Applying for jobs in the Australian Government – the Selection Process
If a role within the Australian government sounds like something you are interested in, then a job with the Australian Public Service (APS) is where you should start looking. The APS is Australia’s federal public service. There are currently 18 Departments and dozens of Agencies. Each of these organisations develops and administer policy and services for sectors. These sectors include defence, finance, environment, education, health, community services, workplace relations, immigration, science, tourism, transport and more. Applying for roles within the APS may seem daunting but our Canberra expert Jenny Carlin says with the right preparation, it’s not as hard as you think. Jenny has been supporting jobseekers write public sector applications for more than 20 years. We asked Jenny to give us her top tips on how to write an application that will get an interview. Understand Public Sector application requirements“It’s important to understand the role beyond the position description” says Jenny. “Before you jump into your application, speak to the Contact Officer. They provide more insight into the expectations and requirements of the role than the position description. This is particularly helpful if you are trying to decide if it is the right job for you or if you have the skills they are looking for.” Understand the application requirements. “Most APS roles will include an application kit that will tell you exactly what to submit with your application. Read this carefully to understand exactly what the employer wants. Make sure you are clear about the structure and length, how to submit the application, the preferred resume format and length, and the closing date”. “Once you’ve decided the position is a good fit for you and you know the application requirements, research the context of the role, and where the level sits within the ILS (Integrated Leadership System) – the APS competency framework. Knowing the competencies that the APS expect at each level will help you choose jobs, tailor your application and decide on examples of your experience at the appropriate level”. What are selection criteria?“Most of the time, your Resume or CV alone won’t be enough to get you an APS job. When applying for positions in the Public Service it’s expected that you will be asked to address selection criteria” explains Jenny. Selection criteria describe the personal qualities, skills, knowledge and qualifications (if any) you need to do the job successfully. They provide a consistent and broad tool to assess candidates against the position requirements. This helps selection panels find the right person for the role. The way you answer selection criteria will have a significant impact on how the selection team see your competencies compared to what they are looking for, and whether they shortlist you for an interview or not. Addressing selection criteriaOnce you have the application kit and know whether you have to write a great cover letter to complement a superb resume, you’re ready to start addressing the selection criteria. It is important to respond to each criterion. Applications are based on merit, so if you leave any criteria responses out, it is likely your applications will be disregarded. To respond to criteria, write one to two paragraphs that explain how you have demonstrated the particular skill or quality they require. Make sure you provide relevant examples from your work, study or community roles. “Make it relevant, succinct, and factual. Be specific with your evidence and steer away from broad, general statements about what you have done” advises Jenny. “Focus on outcomes and where possible highlight how successful you were in achieving the expectations of your previous roles. Focus on the competencies you used to make things happen.” Writing pitch statements for government rolesMore and more, agencies are asking candidates to prepare pitch statements that outline their suitability for the role. Often these statements are set to 1 or 2 pages or a limited number of words. However, regardless of whether the agency wants a ‘pitch’ or a response to a set number of criteria, the content (i.e. the examples of your work) will be similar. When writing your pitch, the first step is to create a structure. Structures help you present information in a way that makes it easy for readers understand how your skills fit the role. Structures also help keep you on track which is important with set word limits. Choose examples that showcase how you have the experience to do the role and why you are the best candidate. You can use a formula to present each example. There are many out there including: STAR: Situation, Task, Action ResultCAR: Circumstance, Action, ResultSAR: Situation, Action, ResultSAO: Situation, Action, Outcome.Regardless of your formula, identify a situation or challenge that you were presented with. Then detail what steps you took or what changes you made, to fix or improve the situation. Lastly, describe the outcomes or results that happened as a result of your actions. “The written application itself shows how well you communicate, but it also provides insight into other skills. If there is a word or page limit, make sure you stick to it. Lastly, don’t forget to edit your responses for grammar, spelling and punctuation!” How to startAre you ready for a career in the Australian public service? Look for position advertisements online at the APS Employment Gazette (the official journal that lists all appointments and vacancies in the APS, on agency websites (Find a list of agencies at www.australia.gov.au/directories/government-sites-by-portfolio), and on websites such as www.jobsearch.gov.au. For support writing selection criteria, resumes, CV’s or pitch statements, contact us below for a no obligation chat. Contact Form
Public Vs Private Sector – what’s a better fit for you?
