the career book
HOW TO WRITE
APPLICATIONS
Many applications, especially to larger companies, require you to submit applications
online. Smaller businesses may still require you to submit hard copies by post. They may
also ask you to address Key Selection Criteria (KSC).
Difference between application
letter and cover letter?
Key Selection Criteria (KSC)
An application letter is a response to an advertised
vacancy whereas a cover letter is a letter of
introduction, which you might include when you are
handing out your resumé.
• Always tailor your Resumé towards the job you are
applying for – one Resumé doesn’t fit all jobs!
• The cover letter is very important, as it convinces
the employer to find out more about you, before
reading your resumé or inviting you in for an
interview. List what you can do, will do in this job
and how you will fit into this company.
USQ
3.58 Finally finding that job Blog
34
Key Selection Criteria are questions that employers ask
you to respond to in a job application. The best way to
answer KSC is demonstrate or prove you can do these
by giving examples from your relevant experiences. Use
the STAR method when responding to KSC. Think of a
relevant example or situation where you could respond
as follows:
Situation – what was the challenge or situation
you faced?
Task – what did you do?
Action – what course of action did you take?
Results – what did you achieve?
USQ
3.59 Preparing for your interview