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Job Search Toolkit

Careers and Employability Team

Telephone: +61 9360 2596 Email: careers@murdoch.edu.au Website: www.careers.murdoch.edu.au

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CONTENTS

HOW TO WRITE: RESUMES ...................................................................................................................... 2

HOW TO WRITE: COVER LETTERS .......................................................................................................... 6

HOW TO ADDRESS: SELECTION CRITERIA ............................................................................................. 9

SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWS .................................................................................................................... 12

HOW TO USE: LINKEDIN .......................................................................................................................... 14

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER USEFUL LINKS ............................................................ 15

Additional Resources, details on Job Search Workshops / Presentations and Student / Graduate

opportunities in industry can be found on myMurdochCareer.

www.murdoch.edu.au/myMurdochCareer

Connect with us on Social Media!

Search for ‘Murdoch University Careers & Employability’

on Facebook and LinkedIn

HOW TO WRITE: RESUMES

Your resume is a marketing tool selling YOU! It should:

- be concise, truthful and tailored to the position / industry you are interested in (i.e. includes

keywords included in the job advert or language used in your chosen industry);

- set you apart from other students / graduates with similar qualifications by highlighting your

achievements and experiences (both paid and unpaid); and

- project a friendly but professional tone leaving the reader wanting to move you to the next stage

of the recruitment process.

The following is recommended to be included in your resume:

NAME and CONTACT DETAILS: No heading required, just your preferred first name and

surname (enlarged), followed by address, mobile contact number, email address. You can also

add a link to your LinkedIn profile here if you have one. Remember to keep it tight!

PROFILE STATEMENT or PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY: This is your chance to promote what

you offer, not what you are looking for (it is not a career objective). Heading is optional. It should

be two to three sentences long or use dot points highlighting:

- your degree status

- any relevant strength / skill areas

- a key experience (if you have one)

- motivation / how you could add value in your industry of interest.

SKILLS: List 3-5 specific skills required for the position / industry. Include both discipline specific

and transferrable employability skills. Provide a brief example to evidence each skill. The job

advert can help you to generate a relevant skills list or you can search LinkedIn profiles to see

what skills have been listed by others in your chosen industry.

EDUCATION AND ADDITIONAL TRAINING: List most recent first. Include all majors / minors and

don’t abbreviate. Only include High School if completed less than 5 years ago, beyond that

consider leaving off unless it is related to the position you are applying for. Include any

achievements (e.g. awards/student competition prizes / study abroad experiences, industry

projects) and if you have done well, your GPA or name 2- 3 units you were strong in (include

grades). Also include other courses and training you have completed, including the institution or

training provider.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Again list most recent first and Include both paid and unpaid

experience here e.g. internships, placements, related volunteer work. For specific positions / job

roles include a brief list of key responsibilities (max. 5 dot points) any achievements for each.

OTHER EXPERIENCE: In a similar format to your relevant skills, this section lists details of

unrelated on-the-job experiences such as ‘Cashier’ at a supermarket. This experience is important

to mention as it demonstrates transferrable employability skills such as interpersonal,

organisational and team skills, but keep it brief! If you have more than 10 years unrelated (other)

experience, consider combining, summarizing or leaving off.

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PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS / MEMBERSHIPS: List any professional or student associations

/ societies you are a member of (e.g. English Tutoring Collective). Committee roles are also

important to include. (See “Professional Associations and other useful links” and the Guild).

REFEREES: Make sure you ask permission from your chosen (2 – 3) referee contacts and keep

them up to date only when you get short listed for an interview. List their full name, job title,

organisation name, phone number and email. Remember, you can include an Academic who

knows you if you are short on employment / volunteer work referees). NOTE: If there is no

position advertised and you are just getting your resume out to potential employers then state

“Referees are available upon request” in this section.

RESUME CHECKLIST:

Dos

• Use keywords found in the job advert (e.g. relevant skills and/or language of the employer), but do it naturally, so that it makes sense.

