Addressing confusing selection criteria.

January 19, 2006 1:08 AM

In job applications, I'm having trouble addressing the selection criteria - in particular, the one wanting to know my "Knowledge and commitment to OH&S standards and Equal Employment Opportunities Policy".

Post PhD, I'm applying for a lot of jobs, and they all seem to have this as a "necessary" selection criteria. Note that this is not in the fields of human resources or management, but in biological science jobs. Apart from stating that I've undergone OH&S training, and understand the EEO policy, what am I supposed to write? The job specifications make it clear that they expect selection criteria to be addressed with "examples" of my experience. I've never hired anyone - I've spent the last three years measuring plants and sampling soil - how am I supposed to have experience in equal opportunity employment?

posted by Jimbob to Work & Money (4 answers total)

You've probably been in a working environment that involved these standards. Write how you felt they were applied, fairly or unfairly, and how you would apply them if you were in a situation to do so.
posted by Mijo Bijo at 1:12 AM on January 19, 2006

The buzzword this week is diversity -- as in, recognising and appreciating the differences between people, including obvious things like racial and gender differences, and less obvious ones, like sexuality and religion (even diet, apparently). Just slip it in a few times. e.g. you've worked with people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse experiences, and recongnise the value and benefit of a diverse working environment.
posted by londonmark at 2:55 AM on January 19, 2006

londonmark substantially has it, just add that you understand and support OHS initiatives for a safe workplace for all and mention your OHS training. You don't have a current first aid certificate, do you? Worth mentioning.
posted by Wolof at 3:02 AM on January 19, 2006

Response by poster: I think I've got it sussed...I've found some evidence of dealing with diverse cultural backgrounds in the past. No I don't have a first aid certificate - but I have a fire warden training certificate...and I got my bronze medallion in lifesaving :)
posted by Jimbob at 3:09 AM on January 19, 2006