Overview Learning objectives Keywords

Overview

This presentation covers the writing of a contemporary resume, a cover or application letter as well as addressing a selection criteria

•Learn to tailor a resume and cover/application letter

•Using the STAR or SAO technique learn how to address a selection criteria•Do’s and Dont’s when applying for a job

Learning objectives Keywords

Outcomes

By the end of the presentation participants learnt how to write a tailored resume and cover letter specifically to an advertisedjob .

Participants understand that resumes and cover letter may differ from job to jobParticipants are able to distinguish between the contents of a resume and a cover letter

Participants are able to respond to a selection criteria and give examples using the STAR or SAO techniqueParticipants are given the option to book a follow up appointment with Career Decisions for a 1:1 consultation – a fee will be charged

Selection Criteria Duration: 3 hrs Resume writing Cover letter

Get that job

Resume writing

Why do we need a resume – what is the purpose of a resume?

• It is a marketing tool

• It is part of the requirement of your job application

• It is an advertisement for you –• A snapshot of your skills, qualifications and experiences

Purpose

• To get an interview with an employer

Resume writing

ActivityGroup 1 –What information should be on a resume?

Group 2What information should NOT be on a resume?

3. Taxonomy

Information that should be on your resume

• Full Name, Address, Mobile and Email address, LinkedIn• Profile Statement• Qualifications, Education and Training, relevant PD’s• Affiliations• Skills and Experiences (refer to JDF) – soft skills, transferable skills• Licences, CV Check, WWCC• Work history• Work experience placements and volunteer/community work• Referees (2 professional referees)

Resume writing

3. Taxonomy

Information that should NOT be on your resume

• Any Personal data – DOB or age, marital status, Religion, Tax File Number, Drivers Licence Number, Passport Number

• Number of dependents, kids

• Family details

• Height, Weight – Photo

• Nationality

• Any other irrelevant information which does not relate to your work history

Resume writing

4. Phylum: Chordata

How much time do you think employers typically spend to review a resume?

A. 3 minutes

B. Less than 30 seconds

C. 1 minute

Answer: less than 30 seconds

Resume writing

Class: Mammalia (mammals)n: “Rat”

Pay attention to:Formatting

✓ White, clean paper, single-sided printing

✓ No coloured borders or headings

✓ Easy to read fonts

Font style Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri

Font size 11 or 12

Spacing 1pt or 1.15pt

Black fonts – No fancy fonts or colours

Maximum 3 pages

Grammar and Spelling

Always review your documents, No Mistakes Allowed!

Resume writing


Remember…..

A good resume will encourage an employer to read it in more detail

Employers need to be able to see quickly if there is a match to their requirements

Some employers are very particular about mistakes or poor formatting

An employer may not read a resume that needs lots of effort to find information

A well-presented resume shows that you are professional and organised

Resume writing


Tailoring a resume

• Remember that EVERY job application may require you to TAILOR your resume

• Identify and use key words from the advertisement

• Know the sector, i.e. Mental health, Youth Homelessness, DV

• Highlight your interest, experiences and expertise in the sector

• Do NOT use abbreviations, make inappropriate references or biases and leave out irrelevant information

• Put yourself in the shoes of the reader – would you employ yourselves?

• Proof read, proof read, proof read

Resume writing


B R E A K

Resume writing

Cover Letter writing

Simple steps to write a cover letter


Structure

• Contact section – your name, address, mobile number, email address

• Company you are writing to –full name, address

• Date you are writing/sending your application

• Subject line in bold: The job title

• Introduction

• Why you? Past/current Experiences, Skills, Qualifications

• What can you bring to this organisation – show your reconnaissance

• Refer to your attached resume (and other documents)

• Be confident to get an interview

• Sign Cover letter


What is an application or cover letter ?