A popular question from of our clients is the relative merits of roles in the private or public sector … Although there are great opportunities across both sectors they are different in flavour. Culture, practices, and regulations can differ significantly between the sectors so each will suit some people but not others. To help you make a smarter choice for your next job application, Successful Resumes has put together this short comparison to help illustrate the differences and similarities between the two. The Australian public sector includes local state and federal government agencies and departments funded by the taxpayer. Collectively they employ more people than any single private sector business in Australia. So is a job in the Australian public service for you?Security and GrowthThe public sector has a long tradition of being a high-security and growth sector. The Australian columnist Bernard Salt recently reported that “between the 2006 and 2016 censuses Australia’s population increased by 18 percent, as did the Australian workforce”. During this time, the public-sector workforce rose by 23% whereas the private sector rose by 16% to 8.932 million. He goes on to say that the “public sector is expanding faster than the rate of population growth and faster than the rate of job growth in the private sector.” This said the public service has been accused of being too slow to take up new innovations and technologies. Individuals looking for a more agile workplace should consider trading job security for dynamism and find their home in smaller, private enterprises. MoneyFor the majority of roles, you’re likely to see more money in the private sector. Although Australian public sector salaries can be competitive, they are not able to compete when it comes to bonuses or the potential long-term reward of employee share schemes. Salary increases are, on average, slower and more structured in the public service than in the private sector. If paid, bonuses are capped and often represent a small percentage of your salary. In stark contrast, bonuses in the private sector can well exceed your salary. If you equate money to time, however, your decent salary in the private sector can dwindle. When you consider that private sector roles typically expect longer working hours, the dollar per hour of time can improve the appeal of the public sector. Especially if work-life balance is important to you. Work/life balanceWhen it comes to the elusive work/life balance, you’re probably going to get closer to this mythical lifestyle in the public sector. Typically employment awards and agreements preserve shorter working hours. Overtime can often also be accrued and paid back in flexible leave. When you combine this with generous leave entitlements, you’re more likely to enjoy life outside of work in the public sector. Flexibility at workThe public sector has traditionally held the banner for flexible working environments due to their shorter working weeks (most commonly 35-40 hours). But with flexible workplaces proving key to employee retention, many private sector companies are adopting flexible working environments and are possibly doing it better. With less bureaucracy than the public sector, some private companies are positioning themselves as an employer of choice by through their flexibility policies and practices. Companies like Telstra are definitely innovating in this area with the introduction of personalisation@work. Training opportunitiesLearning new skills and developing your career is one of the most valued benefits of an employee. Most people want to keep learning and developing their capabilities. This is for good reason! The current pace of technology change tells us that if we don’t keep learning we will be left behind. While the Australian public sector has solid programs to support continued education, they may be more limited in scope than the big-budget programs of top-tier firms and companies. In most instances, the training would need to be aligned with your position description and job outcomes to get approval. In an innovation-driven world, the private sector is leading the way supporting their employees pursue their curiosity. Tech companies are famous for giving people ‘innovation’ time. This includes allowing employees to pursue interests that can drive innovations for the company. Mentoring programs are another feature of some private sector organisations but might be more limited to specific diversity groups in public sector organisations such as women. Career prospectsWhen it comes to identifying which sector is going to give you the career you want, consider what you want to do long-term. There is a trend for public sector organisations to recruit from the private sector and as an example around 46% of NSW government employee survey respondents had worked in the private sector before moving to their current public-sector role. If your career goal is to become an investment banker or software engineer, it’s unlikely public service will benefit you. If you want to get into community development, education or science, however, public service might be a great starting point. Without a doubt, there are some industries that prefer candidates with private sector experience. Unless you are in a very senior role, it might be easier to move from private sector to public sector than the other way around. Of course, in both sectors, the higher you travel up the career ladder to more your options grow, as do your responsibilities. Ultimately, there are advantages and disadvantages to working in both the public and the private sector. Applying for public sector roles requires preparation. If you’re looking for advice that will help you steer your career in the right direction, don’t hesitate to speak to a qualified career development specialist at Successful Resumes. Getting the right fit between your skills and interests in a workplace culture that you enjoy is the main game. This can happen in public sector or private sector – so perhaps try them both out! If you know your direction and you’re ready to make a move in either the public or private sector, speak to the professional resume writers at Successful Resumes. Our team of expert resume writers in NSW, QLD, WA,
Why Your Next Australian Holiday Should Be A Working Holiday
