Selection Criteria Sample: Ability to Contribute Ideas and Demonstrate Initiative and Flexibility

When applying for a government job, writing strong responses to the selection criteria is the key to scoring an interview and standing out from the crowd.

To address this particular criterion it’s important to highlight that you’ve got the background and knowledge to contribute ideas to different projects, and that you’re the sort of employee who can adapt to changing priorities and will always take the initiative.

Here’s a sample response that proves you’re an ideas person and capable of being flexible with your duties.

Selection criteria example: Ability to contribute ideas and demonstrate initiative and flexibility

As part of my volunteer fundraiser role for the Orson Medical Research Institute, I identified an opportunity and contributed ideas to fundraise in partnership with two local high schools. I developed the business plan for the fundraising event, Science for Schools, which was approved by the Events Committee.

My job required large amounts of flexibility as part of my role included securing sponsorship from prominent businesses and liaising with community organisations and the schools’ principals. This was often done in my own time. I showed initiative by developing the program, writing promotional copy for flyers, organising free printing of posters and coordinating the event that attracted over 1000 secondary students.

The success of the Science for Schools program, which raised over $8,000 for a local charity, contributed to the doubling in Year 11–12 science course enrolments the following year.

Applying for a government position and struggling with the job application? Get inspired by our sample responses to a range of selection criteria.