Application tips
We have put together some simple tips to help you with your job application.
Preparing your resume
Make sure your resume is up-to-date and ready to go. Having an updated resume is critical when you apply for jobs.
If you don’t have a resume at the moment (or you haven’t updated it for a while), here are some ideas to get you started:
Ask friends, family and colleagues if you can look at their resumes
- This will give you ideas about how to write about your skills and experiences, and how to format the document.
Talk about your transferable skills
- Reference the skills you have gained through past volunteering, working in your community or involvement in Community activities and events, and paid roles that demonstrate that you are the right person for the advertised job.
- Thinking about your transferable skills will also help you prepare examples to talk about in your selection criteria responses and get ready for interviews.
Some common transferable skills are:
- teamwork - have you ever been a member of a committee? Been a coach? Contributed to a Community project?
- reliability - have you been required to turn up regularly for a course or workshop? Do you do what you say you are going to do?
- critical thinking - are you able to think beyond what is obvious?
- good communication - do practice good listening skills? Do you enjoy talking with people?
- problem solving - are you able to come up with more than one solution to a problem?
- adaptability - have you had to change the way you work in a previous position or role; moved away from your home/family?
- strong work ethic - do you believe that the way you present yourself at work is important? Do you try and set a good example for others?
- resilience- when things go wrong or not the way you planned, are you able to bounce back?
Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for
- When describing past roles in your resume, make sure you adapt the description to focus on the most relevant skills and experiences to the advertised job.
Find some proof-readers
- Ask a few other people to help you check for typos and other mistakes.
Don’t waffle
- You want the selection panel to quickly and easily learn about you.
- Try to keep your resume to only a couple of pages.
- If you are given a word count for each response, be sure to stick to it.
- Include page numbers and your name on every page.
- Use clear and succinct language.
Addressing Selection Criteria
Below are some tips to consider while preparing your response to a job’s selection criteria.
Understanding Selection Criteria
- Sometimes, selection criteria are confusing. If you don’t understand what a selection criteria means – always call the contact person for the job advertisement and ask for some further clarification
- It can be helpful to break down key words in selection criteria to make them easier to respond to.
- Follow the instructions in the job ad. For example:
- you may be asked to respond to the selection criteria in a separate document
- the job advertisement may outline a word limit for each response which you need to stick to. Successfully using the STAR method for each selection criteria will require you to write at least 1 to 2 paragraphs depending on any word limits noted in the application package. Selection panels do not want to read pages and pages for one job application.
- Do not skip any selection criteria.
STAR Method
The STAR method might help you frame your response to each criteria:
- Situation - Set the context by describing the circumstance where you used the skills or qualities and gained the experience.
- Task - What was your role?
- Actions - What did you do and how did you do it?
- Results - What did you achieve? What was the end result and how does it relate to the job you are applying for.
Finding a referee
A referee is someone who can provide the panel with feedback on your skills, experience and personal attributes – your strengths and areas of development. Referees are not friends or family and are expected to provide an honest and accurate account of your skills, experience and attributes.
When selecting your referees
- Make sure they can comment on your ability to do the job you are applying for.
- If possible, at least one of your referees should be your current or most recent manager (including a volunteer manager).
- Also consider how long they have known you, and if they can confidently vouch for your skills, experiences and areas you need to develop.
- Let your referees know that you are applying for a job and that they might be contacted by a panel member.
- Give your referee/s information about the job you are applying for (such as the job advert content and statement of duties) – this will help them tailor their answers to the panel. It is also a good idea to provide Referees with a copy of your job application.
Make sure your nominated referees agree to speak on your behalf and double check your referees' contact details with them before you include them in your application.