With its stunning coastlines and never-ending blue skies, Australia is a big country that offers travellers lots to see. With huge distances between cities and towns it would be hard to fit a great Australian adventure into a two-week holiday. If visiting the sunburnt country is on your list and you’re wondering how you would pay for a long trip, why don’t you consider picking up a job or two while travelling? Not only will you be able to top up your bank account for more fun you’ll also be able to immerse yourself in the culture and meet great locals. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and find a job while backpacking or travelling through Australia, read on and get ready for your holiday. Getting your papers in order First things first, you’ll need a visa. Depending on your country of origin, you’ll need either Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). Both allow people between 18 and 31 the chance to live and work in Australia for up to a year. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) processes most 417 applications within four weeks, and most 462 visas within four months, so make sure you apply in time! One of the most common lines of work for backpackers and travellers coming to Australia is behind a bar. To do that, you’ll need to pass Responsible Service of Alcohol training. In all states and territories except for Tasmania, the test can be done over the internet, allowing you to get certified before you even step on the plane. Some establishments may also require you undergo Responsible Service of Gambling training. Some states allow this to be done over the internet. If you want to work in any capacity on a construction site, you need a white card. This requires a day of education at a registered training organisation and can only be done in person. Courses are cheap with many offered for under 100 AUD. Finding the jobs Backpackers are a welcome part of many industries around Australia. Food and beverage jobs are popular in hot spots throughout the country. Travellers can also often find work in construction, charity fundraising, travel and tourism, farming and more. A strong resume and cover letter are essential to every successful application. As with any role, it’s crucial that you present an interesting career narrative. Sell how your global experience, love of travel and self-starting nature make you an unconventional but perfect candidate. These skills are all essential to any successful solo trip abroad. Consider targeting industries where you can use your language skills. Travel agencies and tour companies often have roles that require you to connect with travellers. Ensure that your application is polished to a mirror-shine before you even step off the plane. Start a conversation with the team at Successful Resumes before you leave home and we’ll have your resume ready when you arrive. To find out how we will have your cover letter and resume looking better than ever, making you job ready and set to go email us below.
Four myths of the cover letter explained
“Do I need a cover letter?” This is one of the most common questions our clients ask. There are countless articles claiming that the days of the cover letter are over but in our experience, most Australian employers still expect job seekers to submit a cover letter and resume as part of the job application process. While resumes are perfect for providing an overview of your career, carefully crafted cover letters give you the opportunity to tailor your application by matching your skills and experience to what the employer is looking for. A well-written cover letter gives you a chance to tell the employer why you are the right person for the job, would you want to miss out on this opportunity? Here are the four most common mistakes we see when it comes to writing a cover letter. Myth #1: Your cover letter should outline your resume Your cover letter should be an informative document in its own right and shouldn’t repeat the same information already covered in your resume. Use your cover letter as a chance to introduce yourself, outline your skills and abilities and highlight the very best reasons why you’re a great match for the job. The letter should be brief so choose the two most important skills of the role you’re applying for and focus on them. Be as specific as you can so you really demonstrate your capability. Cover letters offer the ideal opportunity to show your personality. Employers don’t just select candidates based on skills, they are also looking for someone who will fit into their team and organisational values so don’t be afraid to infuse yourself into the letter. Myth #2: Your cover letter is all about you It goes without saying that your cover letter should include information about your experience and supporting information about how brilliant you are (!), but it’s not meant to be all about you. Consider how your work experience fits into the broader needs of the company and how you’re a good fit for the role at this particular company. Include answers to these questions in your cover letter to demonstrate how you can add value to the employer. Myth #3: Your cover letter is not as important as your resume While there is no doubt that taking the time to create a standout resume should be at the top of the list, it would be a missed opportunity to not invest in your cover letter. A well-written cover letter demonstrates to the hiring manager that you are really interested in the role. By showing the employer you have done your homework and understand the skills the role requires, you automatically make your application stand out. Myth #4: It’s fine to use a generic cover letter While a tailored cover letter can make your job application shine, a generic cover letter can have the reverse effect. When you use a generic letter that doesn’t reference the company’s values or the role requirements, you run the risk that employers will conclude you haven’t taken the time to prepare your application properly. An even greater risk is that they assume this is the approach you take to work. So there you have it. Four important myths about the cover letter explained. We cannot emphasise enough how important an impressive cover letter can be in your job application. If you’d like assistance with the design and production of a contemporary and professional cover letter, please contact Successful Resumes to discuss your options in further detail.
