applying for jobs

So you’ve done the research, worked out what you want to do and found a job advertised that you think you would be great for. Read more about:

sections within this page
telephoning an employer
the written application 
the cover letter
the résumé
the résumé checklist
selection criteria
résumé flight-check


Telephoning an employer about a vacant position     

Sometimes you’ll need to call a potential employer to arrange an interview, ask more questions or request an application form. The following dot points are a great checklist to follow when you need to get in touch with an employer:

Make sure you call as soon as possible after the position is advertised

Know the name of the person you need to speak with, or have a brief introduction prepared for the person answering the phone so they can direct your call
For example, ‘Good Morning, my name is John Smith. I’m calling about the customer service position advertised today on JobSearch. Could I please speak with the person handling applications for that position?’

Plan what you’re going to say to the person responsible
You might need to say who you are and that you are calling to find out what you need to do to apply for an advertised position.

Make sure any questions you ask are worthwhile
Don’t ask any questions that can be answered by reading the job ad. This may lead the employer to think you lack attention to detail.

Highlight what you think will make you appealing to this employer
Think about answers to any questions the employer might ask
You might be asked about your skills, qualifications and experience.

Practice what you are going to say
Do this so you sound natural, friendly and confident. Use everyday, conversational language without being too informal.

Make sure you won’t be interrupted when you call and are somewhere quiet

Have a pen and paper ready to take notes
Make sure you write down the details of any interview you arrange including the date, location, time and name of the person you need to ask for.

Be professional at all times
Speak clearly so they can hear you. How you conduct yourself over the phone could be part of the employer’s overall selection process.

Know your availability if they want you to come in for an interview
Keeping a diary is a good idea. Try your best to be available when the employer wants you to come in.

Make sure you thank the person for their time and confirm any arrangements
For example, that you will see them tomorrow at 10am for an interview.

Remain professional
If you call and the position has already been filled or they don’t ask you to attend an interview, remain professional. You can always ask the employer if you can send them your résumé if any similar positions come up in the future.

The written application 

For most jobs, you’ll need to apply in writing. This normally means preparing two items: a letter of application (cover letter) and your résumé.

If you are applying for a job with the government or within a professional firm, then you may also need to answer a series of questions about your skills, known as ‘Selection Criteria’.
Written applications generally form a key part of an employer’s selection process. They use them to select who they should interview by assessing your skills, qualities, experience and qualifications.  Some will also use them to identify your written communication skills if these are important to the job.

Before beginning

Ensure you have researched the employer and the position you are applying for.

Identify which of your skills, attributes, knowledge, experience and qualifications are going to appeal to the employer the most.  You will need to focus on them in your application.

The cover letter   

In some ways the cover letter is even more important than your résumé. Most employers are very busy and will use the cover letter to quickly decide if you are suitable, before they decide to read on.

Customise every cover letter
You should customise every cover letter you write so it is relevant to the employer and position.

Focus on what the employer wants to know
Don't focus on what you want from them. Through your cover letter you need to try and convince them that you can do the job, that you’ll do a great job and that you’ll fit in and be an asset to their organisation.

Make sure you include your contact details
Also include the date and the details of the person you are writing to. 

Keep your letter to no more than one page
You don’t want to overwhelm the employer with too much information. Your cover letter will help the employer to decide if they want to read your résumé in detail.

In the opening paragraph, explain the purpose of your letter
Mention the position you are applying for and where you heard about it or where it was advertised. Also try and make a point that will encourage them to keep reading.  Think about which of your selling points will be most appealing to the employer. 

In the next couple of paragraphs, show you can do the job and do it really well
Before starting your letter, clearly identify what skills and experience the employer is looking for (hint: look at the job description, if you have one, and then highlight the qualities that make you the perfect match for the position).  

Next highlight how keen you are to work for the organisation and why. This shows you have taken the time to find out about them.  Also try and give some information about what type of person you are. Keep in mind what you know about the employer and mention the personal qualities you have that you think they are looking for.  It is very important to employers that you fit in with their culture and get along with other staff.

