5 Different Ways to Present and Answer the Same Selection Criteria (with Examples)

If you're applying for a government or public sector role, you've likely come across the dreaded selection criteria. These written responses are used to assess how well your experience matches the job—and writing them can be frustrating, especially if you're not sure what format works best.

The good news? There's no one right way to answer selection criteria.

In this post, we’ll walk through five different ways you can structure your answers to the same selection criteria, using a real example. Whether you prefer the formal STAR method, a narrative approach, or something in between, these examples will help you find the structure that works best for your voice—and the role you’re applying for.

The Selection Criteria We're Using:

"Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities while meeting deadlines in a busy work environment."

1. Classic STAR Format

Best for: APS and state government roles, especially when the application specifically asks for STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Example:

Situation: While working as a Senior Administrator in a health department, I was responsible for managing stakeholder communication and reporting deadlines.Task: At one point, I had to deliver two urgent reports, onboard a new staff member, and coordinate a last-minute ministerial brief—all due within the same week.Action: I prioritised tasks by deadline and delegated onboarding tasks to a trained team member. I blocked out focus time for the reports and scheduled the brief preparation between existing commitments.Result: I delivered all tasks on time, received praise from my Director for the quality of the ministerial brief, and successfully integrated the new team member with minimal disruption.

2. Mini-STARR (Condensed STAR)

Best for: Short pitches, two-page applications, or when word count is limited.

Example:

While coordinating reports and stakeholder engagement in a high-volume government office, I regularly balanced competing deadlines. During one period, I delivered multiple high-priority documents while onboarding a new staff member and managing day-to-day operations. By prioritising urgent tasks, delegating where possible, and planning ahead, I met all deadlines without compromising quality—receiving positive feedback from management.

3. Narrative Paragraph Style

Best for: More senior-level roles or when the tone of the job ad suggests a more conversational or leadership-focused voice.

Example:

Managing deadlines has always been a key part of my role, but one particular period stands out. In the lead-up to a critical reporting deadline, I was also asked to prepare a briefing note for an unexpected ministerial request and assist in onboarding a new analyst. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, I immediately mapped out what needed to be done and when. I delegated onboarding tasks to an experienced team member and adjusted my schedule to work in focused blocks. The report, brief, and induction were all delivered on time—without sacrificing quality or stakeholder engagement.

4. Dot Point Summary

Best for: Referees report-only processes, when you're listing multiple examples, or for internal applications.

Example:

• Regularly manage 8–10 conflicting priorities while supporting a team of 12 in a fast-paced compliance team

• Delivered ministerial brief, quarterly report, and training module within the same week by scheduling tasks by priority

• Delegated onboarding work to experienced team member to protect time for high-risk deliverables

• Maintained quality of work and stakeholder communication throughout period of high workload

• Commended by Director for calm approach and ability to maintain productivity under pressure

5. Comparative Example (Before and After)

Best for: Roles that involve change management, system/process improvement, or where you want to highlight learning and growth.

Example:

Early in my role as a Compliance Officer, I struggled to manage competing deadlines when unexpected tasks arose. I realised I needed a better system to stay ahead. I introduced weekly planning sessions, created a shared task board, and used time-blocking to manage deep-focus work. A few months later, I was asked to coordinate a reporting deadline, respond to a complaint, and support a senior staff member with a project—all in the same week. Using my new system, I met every deadline, reduced stress, and received positive feedback from my manager. The experience taught me how much structure improves performance under pressure.

Final Tips: Choose the Format That Matches the Role

There’s no perfect format—what matters is clarity, relevance, and proof. Here’s how to decide what style to use:

• Use STAR when it’s specifically requested or for structured public sector roles

• Use Mini-STARR for short pitches or when you’re limited to 1–2 pages

• Use Narrative for senior or people-facing roles where your voice and judgment matter

• Use Dot Points for high-volume examples or referee report processes

• Use Before/After to show growth or highlight improvements you've made

Need Help Writing Your Selection Criteria?

We specialise in crafting clear, results-based responses that get noticed. Whether you’re applying for your first APS role or aiming for EL1, we can help you turn your experience into strong, tailored selection criteria.

Reach out today to get started—or browse our other articles on resumes, STAR responses, and government job applications.