Our tips on getting through the Job Seeking process!

Thursday, 8 August 2019

Starting the job seeking process can be a difficult task and often leaves you wondering where and how to start! Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with our top tips in getting through that job seeking process and landing your next job!

RESUME’S:

If not prepared, resumes can be a daunting task. It’s hard to know what to include or how to lay it out, so here are our tips on building a resume:

• Don’t include unnecessary details. By this, we mean your age, address or anything that isn’t your name, contact details or work history. They don’t need to know these just yet so best to keep them off.
• Make sure your referees are up to date and they still have the correct contact details!
• Ensure that your referees actually know that you’re using them as a reference. There is nothing worse than a recruitment officer calling your referees and having them reply with “who?”  
• Link your LinkedIn account (if you have one) but don’t link other social media platforms. Recruitment officers don’t need to know about your Instagram feed or what you did last weekend so best to just keep it professional with LinkedIn.
• Try not to have your resume longer than 3 pages. If you’re getting to the +3 page mark then it may be worth looking at what is relevant to the job you’re applying for and what can be taken off.
• Your email and voice message should be professional. If you’re still using the old MSN email address it’s time to update to something professional.

COVER LETTERS & KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• 1 page is more than enough when it comes to a cover letter! Any more than 1 page and the reader may lose interest. Keep it concise and to the point.
• Make sure you address the job requirements in your cover letter. Go through the advertisement and tick off each one as you mention it, even give examples of when you have shown these capabilities.
• If you’re required to fill out Key Selection Criteria, you should address every point they give you. This can be in dot point form or short paragraphs. Don’t make these answers too long, a paragraph will usually do!
• Be sure to include their list of requirements of the Key Selection Criteria. We suggest doing this in bold above your answer or something similar that keeps their criteria and your answer distinguished.

FOLLOW UP

• Don’t be afraid to give them a call a few weeks after the ads closing date to see how your application is going. This will show them that you’re serious about the role and might put you back in their mind and take some extra time to look at your resume.
• If you’ve received an interview and are waiting to hear back, don’t hesitate to contact them. Unless they specify their timeline in an interview, give it 2 weeks then contact them and see how your application is going.

If you’re still stuck on how to write a resume or any part of the job seeking process, Wodonga TAFE has professionals who can help you through this process and offer advice on the above and more! 

Contact our Skills and Jobs Centre on 1300 698 233 or head to the Wodonga TAFE website to book an appointment!