Before finishing, thank them for taking the time to review your application
Also mention any attachments including your résumé and any work examples.

The résumé  

Résumés are generally no more than one to two pages and must include your education, work history, and any other training and skills.

You don’t need to have had previous employment to have a résumé. Focus instead on the skills and experience you have gained through school, study, work experience and hobbies.

- Keep your résumé simple.
- Use techniques to make it easy for employers to scan and get the key points very quickly.
- Use headings, bold important words and use dot points.
- Have a master résumé and always keep it up to date. Then customise it to suit individual employers and positions.
- Put your résumé together using the Résumé builder. You’ll also find a number of example résumés in this section and learn what information you should include.

Résumé checklist    

Selection criteria  

If you are applying for a government-related job or one within a professional field, then you will probably have to respond to some ‘Selection Criteria’.  It’s very important that you do this the right way. 

The key to addressing each selection criterion is to demonstrate your capability by providing evidence of how you meet the criterion, using specific examples drawn from your experience. 

You need to convince the selection team that you have the capabilities to do the job – capabilities which are reflected in the selection criteria. 
One model for doing this is the STAR model, which is:

Situation – provide a very brief outline of the situation or setting
Task – outline what you did
Action – outline how you did it
Result – describe the outcomes

An example
If one criterion is “Well developed written communication skills”, you can use the STAR model to gather evidence of how you meet this criterion, as illustrated below in note form:   
       
Situation
My role as research support officer in XYZ Company.

Task
Ensure that principal researchers were kept informed of global developments.

Action
Initiated monthly newsletter, emailed to each principal researcher. Took responsibility for writing lead articles. Obtained ideas and input from stakeholders to ensure articles reflected researchers’ needs (content, language, style, presentation).

Result
Feedback consistently excellent. Got achievement award for newsletter. Led to improved lines of communication between principal researchers & research support unit.

You can then translate these notes into full sentence and paragraph form, for inclusion in your written application. As a guide, give two recent examples which support your claim against each criterion.Your response to each criterion should be concise. If in doubt, always seek guidance from the Contact Officer for the vacancy.

More information about addressing selection criteria

Before submitting your application, make sure you check that:

- You have addressed all aspects of each criterion
- You have used positive and specific language (i.e. avoid ambiguous expressions such as 'I was involved in . . . ')
- You have used strong action (i.e. doing) words
- Your spelling and grammar are correct.


Resume flight-check  

Before sending your application check it over to ensure there are no mistakes

Ask someone else to look over it for you, preferably someone who is a good writer.  Two sets of eyes are better than one, and they can advise you on things to improve. Read it out aloud once you’ve made your final draft.

Ensure you have read the job advertisement and any other information thoroughly
For example, some employers may ask you to send several copies of your application. Others might want you to address specific selection criteria. If you miss things like this, the employer might think you lack attention to detail. 

Don’t send too much
Employers are very busy and will not want to be bombarded with information they haven’t asked for. 

Send copies only of your documents
If the employer has requested copies of certificates and other formal documents, send copies only. You can show them the originals if required at your interview. If your copies have to be certified copies, you’ll need to complete a statutory declaration form from the post office or find someone who is a Justice of the Peace (if you don’t know one already you might be able to find one in a Centrelink office).

Ensure your application is professionally presented
Employers like to present a professional image and are looking at your application to ensure that you share their values.  For example:

Type your application, unless they specify for you to hand write it
- Use clean, white A4 paper
- Don’t make manual corrections, such as crossing something out or using correction fluid. Re-type it, then re-print it
- Make sure it is easy to read – the print is clear, there are spaces between paragraphs, a suitable font size and appropriate margins are used
- If the application doesn’t fit easily into a standard envelope, use an A4 one
- Use a standard font, such as Arial 12
- Don’t be tempted to give it a little something extra.  Avoid using cover pages, pictures and multiple colours unless you are asked to 
- Staple your application, rather than bind it.
- If posting your application make sure you send it in plenty of time
Otherwise try and drop it off in person.