• Keep it short (1-2 pages for inexperienced students and up to 3 pages if you have a lengthy previous work history). Tip: Narrowing the margins can help reduce pages.

• Use a standard, freely available font throughout and go for 10 – 12 point in size.

• Keep format simple and consistent, making sure dot points and indents line up.

• Use short statements or bullet points (avoid lengthy sentences / paragraphs).

• Seek permission from your referees to include them and keep them up to date if you get shortlisted for an interview.

• Include clearances / checks / residency status if they are a requirement.

• Read your resume aloud to yourself and ask someone you trust to read it for feedback.

Don’ts

• Don’t include borders, tables, boxes, pictures and graphics in case Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software is used to “pre-filter” your resume (keep it simple). These features can accidently filter out your resume before it is viewed by employers.

• Make sure there are NO spelling or grammatical errors

Don’t include date of birth, marital status, religion, health, children, or student

temporary visa details.

Sample Resume: DO NOT COPY. To be used for ideas to create / up-date your own

CHARLIE LAURENT 24 Barker Avenue I MURDOCH WA 6150 I M: 0407 225 991 I E: Charlie.1234@murdoch.edu.au I LinkedIn

(hyperlink if you have a profile)

A final year Communication / Criminology student with training and experience as a Drumbeat Facilitator in a youth correctional facility. Proven capacity for effectively engaging with young people and offenders, exposure to cultural diversity, an ability to deal with difficult behaviours and writing proposals. Focused on improving the social skills of those marginalised in society, reducing anxiety and increasing feelings of self-worth in young people. EDUCATION & ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor of Communication and Bachelor of Criminology (combined degree) (20??) Murdoch University. (Credit/Distinction average) SKILLS (tailor this list depending on employer needs) Communication / Interpersonal Drumbeat Facilitator – advising, teaching and motivating. Volunteer Tutor - providing reading and creative writing support to local primary school students from lower socio-economic areas and liaising with teaching staff. Secretary – Amnesty International (Murdoch Group). Set agendas, write and distribute minutes and lobby for new members. Leadership / Team Skills Student group leader - “Restorative Education and its Social Impact Project”(20??) Research Awarded a Distinction for “Developing Research Skills and Methods” unit. Research Papers – “Study of the impact of Drumbeat on the mental health of young offenders” 20?? IT Skills Microsoft Office Suite, Online communication / collaboration using Zoom (include any industry specific software here too) RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Drumbeat Facilitator, Holyoake 20?? to date Conducted two hourly sessions combining drumming and discussion for young offenders under the age of 21. Developed and applied strategies to improve the social skills of the client group which in turn reduces anxiety experienced by some of the group participants. Tutor, Amaze of Story 20?? to date

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This creative writing program gives children aged 7 – 12 the opportunity to foster their creative voices and have their ideas shared and respected. These children who have most difficulty contributing to class or progressing through are specifically targeted. Currently tutoring an indigenous student to write their own story using their imagination and articulating those thoughts into a cohesive, meaningful piece of writing. OTHER EXPERIENCE Waiter (20?? – 20??) The Manor Restaurant Achievement: asked to provide Assistant Manager relief within four months. PROFESSIONAL AFFILITATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS Amnesty International Murdoch Group – Committee Member / Secretary Western Australian Association for Mental Health – Student Member

REFEREES

Dr Henry Green

Senior Lecturer

College of Arts, Business, Law and Social Sciences

Murdoch University

Tel: (08) 9360 3456

Email: H.Green@murdoch.edu.au

David Jones

Drumbeat Coordinator

Holyoake

Tel: (08) 6777 7777

Email: d.Jones@holyoake.org.au

HOW TO WRITE: COVER LETTERS

A cover letter is usually the first thing an employer / recruiter will read. It is the formal introduction

to your application and needs to have impact. Expressing yourself enthusiastically, highlighting

what you know about the organisation and detailing how you would add value are key in making a

good first impression.

