My client applied for the role of Manager Game Compliance in State (VIC) Government and won a job interview. She came in second to a candidate with 15 years’ experience. This was a very large application involving the addressing of 10 selection criteria across four pages in total. Following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Previous investigative or compliance / enforcement experience is required. [...]
My client gained a job interview for an English teaching role in the Victorian education sector. This was a huge application that involved addressing 8 selection criteria, each ranged between 400 and 500 words. On completion, the word count for the entire application totalled approximately 4,000 words – that’s bigger than most university/tertiary assignments at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels! Following are excerpts from two [...]
There is less enthusiasm this time around from Australian candidates in applying for jobs in the mining industry as revealed by organisations/employers in this sector. The majority of jobs are currently being filled by migrant workers. Two key States (Queensland and Western Australia) are the big players and recovering well from the severe downturn which occurred between 2012 and 2016. “According to the latest data [...]
My client gained a job interview after having applied for the role of Client Services Officer in a State (QLD) Government department. Seven selection criteria required to be addressed in a two-page statement. Following are full examples of two of the selection criteria. Demonstrated knowledge of best practice procurement procedures. Commonwealth Government procurement rules and standards changed in 2014. I undertook mandatory training in the [...]
My client gained a job interview after having applied for the role of Workforce Scheduler in an APS/Federal Government department. A total of four criteria required addressing, each with a 400 word length limit. Following is a full excerpt of one of the selection criteria. High level verbal and written communication skills including the ability to compose clear, accurate and professional documentation. An important part [...]
Find following Government jobs search sites at Commonwealth, State and Territory levels. ~ Commonwealth/APS Government jobs: https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/ ~ QLD Government jobs: https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/ ~ NSW Government jobs: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/ ~ ACT Government jobs: https://www.jobs.act.gov.au/ ~ VIC Government jobs: https://careers.vic.gov.au/ ~ SA Government jobs: https://iworkfor.sa.gov.au/ ~ WA Government jobs: https://jobs.wa.gov.au/ ~ NT Government jobs: http://www.careers.nt.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx ~ TAS Government jobs: http://www.jobs.tas.gov.au/ I’m here to help market you! Cheers, Annie [...]
This client applied for the role of Paralegal within an APS Government department and was successful in gaining a job interview. A two-page document addressing selection criteria/competencies was required covering five key areas, including aptitude and experience; research and advice; drive, judgment and organisation; working relationships; and communication. Following is a full example of one of the selection criteria. Working Relationships. Working at my virtual [...]
This particular client applied for the role of Workforce Analyst in an APS Government department and was successful in going through to the job interview stage. A total of five selection criteria required to be addressed; following are part excerpts from two of the criteria. Demonstrated high level communication skills including the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. My influencing skills are demonstrated through [...]
Meagan Weekes is a guest contributor to my Blog. She has written an interesting article outlining key tips to help you in phone interviews. Enjoy the read… Phone interviews are perhaps the trickiest of them all. Despite the fact that you can technically take a phone interview in your most unkempt state, since your potential employer would not even know if birds were nesting in [...]
Let me introduce you to Jade Anderson who is a guest blogger. Jade has written a strong article outlining some of the best resume tips to use in your resume writing strategy. A resume/CV is and has always been the most important tool in the search for a job. Resumes are the first point of contact between you and the recruiter. Resumes are what get [...]
This particular client applied for the role of Administration Team Leader within State (QLD) Government – specifically, in Queensland Health – and was successful in going through to the job interview stage, was offered and accepted the role. Following are part excerpts from two of the five selection criteria which required to be addressed in a two-page cover letter format. Planning and Prioritisation: Planning, prioritising [...]
This repeat business client applied for the role of Advisor for the Commonwealth Games in a State (QLD) Government department which resulted in an interview. A two-page statement was requested to address five selection criteria/capabilities/competencies. Following is a full example of one of the criteria. Communicates clearly. My current role involves dealing with incoming requests in order to obtain, collate and relay in-depth information to [...]
I have been veering well away from developing boring responsibility-based resumes and eliminating repetition from job-to-job when overhauling clients’ resumes. Instead, I apply a lateral thinking approach in drawing out outcomes or achievements in relation to the responsibility performed and categorising and showcasing these statements under key skill areas. Where a particular responsibility cannot be drawn out to indicate an achievement/outcome, then my primary objective [...]
