Getting that job 101

While the application process can vary depending on the job, typically it goes as follows;

  • Find a position that interests you.
  • Submit an application for the job.
  • Applications are reviewed by a selection panel or the business owner.
  • Interview and assessment of shortlisted candidates.
  • Selection of preferred applicant (may include referee checks etc).
  • The successful person is appointed to the job.

The Career Development Centre can support you through this application process

LOOKING FOR WORK

There are many places you can look for job vacancies including the following;

Employers; Telephone, write or visit organisations you would like to work for and ask if there are any suitable vacancies.

Friends and relatives;Ask friends and relatives who work for organisations that you are interested in whether there is a suitable position for you.

Newspapers;Local, state and national/interstate newspapers publish job vacancies. Locally Friday is the main day for job advertisements. The Career Development Centre posts all job vacancies daily on their website (look for the jobs board);

Notices; Check notices in shop windows, on community notice boards, on signs at front entrances to a business.

Internet; There are thousands of websites that list job vacancies in Australia. The most common ones that list positions for this region are:

Most of these sites allow you to lodge a resume online and subscribe to email alerts about vacancies in your areas of interest. The CDC monitors these sites and our online jobs board includes their vacancies.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Your application for an advertised vacancy will be more successful if you consider the following;

Read the job advertisement carefully

Most advertisements include a brief description of the job, information on how to apply and a closing date for applications. Keep a copy of the advertisement for your future reference. Ask yourself these questions;

  • Do I think I meet all or most the key selection criteria for the job?
  • Could I do the job with some training - either formal or on the job training?
  • Do I have the skills gained in other fields of work that may be transferable?

Obtain the information package

Some positions have an information pack that can be sent out, emailed or downloaded. This may include a job description, organisational chart and other material to help you understand the position.

Speak to the inquiries person

After you read the information you should have a better idea about the job. You can also phone or email the inquiries person named in the advertisement to find out more about the position. This may give you a better understanding of what to emphasise in your application.Get as much extra information as you can to write a good application.

PREPARING & SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

It is important to address all requirements in the job advertisement and information package (when available) to be considered for an interview. Government agencies often require you to provide some additional information including writing responses to particular questions to demonstrate your ability to do the job. In summary you will typically need to provide;

  • A cover letter
  • Resume
  • Any additional information requested (such as responses to selection criteria)

Throughout your application, you need to clearly explain how your skills and experience show you are the best person for the job.

Make sure you choose referees that can provide evidence to support your claims by commenting on your skills and abilities, and past work performance. It is generally expected that one of your referees be a current or recent supervisor.

Most job advertisements ask you to submit an application by email or post. Check for the ‘closing date” – this is the date by which the employer must receive your application. You will need to allow time for your application to be delivered if you are sending it by post.

GET THE FACTS

If your application is short listed, you will usually be invited to an interview. Using your application as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based questions and hypothetical scenario questions. You may also be asked to do exercises such as a work sample test, presentations, or psychometric testing. (see attached notes on behavioural and hypothetical questions)

In a typical recruitment process the selection team will rate your suitability for the role based on your performance at the interview, application and other activities (when applicable).

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

The interview is your chance to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the position. As the interviewer will be comparing your skills and abilities with those of others, it is essential that you prepare so that you can present yourself well in order to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job.

Top tips;

  • Research the organisation, its products and services.
  • Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer that show your knowledge of and interest in the industry.
  • Practice interviews with friends and family.
  • Re-read your application letter, the job advertisement and your resume.
  • Go over your application and make a note of points you want to emphasize. Consider the challenges of the job and how your skills, knowledge, ability and experience will help you to meet them. If you have any questions about the job or the organisation, note them down and ask them at the end of the interview.
  • Be prepared for different types of interview questions, for example, scenario, job knowledge or work experience questions.
  • Be sure you know how to get to the interview location.

AT THE INTERVIEW

Most interviewers realise that you will be nervous and will make allowances for it. However, you can create a good impression by being;

Punctual: Be at least 10 minutes early. This will also give you a chance to familiarise yourself with your surroundings (which may help you relax).

Well prepared: Take a copy of your job application with you and any information you have found on the company.

Polite: Look attentive, smile and shake hands when you meet the person who will interview you.

Thoughtful:Take time to think a question through and then answer in a clear and logical way.

Confident: Ask the interviewer to repeat or explain a question if you do not understand it.

