Contact Us

Level 3, 9 The Avenue
Midland  WA  6056

Phone: 9274 9900
Fax: 9274 4142
 jobs@jamidland.com.au

Job Search Help

The following information and tips are intended as a guide to assist you in your job search techniques.

We express our thanks to the Department of Education and Training (Government of Western Australia) for allowing us to include some of their job search resource material.

If you would like more information or support please access our Open Access Facility

Application Letters
Cold Calling/Canvassing & Calling Cards
Interview Tips & Questions
Networking
Referees & References
Resumés
Selection Criteria
Skills & Abilities
Telephone Techniques
Extra Resources

Application Letters

Whether you are writing a letter of application in answer to a job advertisement or searching for work that has not been advertised, your aim is to get an interview!  Your job application is often the first contact you will have with an employer. 

It is important to take care with the application, it must look good and should summarise your relevant skills and experience.  It should encourage the employer to read your resumé and call you in for an interview.

Helpful hints for letter writing

Use words that give a positive impression, such as:

capable participated achieved created
coordinated maintained prepared efficient
consistent experienced organised supervised
responsible designed successful committed
managed established ability resourceful

Setting out your application letter

Cold Calling/Canvassing Techniques

Method Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

In Person

 Dress as if attending an interview.
Take a copy of your resumé and other documents, e.g.; references and certificates.
Ask for the name of the person responsible for hiring.
Collect a business card.
Leave a copy of your resumé and your calling card.		 2-3 days later:
Phone the hiring person.
Ask if they have seen your resumé.
Ask if they have any job leads.
Request an interview if possible.		 Follow up leads provided.
Keep a record of responses.
Maintain contact on a regular basis.

By Mail

 Phone to find out the name of the person responsible for hiring.
Follow up by sending a covering letter with your resumé.
Mail to prospective companies, addressed to the right person.		 2-3 days later:
Phone the hiring person.
Ask if they have received your letter and resumé.
Ask if they have any job leads.
Request an interview if possible.		 Follow up leads provided.
Keep a record of responses.
Maintain contact on a regular basis.

By Phone

Decide and practice what to say before you phone.
Ask to speak to the person responsible for hiring.
Always state your name and why you are phoning.

Mail, email, fax or deliver in person, your resumé and covering letter.

Follow up leads provided.
Keep a record of responses.
Maintain contact on a regular basis.

Remember

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Calling Cards

What is your memory like?

Are you good at remembering names?  Most of us need to be told a name two or three times before it sinks in so there is no point in visiting people to look for jobs, if when you leave, they can't remember who you are.  Always leave at least your name and phone number with people so that they can get in touch with you in the future.

What is a calling card for?

A calling card gives more information than a business card and not as much detail as your resumé.  It gives people a brief overview of your capabilities.

What information does it contain?

John Johns
 Telephone: (00) 0000 0000     Mobile: 000 000 000

POSITION WANTED:  Motorbike Courier

  • Thorough knowledge of metro and surrounding areas

  • 2 years experience

  • Professional, friendly and reliable service

  • Own economic and reliable bike

Available for work now

As there is a limited amount of space (the size of a business card) you need to choose your words carefully and think about what the employer is looking for.  Include your skills, experience, qualifications and licence information that is relevant to the type of work you are seeking.

Who is it for?

Your calling card is a very useful tool in your job search tool kit and you should give them to people who may be able to give you a job or someone who can pass your name on to an employer:

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Interview Tips

Preparing for the interview

The interview is a competition, so the best and most prepared person usually wins.  You may only get 10-15 minutes to present yourself in the best possible way.  Those few minutes could be the start of a new career - prepare well.

What type of person are they looking for?

Someone who is confident and easy to talk to - we communicate more with our body language and our tone of voice than our words.... it’s not what we say, it’s how we say it!

First impressions count

Upon Arrival

Introduction to the Interviewer

Making a good impression

Prepare your answers

Possible questions

more interview questions

Ending the interview

After the interview

Good luck!

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Interview Questions

Many interviewers will begin the interview by asking you questions about yourself.  These are often used as ‘ice breakers’ to encourage you to start talking and to relax you.  If you are prepared for these types of questions you are more likely to answer with confidence and sound more positive, which will be a good start to the interview:

You may be asked any one of the following questions that are designed to give you the opportunity to talk about your skills, experience and abilities that are relevant to the job you are applying for.  Make the most of this opportunity to sell yourself!

Types of behavioural questions

Experienced interviewers will often use an interviewing style called 'behavioural interviewing' which suggests that your past behaviour predicts your future behaviour.  This means that you will be asked about your past behaviour....

Types of negative questions

Some questions are designed to find out what your weaknesses are and will usually make you feel uncomfortable.  Should you be totally honest and admit your failings or deny them?  Remember we are all human - if you want to confess your failings, wait until you are talking to a priest, not an interviewer!