6 Tips On How To Maximise Results When Working With A Resume Writer
Writing your own resume can be tough! Most people start the process when they have seen an ad for a job they want. They then have all this pressure to quickly write a resume before the closing date. They sit down ready to get writing and hours later either find themselves staring at a blank screen or going around in circles… This is where professional resumes writers can help take the stress out of the application process. They do this all the time for people exactly like you. They understand what employers are looking for and more importantly, how to present your skills and experience (no matter how complex) so that you are considered a strong candidate. Below are some of our tips on how best to work with a professional writer so that you get the best resume possible. Tip #1: A resume writer is for everyone It’s a common myth that hiring a resume writer is only for highly paid professionals. Successful Resumes work with clients from all sectors in all roles. We’ve found that anyone can benefit from the services of a professional writer, from high school students right through to executives. In fact, we often encourage clients to come to us early in their career so they have a great foundation resume that they can adapt themselves as their career progresses. Tip #2: Let the resume writer work for you If the thought of working with a professional writer seems daunting, this is the easy part. They’re trained to work with job seekers and know the right types of questions to ask in order to get the best information down on paper for you. Let them do the hard work! They do this type of work day-in, day-out and know exactly what employers are looking for. Developing attractive resumes and staying up to date on the most effective resume techniques is part of their job, so sit back and let them work their magic for you. Tip #3: Be open and honest Providing as much information as you can and being as honest as possible will help the writer produce the most outstanding resume possible. For example, if you have a gap in your employment history, explain the real reason, not the reason you think they want to hear. Knowing the facts will help the writer design the most effective document and will also help prepare you for what to say in an interview. Tip #4: Don’t leave your writer guessing Your resume writer is an expert on just that, writing resumes. You are the expert on your career. The writer won’t be able to fill the gaps and can only work from the information you provide. Help them create a winning resume for you by providing all the relevant information in as much detail as possible. Tip #5: Be prepared with examples When professional writers meet with you, they will collect information about your career history and your accomplishments. Many clients find it difficult to recall specifics about their previous roles when they are put on the spot, so spend some time preparing beforehand. It is useful to write a list of all the times that you feel like you contributed to the success of the business. These could be improvements you made, relationships you built or any ideas you came up with to do something better. Tip #6: Be accessible and available Your resume writer will produce a draft and will ask multiple questions along the way. Being available to answer them is critical to keeping the ball rolling. The longer you take to respond, the longer it will take to receive your new resume back. Hiring an expert to write your resume is easy. Forget staring blankly at the screen for hours on end and let us do the hard work for you. Contact Successful Resumes, Australia’s most established network of professional resume writers, to help you create a contemporary resume that will help you get invited for your next job interview.
Managing Risk When Transitioning Employment
Most of us have an aversion to risk; we’re creatures who play things safe and when moving on from your current job to a new one, life can get a bit tricky. Putting in a good day’s work without arousing suspicion that other horizons are looking more attractive is tough. Maintaining enthusiasm for the job you have, while searching for the opportunity you desire, is an emotional journey involving fear, excitement, a sense of betrayal or justice amongst others. The pragmatics are this – if you have a great open relationship with your current manager you can probably discuss your future options; many of us though need the cloak of anonymity – the risk-free solution. Here are some tips for negotiating this tricky situation. Be strategic when networking for job opportunities We all know that lots of jobs are found using your network of professional and personal contacts, but it’s hard to openly start job hunting without the risk of your manager hearing about it on the grapevine. Don’t start telling everyone that you’re on the lookout for a new job or that you’ve had enough of your current one. Instead, casually begin conversations within your networks, saying that while you’re doing well in your current position, you’re always actively considering new options and planning your next big challenge. Don’t use your work email, computer or phone There is a good chance that your employer monitors your communication in the workforce. A country-by-country analysis of legislation on employee monitoring by legal firm Hogan Lovells, found Australia to be one of the easiest countries for employers to monitor their workers. This included keylogging, screen capturing, email communication and internet browsing. If you want to keep your job search under wraps, it’s best to only do it on devices you own. Organise your interviews appropriately Fitting interviews into your workday can be tricky. There are only so many times you can say you have an appointment without raising suspicions. As