Start by researching the organisation and industry in which it operates and thoroughly read

through the job advert (if there is one). This includes any selection criteria / key requirements

and/or the job description. You then need to find out what the employer is looking for in the ideal

candidate and customise or tailor your cover letter, showcasing your capabilities to meet the

employer’s needs. Your cover letter should:

• express your motivation and excitement at the prospect of working for the organisation and/or

industry;

• communicate that you have done your research and know the organisation – it’s core

business, new initiatives / projects and the values they consider important in employees, then

relate back to you to suggest you would fit in well with the team; and

• highlight relevant experiences and explain how you have developed key skills, attributes and

knowledge.

Make sure you know who to address your application to. If the job advert doesn’t mention who the

application should be sent to, do your best to find out – try to get a name and the position of the

person you are communicating with. This may require some investigation or a phone call.

Avoid repeating too much information that is already detailed in your resume as your cover letter is

really your introduction to you as an individual highlighting the key points you want to

communicate about yourself with a clear orientation to the requirements of the advertised position.

Use dot points if there are a number of selection criteria / key requirements to address in the cover

letter (this is sometimes the case – follow all instructions carefully). See “How to Address

Selection Criteria” for further details.

COVER LETTER CHECKLIST

• Read all job application instructions carefully and follow them! (If a contact person is

included in the job advert, phone them up and ask more about the role and what they

are specifically looking for in the ideal candidate).

• Use professional business format (left justified) and make sure date is accurate.

• No spelling or grammatical errors.

• Keep the letter to one page in length or to the length specified in the job advert (it

can be longer when the Selection Criteria / Work Related Requirements need to be

addressed within the letter).

• Use a standard font type / a size that is easy to read.

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• Do your research and find a person’s name and job title to write to (if you can) and

clearly identify the position you are applying for.

• Sign the letter “Yours Sincerely” or “Warm Regards” followed by your name.

• Clearly identify the position you are applying for.

• Be creative with the opening of each paragraph so that you are not always beginning

with “I”.

• Investigate the organisation – focus on their services, values and new initiatives /

projects. Research where they are within their industry and how you match the

employer’s needs.

• Be sure to address the skills and experience outlined in the job advert but don’t

make any unsupported or false statements about yourself.

• Take the time to tailor or customise your cover letter to the position for which you

are applying for. A standard template will often be overlooked and is NOT

recommended.

• Be creative with the opening of each paragraph, avoid repetition e.g. Don’t’ start with

“I” multiple times.

GENERAL COVER LETTER FORMAT

Full name of person letter is addressed to

NOTE: You may need to do some research to get a contact name

Job title

Organisation

Postal Address

Date (in full)

Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs/Dr/Prof.

Re: Position title and quote reference number if there is one (in bold)

Paragraph 1: Why are you writing? How did you find out about the position? If an unsolicited

letter (no job advert), what kind of position you are seeking and why?

Paragraph 2: Why are you interested in the advertised position or the particular organisation?

What attracts you to the position / job role or profession? Research what the organisation does /

its values / special projects / areas of specialisation etc. and describe how the position appeals or

suits you.

E.g. Organisation X values: Willingness to have a go, Being open and authentic, Having a hunger

for growth, Embracing Differences and Building Relationships – relate these back to you.

Paragraph 3: How do you match the requirements of the position - education, skills, attributes,

experience etc.. Highlight any relevant successes that may set you apart from other candidates or

students. Try not to make any unsubstantiated claims i.e. provide concrete evidence and

examples where you can.

E.g. Organisation X is looking for -

People who demonstrate integrity, respect, and team skills.

People with energy, enthusiasm, and the courage to lead.

People who build relationships based on doing the right thing.

NOTE: You may be required to address Selection Criteria / Work Related Requirements in this

section. List each one separately and see How to Address Selection Criteria below for further

details.