• A cover letter is your formal introduction to an employer

• It should draw attention to your resume but not just repeat what is already on your resume – you need to tailor your cover letter

• It allows you to show your interest in the advertised job, provide more information about yourself and explain your suitability for the job

• It is like a sales letter that should attract employers so they want to contact you for an interview


• The ultimate goal of writing a cover letter is to GET AN INTERVIEW

• It should be brief (one page) and well written, using a business letter format

• It needs to be tailored to the advertised role, highlight your skills and experience

• It should be addressed to the right person, in the right company, for the right role and on the right date

• Use similar words and terms to the advertisement


DO’s and DON’T’SDO’s

• Use correct business language

• Address your letter to the specific person

• Finish your letter with ‘regards’ or ‘yours sincerely’

• Use active verbs

• Make sentences short, informative and substantial

• Use easy to read font

• All margins should be of the same size

Dont’s

• No spelling, grammar, syntax, or punctuation mistakes

• Avoid using trite language or jargon

• Never use “to whom it may concern”

• Do not turn your cover letter into a story of your life

• If too short, make it look well balanced and accurate

• Avoid copy and paste previous application letters


Sample Outline for Cover Letters

Your NameYour AddressSUBURB WA PostcodeYour Telephone NumberYour Email

Date in full (e.g. 1 December 2020)

Employer’s Name (e.g. Ms Jane Smith)Job TitleCompany NameCompany address or Email

Dear Mr/Ms Employer OR Dear Sir or Madam

Paragraph 1: Explain the basic reason for the letter. What job are you applying for? Include reference number if applicable. Where and when did you see the position advertised? When applying for a job that has not been advertised, state how you heard about the position.

Paragraph 2: Briefly outline how your technical and transferable skills match the position. Refer to any relevant qualifications you may have and previous work experience or voluntary work that matches the role you are applying for. Demonstrate that your skills are suitable to the requirements of the company. When applying for a job that has not been advertised, follow the same principles.

Paragraph 3: Mention how your personal skills enhance and support your technical abilities and state that you would highly regard an opportunity to work for the company. Mention any relevant knowledge of the company that you have obtained by researching online.

Paragraph 4: Mention you have attached a resume.

Paragraph 5: State your availability for an interview and include your contact number.

Yours sincerely

Cover Letter writing• Jane Smith

Jane Smith2 Magnolia WayMIRRABOOKA WA 6061M: 0450 000 111E: [email protected]

12 February 2019

David CitizenManagerMayflower Care ServicesMaylands WA 6051

Re: Job Application – Administration Officer Maylands (Temporary)

Dear Mr Citizen,

I am writing to apply for the position of Administration Officer (temporary) at Mayflower Care Services, which was advertised online at SEEK. With strong communication skills and exceptional administrational skills, I’m an efficient team member with multitasking abilities to ensure a smooth flow within the office.

I have enclosed my resume to support my application. It shows that I would bring important skills to the position, including:• Having over 10 years of experience working in administrative roles for various industries, including community, home and aged care services, such as Juniper, Amana Living, and DisabilityWA.• My skills include excellent customer service, sound interpersonal skills to communicate with internal and external providers, as well as liaising families.• Having received awards as a recognition of my excellent performance, voted by both staff as well as the customers.• Enthusiasm, cooperative, adaptable and a quick learner are some of my strong traits which enables me to ensure the completion of my duties on a daily basis.• Posses proficient computer skills and extensive social media knowledge for marketing purposes.In addition, I also hold a Diploma in Business, current Police Clearance, Driver’s Licence Class C-Auto and own vehicle, to meet the additional requirements of the position.

Mayflower Care Services has been of interest to me since the expansion of their services to the eastern and northern suburbs, reflecting a steady business growth in the industry. I was also impressed by the mission statement to improve the well-being and equality of their clients, which is line with the values that I uphold personally. My background experience in the disability services coupled with strong interpersonal skills will be a valuable addition to your organisation.

