Your career

The application process for every organisation is different. So how do you answer the KSC for Barwon Health? Our recruitment team have received many queries regarding the KSC and what it entails, so here is our advice on how to respond to the KSC when applying for a position at Barwon Health.

What is the key selection criterion?
The key selection criterion (KSC) is designed to match the skills of an applicant to what is required for a position. It is used by employers to ensure that we assess each applicant in a way that is both fair and consistent.

Where can I find the KSC?
It’s important before you consider applying for a position, you read the KSC provided in the position description. In all Barwon Health advertisements you'll find the PD at the very bottom of the live advertisement. Under the closing date there will be a file that you can open with position description labelled next to it. Once opening the file you can find the KSC on the very last page. On this page you will see ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ with a list of dot points associated with each heading. Please only apply for a position if you fit what is ‘essential’ otherwise your application will be culled when processing. Desirable criteria is advantageous, however not critical to the role. If you have any queries about whether you fit the KSC ensure that you contact the hiring manager, you are able to find there contact details on the live advertisement above the closing date.

Where do I answer the KSC?
Once applying for the position you will go through a step by step process, unfortunately you are unable to move to the next page until completing what is required on the page that you are currently on. Only after you upload your resume and cover letter will you move to the next page where you are required to either tick or answer the KSC that is provided. Unlike other companies, Barwon Health’s format provides a set of questions or statements that require you to answer in a format that is either ‘free text’ providing you a space that you can write in, answering ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and being provided with free text, or clicking ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and not being provided with any text to answer. In many situations the hiring manager may only have a ‘yes’ ‘no’ format that does not require you to answer anything. Unfortunately, you are unable to know what format the KSC is in until reaching this page.

How to answer IF free text is provided
Brainstorm what the question or statement is asking or advising you to write about and then answer in a way that is clear, concise and honest. In instances where the KSC is asking you a behavioural question, answer in a STAR format (situation, task, action, response). Start with the background of the situation, follow with what was required of you, then answer with what you did or how you did it, and complete this with the outcome of your actions.

How not to answer if free text is provided
Please do not answer with ‘refer to resume’ this is your opportunity to show that you have the skills that are required for the position. Showcase your ability and reap the benefits.

Do I need to provide a separate document with the key selection criteria if there is only a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ drop down box?
If the hiring manager has not chosen free text, it is not required for you to answer the KSC in a separate document unless somewhere in the advertisement it asks you to add a document with the KSC answered. It is important, however, to read what is essential and what is desirable and highlight any key words that you think are necessary to shortlisting for a position. Use this in your cover letter and resume when necessary to establish that you have the skills that are required and that you are the best candidate for the position.