about the transferable skills you have and which ones the criterion is
asking for, even if you don’t have directly relevant experience or exposure.
If you’re unsure about what the day-to-day of the role entails, phone the contact
person listed on the job description and ask for more specific information.

14. Think of past achievements
Success in TETRIS is building complete lines of blocks. Successful selection criteria
is achieved by listing demonstrated examples for each criterion.
Successful selection criteria responses are achieved by listing examples that
demonstrate your ability to meet each criterion.
For each criterion, you should have at least one example that demonstrates your
capability and knowledge of the skill being asked for.
When viewed as a whole, your examples should highlight your skills in a way
that they complement each other and show your suitability for the role.

15. Remember, high quality selection
criteria responses are the building
blocks of a great job application.

16. Research available information
Looking outside the box and checking which TETRIS block is coming next allows
you to make an informed choice about block placement. Having additional
information is also helpful for writing selection criteria responses.
Understanding the history, vision and mission statement of the company you are
applying to is a great way to tailor your selection criteria responses to suit their
business culture. You want to show them you are the right fit for their company,
so make sure you do your research.
Read annual reports, the ‘about’ sections of their website and any media articles
that reference the company.

17. Implement the STAR L model
A good strategy can be the difference between a clean TETRIS game board and
a jumble of blocks. A good strategy for addressing selection criteria is to use the
STAR L model, which will make sure your examples are clear.
Situation: Set the context
Task: What tasks were you required to do?
Action: How did you undertake the task?
Result: What was the result?
Learning: What did you learn from this and how
can you apply it to other tasks?
TOP TIP
How well you can
demonstrate that your actions
provided a result is what will
provide the biggest impact.
IF YOU CAN’T SHOW
A RESULT, IT’S NOT A
GOOD EXAMPLE.

18. Structure your document
You wouldn’t win at TETRIS with an imperfect game. To make sure your
application has the best chance, make sure its structure and layout are solid.
Once you have written your selection criteria responses, make sure you
proofread them to check that the spelling, grammar, punctuation and sentence
structure is correct before submitting your application.
Also consider the flow of your responses – do they tell the story of your
experiences and skills seamlessly?
If you can, have a friend or loved one read over your selection criteria responses
and ask them to give you honest feedback.

19. To recap:
»» take your time
»» ensure you understand what skill is being asked for
»» think of past achievements
»» research available information
»» implement the STAR L model
»» structure your document.

20. A few additional tips:
»» approach criterion like an assignment
»» write concise, professional answers
»» use appropriate language including strong, supportive
adjectives and words listed in the job description
»» keep your answers within the word limit provided
»» be honest and factual
»» use a clear presentation format
»» remember, high quality selection criteria responses are
the building blocks of a great job application.

21. Like TETRIS, knowing how to answer selection criteria is
easy to understand but difficult to master, so make sure
you follow these tips and you’ll be a pro in no time.
And if you’re struggling to find motivation, just
remember the prize you’re going for is way better
than a high score.
It’s the next step in your
new career – it’s a job.

22. CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.2.11 10.2016
social.usq.edu.au
Want to become an application master?
Online
usq.edu.au or visit the CareerHub
On-campus
Ipswich +61 7 3470 4400 studentservicesspringfield@usq.edu.au
Springfield +61 7 3470 4400 studentservicesspringfield@usq.edu.au
Toowoomba +61 7 4631 2372 stsv@usq.edu.au
For more tips and information on
writing a résumé, choosing the
right cover or application letter,
and answering selection criteria,
contact USQ Student Services.