the first step, check if the interview can happen before or after work. If the prospective employer can only interview you during business hours, let your manager know you have a personal matter and need to take some annual leave time. Don’t let your clothes give you away If you usually go to work casually dressed, you’ll raise eyebrows if you turn up in a suit and tie. Try doing a superman-esque quick change in the bathroom to get into interview attire. Provide appropriate references One of the biggest challenges every job seeker faces. The best approach in the first instance is to offer the names of previous employers, a trusted colleague who can vouch for your performance and a character reference willing to verify the information listed on your resume is correct. If they insist on a reference from your supervisor explain that you haven’t disclosed you are looking for new roles and that you’re happy to provide that reference when an offer has been made. Many organisations will agree to make you on offer subject to a reference check. Tell your manager about new job offers in a timely, considerate manner Once you’ve received an offer you’re interested in, organise a private conversation with your manager to let them know. You certainly don’t want them to hear the news from someone else. Give them professional, objective reasons for moving on, and offer to make the transition as smooth as possible. This may mean you offer a reasonable amount of notice (not necessarily just the minimum required). You should also finalise or handover outstanding projects, and prepare procedures and handover notes for whoever may fill your position in the future. Leaving on good terms with your manager and colleagues always pays off! Not only will you strengthen your professional network and build a positive reputation but you never know who you might work with in the future. Of course, before you spend any time searching for new roles ensure your resume is up to date, looks contemporary and is targeted to roles that interest you. Speak to the team of professional resume writers at Successful Resumes to get started.
Why Body Language Counts at Job Interviews
It is widely recognised that more than half of your message doesn’t come from the words you say. Communication is both verbal and nonverbal, with your tone and body language having the biggest impact. So if you’re trying to make an impression, it’s critical to consider what your body is saying. Forget to smile, slouch in your chair or fail to make eye contact during an interview, and you could miss out on a job offer. Here are some tips on how you can create winning body language that could land you that job offer. Eye Contact Looking people directly in the eye conveys confidence, certainty and transparency. It builds a sense of trust and openness and helps develop a personal connection. But don’t forget to break away, holding eye contact too long can come across as aggressive and a little odd. In fact, Netflix has come under scrutiny for new workplace harassment rules that says you can’t look at anyone for more than five seconds because looking at anyone longer is considered “creepy”. The Handshake Greet your interviewer with direct eye contact and a firm handshake with just enough pressure to say you mean business without bone crushing. The perfect manoeuvre is to slide your hand into the web of theirs and make palm-to-palm contact. Lock thumbs with the hiring manager and apply similar pressure. Watch your Tone When we are nervous, we may find it difficult to control the speed, pitch and volume of our speech. We can come across as hesitant by clearing our throats or using excessive “ums and ahs”. The trick is to the calm that monkey in your mind! Aim for focus and clarity by learning how to relax your thoughts and your voice with your breathing. After each question, get into the habit of taking a deep breath, pausing and then proceeding. It will help make your answers clear and confident. Be Poised Just like your parents always told you: sit up straight! Leaning back comes across as lazy or arrogant; leaning forward can look aggressive and slouching looks disinterested. Instead, aim for a relaxed neutral position, sit up straight, but not so straight it looks like you’re craning your neck to the ceiling. Be Open Crossing your arms, and even your legs is one of the most recognised negative body language positions. It can signal that you are defensive, resistant or bored. Even if you find it the most comfortable way to hold your arms, in an interview you want to project openness and build a good relationship. Don’t be a space invader Be respectful of the interviewer’s personal space. Stand too close and you’ll make them uncomfortable, stand too far away and you’ll look uncomfortable. Aim for about an extended arm’s length away. Mind your hands When we are nervous, our hands like to do all sorts of things like touch our face, play with our hair, drum our fingers or plant themselves in our pockets. By all means, use your hands but keep the movements small and natural. Be Interested When the interviewer is speaking make eye contact and listen to what they are saying: don’t jump ahead and assume you know the question. Be mindful of your facial expressions and under no circumstances check your watch or your mobile phone during the interview. Once you’ve mastered all of that, don’t forget to smile! As much as the interview is about them identifying if you are a good match for the role, it should also be an opportunity for you to discover if the company is a good match for you. While the employer is working out whether you are capable and likeable – you can also be working out whether you think they’re likeable too! Interested in improving your interview performance? Speak to the team at Successful Resumes Australia to master your next interview.