Calm: An interviewer may ask you a difficult or unexpected question in order to test your ability to remain calm in a stressful situation. Try not to get flustered.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT:

  • Turn off your mobile phone before you enter the interview room.
  • Presentation: as a general guide, job applicants should dress according to the workplace. If it is a corporate or conservative environment wear a suit and tie or skirt and jacket. If it is for an outside position, neat casual dress is appropriate.
  • Be aware of your body language. Your mannerisms, gestures, body movements, posture, eye contact and tone of voice all communicate as much as your words do.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your background and experienceOften the first question is a request for a summary of your background. If you're applying for your first job, focus on extracurricular activities, education and qualifications. It is quite acceptable to repeat major points listed in your resume or cover letter.

Why do you think you are qualified for this position? In this context, qualifications mean everything that you believe makes you suitable for the position, including educational, employment related and personal qualifications. This could be the question that will win you the job, so your answer should be clear and memorable.

Why do you think you are suitable for the position?This is where your research pays off. Your answer should include details about relevant employment, community or educational experience and a discussion on why this experience will suit the organisation, the industry it operates in and the position.

Why did you apply for this position?If applying for your first job, your answer should describe what you find appealing about the position, how you prepared yourself for a career in the organisation and how you believe any part-time job you currently or previously held equips you for the position.

How does this job fit with your career objectives?Be ready to discuss your long-term aspirations. The best approach is one that shows you have thought about your career in these terms and have taken some action towards realizing your ambitions.

Other questions you may be asked:

Why do you want to work for our company?

Why do you want this job?What interests you most about this job?

How do you cope under pressure? Please give us an example of how you coped with pressure.

What is your strongest attribute?

What are your greatest achievements so far?

What are your weaknesses?

What objectives did you set yourself at the beginning of your career or study?

Have you achieved those objectives?

Describe a situation where you have contributed to the success of your team.

Give an example of a difficult task you have completed.

Describe how you have overcome a communication problem.

What are your spare time activities?

The difficult question

There is likely to be a question that prompts a sinking feeling in your stomach, so expect it and plan how to deal with it. Take your time to respond - the interviewers want you to do well so should be more than happy to give you the time you need. If you get really stuck, ask for a moment to consider your response, or ask to come back to it later.

Prepare some questions you want to ask:

Why is the position available?

What training and induction will be given to new recruits?

What opportunities are there for personal and professional development?

What are the company's plans for the future?

What is your expectation of the successful applicant in the first six months of being in the role?

How did this position become available (rather than why is the position available)?

How many people make up the team?

When can I expect to hear from you?

PANEL INTERVIEW TIPS

A panel interview or committee interview is an interview where you are meeting with one or more people representing the company you have applied with. One advantage of a panel interview is that they can be less time consuming and will give you a chance to meet more than one person. This can help them make an accurate assessment and decision. Tips;

  • Prepare yourself the same way you would with an individual interview.
  • While in the interview be sure to answer the person who asked the specific question, whilst periodically keeping eye contact with each panel member.
  • It is a good idea to memorise your resume so you can quickly reference your experience and job history when needed.
  • Body language and behavior is very important during panel interview.
  • Take note of each panel member’s name so you can address them later.
  • You should come prepared to ask the panel members some questions after your interview.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Following the interview, the selection team will decide who is most suitable for the job. They may contact your referees for confirmation of your skills, abilities and experiences. Once their recommendation is approved, the successful applicant will be offered the job.

Some organisations may let you know quickly if you’ve been successful, others may take longer. You can ask about the expected timeframe for filling the job at the interview. If you haven’t heard anything in the weeks after the interview, call the contact person and enquire about a timeframe for announcing the decision.

If you are unsuccessful you can seek feedback from the contact person. You may wish to seek feedback about;

  • Your performance at the interview or on other assessmentactivities.
  • Your strengths and those areas where you may need to improve your skills, abilities or gain more experience.

REVIEWING YOUR PROGRESS

If you do not get an interview after sending in an application, or do not get a job after attending an interview it is a good idea to review your cover letter, resume and your performance at the interview. Things to think about;

  • Does your application highlight your skills and abilities required to perform the position?
  • Is your resume current and made relevant to the position you are applying for?
  • Does your cover letter address the criteria in the advertisement?
  • Was my appearance too casual or untidy?
  • Did I know enough about the company?
  • Did I speak clearly when answering questions?
  • Were my references suitable?