My resume is attached with more details of my skills and experience. I look forward to meeting you to discuss my application in more detail at an interview. I can be contacted in the above telephone number or email.

Yours sincerely,Jane Smith

mailto:[email protected]

Cover Letter writing 10 Tips

1. Letter geared for specific job opening

-Adapt letter to needs of the job you want

-Refer to that job in opening sentences

2. Describe your related skills

-Tie your experience to your skills

- Show how they directly relate to the job description

3. Make it person

- Address the letter to a specific person if you can

4. Create a catchy opener

- Open with attention-grabbing sentences

- Describe why you are the best for the job

5. Include vital information

- Name, address, mobile and email

- Should be clearly visible

- First thing reader will need to contact you

Cover Letter writing 10 Tips - continued

6. Type and proofread

- Its your fist impression – make it good

- Be sure it’s neat and professional

- Check and correct mistakes

- Use same font/size

7. Keep it brief

-use action words, active sentences

- Limit letter to one page

- Three to five paragraphs

8. Be confident, creative, enthusiastic

- It’s a tool to sell your best asset –YOU !

- Let your personality shine in your letter

9. Keep copies

-electronically

10. Request a response

- Your letter is written to get an interview – ask for one!

Selection Criteria

What is a Selection criteria

A list of the skills, attributes, experience, knowledge and qualifications required which an organisation decides is necessary for someone to perform effectively in a position

It is used as part of the process of selecting the most suitable, experienced, and qualified person for the job

Employers use selection criteria as part of the shortlisting process to decide who to interview

Selection Criteria

A Selection Criteria is listed as part of the job description

You MUST follow the application instructions – either as a separate

document or as part of a cover letter

For each criterion you must provide EVIDENCE of your claims through

relevant, recent and specific work-related or other examples.

Most selection criteria have 2 sections:

Essential – you MUST have this experience, skill or qualification

Desireable – it is preferred that have this experience, skill or

qualification

Both sections MUST be addressed

Selection Criteria Do’s and Don’t’s

Do’s

Address both essential and

desirable criteria

Use relevant and current examples

Use clear and concise language

(no jargon, abbreviations)

Be honest and factual

Refer to positive outcomes and

achievements

Don’t’s

Repeat what is already stated in your resume

Write lengthy responses without any examples

Leave responses blank

Change the sequence of the criterion

Selection Criteria

STAR Technique

STAR approach provides a framework for your answers:S = Situation (your role, your responsibilities, what occurred)T = Task(the problem or opportunity)A = Action(the action you took, your contribution)R = Result(the outcome, achievements, quantify if possible)

Selection Criteria

SAO Technique

SAO is another way to structure your responses:

S = Situation

(set the context and what occurred)

A = Action

(what you did and how you did it)

0 = Outcome

(the result of your actions

Selection Criteria

Examples of how to address a selection criteria

Criterion: Sound project management skills

Situation

Throughout my career I have been involved in many project management roles, with my position at Company Y for the last 5 years particularly focused on refurbishments and new fit-outs. As the Project Manager, I steered the project team from initiation, planning, execution, monitoring/controlling through to completion and delivery of the projects

Selection Criteria


Task

One particular project had a very short timeframe and a number of issues, both expected and unexpected, which arose during the course of the project

Selection Criteria


Action

In consultation with my team I ensure that the project plan included a comprehensive risk management plan, clear allocation of team roles, timeframes that allowed for delays and detailed reporting and communication protocols. When issues arose, I followed up promptly with the client and the project team so they were resolved as quickly as possible.

Selection Criteria


Result

As a result of the detailed planning and implementation processes, the project was delivered on budget and on time. The client was very satisfied and has since contracted Company Y to manage another major project.

Selection Criteria

Questions ?

Selection Criteria

Contact details

Marion Haas

Mobile 0477 841 609

Email [email protected]

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-haas-60a27a22/

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-haas-60a27a22/

Overview Learning objectives Keywords

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