Rissen-Harrisberg is a prominent body language expert who claims 93% of a message is delivered through body language, facial expression, vocal tone and inflections. Non Verbal: 55% what the interviewer(s) sees and 38% what they hear. Verbal: 7% what you say. Dr Jurgen Ruesch is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California who posits that we communicate by means of approximately 700,000 different nonverbal [...]
This client applied for the role of Development Director at a Grammar School in Victoria and secured a job interview. Aside from preparing a well-developed resume, I also developed a 2.5 page cover letter addressing six criteria. Following are full examples of two of the selection criteria. Developing, driving and executing strategic plans. Much of my experience in the education sector has centred on the [...]
Details are from the extensive research on Skill Shortages conducted nationwide in 2016-17 by the Australian Department of Education. This post reveals partial figures for the State of NT. State-wide shortage: - Optometrist - Pharmacists (Hospital, Retail) - Occupational Therapist - Physiotherapist - Panelbeater - Plumbers - Chef - Cabinetmaker - Solid Plasterer - Tilers (Roof, Wall, Floor) - Telecommunications Trades Workers - Baker - [...]
Details are from the extensive research on Skill Shortages conducted nationwide in 2016-17 by the Australian Department of Education. This post reveals partial figures for the State of WA. State-wide shortage: - Childcare Centre Manager - Sonographer - Audiologist - Locksmith - Stonemason - Plasterer - Tiler (Roof, Wall, Floor) - Telecommunications Trades Workers - Baker - Hairdresser Shortage in regional areas: - Early Childhood [...]
Details are from the extensive research on Skill Shortages conducted nationwide in 2016-17 by the Australian Department of Education. This post reveals partial figures for the State of SA. State-wide shortage: - Sonographer - Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians - Automotive Electrician - Motor Mechanics (General) - Bricklayer - Painting Trades Worker - Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics - Childcare Worker - Locksmith - Stonemason - [...]
The majority of the best and most suitable candidates do not make it through the initial applicant tracking system (ATS) screening process. Only 25% of applicants make it through the first stage of ATS screening before their written documentation is seen by a person. Presently, over 93% of organisations in Australia use ATS. Those not using ATS are small family-owned business or one-person business operations. [...]
Details are from the extensive research on Skill Shortages conducted nationwide in 2016-17 by the Australian Department of Education. This post reveals partial figures for the State of TAS. State-wide shortage: - Sheetmetal Trades Worker - Panelbeater - Vehicle Painter - Bricklayer - Painting Trades Worker - Cabinetmaker - Audiologist - Locksmith - Stonemason - Solid Plasterer - Tilers (Roof, Wall, Floor) - Baker - [...]
This repeat business client applied for the role of Personal Assistant (PA) in local government in Tasmania, breezed through the job interview stage, was offered and accepted the role. This was a big application requiring the addressing of 10 selection criteria; all were addressed in four pages. Following are excerpts from two of the selection criteria. Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, judgement and discretion and [...]
Details are from the extensive research on Skill Shortages conducted nationwide in 2016-17 by the Australian Department of Education. This post reveals partial figures for the State of VIC. State-wide shortage: - Architect - Sonographer - Midwife - Automotive Electrician - Sheetmetal Trade Worker - Panelbeater - Vehicle Painter - Carpenters and Joiners - Painting Trades Worker - Chef - Locksmith - Baker - Hairdresser [...]
Details are from the extensive research on Skill Shortages conducted nationwide in 2016-17 by the Australian Department of Education. This post reveal partial figures for the Territory of ACT. State-wide shortage: - Civil Engineering Professionals - Audiologist - Optometrists - Motor Mechanics - Panelbeater - Bricklayer - Plumber - Locksmith - Glazier - Roof, Wall and Floor Tilers - Telecommunications Trades Workers - Baker - [...]
Details are from the extensive research on Skill Shortages conducted nationwide in 2016-17 by the Australian Department of Education. This post reveals partial figures for the State of NSW. State-wide shortage: - Child Care Centre Manager - Surveyor - Sonographer - Architectural Draftsperson - Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians - Panelbeater - Bricklayer - Carpenter Shortage in metropolitan areas: - Architect - Sheetmetal Trades Worker [...]