How To Get A Job In Australia
Australia is a dream destination for many. Not only is it a popular holiday destination, but for many people, it is the perfect place to build a career or raise a family. Applying for a job in Australia can be a difficult process. A study by AMES Australia found that migrants often struggle to find opportunities for work. Luckily, the study also found that if migrants get support early in the job hunting process, many achieve great success. Here are some tips to help start your journey to working in Australia. Find an Australian Employment Visa that suits your circumstances As a first step, it is important to decide what Visa option fits your circumstances best. There are two key Visas’ for people wanting to find a job in Australia. The most common is an employer-sponsored work Visa. With this via, you need to already have a job with an employer who ‘sponsors’ your employment. With this Visa, you organise and receive approval before you arrive and start work in Australia. If you are not able to get a job in Australia before you arrive, you could try applying for a Points tested Visa. To get this Visa, you will need to demonstrate you have skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia. For more information on Visas, the Australian Department of Home Affairs provides a useful Visa Options Comparison Chart that offers a high level overview of skilled Visa options. Once you have identified your Visa options, you will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in Skills Select, the online system that processes skilled migration applications. After you have submitted your EOI, the Australian Government will invite you to apply for a skilled migration Visa. Build your English language skills Australia is an English speaking country so it will definitely help to know some English language before you arrive. Most employment Visas also require you to have “competent English” language skills. Look for local or online classes to help you learn. To prove you have competent English you will need to meet one of the criteria from this list. Check your qualifications are recognised in Australia To help your jobsearch, it is good to have your professional skills and/or qualifications formally assessed and recognised in Australia. Applying for skills recognition will help Australian employers better understand your qualifications and how they are a match for their job. The process compares your level of education to the Australian system. The Australian Skills Recognition Information service is part of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The site will help you find out how to have your overseas qualifications, skills or experience assessed for the Australian jobs market. You can also find state-specific licensing and registration requirements so that you can practise your occupation in Australia. If you work in a job that is licensed including teaching, medicine or law, contact the regulatory body in the Australian state or territory before having your qualifications evaluated. They will be able to give you advice on what is required for a qualifications assessment. Create CV or Resume for Australia Resumes and CV’s can have small but noticeable differences depending on where in the world you come from. To improve your chances of getting a job in Australia, it is important that your resume reflects the local style, language and expected length. In Australia, resumes are typically two – three pages long so they keep the attention of potential hirers. They include a summary of your professional skills and experience, a detailed job history, your education, qualifications or licenses and sometimes even your hobbies. It is important that your resume demonstrates your skills with specific examples of how you have used your skills to achieve outcomes. Rather than just saying you have good communication skills. Perhaps include you have multilingual communication skills that you developed in a previous job writing reports for managers. There is no need to include personal details like religion, age, marital status etc. Use your networks and contacts to find a job in Australia Don’t just rely on job advertisements to find a job. Lot’s of jobs in Australia, and even around the world, are not formally advertised. Talk to your friends, family and wider networks to discover hidden job opportunities. Successful Resumes supports migrants from across the globe by writing professional resumes tailored to the Australian jobs market. Contact us for a free, no obligation discussion to see how we can help you.
Are Robots A Risk To Your Career?