Paragraph 4: Mention you would be appreciative for the opportunity to discuss your application

further. If applying for an advertised position, clarify how you can be contacted for further

information (include your contact number / email address). If you are submitting an unsolicited

letter (no position advertised), specify a time period when you will follow up (say 1-2 weeks).

Close with “Yours sincerely” or “Warm regards”

Your preferred first name and surname

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HOW TO ADDRESS:

SELECTION CRITERIA Selection criteria are typically requested by employers to ensure applicants have the qualifications,

skills, attributes and knowledge required to successfully perform well in the available position. Not

all job adverts will clearly outline the selection criteria, so it may be necessary to analyse the

advert in more detail to identify exactly what the employer is looking for e.g. “Demonstrated ability

to work collaboratively” = teamwork skills.

Addressing selection criteria is the most important aspect of your application. Your ability

to successfully identify, understand and respond in full to each criterion will significantly

affect your chances of being short listed for an interview. In addition, well-structured answers

to the selection criteria will be beneficial should you be invited to attend an interview, as questions

asked are often based around the selection criteria.

The task of addressing selection criteria can often seem daunting and very time consuming.

However, it is important to respect the process and put the effort in. If you miss this step (and it is

a requirement), employers have every right to disregard your application entirely. However once

you have done it for one job application, you can use similar content for future applications.

There are several components to keep in mind when addressing the selection criteria, outlined

below.

o Some job adverts ask you to address selection criteria within your cover letter or separately

(read all the information provided and follow the instructions to make sure your

application is considered).

o Address each criterion separately, writing the criterion (word for word) at the top of each

response.

o If the advert asks for a cover letter of no more than two pages (for example), including how you

meet the selection criteria, ensure you are able to address each criterion within the space

limitations provided.

o Some job adverts may list essential criteria and desirable criteria. Whilst the essential criteria

are more important, the desirable criteria should NOT be forgotten. Candidates that answer

ALL the criteria will usually be preferred over those who focus only on the essential criteria, if

the competition is tough.

o When asked to “Demonstrate” a skill, attribute or knowledge, you need to provide evidence

using detailed examples from your studies and other experiences such as relevant placements,

volunteer work, community activities, work history, involvement with university clubs / societies

etc.. Vague or unsubstantiated answers will not convince an employer you have what they are

looking for.

o Select a range of experiences to promote your skills, attributes and knowledge - use recent

examples from a number of different settings. NOTE: They don’t all have to be positive

experiences, you may want to highlight what you learnt from something you found difficult.

o When outlining specific examples to demonstrate your skills, attributes or knowledge, use the

STAR method:

SITUATION – Provide a brief outline of the setting (e.g. at University, part-time work-place)

TASK – Outline what you did or the challenge you faced

ACTION – Describe (using Action words) how you went about completing the task

RESULT – What was the result? How was it measured / acknowledged? What did you learn

from the experience or will do differently next time?

o Use “I” instead of “we” when providing evidence, even if the example refers to working

collaboratively (you need to explain your role).

o Use the right tense throughout the document for past and present experiences. E.g. “Last

semester I was involved in…” or “In my current volunteer support role I need to ensure …”

o Assume the reader knows nothing about your experiences when describing them. If you use

acronyms in your examples, write them out in full the first time, then use the acronym

throughout the rest of your document e.g. Murdoch Student Emerging Leaders (MSEL)

program.

o Never leave a criterion blank or state that you don’t meet it (even if it is only “Desirable”). If you

feel you can’t provide an example or don’t have the experience, mention that you have done

something similar and explain that.

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Sample Selection Criteria response: DO NOT COPY. To be used for ideas to create

your own.

Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member and the potential to lead work teams.

(Introduction) I thoroughly enjoy a collaborative approach to delivering effective outcomes. I am a

people focused person and have often demonstrated my skills through various groupwork activities

at university as well as work team environments.

(Situation and Task) For example throughout my Communication degree several project tasks

were carried out in small groups ranging from 2 – 6. Through this experience I observed the value

of team members offering different perspectives based on their diverse backgrounds and strengths.