Details are from the extensive research conducted nationwide in 2016-17 on Skill Shortages by the Australian Department of Education. This post reveals partial figures for the State of QLD. State-wide shortage: - Special Education Teacher - Medical Diagnostic Radiographer - Optometrist - Motorcycle Mechanic - Panelbeater - Bricklayer - Cabinetmaker - Butcher and Smallgood maker Shortage in regional areas: - Hospital and Retail Pharmacist - [...]
The Australian Department of Education conducted extensive research in the 2016-17 financial year. The details contained in the research are essentially a summary showing only skilled occupations for which the research suggests there are shortages or recruitment difficulties. Each list – National, State and Territory – reflects research undertaken to 30 June 2017, which was published in August 2017. Further information in this regard should [...]
This client gained a job interview, was offered the role and accepted. Four selection criteria required addressing with a 200-word limit for each. Following is a full example of one of the criteria. Please provide an example of your understanding of the abilities required to work in a team based environment where you contribute to the overall culture and performance of a workplace. I recently [...]
This particular client applied for the role of ABS Field Interviewer in the Australian Public Service (APS) – Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Five criteria required addressing at a maximum page length of half page each. They included Interpersonal Skills, Communication, Achieving Results, Technical Aptitude, and Past Experience. My client was called up for a job interview but was unable to attend due to a [...]
This repeat business client once again gained another job interview in the Tertiary sector in Victoria; this time it was for the role of Student Development Advisor. A total of seven criteria needed to be addressed for this application; the following is a full example of one of the criteria. Knowledge of current theory and practice of, and experience in applying a developmental approach to [...]
The following mistakes made on resumes are the biggest ‘killers’. Based on my extensive experience in assessing, shortlisting, designing and developing resumes; combined data generated from repeated surveys – employers and recruiters surveyed – continually reinforce the following mistakes are the biggest turn offs when considering prospective candidates based on their resume. Getting the resume right is the job of the candidate and it takes [...]
This client applied for the role of Assistant Consultant in State (Qld) Government and gained a job interview. A two-page statement required addressing the following 7 selection criteria: Customer Focus, Educating Others, Continuous Learning, Continuous Improvement, Problem Solving, Work Values, and Technical Knowledge. Following are full examples of two of the criteria. Customer Focus: In my most recent role as Assessment Officer at the HHH [...]
‘Digital dirt’ could impact you negatively during the job application process. According to CareerBuilder’s annual social media recruitment survey, in 2016 approximately 60% of employers used social networking sites to research job candidates, compared to 52% in 2015; the figure is rising significantly! Where possible, you should remove negative items from all your social media platforms/channels. Cheers, Annie Cerone
HC Online posted an interesting article in late February 2017 which outlined the most sought-after employers based on results from a survey conducted by GradAustralia; 14,000 students were surveyed across 38 universities. Top 10 employers (in no particular order) categorised by industry sector follow: Accounting and advisory – Deloitte Banking and financial services – Commonwealth Bank Construction and property services – Arup [...]
This particular client applied for the role of Student Wellbeing Counsellor in the Tertiary/Higher Education Sector and gained a job interview. As is typical with university applications, many of them require the addressing of numerous Essential and Desirable criteria. This application required the addressing of six Essential criteria; one of the rare few applications, where only a small number of criteria were stipulated. Overall, the [...]
This particular client applied for the role of Web Officer in State (Queensland) Government, gained an interview, was offered the role and gladly accepted. The stock standard five Capability Leadership Framework (CLF) criteria – Supports Strategic Direction, Achieves Results, Supports Productive Working Relationships, Displays Personal Drive and Integrity, and Communicates with Influence – required addressing in a two-page statement. Following are excerpts from two of [...]
This is a good article posted today by HC Online which pinpoints areas to identify those who are strategists or strategic thinkers. If you are in a role that requires strategic-related tasks, or are wanting to progress to a role that requires strategic thinking, or wanting to employ a candidate where strategic thinking skills are a big requirement, then this article will provide you with [...]
This particular client applied for the role of Coordinator, Civil Law Legal Aid Scheme within State (Qld) Government, and progressed to the interview stage. Five selection criteria required addressing. Following is a full example of one of the criteria. You can analyse, comprehend, interpret and apply procedures and guidelines to make decisions. You ideally have knowledge of legal practices and process, particularly in relation to [...]
