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Academic Learning
Support
Be Job Ready
Acknowledgements
Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations
NSW Department of Education & Training
www.seek.com.au
Australian Taxation Office
O32014
Page 1
Our Mission Statement:
“To support students in complementing their academic endeavours with career enhancement
strategies and work experience opportunities that will contribute to their personal, professional
and intellectual development”.
We will provide you with the following assistance:
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Individual assessments
Career coaching & planning
Workshops/information seminars
Job application assistance
Opportunities to acquire work experience
Involvement in community projects/volunteer positions
Information regarding part-time, casual, and graduate employment
2
Internet Resources
Popular Job Search Sites:
www.seek.com.au
www.seekcampus.com.au
www.careerone.com.au
www.mycareer.com.au
www.jobsearch.gov.au
www.jobsjobsjobs.com.au
www.parttimeworkforce.com.au
www.graduatecareers.com.au
www.parttimeonline.com.au
Sites to Assist Job Search Skills:
www.career2.com
www.gradsonline.com.au
www.careersonline.com.au
Casual Retail Job Sites:
Coles Group: www.career.colesgroup.com.au/
Woolworths: www.wowcareers.com.au/wowcareers/woolworths/home/
Myer: www.myer.com.au/careers/
Bunnings Hardware: www.bunnings.com.au/contact-us _join-our-team.aspx
K-Mart: www.kmart.com.au/careers/default.asp
Target: www.target.com.au/html/careers/careers.htm
3
Interpreting Job Selection Criteria
The job selection criteria outlined below (see Handout 1) is typical of the criteria requiring your
response in your job application.
Not every job advertisement includes this type of job selection criteria, however if included you will be
required to respond to the criteria as part of your overall application.
When responding to the criteria, ensure you:
Include your responses after your cover letter
Respond to each criterion individually, and in the same order as outlined in the job
advertisement.
Take each criterion as a heading and write 1 or 2 paragraphs to explain how you meet the
requirements
Try and include the same language and wording used in the criteria
Use your experiences (work and academic) to describe how you meet the criteria
Provide genuine work and academic examples
Where possible include the result and an indicator of success
Consider the key selection criteria outlined below. How would you respond using your work and
academic experience?
Essential Criteria
1) Relevant basic accounting skills or studying towards an accounting qualification
_________________________________________________________________________________
2) Experience in data entry, preferably accounts payable and general accounts
_________________________________________________________________________________
3) Basic understanding of accounting principles and reconciliation requirements
_________________________________________________________________________________
4) Willingness to work in a team environment
_________________________________________________________________________________
5) Sound communication skills and attention to detail
_________________________________________________________________________________
6) Intermediate computer skills including Excel and word
_________________________________________________________________________________
Desirable Criteria
Basic Accounting qualification
4
Cover Letter Writing
Mr Paul Brown
Office Manager
Best Products Pty Ltd
20 Bridge Road
Sydney NSW 2000
15th January 2013
Make a
strong
start to
your letter
Dear Mr Brown,
Describe
your
Experience
in relation
to the job
I possess a strong background in the field of Accounting and Administration
combined with previous work experience at Walkers and Associates as an Assistant
Accountant.
Why
should
they hire
YOU?
Target to
the job
Thank
you &
ending
Your
letter
I wish to apply for the position of Accounting Assistant as currently advertised
through seek.com.au.
In this role, I was responsible for reporting to my Accounts Manager, and assisting in
the preparation of overall accounting for clients using the ‘MYOB’ program. I gained
extensive experience in managing accounts on a client by client basis using
accounting software and continually liaising with the clients.
My Accounting and Administration skills gained through my academic studies
combined with my recent Accounting experience are particularly relevant to this
position. Furthermore, my excellent communication skills, client service capabilities,
and willingness to succeed would be beneficial to meet both client and business
needs.
Please find enclosed a copy of my resume for your consideration. I would be more
than willing to provide any supporting material or information required to further my
application.
I look forward to meeting with you in the near future to discuss my suitability to the
role. Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
Ravinder Singh
Your mobile number
Sign your letter
if sending by
post – otherwise
leave blank
More cover letter samples can be found online
http://content.mycareer.com.au/advice-research/coverletter/sample-cold-call-cover-letter.asp
5
_______________________________________________________________________________
Stephanie Chen
_________________________________________________
PERSONAL DETAILS:
Address: 20 View Street, Marrickville NSW 2204
Mobile:
0411 111 555
E-mail:
schen01@bigpond.com
EDUCATION:
Jul 2013 – Present
Kent Institute of Business and Technology, Sydney
Graduate Diploma of Management
Jul 2010 – May 2012
University of New South Wales, Sydney
Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
Mar 2002 – Jun 2006
University of New England, Armidale
Bachelor of Arts
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
Aug 2012 - Present
QEC International Pty Ltd, Haymarket Sydney
Marketing Assistant
Data entry duties
General administration
Maintaining client database
Jun 2010 - Present
Woolworths Pty Ltd, Marrickville Sydney
Customer Service Assistant
Cash Handling & Balancing
Customer Complaint Resolution
Customer Enquiries
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Nov 2009 - Dec 2009
Talent Creation Ltd. Shanghai, China
Shipping Documentation Assistant
Preparing shipping documentation
Data entry processes
Client information collection
Jan 2008 - Feb 2008
China Shipping Logistics Co. Shanghai, China
Administrative Assistant
Data entry duties
General administration tasks
Documentation presentation
VOLUNTEER WORK
Jun 2012 – July 2012
World Vision Australia, Sydney
Volunteer Office Assistant
Mar 2011 – Jun 2011
Sydney City Mission, Sydney
Volunteer Administration Assistant
COMPUTER SKILLS
MS Office
Internet / Email
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Advanced practical skills
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Chinese (Mandarin): fluent
REFEREES
Available Upon Request
7
Job Interview Preparation
The job interview is the most important part of getting a job. To make a good impression at the interview, it is
important that you prepare yourself thoroughly.
Preparing For Success
A job interview can be a very daunting and nerve-racking experience! The best way to both survive the
experience and make it a successful occasion is to be organised and prepared.
Here are a few suggestions about how to prepare for interviews:
Learn about the job and the company:
What would you be doing? Know as much as you can about the job you are applying for and where
the job role fits into the organisation. If there are selection criteria, these will give you a good idea of the
work you would be undertaking. The job advertisement will also give you information.
What do they do? Find out what the company makes sells or offers. The more you know and
understand the products and services produced by the business, the better prepared you will be.
Who are they? Find out about the employer, where the business is based, try telephoning the
Marketing or Public Relations Unit for any information or try to obtain a copy of the company's annual
report if it is publically available. You may know someone who works there or be able to get information
from the Internet, the Yellow Pages, or your local library.
Know what to take:
It is important to take with you to the interview the following paperwork:
Your resume
A copy of your application, especially if you had to address any selection criteria.
Qualifications, school records (if appropriate) and evidence of the levels completed.
Any certificates or special awards relevant to the job.
Written references if you have them (these maybe from your referees or others)
Samples of your work or hobbies that may be related to the job. For example, a model, samples of
typing, art portfolio materials, copy of a report you have written, etc.
Your employment folder in which to present all this information. This is normally a vinyl folder with clear
plastic pockets, which contains all of the above paperwork.
Know how to get there:
Double check the address of the business.
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Make sure you know how to get to the building (use your street directory, GPS, or ‘Google Maps’).
Check bus and train timetables (www.131500.com.au ) or parking and street directions so you know
you will arrive on time (at least 10 minutes early).
If in doubt, do a trial run - go to the company beforehand and time yourself getting there.
Decide what to wear:
Decide what you are going to wear and have it ready the night before.
Be clean, neat and tidy. For example, brush your hair, have clean finger nails and clean shoes.
Dress to suit the occasion. Avoid wearing "street" clothes, scruffy jeans or thongs. It is a better idea to
dress ‘better’ for the job interview than what you would be wearing working in the job on a daily basis.
If it looks like rain, ensure you take an umbrella.
Remember, your presentation is not just about what
you wear:
How you speak
Do you come across as confident or arrogant? Are you surly or too quiet and timid? Do you speak
clearly or do you mumble? Most employers are looking for a person who speaks politely and confidently.
If your first contact with an employer is via the telephone, the way you address them and the way you
make your enquiry and carry on a conversation is absolutely critical.
What you say
Your choice of words is vital. Do not use words the employer may consider to be swearing. Answer
questions clearly and honestly, and don't waffle on. It may help to practise what you want to say.
Body Language
What messages are you communicating by the way you stand, greet a person, and generally hold
yourself? The outside of our body is like a window to the inside. Be prepared to shake the hand of the
employer you are meeting and make it a firm, positive handshake.
Cultural Sensitivities
When you are dealing with most employers, it is important you look them in the eye and maintain eye
contact while you talk with them. This shows confidence and respect. However, this is not always
appropriate for all cultures. For example, bowing your head slightly while shaking hands will often be
appropriate with employers of an Asian background. Just be aware of these sensitivities and they will be
greatly appreciated as a mark of respect for that person.
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Discussion Topics:
Some major areas of non-verbal behaviours to explore are:
Eye contact
Facial expressions
Gestures
Posture and body orientation
Paralinguistics
Humour
Eye Contact:
Eye contact is an important channel of interpersonal communication that helps
regulate the flow of communication
Facial Expressions:
Smiling is a powerful cue that transmits:
Happiness
Friendliness
Warmth & Understanding
Gestures:
If you fail to gesture while speaking, you may be perceived as boring, stiff and
unanimated. Head nods, or ahum... a form of gestures, communicate positive
reinforcement to people and indicate that you are listening
Posture and Body Orientation:
We communicate numerous messages by the way we walk, talk, stand and sit. An
active posture or a “not interested” posture. Which do you notice?
Paralinguistics:
This facet of non-verbal communication includes such vocal elements as:
Tone
Rhythm
Loudness
Inflection (pitch tone)
Ensure you demonstrate a variety of tone in your voice – avoid using “monotone” responses
Humour:
Humour is often overlooked as an interview skill. It is often not encouraged in interviews.
However, laughter (when appropriate) can release stress and tension for all parties and instil
a “human” quality in the job candidate
10
The Job Interview & Beyond
Know What to Say:
Give brief, clear answers to questions (but not just "Yes" or "No").
Practise the answers to questions the employer may ask. Use the list below for ideas.
Typical Questions Employers Ask:
What aspects of the job interest you most?
What do you consider your special skills and abilities are?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Have you had any work experience in this type of work?
What do you know about our company?
Are you active in any clubs or community organisations?
What are your leisure activities/hobbies/interests?
Which of your school subjects interested you the most?
What are your long term career plans?
Would you undertake further training if it was required for this position?
How do you cope with new situations/procedures?
How do you feel about working as part of a team?
Would you be prepared to work overtime or on weekends if required?
When could you start?
They may ask you to discuss different situations:
You are working as a receptionist at the front desk of an office. Your manager has asked you to arrange
some appointments with staff as soon as possible. At the same time a client appears at the desk as the
phone starts to ring. How do you cope with this situation?
Describe a situation where you have had conflict with a co-worker or fellow student and explain how this
conflict was resolved?
Know What to Ask:
Prepare some questions you will ask the employer. Ask job related questions, such as those listed below, not
questions about holidays or money. It creates a good impression and lets the employer know you want to work
for the company.
Here are some questions you could ask:
What would be my career prospects?
What further study could I do?
11
Where and who would I be working with?
What training would I be given?
At the Interview...a few helpful tips to calm the nerves!
The actual interview itself can be a very scary thing to face, especially if you are not feeling very confident.
Sometimes you may be interviewed by one person, or sometimes it can be a panel of up to 4 or 6 people! You
will find it easier to face if you are well prepared!
Arrive ten minutes early. Give yourself time to gather your thoughts and check your appearance.
Introduce yourself to the receptionist. Give your name, time of the appointment, name of the person who
is interviewing you - and speak clearly and politely. For example: "Good afternoon. My name is Peter
Brown and I have an appointment with Mrs Green at 2 o'clock." The receptionist will tell you where to
wait. Thank the receptionist and wait quietly.
Greet the interviewer(s) and introduce yourself.
Smile and be ready to shake hands.
Enter the interviewer's office and wait to take the seat which is offered to you.
Maintain eye contact. This shows interest and demonstrates confidence.
Keep your hands and legs still. Don't fidget, fiddle, smoke or chew gum.
Answer questions honestly and politely. Consider your answers carefully and speak clearly. Give brief,
clear answers to questions (not just "Yes" or "No").
Always try to turn the question to your advantage. This is your opportunity to show that the skills,
interests and experience you have meet the requirements of the job.
When given the opportunity, ask job-related questions that are not about salary or benefits.
At the end of the interview, politely thank the employer/interviewer(s).
After the Interview...What Happens Next?
After the interview, evaluate your performance. This will help you in future interviews. Consider the things you did
well and the things you could improve on.
Each interview is not a win or lose situation. It is an opportunity for you to learn and gain experience for next time.
Usually, you will not know straight away whether you have been successful in the interview or not. You will be
contacted by telephone or mail. Now you'll just have to wait!
If you find your interview to be unsuccessful, make sure you still look at the
experience positively. It was a learning opportunity for you. Ask for feedback from the
interview, it will help you with future interviews.
12
Tax File Number (TFN)
A TFN is a unique number issued to you by the Australian Tax Office to
help them administer your tax
A TFN is not essential but if you do not have one you may be taxed at a
higher rate than necessary
Apply for one on-line at the Australian Taxation office website
www.ato.gov.au
Superannuation or ‘Super’
This is money set aside for you when you retire
Superannuation must be paid to every employee (whether they are
casual or permanent) and is a minimum of 9% of your income. It is in
addition to your base salary.
If you are a former temporary resident you can claim this
superannuation back when you have permanently departed Australia.
More information can be found on the Australian Taxation Office
website
Good Luck with your Job Search!
