Work-Study Employment Preparation Resources
Having trouble writing a cover letter for a job you are applying for? Not sure how to set out your resume? Nervous about your job interview and not sure what to do or expect? Below are some helpful resources to help you write a good cover letter that covers all aspects of the position you are applying for, make your resume looks presentable enough to give to employers for employment and tips and information which may assist you in preparing for job interviews.
Did you know – employers substantially cut job applications, for many reasons:
- There are obvious errors in your cover letter and/or resume i.e. spelling mistakes and grammar
- Your application (mainly in your cover letter) does not address essential criteria and requirements outlined in the job advertisement
- Your cover and/or resumes are too long – they don’t have time to read it
For this reason, it is important that for you to master the basic points as to how to write cover letters and resumes. You will find a brief overview of points and tips that may be helpful for you in writing your cover letter and/or resume, and also useful information which may assist you in preparing for job interview. There are also helpful resources JCUB students can access to assist you in writing your resume, your cover letter and going for your job interview
Helpful Resources
RESUME
Your resume is a very important marketing tool! Therefore it is important that your resume looks professional. It is also important to ensure that all information in your resume is up-to-date, true and correct.
Ensure that your resume:
- Is no more than 4 pages – remember, employers don’t have time to read
- Is on plain white paper, not coloured
- The font size is 12 pt size and in either Arial or Times New Roman font style
- Is honest! Don’t write things on your resume that you haven’t done.
- When outlining your work experience, indicate all of your responsibility. Non-Australian experience is OK!
- Be careful of your formatting! Avoid using boxes and tables.
- You must provide two work related references – make sure you have asked permission.
- Get a friend or make an appointment to see a consultant to have your grammar & spelling checked
- It is important to be creative and individual – avoid copying your friends resumes and skills lists – it wont reflect you individually and if your resume is sent to the same employer, they will notice!
COVER LETTER
When employers request candidates to supply a cover letter along with their resume upon applying for positions, the cover letter will be the first document employers will read. Therefore individuals should ensure that their cover letter is created in a way that will capture the employer’s interest in you and your resume.
It is a good idea to include these points:
- Show why you are writing
- Indicate how you will benefit the company
- Convince the employer to ask you for an interview
Cover letters target your skills, highlight your selling points and answer the following questions:
- Can you do the job? What are your abilities, skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications? explain
- Will you do the job well? Are you motivated, dependable, enthusiastic? explain
- Will you fit into the organization? Do you match the company’s image, values and goals? Will you get along well with clients and co-workers? Explain
What should a cover letter look like?
- A cover letter should be typed on computer on plain white A4 paper
- It should be in a basic font such as Arial, Times New Romans in 12 pt fonts.
- Leave space around the edges and clear space between each paragraph. (it is not necessary to alter the margins around the page)
- Staple your cover letter neatly to your resume
Important points about cover letters
- When applying for jobs, your cover letter should be customised according to each advertisement. Creating a standard resume and sending it to every job advertisement is not effective.
- Read job advertisements carefully, some advertisements will inform the reader on what they are looking for in a candidate, those points should be addressed in your cover letter.
- Ask a friend or an academic staff member to proof read your cover letter to ensure you do not have spelling errors or grammatical errors and that your cover letter flows.
If you require further assistance in how to write a cover letter, an appointment can be arranged so you can sit with a consultant and go through how to write a cover letter, these appointments can be made by lodging an online form and selecting the appropriate boxes. Above are some cover letter example resources which also may assist you in writing your cover letter.
INTERVIEW
Some people become overly nervous and anxious about job interviews. There are effective ways of minimising the overwhelming feeling which include being prepared, knowing and understanding what the job will involve, knowing and having an understanding of the company or employer and what their services or products are, and most importantly, having confidence in yourself!
Did You Know:
Your appearance makes an instant impression when meeting people for the first time (actually, in the first 30 seconds). Statistics show that when we meet new people the impact we make is via:
- 55% - the way we dress, act and walk through the door
- 38% - the quality of our voice grammar and overall confidence, and a mere…
- 7% - from what we actually say
It is always a good idea to prepare for an interview a day or two beforehand; preparation could involve the following points:
- Research the company & understand the position requirements
- Organise your clothing. What will you wear? What is appropriate?
- Work out where you are going and how you will get there
- Practice your questions – what will you ask? How will you answer?
- Have your resume & other paperwork ready
- Know who you are meeting – the name of the interviewer
Other helpful tips which can also minimise anxiety about job interview can include:
- Arrive 10 minutes early – Gather your thoughts, relax. Are you at the right place?
- Greet the interviewer, smile, show confidence.
- Be careful of your body language!
- Be ready to ask suitable questions
- Be positive – talk about your skills, job experience and qualifications, tell them about good grades.
- Avoid Negatives – talking about personal problems, things that are not in relation to the job, hourly pay.
- It is ok to talk about pay if the interviewer mentions it. Ask about the pay rate at the end if they ask if you have questions. Avoid mentioning it at the beginning of the interview – this may show the interviewer that the pay is the only thing you are interested in!
If you require further assistance in how to prepare for an interview, an appointment can be arranged so you can sit with a consultant to discuss how to prepare for an interview; these appointments can be made by lodging an online form and selecting the appropriate boxes. Above are some helpful resources which also may assist you in preparing for your interview.