Jessica Holbrook Hernandez is a nationally recognized resume expert operating out of the USA, is President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast, and was recently named 2016 BEST Resume Writer. It is a great pleasure to feature one of her invaluable articles on my blog. Please click the following link (ATS Infographic) to read this highly informative article on ATS stats in infographic form and loaded with [...]
This client applied for a Project Officer role in State (Qld) Government, gained a job interview, was offered the role and accepted. As is commonplace with Qld Government applications for the past few years, selection criteria required addressing in a two-page statement. Following excerpts from two of the seven criteria. Demonstrated experience with all aspects of project coordination, preferably building refurbishment projects. In my 10 [...]
CareerFAQs published an article on 20 October 2016 outlining the Top 10 jobs you can target and secure in Australia, surprisingly where a university degree is not essential. Senior Executives from large multi-nationals are valuing and taking into greater consideration, hands-on experience over degrees. This fresh attitude no doubt will trickle down to medium and smaller scale organisations in time, if not already. The top [...]
This client applied for a Finance Officer role in State Government in the Qld Health Department and gained a job interview. Instead of addressing the standard five criteria from the Capability Leadership Framework (CLF) – Strategic Direction, Achieves Results, Cultivates Relationships, Demonstrates Drive, and Communicates with Influence – the application called for the addressing of four specific criteria. Following are excerpts from two of the [...]
Across all roles in Australian State and Territory Governments, as well as Local and Federal Governments, prior to commencing the processing of drafting selection criteria responses, it is important you find out character/word length limit for each criterion, or an overall page length limit to address all the selection criteria. Producing a document that contains too little or too much information is a killer, plus [...]
The Sydney Morning Herald published on 3 September 2016 a detailed and upfront outlook on the problem of ageism and age discrimination within the Australian workforce and its impact on unemployment on mature age individuals. The article was written by Anna Patty and titled: ‘Caught in an unemployment netherworld: too young to retire, too old to get a job’. Ricci Bartels who is 63 years [...]
This particular client applied for the role of Graduate Insolvency Services Officer in Accounting or Law in an APS/Federal Government agency and gained a job interview. A total of seven selection criteria required addressing in cover letter format at a specified two-page maximum. Following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Case Management Towards the end of my employment at ZZZ, I became more experienced [...]
This particular client applied for the role of Senior Investigator in the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS)* and was successful in progressing through to the job interview stage. The selection criteria component was lengthy and required addressing six criteria at a maximum of 500 words each. Following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Managerial and Planning I was responsible for managing XXX [...]
Mary Frenson is a guest contributor to my Blog. She has written a very interesting article. Please read on… In a competitive job market, most candidates are interested in new, exciting ways to help their resume stand out from the crowd. With the explosion of visuals in the online world on sites such as Tumblr, Pinterest, and Instagram it is no surprise that many are [...]
We are all humans; therefore, we all have weaknesses! I do a lot of research into the type of questions you could be asked in a job interview and the best way to respond. My biggest irk is when other industry professionals advise you to ‘deflect’ when answering the question: ‘What is your biggest weaknesses?’ Many advise you to answer the question by responding with [...]
This client applied for and gained an interview for a role in State (SA) Government in the capacity of a Senior Change Management Consultant. A total of seven selection criteria required addressing; all were well addressed in a three-page document. Following are excerpts from two of the criteria. Proven experience to initiate and foster strategic partnerships and networks with stakeholders within and external to SA [...]
Eryk Bagshaw, Education Reporter with the Sydney Morning Herald posted an online article today (29th May 2016) on a skill that employers highly value and want in their candidates and employees. One entrepreneur who was interviewed said that all creativity comes back to a customer focus. THE TOP 15 OCCUPATIONS REQUIRING CREATIVITY: 1. Advertising professional 2. Sales representative 3. Multimedia specialist and web developer 4. [...]
David Grover is a guest writer to my Blog page. He has written a comprehensive article on how to incorporate non-professional experience in your resume, cover letter and other supporting documentation (when requested). Enjoy the reading Show off your real-world experience — it might just help you land your dream job! Contrary to how it sounds, there is immense value in sharing non-professional experience when [...]
