Resumes for the Public Service Sector

Selection Criteria – Resumes for the Public Service Sector

The public sector application in Australia usually requires submission of a résumé, cover letter, and/or application cover sheet and detailed responses to a number of selection criteria.  Whilst addressing selection criteria is the most important element of the selection process, (without them you will not be selected) from both an agency’s point of view and your point of view, a résumé, will assist in the selection process, to ensure that the most suitable person is selected and that your application does not get overlooked by the selection panel.

Primary document in the process is the Selection or Assessment Criteria

If selection criteria is the PRIMARY requirement, then the document addressing selection criteria (both essential and desirable) is the most important document in the process.  That is, you will more than likely be invited for the interview, if your responses to the selection criteria meet the agency’s requirements, even if your résumé would under normal circumstances be considered a liability.  But a professional résumé, without adequate responses to the selection criteria, will result in you not been selected by panel members.

Address the selection criteria within the Résumé

While a résumé designed for the private sector would probably suffice, if you are only going for specific roles within the public service sector, then your résumé should contain the following:

• The résumé must address the requirements of the role, which are easily ascertainable from the application pack, outlining duties and responsibilities, as well as required skills and knowledge (both essential and desirable) contained in the selection criteria.
• Utilise keywords frequently used within the public sector within the document (not for databases, as each application will be read and assessed by two or three panel members, or a government recruitment agency, but to ensure that skills and experience match the Agency’s requirements.  For example key words for a policy maker would include whole-of-government approaches, public framework, APS Values, public administration and accountability.
• Ensure you include any statutory frameworks you have worked within.  For example – “Implemented policy, legislation and regulations relating to the Taxpayer’s Charter, the Compliance Model, Income Tax Acts, GST Acts, Excise Act (Energy Grants Act/Fuel Tax Credit Acts), successfully translating legislation to inform decisions and support organisational objectives”
• Utilise selection criteria techniques such as CAR (Circumstances, Actions, Results), or STAR (Situation, Task, Actions, Results) within the résumé.  As with private sector documents, utilising CAR, it is a good way to obtain and utilise relevant material about accomplishments and achievements.
• If you are already from the public sector, outline any relevant training received in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Anti-Discrimination, Occupational Health & Safety (OH & S), Workplace Diversity, APS Values, Codes of Conduct and Ethical Standards.  Also outline any involvement on previous job selection panels, or membership of committees including those relating to EEO and OH & S.  If space allows, also list public service number and security clearance, (if applicable to the role).
• The process requires details of referees to be included, (name, job title, organisation, and full contact details).  These must be provided in a résumé submitted for a public sector application, as without referees, your application could be excluded at the discretion of the panel.

In Conclusion

While not the most important document in the process, a strategic and well written résumé will enhance your application, in particular if this document is used to re-enforce how you meet each of the selection criteria (both essential and desirable).  However, while a résumé is a valid tool in conveying and supporting experience, knowledge and accomplishments, the key focus should remain on ensuring the selection criteria are fully addressed, which is the major key to your success.