(Action) I ensured that while working in groups, friction did not escalate and I developed useful

strategies to address this, such as active listening and developing an awareness of cultural

sensitivities. I also led my example – being accountable, implementing the suggestions of others

agreed upon by the group and effectively communicating my own ideas in a respectful manner.

(Result) I was awarded a “Distinction” for all my practical group work assessment at university

including: ?????

(Situation) In addition to my studies, I was also selected to participate in a co-curricular Student

Leadership Program earlier this year (my final year). (Task) The Murdoch Student Emerging

Leaders (MSEL) program offered by the Guild involved working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary

student team (with three other Murdoch students) over a four month period, delivering on a real-life

project with a not-for-profit community organisation. (Action and Result) We undertook a project

in consultation with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service to promote awareness and donations

amongst the Murdoch student population. Through a number of on-campus initiatives requiring a

co-ordinated approach, our team increased donor registrations and general awareness amongst the

Murdoch community, exceeding the expectations of Red Cross staff. I was able to contribute my

strong organisation skills and ability to effectively liaise with Murdoch University / Guild staff

members in a persuasive manner, resulting in a successful outcome.

SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWS

Preparation prevents poor performance!

Know the position: Re-read the job advert - focus on the skills, attributes and knowledge

required to perform well in the position e.g. analytical / problem solving skills, communication

skills, teamwork. This will help you anticipate some possible questions. Don’t underestimate what

you have learnt as a student, part-time employee or volunteer.

Know the employer: Research the organisation beyond their website - understanding the values

of the organisation will give you some ideas on how to promote yourself. You want to convince

them that you would be a good “cultural fit”.

Know yourself: Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses, career aspirations etc.

Confirm the interview details and ask for the names of the interviewer(s) – this will make it easier

to remember names on the day. You could also view interviewers LinkedIn profile(s) to get some

further background information (if they have one).

Practice your responses to possible questions – use a mirror, friend or family member, or a Career

Development Advisor (by appointment).

Prepare some insightful questions to ask your interviewers – this shows that you have thought

about the role and motivated to join their organisation. Some suggestions include: How will my

performance be measured? What type of employees really thrive in your organisation? What are

the key challenges faced by the successful candidate?

ON THE DAY: Plan your route and parking (if necessary) to arrive early (or if it is an online

interview, test your technology). Remember to turn your phone to silent, take off sunglasses and

take some deep breaths whilst you wait. Self-talk strategies such as “I am just as qualified for this

job as other candidates” and “I am well prepared” can also be useful. Be respectful to the

receptionist or anyone you encounter before the interview (you don’t know what influence they

may have!)

Dress for success – clean, comfortable, neat and tidy with a professional / conservative

appearance will indicate that you are an organised person and keen for the position. You can also

ring ahead to ask what is the typical dress standard. Avoid too much jewellery, perfume /

aftershave and recommend covering any tattoos.

Be aware of your body language

• Smile often

• Give a confident handshake and wait to be seated

• Look the interviewer(s) in the eye when responding to questions. If there are multiple

interviewers, include them

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• Don’t slouch or fidget and keep your hands away from your face

• Try to demonstrate confidence, knowing that you’ve already been shortlisted

Consider what you say

• Speak clearly and be specific (look out for “umms” and colloquialisms / slang)

• Be prepared to talk about your learning experiences from previous successes and failures –

this indicates your commitment to self-improvement

• If you get stuck or freeze up, ask for the question to be repeated, or revisited later in the

interview – when answering, try to be direct or provide a response that reflects your ability to

learn and adapt quickly

TYPICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: Interview questions can usually be identified as ‘Behavioural

Based’, ‘Career Orientated’ or ‘Self Awareness’ questions.

Behavioural Based Questions – require you to provide examples of past behaviour with the aim of

predicting future behaviours. For example:

• Tell me about a situation in which you had to deal with a difficult customer / client / student.