You’ve applied for the perfect role. You have all the right skills and you should be the ideal candidate but you haven’t been called for an interview and you’re wondering what went wrong. You’re not alone. The world of recruitment has changed. Although technology has made it easier for companies to manage the hiring process, it has also made it harder for job seekers to land a job. One of the biggest impacts has been the rise of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems have become so popular that Capterra’s Recruiting Software Impact Report found that 75% of recruiters and talent managers use some form of recruiting or applicant tracking software. For most jobseekers, this means your resume will be read by a robot before it lands in the hands of a human. Follow these easy steps to beat the systems and land your next opportunity. Write for the robot Applicant tracking systems process, store and analyse the hundreds or thousands of resumes companies receive . They help hiring managers sift through job applications to find the candidates who have skills that match the job requirements. If you want the software to identify you as a strong candidate you need to make sure you tell them you have the right skills. For each role you apply for, review the job description to identify the skills they will be looking for. Make sure your resume includes these skills, experience or qualifications. For example, if the role requires excellent communication skills, use your summary to demonstrate how you have excellent communication skills. It’s not enough to just say you have excellent communication skills though. To beat the competition, you need provide evidence to back up your claim like “Collaborative and outcome focussed communicator with experience negotiating client contracts valued at more than $30k” Avoid acronyms or lingo If you do use acronyms like CPA, make sure you also the full words ie. Certified Public Accountant, because you don’t know what search terms the software will be using. Also, be careful with company specific lingo or job titles. For example, visual merchandisers at H&M are called Sales Market Indoor and Window Responsible however if you use this in your resume and the software is searching for visual merchandiser, you might not come back as a match. Keep your style simple We all love the look of a Pinterest resume but sadly simplicity is the key for applicant tracking systems. Although the software is improving, generally they can’t read fancy fonts and complex formatting. Play it safe with standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Verdana and Tahoma. Still unsure how to write a resume that works? Successful Resumes is Australia’s most established professional resume writers. We’ve helped more than 100,000 people in Australia get the job they want. Speak to one of our team members about how we can help you create a career-launching resume.
What your resume should look like in 2019
If getting a new job was one of your 2019 resolutions, then you are in the right place! We’re sharing our tips on how to write the perfect resume so you can you land the role you’ve always wanted. Be concise Research from the Ladders showed that on average, employers and recruiters spend six seconds reviewing a résumé. While we’re not entirely convinced that this is the case for every employer, we certainly know when it comes to recruiting there is information overload and attention spans are getting shorter. Keep your resume to an ideal two pages. Only provide detailed information for roles you have had in the last ten years. Earlier roles can be included as a list on your resume with more detail on your LinkedIn profile. Write your resume for your reader. This doesn’t mean you need to write a different resume for different roles. What it means is you should adapt your resume to the role. After all, if you want your resume to spark interest with the reader it has to feel relevant for them. The easiest way to adapt your resume is by using a summary section at the beginning of the document. This section is valuable real estate so maximise the impact by writing bullet points that demonstrate how you have the right skills and experience for the role. Make sure your summary reflects the job requirements for the role you are applying for. If they are looking for someone who can lead a team, include a bullet point about your management experience and approach. If they are looking for a customer service champion, give a brief example of why that’s you. To save time and effort, write lots of summary points. You can then cut and paste the five most relevant to the role you are applying for. This is particularly useful if you have had lots of different jobs so have broad, rather than, a specialised set of skills. Don’t just say it, prove it! Everyone can say they have good communication skills on their resume but unless you link it to evidence, it doesn’t hold much weight. Improve the success of your resume by providing proof of your skills or experience. You don’t need to write every bullet point as a proof point but at least half is ideal. For example, if you want to apply for the role of HSE Manager and the (real-life) job advertisement says the position requires “Demonstrated collaborative leadership skills – utilising collective leadership skills to create connection across all teams within the HSE function and with other stakeholder teams; including the ability to share and utilise team resources to provide seamless, organisational approach to the delivery of the HSE strategy”. Start by breaking it down into key themes. In this case, I could pull out, collaborative, leadership skills, create connection, other stakeholders and organised delivery of the HSE strategy. Picking one or two of these, I would use a bullet point to give evidence of my ability. For example: Experienced change manager with success collaborating across large organisations to integrate HSE strategies as a seamless partner to business operations and reduce workplace injuries by 65% Show your value Every job has a value or purpose or importance. If it didn’t, it probably wouldn’t exist. Rather than writing about the job requirements for your previous roles, write about what you did and how it improved the business/team/customer etc. To help write outcome focussed bullet points start the sentence with an active verb like designed, compiled, changed or organised. If you’re in a senior role, consider words like pioneered, accelerated, generated, aligned, led and grew. Strengthen the content even further by quantifying your statements using the 7 key values of who, what, why, when, where or how much. Providing this information gives context to your experience and reinforces the potential value you bring to a business. Get help If you find you’re stuck, Successful Resumes are one of Australia’s largest and most experienced team of resume writers. We’ve helped more than 100,000 people in Australia kick start, grow, or change their careers. Get in touch with us below and we’ll help you create the career you want.