14.11.23

Responding to Criteria - What do STAR and SAO have in common?

Michelle Bentley, General Manager Hender Careers

 

They are a great framework for Addressing Criteria in Job Applications. 

Of the thousands of people, I have assisted in application development, I am yet to find someone who enjoys this part of the process. Understandably so. Addressing criteria are tricky to prepare!

Whilst industries, organisations and talent / recruitment teams vary in their expectations of responses (depth of explanation, approach, word counts etc) here are a few guidelines that will assist to meet the general ‘rules’.

  • Create a new document.  Generally, address the selection criteria separate from your cover letter and resume. Be aware of any specified page or word limit.
  • List each criterion separately. Use the same wording as appears on the Position Description (e.g. Excellent verbal communication skills).
  • Address each criterion.  Write a couple of short paragraphs explaining how your experience, skills, education and training equip you to meet that specific requirement. Provide case examples, with outcomes.
  • Dot points are also acceptable, embedded with text.

Writing Tips

There are a number of steps you can take when putting together your responses to increase their clarity and impact.

  • Give details of one or two specific things you’ve done that are good examples of the relevant experience or knowledge required. For example: ‘I was responsible for organising an event attended by … This involved …'
  • Preface these examples with a short overview that shows you appreciate the relevance of the specific criterion.
  • Quantify your experience (number of years worked, staff supervised, etc.). For example: ‘I delivered a presentation to an industry forum with an audience of 100 people.’
  • Where possible, indicate how effectively you meet the criterion. How you have added value, made a positive difference. For example: by referring to feedback from others, or things you've set up that are still being used. ‘I initiated a new process for capturing customer feedback that is reviewed regularly by managers to improve our customer service. Our customer ratings have improved by 10% and our customer retention rate is now at 90%.

Using the STAR or SAO method as a framework when describing case examples of your work is helpful. Check your draft responses against these elements. The Result / Outcome is a critical one.

STAR – Situation – Task – Action – Result

SAO – Situation – Action – Outcome

Read More

Employment Market Trends. Are you in the Market for a new job or looking to recruit? If so – read on!

Employment Market Trends. Are you in the Market for a new job or looking to recruit? If so – read on!#employment #markettrends #jobads Some key points / facts to consider as you reflect on...
Read More

Responding to Criteria - What do STAR and SAO have in common?

Michelle Bentley, General Manager Hender Careers They are a great framework for Addressing Criteria in Job Applications. Of the thousands of people, I have assisted in application developmen...
Read More

Congratulations to Scout – a fine and upstanding graduate!

Michelle Bentley, General Manager Hender Careers In the spirit of celebrating graduations, application of effort to high standards of achievement, teamwork, endeavour, perseverance, a thirst for ...
Read More

What can Puppies teach us about Work and Life?

Michelle Bentley, October, 2023It seems plenty – just ask my new puppy, Scout – a mini Groodle and now 17 weeks old, and so adorable! These puppy ‘lessons’ are well worth our human reflection....
Read More

Small Things can make a Big Difference - to your Wellbeing

Small things can make a big difference - to your Wellbeing.#worksatisfaction #prioritisehealth #goodtipsThese HBR Management Tips makes good sense. How are you faring with these 6 habits?Whe...
Read More

Second Interviews – a Balancing Act! How should you prepare for them?

Michelle Bentley, General Manager Hender Careers14 July 2023Second interviews come in many different styles – they may follow a screening interview (phone, e-meeting or in-person), or a more formall...
Read More

PREPARING FOR POSSIBILITIES - ROLE REDUNDANCY

Michelle Bentley, General Manager, Hender Careers, June 2023 I am not an alarmist or pessimist, by nature or action – but I do believe in being prepared, staying across economic and market tren...
Read More

10 Critical Factors for a Thriving Organisation

How thriving is your organisation?The overarching facet of Purpose and three additional key facets – Autonomy, Mastery and Connectedness - are considered essential in some regard for individuals, te...
Read More

Feeling Twitchy about your current job? Not sure whether to seek and apply for another job or not?

Michelle Bentley, General Manager, Hender Careers Twitchiness, disquiet, frustration, distracted thoughts, questions of ‘what else’ and is this ‘as good as it gets’ are all signs it is pr...