What did you do to handle the issue and what was the result? (employer is looking for an

example of your interpersonal skills)

• Describe a situation where you stepped up within a team in order to achieve results. What

were your actions? (employer is looking for an example of your team skills)

It can be useful to adopt the “STAR” method when answering Behavioural Questions:

SITUATION - Offer background information to provide the context

TASK - Outline what was required of you / the challenge faced or task undertaken

ACTION - Describe the steps you took to handle the situation

RESULT – Explain what you achieved and how your actions affected the outcome of the

situation. Always be positive and describe what you learnt from the experience or what

would you do differently next time.

Career Orientated Questions – these are asking you to look to the future

• Describe your definition of a successful “Digital Communications Officer”

• Why did you choose a Communications major? / What was your favourite unit at University?

Self-Awareness Questions – these will get you to reflect upon your abilities as well as areas for

improvement

• What is your greatest strength? Describe a weakness in the way you operate and identify

how you would go about changing this?

• Why would we employ you over other Creative Media graduates?

FINAL TIPS: Follow up with a brief thankyou email to the interviewer (or one from the panel),

highlighting your interest, adding anything you had forgotten to mention and thanking them again

for their time. If unsuccessful, seek feedback on your performance post interview. Try to find out

areas for improvement.

HOW TO USE: LINKEDIN

LinkedIn is a useful professional networking site that can help promote your “brand” or what you

have to offer 24/7. It is a useful way to showcase your achievements and examples of your work

by up-loading images / video etc.. It is therefore important to get your Profile right BEFORE

reaching out and engaging with others on LinkedIn.

Tailor your HEADLINE

e.g. “Final year Communications student and digital marketing experience”

Include a professional looking photo of you, with a plain background and a smile!

NO YES

ABOUT Section - Be concise and confident about where you are at as a student, what you have to offer and where you would like to take your degree (your career aspirations). Make the first 50 words count as this is what readers see before selecting “more’. Briefly mention any experiences related to your studies and include keywords used in your preferred industry. Promote your EDUCATION – Include FULL name of your degree. Highlight areas of competence (but do not list ALL your units). Add any short courses or industry certifications. Mention any academic awards, student competitions etc.. EXPERIENCE section – Don’t forget to include student experience / placements / related volunteer work etc.. Be strategic with “SKILLS” – list skills relevant to your industry. FOLLOW company / school pages and influences related to your career aspirations. What Next?

• Check Privacy and Communication Settings.

• Update your profile regularly, be active on LinkedIn, invite supervisors / university contacts / industry representatives you meet etc. to connect (with a personal note).

• Include your LinkedIn profile link on your Resume (allows employers to read more about you if they wish, given a profile can be longer than a tailored resume).

• Check out LinkedIn resources here: www.university.linkedin.com/linkedin-for-students.

“Opportunities do not float like clouds in the sky. They're attached to people. A great reason to

network”.

Reid Hoffman – Co-founder of LinkedIn

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND

OTHER USEFUL LINKS

Arts and Social Sciences

The Australian Sociological Association - www.tasa.org.au

Australian Institute of International Affairs - www.internationalaffairs.org.au

The Australian Historical Association - www.theaha.org.au

Communications and Creative Media

The Communications Council - www.communicationscouncil.org.au

Women in Media - www.womeninmedia.com.au

Public Relations Institute of Australia - www.pria.com.au

Society for Technical Communications - www.stc.org

Digital + Technology Collective - http://www.dtcollective.org.au

Screen Australia - www.screenaustralia.gov.au

Interactive Advertising Bureau - www.iabaustralia.com.au

Radio Info - www.radioinfo.com.au

Magazine Publishers in Australia - www.magazines.org.au

Australian Labour / Job market Information:

Job Outlook - joboutlook.gov.au

Labour market Portal - www.employment.gov.au/lmip

Jobs Directories:

GradConnection – www.au.gradconnection.com

GradAustralia – www.gradaustralia.com.au