Preparing your answers to these questions will give you the opportunity to focus as little as possible on any weaknesses or failings that may take you out of the competition for the job.

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Networking

How do I do it?

Well, you’ll be glad to hear that you are networking most of the time already.  If your family and friends know you are looking for work, you are ‘Networking’.  Whenever you have asked anyone if they have a job or if they know of any vacancies, you’ve been ‘Networking’.

Networking is simply talking to as many people as possible

How do I get started?

Talk, talk, talk…. to people who may be able to help you, even talk to people who you think might not be able to help you - you don’t know for sure!

First things first

Decide what kind of job you want

Make a list of everyone you know

Call them and ask for “help” (the magic word!), e.g.; try to obtain any useful leads, names or information

Follow up all contacts: letters, visits and phone calls – don’t lose a contact because you feel let down; show that you are keen and persistent  

What if I don’t know many people?

You or your friends may not have a lot of contacts, but use what you have.  You can also start making new contacts yourself.  Talk to everyone you come across in a normal day, e.g.; shopkeepers, bus drivers, bank staff, neighbours, postie, barman - anyone!

My contacts can’t find me a job

Don’t give up – you have the main responsibility in this job hunt, don’t stop hunting if nobody can help you…. keep going, widen your ‘Network’ by using:

Think about the following to give you some more ideas

The Internet

As long as you get another contact or some useful information, your efforts have been successful
‘Networking works’

Referees & References

About referees About references
A referee is someone who is willing to be contacted by telephone to provide information about you.  Always make sure to ask your referees if they are willing to speak on your behalf, and inform them of any positions you have applied for.  The more positive they are about you, the better! A reference is a written testimonial prepared by a previous employer, or a teacher, or family friend - someone who can vouch for your character, skills and abilities.  It is normally in the form of a letter and copies of references may be attached to your resumé when you apply for positions.

Most potential employers would rather speak to a referee on the telephone to get a honest idea of how you conduct yourself at work.  Your resumé should include details of 2 to 3 referees with their name, the name of the company they work for, their position, address and phone numbers.

If you are in any doubt about the kind of reference someone will give you, do not include them on your application or resumé.  It is better to have no reference than a bad reference.

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Resumés

Preparing your Resumé

Your resumé is an important document.  It is your advertising brochure and needs to be 'targeted' to particular employers.  That is why you should have more than one version of your resumé.  When approaching one employer, you may need to emphasise particular skills and experience that you would perhaps not emphasise to another employer.  Even the way we put resumés together is changing.  They used to focus more on education and employment history.  Today resumés tend to be more focused on skills and abilities - regardless of where those skills and abilities were developed.

There are many different styles of resumés, and no one way to write a resumé correctly.  However, there are a few principles that should be followed:

  1. Keep it brief and to the point

  2. Don't let it be too cluttered - keep the paragraphs short and space them out, make the headings clear, and leave plenty of visible space on each page

  3. Try not to just talk about what you've done in the past - talk about what you can do now, what you aspire to do in the future, and use positive action words.  Modern resumé styles often focus more on skills and accomplishments than just past responsibilities and tasks

  4. Focus on the skills and abilities you offer to the potential employer

  5. Get another person who knows you well to check over your resumé, looking for errors in spelling and grammar, checking its readability and content

  6. When you are writing your resumé, try to look through the employer's eyes

  7. Unless you are seeking a job as a calligrapher, never hand write a resumé!  Unless otherwise requested, it should always be typed and printed on clean A4 size paper, normally white

  8. Your resumé must be easily readable  - if you are going to submit your resumé electronically by email, or if it is going to be scanned, make sure it is in a basic font, like Times New Roman

Your resumé should include details of 2 to 3 referees with their name, the name of the company they work for, their position, address and phone numbers.

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Selection Criteria

The Selection Criteria is not as tricky as it seems!

Some job advertisements, especially for jobs with the government, professional appointments, or larger businesses, require you to address a Selection Criteria.  The selection criteria is a list of personal qualities (skills, knowledge and work experience) you need to get the job.  It is used by the employer to shortlist applicants for the interview process and you can also use it to decide whether you are suited to the job.  Response to a selection criteria is a separate document from your covering letter and resumé.

Before addressing the Selection Criteria

Obtain an application package including the Selection Criteria from the employer.

Explain in writing how well you meet the essential and desirable criteria.  To be considered for an interview, you need to show that you meet at least the essential criteria.

Here is a sample of a job advertisement, requesting applicants to address the selection criteria, followed by an example of how to address the selection criteria:

Administrative Assistant (Level 1)
Position No. 23/00
$21990-$27990pa

Applications for the above position are sought from suitably qualified persons who will function as a member of a team in the Customer Services Division within the City of Mount Elisa.

