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The merit principle

In the Northern Territory Public Sector, job selection is based on the merit principle.

Under this principle, Power and Water employs, promotes and transfers employees based on their suitability to:

• perform relevant duties
• work in the relevant workplace
• work in the public sector.

Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment website

The difference between selection criteria and merit criteria

Selection criteria are different to merit criteria. While the selected applicant must meet all the essential selection criteria, they must also have the best knowledge, skill, qualifications and experience to fulfil the role.

A candidate needs to show ambition, direction and a desire to better themselves so the selection panel can determine future potential.

How you can show merit

There are lots of different ways to demonstrate merit. The components of merit aren’t always given equal weight. There are times when existing knowledge and experience are the most critical factors in a role. At other times, it’s better to take on someone with less experience but more skill.

For example, your qualifications may not be as high as another candidate, but your work experience and willingness to do what’s needed to add value might be more important to the team.

Or, you could have qualifications that are higher than what we need for the role, but the fact you worked hard to qualify in a special interest area may show your ambition, direction and desire to better yourself.

Meeting the selection criteria

There are lots of different ways to demonstrate merit. The components of merit aren’t always given equal weight. There are times when existing knowledge and experience are the most critical factors in a role. At other times, it’s better to take on someone with less experience but more skill.

For example, your qualifications may not be as high as another candidate, but your work experience and willingness to do what’s needed to add value might be more important to the team.

Or, you could have qualifications that are higher than what we need for the role, but the fact you worked hard to qualify in a special interest area may show your ambition, direction and desire to better yourself.

Meeting the selection criteria

So, how can you stand out?

For each selection criteria, always consider your:

• knowledge
• skills
• qualifications
• potential

Give clear examples of each. Write in plain English, using fewer words to say more.

Limit your job application to a one-page summary sheet with an attached resume setting out experience, qualifications, duties and achievements in previous roles, and contact details for current and other relevant referees.

While you can demonstrate your knowledge and qualifications through formal study or work experience, skills and potential are harder to define.

About potential

Potential is more than just a feeling we have about someone based on their writing style or personality.

You can show your potential by describing your capabilities.

For example, you might explain how you picked up a new piece of information quickly, came up with an improved way of doing something and shared this with the team or worked flexibly to achieve a goal.

When your referees reinforce your stories of achievement, it strengthens your credibility.

About skills

People have lots of different skills, even if they’re working in similar roles. Therefore, it’s vital for you to demonstrate the required skills, as well as those extra skills that place you at an advantage.

If you’re applying for a role in a team, but have mainly worked on your own or without direction, show examples of how you approach collaboration outside of work.

Remember, skills can be transferable. You may not have led a team of engineers, but you have demonstrated leadership through project management. Let us know.

If you don’t have formal qualifications

Every year, we take on school leavers and adults to undertake apprenticeships and traineeships in electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, plumbing and linework. Find out more about early careers programs here.

If you enjoy working outdoors, with your hands and in your community - becoming an Essential Services Operator may be the job for you.

For more information on how to apply for a job within the public sector, visit the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment website.

Learn about Early careers programs Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment website