Free Resume Advice For Job Seekers

This particular client had been working at Centrelink for the past four years when she commissioned my services to apply for the above-named internal role. Five criteria required addressing (up to ¾ to 1 page in length maximum) utilising the APS ILF. She gained an interview and was offered and accepted the role. Following are excerpts from three of the five criteria.

Understanding of Centrelink’s strategic environment…

In my current role as a National Scheduler at Centrelink, I construct and modify schedules that best allow Centrelink Call to meet its KPIs and Service Levels. This involves the application of research, interpretation and problem solving skills. In November 2008, I developed a database that would allow multi access for site reports used during the schedule build phase. This involved conducting research with other schedulers on the best available processes. I then created an appropriate tool, published a comprehensive instruction sheet and forwarded it to other sites for utilisation. This resulted in a significant reduction in time which further led to reduced costs for the organisation.

In November 2008, Centrelink’s XXX division redesigned the Schedule Build process in order to develop quality schedules that would improve Service Levels and Customer Demand. Prior to initiating this new process, I was extensively involved in the strategic planning and implementation of procedures. In so doing, I actively participated in decision making processes during the schedule build, assisted in identifying any issues, and selected the best possible options to resolve issues. Throughout the redesign process, I engaged with team members, other outposted teams, site schedulers, Call Canberra, and Business teams to ensure our processes were current for adaptation in order to further improve productivity. As a senior scheduler in the team, I made informed decisions relating to scheduling and in the absence of my Team Leader, I also advised on practices that would best suit business needs.

Achieves results…

My strong record of success at Centrelink demonstrates my solid capacity to deliver quality outcomes and to meet strict deadlines. I have achieved solid results against KPIs across several key areas. I have developed schedules in accordance with WWW and CC operations manuals and taskcards provided. When scheduling national training for sites, I ensure that at least 90% of available CSAs are scheduled. This is achieved by selecting dates and times based on the availability of CSAs whilst ensuring National Guidelines are met. In addition, checking Part Time Contracts sent through from the site are completed correctly and negotiated in accordance with Centrelink’s Part Time Contract Guidelines. I enter Part Time Contracts into a database and Totalview by a set deadline for the next schedule generation. These schedules have been completed within set deadlines; I have met this target with every schedule build over the past 19 months. Furthermore, I have consistently received positive feedback from my Team Leader during coaching sessions and in my bi-annual performance reviews in this regard.

I regularly check my work progress on a daily basis. An important aspect of my role is being aware of the implications my work has on Centrelink’s business goals and objectives. In so doing, I rely on and utilise various tools including Blobbies and the Date/Time Range block via the Centrelink Call Preference Tool (CCPT) to assist me in planning and prioritising goals, and re-prioritising tasks throughout the day as required. I manage my workload and deadlines using well developed time management skills; monitor my progress using checklists; reference and adhere to relevant procedures; and liaise regularly with the Forecasting Team, Business Teams, and site schedulers in order to achieve positive outcomes for the business unit. Importantly, to ensure that I am progressively improving my own development and producing good quality work, I regularly carry out self assessments to determine areas that require further improvement; I encourage other staff members to provide feedback on my work outcomes and how I can further develop my skills; and I act on constructive feedback received from my Team Leader through regular coaching sessions.

Communicates with influence…    

Regarding my written communication skills, I provide subject matter and policy advice on scheduling and other activities undertaken by the outposted site. This involves drafting responses to complex correspondence; and investigating, developing and presenting written documentation outlining recommendations on how to improve scheduling processes and practices. In my current role, I am also the key contact person responsible for developing, maintaining and folioing the team’s filing system. Using my competent written communication skills, I developed a register that streamlined the process of tracking file content and location using an online database.

An important aspect of my role as a National Scheduler is to actively listen to the requirements, feedback and ideas of others and to respond accordingly. This involves providing and receiving advice; discussing a possible solution to a problem in a collaborative manner with team members; and acting on an instruction provided. For example, when a site scheduler recently called and advised that their site was re-structuring their Leadership Team, he requested advice on how he could implement the changes in an efficient and prompt manner. I advised him to promptly email me with the request. I was then able to make the necessary changes within Totalview before the schedule generation was due to occur later that day. As a result, I saved both myself and the site scheduler considerable time in the re-work involved in building the new schedules.

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

This particular client gained an interview for the role of Executive Officer Admissions at one of the universities located in Melbourne. Typically with roles in the tertiary sector, the selection criteria component is divided into ‘Essential’ criteria and ‘Desirable’ criteria. For this particular application, a total of 11 criteria required to be addressed (9 Essential and 2 Desirable). Following are excerpts from 3 Essential criteria and 1 Desirable criterion.

ESSENTIAL:

Extensive experience and management expertise in administration of course, Faculty, University and Government policies and legislation…

In my role with RRR, I was primarily responsible for managing the complex selection process of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to Australia. This required accuracy and a keen an eye for detail during the entire process, which I conducted in several stages. The first stage involved reviewing hundreds of written applications in order to select a shortlist of approximately 10 applicants for more detailed consideration. Several critical factors were taken into consideration when short listing candidates including current English proficiency scores (IELTS), qualifications from acceptable overseas medical institutions, and review of recent Australian Medical Council (AMC) examination scores. Once the process of checking applicants’ documentation and verifying their qualifications had been completed, the second phase of the selection process began. This involved collecting ‘proof of identify’ documentation (passports) and thereafter, organising clinical exams for candidates in Australia.

Whilst in this role, I also worked closely with a colleague on the administration of Commonwealth Supported Places, Bonded Medical Places and Rural Bonded Scholarship Places. As part of the recruitment team, I assisted during the very busy periods involving the initial settling in period of the medical students. Overall, my role at RRR required a comprehensive understanding of the Federal government visa requirements for IMGs and the AMC ‘proof of identify’ requirements for all candidates wishing to work in Australia.

Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise casual staff with an understanding of the University’s requirements in staff matters…

In my most recent role at SSS Pty Ltd, I supervised 25 contracted home-based career advisors which typically involved providing weekly mentoring sessions when advisors were faced with difficult customers, or just to debrief when they had a difficult and long session. I also provided a ‘menu’ of weekly professional development webinars or guest speakers on topics that assisted in further developing their skills and knowledge base. Several of the advisors initially had difficulty accepting DEEWR guidelines. This required providing regular reminders on utilising DEEWR’s approved services only, such as government websites or government funded services. A major part of this role also required conducting quality assurance on advisors’ recorded conversations with customers who called the free career advice line for information.

As the Owner and Director of an employment service business, over a six year period I recruited, supervised and trained five full time staff and 12 casual trainers in order to effectively deliver DEEWR-funded services to the general public. Government tender contracts required adherence to Equal Employment Opportunities, diversity of staff, the provision of a workplace in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety guidelines, and continuous opportunities for professional development and training of staff.

Ability to work independently with broad direction…

In the past, I have worked independently on project managing over 10 complex outplacement programs as a contractor across Victoria for Australia Defence, Toyota, Nissan, Myer and Telstra. During my tenure with SSS Pty Ltd, I was extremely autonomous requiring that I complete tasks in my home-based office in an unsupervised capacity. I reported directly to the Project Manager on a weekly basis and communicated daily by email and phone as needed. When career advisors experienced a problem, their calls were immediately escalated to me via mobile phone; I was available between 8am and 8pm during the week. My key accountability in this role was to provide support to home-based career advisors and to manage the quality monitoring process aimed at addressing the needs of Australians affected by the Global Financial Crisis. I provided all contracted career advisors with a timely resolution of all products and service questions; and provided immediate objective feedback to each advisor on a daily/weekly basis if their ratings dropped below 93%.

DESIRABLE:

Demonstrated ability to use and implement new IT systems, including SPSS, to support administrative processes…

Whilst employed with FM Corp, I developed a sophisticated online assessment tool for the medical recruitment industry that led to the reduction of the manual assessment process of overseas doctors’ applications. This tool significantly reduced hours of laborious manual work resulting in a streamlined 15 minute automated process. The tool was rolled out and piloted with the support of Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA).

At SSS Pty Ltd, I learnt to use the most sophisticated up-to-date call recording technology; this type of technology is universally used in most call centre operations. I undertook intensive and regular training on how to use the system. Thereafter, I accessed an in-house campfire chat room to monitor the checking of logs (either in real time or the next work day) to ensure the information provided was correct and input accurately into the system; and to maintain awareness of any issues between career advisors or with the system.

Although I have not used SPSS, I do have knowledge that it is a computer program specifically used for statistical analysis. My proficiency in learning and grasping the use of new systems and databases will facilitate quick learning, understanding and utilisation of the program.

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

Hello to everyone who regularly reads my BLOG page and to those of you who are new visitors to my site. I hope the information that I have been posting has been of invaluable use to you all. I thought I would list all the selection criteria excerpts I have posted to date to give you a much quicker reference point. Dates posted will provide you with the Monthly Archive section on my BLOG page for you to select in order to read those that may be beneficial to you.

2012:

Claims Services Officer … 2^nd Mar 2012

Dietitian/Nutritionist … 1^st Feb 2012

2011:

Ranger … 1^st Dec 2011

Schools Liaison Officer … 1^st Nov 2011

Assistant Director, Client Services … 11^th Oct 2011

Customer Service Manager Centrelink … 2^nd Sep 2011

Corporate Information Officer … 1^st Jul 2011

ATO Debt Collection Officer … 7^th Jun 2011

Coordinator, Community Engagement … 2^nd May 2011

Assistant Director Document Quality Improvement … 1^st Apr 2011

Team Leader Centrelink … 3^rd Mar 2011

Policy Manager … 1st Feb 2011

2010:

Business & Investment Officer … 3^rd Dec 2010

Allied Health Professional … 4^th Nov 2010

Business Support Officer … 13^th Oct 2010

Finance Officer (Debt Management) … 2^nd Sep 2010

Team Member Centrelink … 1^st Aug 2010

Project Support Officer … 2^nd Jul 2010

Senior Manager … 2^nd Jun 2010

Auditor … 1^st May 2010

Team Supervisor … 1^st Apr 2010

Tutor Children Services TAFE … 1^st Feb 2010

2009:

Event Coordinator … 14^th Dec 2009

Finance & HR Assistant … 13^th Nov 2009

Academic Program Officer … 15^th Oct 2009

IT Project Manager … 13^th Sep 2009

Graduates in Accounting, Commerce and Finance … 20^th Aug 2009

Customer Service Call Centre Operator … 24^th Jul 2009

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

This particular client applied for a role with an APS Government Department as a Claims Services Officer. She gained an interview, was offered the role and gladly accepted. Five criteria required addressing utilising the Integrated Leadership Framework (ILF). Following are excerpts from three of the five criteria.

Supports strategic thinking…

Throughout my career, especially within the banking industry I developed the ability to think strategically, evaluate situations from a strategic perspective and follow through by formulating and implementing effective short and long term strategic decisions. My ability to shape strategic thinking is demonstrated by my practical experience in analysing the position of the business/organisation and how it can gain a competitive edge within an ever changing environment.

An example of my ability to think strategically during changing circumstances is demonstrated when I developed an Engagement Plan for the XYZ Bank branch staff. As the Engagement Representative, I prepared and implemented Employment Opinion Surveys within the branch outlining a future focus with regards to the retention of staff, their wellbeing, and how engaged and satisfied they were at work. Staffing levels were low and many of them were not satisfied with the results of the surveys; they wanted their view to be heard from management and to be valued at work for their efforts and achievements. I undertook discussions with all of the branch staff to discuss these concerns; and they had confidence in my ability to put their case forward. Discussions with staff also focused on their goals, expectations, succession planning, and training requirements. As a result, the retention level of staff increased in the branch in a short period of time, and staff satisfaction and engagement levels also showed vast improvements.

Cultivates productive working relationships…

Currently employed with CCC in the capacity of Team Member within the EM division, I was recently given the responsibility of project managing, administering and facilitating changes to the CCC Contact System. The system was primarily established to improve CCC’s response to emergencies by having a skilled and prepared Emergency Reserve ready to respond immediately to emergencies of varying size and impact. As the Project Manager, my primary role was to improve capabilities within the system that would enable our division to accurately and promptly report on staff in specific areas throughout Australia and to use their skills and strengths to search for the most appropriate staff for deployment to a disaster area when required.

Whilst designing and developing the system to incorporate these capabilities, I established relationships with various key internal stakeholders in order to work collaboratively in designing and implementing a new system for CCC employees so that they may volunteer and assist the public in the event of a disaster or emergency. Internal stakeholders included the IT department, the design and implementation team, and the human resources department. I also implemented a new marketing strategy to span across the entire Human Services Portfolio encompassing Medicare and the Department of Human Services in order to recruit all staff and new graduate entrants.

Building relationships with stakeholders was a key factor in the success of this project in order to deliver the best possible service in quick response time to the public in the event of an emergency or disaster. When I took over project management responsibilities, I initiated communications with all the key stakeholders and facilitated regular meetings with them in order to discuss each of our roles and the status of progress of the project. For those stakeholders who were out-posted, I conducted regular discussions via phone and prepared and disseminated written correspondence to all stakeholders so that everyone was kept well informed and up-to-date with the progress of the design of the system, errors requiring correction, and to assist each other. I formed an excellent relationship with one group; I facilitated regular meetings, a strong rapport was established and I garnered praise on my ability to work collaboratively and my approachable and supportive manner.

Overall, I received positive feedback from all stakeholders upon completion of the project in terms of my positive and proactive approach; my clear understanding of staffing requirements; and the professional manner in which I conducted myself throughout the entire process of the project life cycle. The project was completed on time, within budget and in accordance with quality standards.

Exemplifies personal drive and integrity…

I have demonstrated resilience and professionalism under difficult circumstances. For example, in February 2009, when I worked in a very busy branch within the XYZ Bank in Brisbane, the branch was in considerable upheaval and chaos: one staff member had just resigned; another had just moved to a different branch; the Branch Manager was on leave for a six week period; and no relief staff were employed to assist in the inordinate amount of task work required to be undertaken in order to meet daily and weekly objectives and targets. I took the initiative in single-handedly managing the daily operations of the branch for an eight week period. The senior management team entrusted my services and I had their confidence that I would successfully undertake such a huge task. In my favour, I had already established trust with the majority of the branch’s customers and was well known and well respected in the local business community as I had worked in the area for many years.  Utilising well developed time management skills was essential in driving operations and achieving results for the branch during this period.

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

HC Online posted an article on the 7^th February 2012 outlining the latest skills shortages across the nation. The latest skills index has revealed a severe undersupply of skilled labour in corporate services and engineering, and both require a ‘high level and immediate response’ by organisations. The skilled labour supply was measured by Clarius group across 20 specific occupations. As a result, many companies are recruiting candidates from overseas to counter the shortages.

The 10 occupations with the highest levels of skills shortages from ‘Extreme’ down to ‘Moderate’ include:

Extreme:

1. Corporate services managers

2. Engineering professionals

High:

3. ICT professionals

4. Advertising and sales managers

Balanced:

5. Construction, distribution and production managers

6. Accountants, auditors, company secretaries

7. Legal professionals

Moderate:

8. Building and engineering technicians

9. Finance managers

10. Advertising and marketing professionals

Source: http://www.hcamag.com/newsletter/content/122037/

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

This particular client applied for an entry level graduate role as a Dietitian/Nutritionist in Queensland Health. The written application process involved the preparation of a two-page statement requiring the addressing of five competencies. My client was successful in gaining an interview, being offered the role and gladly accepting. Following are excerpts from three of the competencies.

Demonstrated base to increasing level of knowledge, expertise and skill in nutrition…

In my recent two clinical placements at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), I gained a solid knowledge base on cases (basic through to complex), which I now apply to my work practices on a daily basis. These cases included high protein/high energy diets within Neurosurgery Ward and Head and Neck Cancer Outpatient Clinic at the RBWH and the Oncology wards at the RCH. More complex cases included infant feeding and failure to thrive; cerebral palsy and allergies cases at the RCH; enteral feeding cases (PEG and Nasogastric feeding) in Neurosurgery, Head and Neck Cancer Outpatient Clinic and ICU; and enteral feeding and total parental nutrition cases in Oncology at the Royal Children’s Hospital. I expanded my knowledge by conducting research on information into clinical files at the RBWH in the areas of Head and Neck Cancer and Neurosurgery in order to gain a deeper understanding of these areas. I understand the RBWH Swallowing and Nutrition Management Guidelines for patients with Head and Neck Cancer, and the processes that occur in this area. I also research treatment protocols in the Oncology ward at RCH in order to understand the treatment stages and protocols for children with cancer.

Demonstrated ability to participate effectively in a multidisciplinary team…

In my current role as a Nutrition Assistant, I work collaboratively in a team environment (up to 8 staff) on a daily basis, under the close supervision and guidance of a supervisor. I also liaise regularly with multidisciplinary teams including dietitians, speech pathologists, food service staff and nursing staff to ensure diet requirements are implemented correctly. During my clinical placement, I liaised regularly with these members of staff and with medical teams. I discuss issues with medical teams; for example, on issues surrounding patients who have been experiencing reflux from nasogastric feeds. I approach doctors with my recommendations on changing the feed to a higher density feed which would result in reducing the volume. Doctors have supported my decisions and further assisted with the reflux by authorising appropriate medication. The outcome of this collaboration results in the patients no longer experiencing reflux. In order to ensure effective management of enteral feeding for patients who are being discharged home, I discuss the discharge process with nutrition assistants to organise the necessary equipment and feeds for home enteral feeding. When dealing with patients who are continuously losing weight on the enteral feeding regimen, I liaise and consult with fellow dietitians and medical teams on whether to increase the requirements to ensure that weight loss is minimised or stabilised. 

Demonstrated ability to undertake quality and service improvement activities…

During my food service management placement at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH), I was actively involved in the Food Service project relating to the new Queensland Health Statewide Foodservices Policy 2010. This Policy states that menu choices should be taken on the day of serving main meals to maximise patient food and nutrition intake. My role in this project involved assessing the systems and processes of the menu office and investigating the changes that needed to take place in order to implement same day menu selection. My experience as a Nutrition Assistant at the Mater assisted me to complete this task in a proficient manner. I examined and monitored the system in the menu office to determine how menus were distributed and evaluated general systems and processes. I offered recommendations on implementing more efficient ways of completing tasks by drafting new guidelines. For example, implementation of generic pre-printed meal tickets; record of phone call sheets; and the implementation of standard guidelines on ‘How to order a meal for patients’ with an attached list of diet codes for nurses stations. I also reviewed the work schedules for the menu office to meet the deadlines for same day menu selection to ensure patient meal selections were completed in a timely manner; and reviewed the methods of forecasting to reduce the heavy reliance of tally sheet within food services. I conducted an external benchmarking activity to compare processes and systems of the TPCH with other facilities to ensure those used within the menu office were efficient in order for the core business of taking meal selections with patients became the priority and the same day menu selection could be implemented. The majority of my recommendations were implemented within a seven day period; others were in the process of being considered and negotiated with relevant staff for eventual implementation. As a result, the changes contributed significantly in reducing both time wastage and the undertaking of manual tasks.

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

This particular client applied for the role of Ranger at one of the national parks in WA. He was successful in gaining an interview. The written component required the addressing of three criteria in three pages maximum. Following are excerpts from the three criteria.

(1) Good interpersonal skills with the ability or experience to liaise with the public, commercial tourism operators, community groups, Indigenous groups and other stakeholders.

In my role as an Interpretive Officer at SSS Conservation Park, I was primarily responsible for communicating and dealing with local, interstate and international visitors on a daily basis. I escorted groups of visitors into a colony where wild Australian sea lions were roaming. Prior to entering the colony, I provided clear verbal instructions to the visitors on the importance of refraining from making loud noises. I ensured they understood the importance of remaining close to my side for safety purposes (their own and the sea lions’). Whilst conducting 45-minute tours, I explained to visitors the sea-lions’ daily living regime. The majority of visitors to the SSS Conservation Park often only spoke limited English; therefore, I adapted my communication skills to suit the audience, speaking clearly, slowly and using appropriate body language and gestures to facilitate understanding. Whilst in this role, I also liaised with tour operators on a regular basis to provide quotes, organise bookings, give advice on the best viewing spots to sight sea lions, and instruct on which routes to take in order to avoid crowds. On a daily basis, I dealt with internal staff including duty rangers, visitor management officer, site manager, and senior guides to discuss parking management issues, extreme weather policy, and the change of uniform from one season to the next.

(2) Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team, show initiative and to work unsupervised.

Having worked at the SSS Conservation Park, safety was paramount. Working within a team, we were aware of the importance of always being on the look out for each other to ensure safety. Working in the colony was not without risks; we were working in the elements. Before starting shifts with my team, we ensured that everybody was dressed accordingly, had enough water, and sunscreen was being worn at all times. When we worked in close proximity to the animals, I ensured I was in viewing distance of my colleagues in order to respond instantly to any immediate situation. When I worked in a small team micro chipping pups, my colleagues were able to rely on me to perform task work in a professional manner. My reliability and commitment to high standards of safety was recognised; as such, when performing tasks, I avoided dangerous situations which in effect did not put any of my colleagues at risk when it came to working with aggressive animals.

Whilst employed at SSS Conservation Park, I demonstrated initiative when the government provided a training course for guides. I realised that guides learnt so much more through working in the field. I thought it was important that this knowledge was shared with the other guides. Therefore, I initiated and facilitated ongoing discussions/meetings with my fellow colleagues to ensure the sharing of knowledge and instructions. This went on to become a regular part of the guiding culture. On many occasions, I volunteered to explore and discuss topics in depth when questions arose, ensuring staff were more knowledgeable and stayed abreast on current issues and processes.

(3) Ability to or demonstrated experience in construction and maintenance, carrying out routine maintenance duties, including the use of hand tools, power tools, chainsaws and small engines.

In my current role as a Field Assistant for NNN Landcare, I undertake task work in relation to the construction and maintenance of infrastructure within GGG Park. This involves undertaking campground and nursery maintenance, constructing walking tracks, and performing general maintenance and repairs on a 4WD vehicle (Ford Ranger) and a Rhino. For weeding, I maintain the ‘quick spray unit’, brush cutters, secateurs, saws and all personal protective equipment (PPE) such as overalls, long sleeved shirts, masks, gloves and safety glasses. Recently having undertaken maintenance on the nursery, I used an angle grinder and circular drop saw (whilst using the correct PPE) to fit a gate into the entry of the nursery.

As a Koala Management Field Assistant with XYZ, I assisted in the construction and maintenance of holding cages for the captured koalas. This involved assembling the building blocks (mesh walls) together using hack saws, rod ties with rod tying tool and cable ties. I also maintained our field gear which involved maintaining and checking the four metre extendable metal poles (sandpapering, cleaning and lubrication). I regularly maintained and checked the climbing ropes and climbing harnesses for damage and to replace faulty equipment when required. Whilst undertaking all of the above task work, I adopted a high level of safety by ensuring equipment and vehicles were regularly maintained and checked. This involved maintaining and checking vehicles, PPE and tools. Importantly, the correct PPE was used at all times whilst performing all task work. Furthermore, I was keenly aware of the environment I worked in, and analysed the risks and potential hazards both before starting a job and throughout the entire duration of works.

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

This particular client applied for a School Liaison Officer role within a Queensland-based TAFE College. A two-page statement addressing criteria/competencies (five of them) was required as part of the written application process. My client was successful in gaining an interview and more; the interview was a very interesting process and here’s why…The College had recently advertised for a Business Development Officer role. The interview panel asked my client why she did not apply for that role as her experience in sales and business development was very strong as showcased in her resume. My client advised the panel that she had only spotted the role on the day that applications closed; thus, she did not have enough time to prepare the statement and apply. Overall, it was a very positive outcome for my client as she was offered and gladly accepted the role of Business Development Officer (not the role of Schools Liaison Officer) in this interview. How’s that for a stroke of luck! Following are full excerpts from three of the five criteria.

Demonstrated experience and performance in a promotional sales role with a strong track record of achievement against targets…

Over the past four years I have held a variety of positions in a hotel sales environment with a key focus on sales and business development. Throughout this period, I have consistently achieved both individual and team targets. I am currently employed with the HH Group in the capacity of Business Development Manager QLD, Corporate and Government. My business development roles have been instrumental in developing a competitive edge with regards to market intelligence, product knowledge, and in cultivating and maintaining productive and long-standing business relationships.

I possess a solid understanding of competitors’ major strengths and weaknesses, achieved primarily by maintaining regular reviews and inspections on their services; by maintaining awareness of their business strategies; and by maintaining close industry relationships. The information I derive from these strategies has resulted in the identification of new business potential and the capture of new market share to grow sales targets. Via prospecting and targeting prospective accounts in the marketplace, I secured 14 new accounts during tender season in 2009, which resulted in the attainment of my sales target. In 2009, I also developed and implemented a specifically-targeted sales and marketing campaign (a Government special in low season with value specials), which saw the Group’s product information targeted to over 1,200 travel bookers within the Government sector. As a result, this campaign has increased year-to-date bookings across all hotels by approximately 10%. I am also actively involved in promotions. Toward the end of 2009, I was instrumental in promoting our hotel product and redeveloping key contacts and relationships in the airline sector. Subsequently, the Group’s Gold Coast property was selected as a sole preferred property by an additional three airlines, and has resulted in securing up to 300 additional room nights per annum.

Demonstrated knowledge of the secondary school and tertiary education system, the pathways students can take to enter tertiary education and an understanding of the VET sector…

I possess solid knowledge on pathways available for students to take in order to enter tertiary education. I have attended a number of career expos and open days at TAFE, which has provided me with background knowledge of pathways. Specific pathways include qualifications from the following key areas: Year 12 (internal or external) or equivalent studies; tertiary level studies (diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, degree); bridging and preparatory courses; Certificates III and IV; formal qualifications in music, dance, speech and drama, languages); job-related qualifications (for example, trade, traineeship); employment; personal competency assessment; and results on an approved admissions test, for example, the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

With regard to an understanding of the VET sector, working within the HH Group, has also provided me with the opportunity to train students in a shadow program conducted by our hotel. I interact with the students and gain insight into their educational goals and the respective pathways they are undertaking to complete their tertiary education. I possess a solid understanding of VET courses in tourism and hospitality, running from Certificate I level through to Advanced Diploma. There are courses that lead directly into all of the occupational categories in the hotel environment. Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be given for some of the lower level VET courses (such as certificate II, III or IV) and towards Diploma courses in the same or related subject areas.

Highly developed computer skills including the use of spreadsheets, word processing, publishing and databases; the ability to utilize these for sales, marketing and reporting purposes…

My computing skills are of an excellent standard. I have noteworthy experience using spreadsheets and word processing applications and in-house databases, including Microsoft (MS) Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook) and IKNOW. My specific skills in utilising these applications are as follows:

• MS Excel - preparation of monthly reports for six hotels to outline year-on-year sales comparisons, top accounts for each month and low production accounts.
• MS Word - preparation of a variety of correspondence including client proposals, contracts, internal departmental memos; creation of standard operating procedures in relation to sales and business development processes; and the development of sales and marketing training manuals.
• Databases (IKNOW) - responsible for maintaining 95% accuracy in the system which is achieved by conducting monthly reviews and compiling and allocating data to ensure all accounts are tracked correctly for reporting systems.
• MS Publisher - update travel fact sheets with new images and information on a quarterly basis.
• MS Outlook - various functions are used extensively on a daily basis including the calendar, address book, tasks, reminders, to receive incoming emails, as well as compiling outgoing emails to external clients and stakeholders.

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

This existing client previously utilised my services to prepare selection criteria (see blog posted on 1^st February 2011 for the Policy Manager role). This time around he once again commissioned my services to address seven criteria for a high level management position within a State (NSW) Government department. He was not only successful in gaining a job interview, but was also offered the role which he enthusiastically accepted. Following are excerpts from three of the seven criteria.

Proven record of achievement in leading and managing a high volume client service operation…

As Asset and Supply Manager with Rail Infrastructure Corporation, I was responsible for the providing logistical support to rail maintenance and construction operations across regional NSW. This included a high volume supply and distribution service encompassing many thousands of transaction a week. Rail Infrastructure Corporation adopted a just-in-time supply philosophy which necessitated a detailed planning and scheduling process to ensure materials and equipment were delivered simultaneously to multiple worksites across the State. The maintenance and construction tasks support were critical to the operation of the NSW rail network and costing many millions each day. The failure of the supply and distribution system was also potentially costly from a political standpoint. I developed and implemented a programmed procurement and supply process to integrate supply with customer requirements, and maintenance planning which enabled over 95% of orders to be completed within agreed deliverable timeframes; and streamlined the requisition process to reduce client administrative costs and improve the ability of clients to achieve their performance targets.

Proven capacity to deliver results at an operational and strategic level…

From a strategic standpoint, in my current role as Manager, Land Administration with the State Management Council, Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA), I identified that the core data the organisation relied upon to perform its main functions was often incomplete or inaccurate (less than 25% accuracy). The correctness of data was crucial as it was not only used by the organisation to plan its statewide animal health and pest management programs, but also used as the base data for the national biosecurity network within NSW. The core data was the geospatial data (property lots and deposited plans) - unique spatial data identifying each parcel of land within the State. I initiated projects to develop the capability within the organisation to ensure its geospatial data was brought up-to-date; and implemented systems and processes to modify the records as changes occurred, in order to improve and continue to maintain the accuracy of the data. This process also involved developing relationships with the State’s custodian of geospatial information, the Land and Property Management Authority (formerly known as the Department of Lands), and the primary user of the organisation’s information - Industry and Investment NSW (formerly, Department of Primary Industries). In addition, to reduce any duplication or inconsistency in the organisation’s data requirements, I introduced an initiative to align the organisation’s need for geospatial data with the needs of those agencies who regularly used/accessed our data. The implementation of this initiative is currently 50% complete. Upon completion, this will result in 100% accuracy of all biosecurity information and data for the State, as well as ensuring the integrity of the geospatial data is aligned with the data maintained by the custodian of spatial data in NSW. This is essential in order to effectively manage outbreaks of disease.

High level project and financial management skills…

From a financial management perspective, I possess highly developed skills in analysing and applying financial information, forecasting and effectively managing budgets. In my current role as Manager, Land Administration with the State Management Council, LHPA, I am responsible for management of a $1.2M operating budget. In 2009, I centralised the land administration functions of the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities which reduced overall costs by 65%. This involved: extensive analysis of profit and loss statements and examination of operating costs; identifying costs incurred in performing the function; benchmarking with other organisations to determine best practice costs; identifying cost drivers; and identifying technology-based alternatives. I undertook cost benefit analysis on options available, made recommendations to senior management and the Board on the most cost effective options available given financial and political constraints.

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone 

According to business information research firm IBISWorld’s latest forecast, the oil and gas production industry was highlighted as this year’s top industry performer with revenue growth predicted to increase by 18.3% in 2011/12. Conversely, gaming and vending machines manufacturing was named as the worst performing industry, with a forecasted revenue fall of 12.6%. Full lists are outlined below.

IBISWorld’s Top 10 growth industries for 2011/12:

1.    Oil and gas production (18.3%)

2.    Sugar manufacturing (16.3%)

3.    Organic farming (13.0%)

4.    Mining (12.9%)

5.    Automotive fuel retailing (10.9%)

6.    Multi-unit apartment and townhouse construction (10.6%)

7.    Financial asset investors (9.8%)

8.    Renewable energy (9.7%)

9.    Online shopping (9.0%)

10.  Domestic airlines (9.0%)

IBISWorld’s Top 5 worst-performing industries for 2011/12:

1.    Gaming and vending machines manufacturing (-12.6%)

2.    Wired telecommunications carriers (-7.6%)

3.    Institutional building construction (-7.3%)

4.    Image processing and printing services (-4.9%)

5.    Book and telephone directory publishing (-2.4%)

Source: Human Capital (HC) Online - article posted 7^th July 2011

Cheers,

Annie Cerone