13
Handout 1
SAMPLE JOB ADVERTISEMENT
Accounts Payable Officer - New Position Part Time - 20 Hours per Week
The Organisation:
‘Best Jobs 4 U’ is an employment agency with a proud history of providing employment solutions to a
wide range of individuals in the greater community.
The Position:
Part-time 20 hours a week Accounts Payable Officer role with primary responsibilities of:
-
Accounts payable data/invoice processing
Timely supplier payments and reconciliations
Assist in General Ledger Reconciliations as required
Other Finance and administration tasks as required.
The Candidate:
Successful candidates ideally will possess:
Essential Criteria
1) Relevant basic accounting skills or studying towards an accounting qualification
2) Experience in data entry, preferably accounts payable and general accounts
3) Basic understanding of accounting principles and reconciliation requirements
4) Willingness to work in a team environment
5) Sound communication skills and attention to detail
6) Intermediate computer skills including Excel and word
Desirable Criteria
Basic Accounting qualification
To apply for this opportunity, please send your resume, covering letter and application form to:
Ms Julie Watson
Office Manager
Best Jobs 4 U
PO Box 123
SYDNEY NSW 2000
e-mail: jwatson@bestjobs4u.com.au phone: (02) 9955 4477
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Handout 3
COVER LETTER WRITING ACTIVITY
Use the accounting job advertisement in Handout 1 or the job advertisement below and
produce a cover letter for these positions.
1. Underline the main points that you will need to address in your cover letter
i.e. what skills and requirements is the advert asking for.
2. Look at page 11. For each box on the left hand side make your own notes on
a separate piece of paper what you would include in each of these sections
for your cover letter in relation to this job.
Job Advert
Our restaurant, ‘Great Indian Restaurant’, is looking for a waitperson to assist in our busy
team. We provide quality Indian food and are looking for staff that can provide a quality
service. We are based in Surry Hills, close to public transport. This position is for 15 hours
per week and we are looking for staffs that are able to commence work in the next 2 weeks.
You will be responsible for excellent customer service, discussing daily specials with
customers and providing a first-class wait service.
You must:
Be able to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Have the ability to deal with customer complaints effectively
Have a passion for good food
Have excellent time management skills
Be trustworthy
15
Handout 2
RESUME WRITING ACTIVITY
NAME
PERSONAL DETAILS
Address:
Mobile:
E-mail:
EDUCATION
Jul 2008 – Present
Master of Professional Accounting
CQUniversity, Sydney (example)
Date/Year
Date/Year
WORK HISTORY
Aug 2008 – Present
Ace Accounting Pty Ltd, Sydney
(example)
Accounting Assistant
Responsibilities:
Assisting with Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
General bookkeeping duties
Recording relevant client information in database and
maintaining client records
Answering incoming calls and general administrative duties
16
Date – Date
Company Name
Position
Responsibilities:
Date – Date
Company Name
Position
Date – Date
Company name
Position
17
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
Mar 2008 – May 2008
World Vision Australia, Sydney
Volunteer Administrative Assistant
(example)
Responsibilities:
Completed general enquiries
General administrative duties
Completed promotional mailouts
Date – Date
Company name
Position
COMPUTER SKILLS
MS Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint: Advanced skill
Internet/Email: Advanced skill
MYOB – Proficient knowledge
(example)
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Chinese (Mandarin)
(example)
18
REFEREES
Available Upon Request
______________________________________________________________________
Remove referee details and place in Word document for when employer requests referee details
Mr Roger Smith
(example)
General Manager
Best Accounting Pty Ltd, Sydney
Tel: 0419 655 112
Email: rsmith@bestaccounting.com.au
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Handout 4
INTERVIEW ROLE PLAY ACTIVITY
Scenario: You are applying for your first career job after completing your
studies. Choose a job based upon your area of study for your interview.
Method:
1) Form a group of two (2)
2) Each adopt the role of either the ‘Interviewer’ or the ‘Job Candidate’
3) Interviewer: Ask your Job Candidate the following questions one at a
time; Job Candidate: Answer each question in turn using your job
interview skills
4) Swap roles after 5 minutes and repeat the role play
5) Discuss the role play e.g. What worked & Why?; What did not work &
Why?; How could your skills be improved?
Interviewer: 7 questions to ask the Job Candidate 1.
Tell me about yourself, and why you applied for this job?
2.
What do you consider to be your strengths?
3.
What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
4.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
5.
Why should we hire you over the other applicants?
6.
What skills can you bring to our company?
7.
Describe a situation where you have experienced conflict in work
or during your studies with another person and explain how this
conflict was resolved?
Job Candidate:
- Answer the questions one at a time as they are asked by the Interviewer
- Use any supporting information you wish to apply to answer the
questions based upon your knowledge of this type of job
- Practise your interview skills as if you were at a genuine interview
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