Qualifications and experience:

Essential:
Good written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated customer service skills
Ability to prioritise work
Ability to work in a team environment

Desirable:
Experience in Word Processing, specifically MS Word
Experience working in local Government sector

Further information contact: Mr J Forrest on (08) 9921 3333
For an application package contact: Mr K P Board on (08) 9921 3312

CLOSING DATE: Written applications addressing the selection criteria and a copy of your resume including 2 referees should be marked 'Confidential Advertised Vacancy' quoting the position number and addressed to: The Recruitment Officer, City of Mount Elisa, PO Box 0000, Mount Elisa  WA  6999 no later than 5pm Friday 25th February.

NO FAXED, LATE, OR PROFORMA APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

The City of Mount Elisa is an Equal Opportunity Employer and abides by the Public Sector Standards in relation to recruitment, selection and appointment.

Example of how to address the selection criteria

Addressing the Selection Criteria: Claire Thomas

Essential:

1  Good written and verbal communication skills

My written communication skills have been demonstrated by:

  • Writing high school assignments in various subjects to specified requirements and time deadlines as a student at Monkey Bay Senior High School.  I have received consistently high grades in my written work at school.

  • Writing project reports on various group projects as a student.

  • Drafting letters in response to client enquiries during my part-time job as a receptionist with B J Hoskins Solicitor

  • Getting an A grade in Office Communication in Year 12.

My verbal communication skills have been demonstrated by:

  • Leading Monkey Bay Senior High School in the Interstate School Debating Competition.

  • Answering the telephone and welcoming clients as a receptionist during my employment with B J Hoskins Solicitors.

  • Taking orders from customers as a Customer Service Crew at Burger Bonanza.

  • Getting an A grade in English Literature and Japanese in Year 12.

2  Demonstrated customer services skills

During the past 2 years I have worked in positions where my main responsibility involved using my well developed customer service skills.

  • While working as a Customer Service Crew at Burger Bonanza, on several occasions I have been confronted by irate customers with complaints about the food or the delay in the queues during very busy periods.  These encounters have required me to listen patiently to the complaint, to speak gently to the customer despite their raised voice, and to find a way of satisfying the customer.  My supervisor on several occasions has congratulated me on how well I have handled these difficult customers.

  • As a Front Office Receptionist with B J Hoskins Solicitors, I was often the first point of contact for clients who came into the office.  On one occasion an elderly woman came into the office very angry about a letter that she had received from our solicitor's office.  By careful handling, I was able to settle her down and explain to her briefly the purpose of the letter.  Soon I was able to make her a cup of tea and got her talking about other matters.  By the time Mr Hoskins was able to call her into his office, she was no longer angry.  He later thanked me for the sensitive way that I handled the woman.

While holding these positions, I demonstrated excellence in customer service by:

  • Meeting customers in a pleasant manner.

  • Making sure that I had taken orders accurately.

  • Processing orders promptly and handing them over to the appropriate customer.

  • Conveying messages to staff members promptly and accurately.

Claire Thomas - Page 1

3  Ability to prioritise work

I have demonstrated the ability to prioritise work by:

  • Working part-time while successfully completing Year 11 and 12 studies.

  • Efficiently serving customers as a Customer Service Crew at Burger Bonanza and also carrying out other duties such as assisting in food preparation and housekeeping.

  • Typing letters in order of priority, serving clients and answering telephone calls during my work as a receptionist.

  • Prioritising my workload as a student to effectively manage my time for studies

4  Ability to work in a team environment

My ability to work in a team environment has been demonstrated by:

  • Representing Monkey Bay Senior High School in the Inter School Netball Competition.

  • Working as part of a team to provide a quality food service at Burger Bonanza where I was responsible for taking orders, serving customers, food preparation and housekeeping.

  • Organising branch meetings for B J Hoskins Solicitors.  While organising these branch meetings I had to work with staff from various branches of B J Hoskins Solicitors.

  • Working on various group projects as a Year 12 student.  As part of these student groups I took part in planning group activities, carrying out individual work, reporting to the group leader and presenting information in the classroom.

Desirable:

1  Experience in using Word Processing packages such as MS Word

My ability to use Word Processing packages has been demonstrated by:

  • Using MS Word 97 and Corel Word Perfect to prepare high school assignments

  • Using MS Word 97 and MS Word Version 7 to prepare class handouts during group presentations as a high school student at Monkey Bay Senior High School, as well as to prepare flyers and brochures for the 97 Student Expo.

  • Using MS Word 97 to draft, edit, format and print letters during my work as a receptionist with B J Hoskins Solicitors.

