Winning Job Applications Getting started Brainstorm

Winning Job Applications

Getting started – Brainstorm • What are your interests • Identify your skills • Confirm your work values • What are your career dreams? • What are your life goals? RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 2

Research • Careers fairs • Company Websites • Campus Information sessions • Careers & employment services • Student associations • Industry associations student member • Vacation work RMIT ejobs • Voluntary Work • http: //www. rmit. edu. au/careers RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 3

The application process • Determine the required method of application – on-line – letter – resume – selection criteria • Briefly review the required information and estimate time required to complete application • Apply prior to the closing date RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 4

The application process • Target key criteria: – University entrance score – Academic results – Work experience – Leadership and team experiences – Extracurricular involvement in university, social & community life – Company research RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 5

What Do Employers Want? • Generic skills (competencies) - Refer to capabilities that you have developed over time that are transferable – Academic achievement in relevant discipline – Interpersonal skills – Oral & written communication skills – Literacy and numeracy – Research skills – Problem-solving skills – Teamwork skills – Time management skills – Basic computer skills – Understanding of business processes RMIT University©yyyy • Values and Personal Attributes Refer to aspects of your personality which will influence how you fit into the workplace – – – School/Department/Area Enthusiasm & motivation Ambition Creativity & flair Maturity Personal presentation, grooming, dress Work ethic Sense of responsibility Initiative Self confidence Leadership Intellectual capacity Interest (in the job/industry) 6

What are Selection Criteria? • ‘Selection criteria’ are all the knowledge, skills/competencies, experience and aptitudes that are required to be successful in a role • A kind of a shopping list of what the employer wants for the role and your key to getting an interview! – well-developed communication and interpersonal skills – teamwork skills – commitment to the delivery of quality customer service – self-management, setting priorities, meeting deadlines – analytical, conceptual and research skills – flexibility and a willingness to adapt to change – enthusiasm and a positive attitude. • Often divided into 2 categories- – ‘Essential’ and ‘desirable’ or perhaps ‘key’ and ‘other’ RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 7

Selection Criteria: How to find them • Employers will differ in the extent to which they emphasise selection criteria – Advertisements: extensive/brief – Position Descriptions – On-line applications – Contact person • Either way your chances of getting an interview are enhanced if all your application documents reflect the selection criteria • This means: – Understanding what the employer is looking for – DEMONSTRATING this understanding by showing how you meet the criteria in your application RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 8

Writing cover letters • A brief explanation why you are writing to the company and specify for which position • A summary of your key skills and qualifications which match the criteria • An explanation as to why you have chosen their organisation - why do you want to work for them RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 9

Writing cover letters • Succinct - one page • Ensure that there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors • Ensure that your letter is addressed to the correct person • Thank the potential employer for taking the time to read your letter and resume RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 10

23 Smith Street Carlton Vic 3053 Mobile: 019 487 234 email: c. marks@rmit. edu. au Clarifies reason for writing, position, source 23 rd March, 2008 Ms Susan Boyle Graduate Recruitment Manager Victorian Public Service Melbourne Vic 3000 Dear Ms Boyle, I wish to apply for the 2009 Victorian Government Graduate Recruitment Development Scheme, following my discussions with you at the recent 2007 RMIT Careers Expo. The opportunity for a career in government excites me as I value public service and the rewards which I seek from my career are linked to my ability to make a difference with what I do. Soon to complete my Bachelor of Social Science (Environment) at RMIT University, I am confident I could make a valuable contribution to any area of government, with my particular preference for work related to creating sustainable futures, environmental and/or social. Uses figures/ facts to add weight to argument Three years experience as a part-time customer service officer for Telstra has equipped me with well developed oral and written communication skills. My research and analytical abilities are evidenced by my voluntary participation in a project conducted by the Social Science Students Association, in which I coordinated the collection and analysis of data from over 300 current and past SSA members. Suggests genuine knowledge of / interest in company. Clarifies major criteria: ie degree, university. Demonstrates what they have to offer & PROVES IT! Involvement in an overseas exchange program in year 12, and a recent 6 month Study Abroad trip to Asia, demonstrate my initiative and genuine interest in international issues, as well as my ability to adapt to other cultures. My commitment to social justice and the environment has been demonstrated by my extensive voluntary work with Environment Victoria and Oxfam. Thank you for your time in considering my application. Please find attached my resume, including my claims in support of selection criteria. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my suitability for the graduate program and can be contacted on the above phone number for an interview. Conclusion: What next? Other relevant info Yours sincerely RMIT University©yyyy Catherine Marks School/Department/Area 11

Writing your resume • 2 -3 pages • Layout and design should be legible, consistent and easy to follow with good clear headings • Use bullet points • Avoid abbreviations and jargon RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 12

Writing your resume • Write in clear, concise terms using active words (eg created, launched, managed) • Put your work history and educational details in reverse chronological order (start with your most recent) • Target your application- not one size fits all • Highlight your skills and achievements for each position RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 13

Writing your resume • Clearly state your education – school/university, dates, type of degree, and major/s • Detail your involvement in extra curricular activities • Include personal interests • ‘Keep it honest’ RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 14

17 Willobah Court Coburg, 3058 Jamie Penney Tel. 8300 9876 mobile(0412)345 jcp@email. edu. au EDUCATION 2008 – current 2007 RMIT University Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Arts Majors: International Business and Italian Expected completion: Dec 2009 Melbourne Secondary College Awarded the VCE ENTER - 94. 6 WORK EXPERIENCE Reverse chronological order résumé May 2008 – current Big Bite Café Customer Service Assistant · Liaised with suppliers regarding daily order requirements · Served customers in high-pressure environment · Prepared catering orders accurately and promptly · Operated computerised payment system & handled cash Jan 2006 - Dec 2007 Kensington Indoor Squash Centre Office Assistant · Maintained computerised client booking system, coordinating up to 150 transactions per shift · Supervised and trained 3 casual staff in kiosk and reception procedures ·Monitored hygiene standards throughout the entire complex, including liaison with suppliers for stock requirements when necessary Achievements: · Promoted to office assistant position after one month in kiosk · Awarded 'Employee of the Month' in September 2005 ·Successfully managed the implementation process of new booking RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area system J. Penney Pg. 1/3 15

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS SUMMARY Research & Analytical • Designed and conducted a study analysing social justice issues in Far North indigenous communities as the foundation for a report that identified the specific causes of health and educational inequities. • Achieved competitive scholarships and travel grants based on academic merit and research ability, including RMIT Study Abroad Scholarship. Communication • Communicated complex concepts as a tutor within very limited time frames, which resulted in noticeable improvements in students’ academic performance. • Developed rapport and effective working relationships with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. • Presented seminar and conference papers at national and international conferences. • Collated and wrote information for the School of Social Sciences website, student handbooks and project reports. Organisational • Designed a user-friendly, streamlined database to monitor in -coming and out-bound calls for market research, which decreased time spent in clerical tasks increasing staff productivity. • High level computer skills in Microsoft Office 2000; Word, Excel, Power. Point & Access Skills Summary Sam Pang RMIT University©yyyy Page 2/3 School/Department/Area 16

On-line Application questions • Answer all questions • Take note of word count • Answer honestly! RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 17

Competency based questions • Most accurate predictor of future performance is past behaviour in a similar situation • Ensures candidates are judged: – on the same criteria – only on their true ability to do the job – on impartial criteria RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 18

Competency Based Questions • When asked to describe different work or university experiences, e. g. dealing with difficult people or a time with many competing priorities, etc choose a topic that highlights your strengths and use the STAR approach: 1. Situation/Task – provide an outline 2. Action – describe what you did 3. Result – detail the outcome T S A R RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 19

Example – demonstrating initiative After my internship with TBL Corporation in Bunyip, I continued to develop a detailed plan - in my own time - on a range of proposals for “The Triple Bottom Line” project that I was working on during my internship. I drafted a number of scenarios that would increase stakeholder engagement. These were analysed by my mentor and recommended to the Executive who implemented one proposal in 2007. So far it has achieved an increase in community participation and responsiveness to the Corporation’s business” RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 20

Common questions Team work / interpersonal skills • We’ve all had to deal with difficult people. Give me some examples of when this happened to you? Why was it difficult? How did you handle it? Achievement drive • What would be the best example of you giving a project or piece of work your absolute best effort and being disappointed by the outcome? What would you do differently a second time? RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 21

Other sample questions • Describe any positions of responsibility that you held during school &/or university • Please give details of your interests outside of school &/or university • Describe your key personal qualities and how they enable you to contribute as a valuable team member • Please outline your interest in working for XXX RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 22

Watch out for… • No spell check on on-line application • Be professional – email & voicemail • Print your application for your own reference • Complete your application with time to spare • Get someone to triple check your application RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 23

Further resources Career Development & Employment www. rmit. edu. au/careers/ e. Jobs CD&E Quick Tips flyers Action Words for Resumes Application letters Resumes Resume & cover letter feedback after completing online tutorials Application Express www. rmit. edu. au/careers/applicationexpress Resume Express www. rmit. edu. au/careers/resumeexpress Seek www. seek. com. au Tools and Resources , sample resumes and cover letters References: • “How to Write and Talk to Selection Criteria” : Dr Ann Villiers • “Resumes That Get Shortlisted”, Bright & Earl RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 24