While using Word I have utilised advanced features such as merging documents, using graphs and tables, auto formatting and making use of templates.  A course in Office Communication has supplemented my skills in this area.

2  Experience working in the local Government sector

While I do not have previous experience working in the local government sector, I believe I have the necessary skills to be able to work effectively in this area.  I am quick to learn new skills and systems, I am adaptable, and I am able to relate easily with a wide range of people.

I would look forward to the challenges and opportunities to be found in local government.

Claire Thomas - Page 2

Some useful hints

Situation: Where and when did you do it?
 Action: What did you do and how did you do it?
 Outcome: What was the result of your actions?		 Situation: Where and when did you do it?
 Task: Discuss the tasks undertaken.
 Action: What did you do and how did you do it?
 Result: Use a successful result, e.g.; appraisals

Remember to assume every other applicant can do the job.  Your job is to prove you are the best applicant - you have to prove yourself and sell yourself!

Good luck!

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Skills & Abilities

One of the most important things you must do before looking for work is to consider what skills and abilities you can bring to the workforce.  These are your most valuable assets and should not be overlooked.

There are three kinds of skills you need at work

If you have a clear understanding of your skills, it helps you to be more confident when you approach employers.  It also helps you to consider other patterns and forms of employment, and should enable you to explore realistic work options.

Identifying your Skills

Your skills can be developed any time in your life, from school, your work experience, hobbies, sporting activities, personal interests, training you have undertaken, e.g.;

Technical Skills
 Driving cars and other vehicles, child care, keyboard skills, drawing technical plans, playing a musical instrument, carpentry…..		 Transferable Skills
 Communication – written and verbal, problem solving, money handling, good organiser, creative, supervisory…..		 Personal Skills/Qualities
 Reliable, trustworthy, able to work unsupervised, work as a team member, able to work under pressure, outgoing, friendly…..

Think about a specific task you can do and under each heading (as above), write down the skills you use to perform that task.  Continue with more tasks then take a look at the list of skills you have identified.

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Telephone Techniques

Telephone calls, why bother?

Telephones give you a great opportunity to SPEAK to people and quickly.  People in business will often take phone calls - more than you think!  The telephone can be a great tool in quickly introducing yourself and selling your skills.  Use it well and often - practice makes perfect!

What can I hope for?

How to speak to the right person

A common problem that many job hunters have experienced, (or think they will experience) is 'the brush off' by an over-protective receptionist.  You want to speak to the person who has the power to hire you and ‘they’ are not letting you get through to them.  What can you do?

Option 1
 Give in and let someone who is not interested in you tell you who you can and can’t speak to.
Be brushed off by someone who thinks they are doing the boss a favour by not putting you through to him/her?		 Option 2
 Don’t give in!
Try another approach, be resourceful, and don’t be walked over.
Think of another way to get to speak, write, or meet the person responsible for hiring staff. If you believe you have something to offer, which you do, then you must be persistent and let your potential employer know what you have to offer.

Remember, you are only a nuisance to an employer until you convince them that you have something they can use - then you are of value to them.  Your mission is to convince an employer that they should be talking to you with a view to offering you employment.

Write down some ideas of the skills you can offer to an employer.  To see it in ‘black & white’ makes it easier for you to offer it on the phone.

Telephone Scripts

  WARM contact COLD contact
You “Hello, this is Luke for a job, please can I ask for some help?” “Hello, my name is Luke for a job....”
Contact “Yes, what can I do for you?” “Yes...?”
You “Max Chance suggested I give you a call. I’m looking for a storeperson’s job and he thought you might be able to suggest some companies I should try, or give me the names of agencies you’ve heard are good.” “I’m looking for storepersons work.  I’ve been doing that kind of work for the last year or so, do you have any jobs, or do you know of anyone who might have?”
Contact “Sure, have you tried…….”   Or
“I don’t think I’m a good person to talk to.”		  
You “Max Chance said you knew a lot of people and might be able to give me a couple of names....”  

Conversation possibilities

  Version 1 Version 2 Version 3
Contact “Well, actually, we might be looking ourselves….” “No, no jobs here mate, we’re laying people off now ourselves.” “No, we haven’t got anything.”
You “Oh, great! Can I please call in with my resumé?” “Oh, I'm sorry, that's difficult.
Can I ask – when you used to hire, where did you advertise or which agencies did you use?”		 “OK, thanks, but can you think of any other companies I should try or do you know of anyone in the industry who might be looking to employ people at present? 
Contact “Sure, come over tomorrow.”   Or
“Well, no, but you can send it to me.”		  "Well....."  "Well....."

Remember any phone call that gives you another contact
or more information is a success!

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Extra Resources

Seek's job website provides tips on resumé and interview preparation together with job advice, click www.seek.com.au and follow the links to 'career resources' then 'job search strategies'