1. Melbourne University 2009 Application Writing

2. Application Process Current school-based vacancies are advertised on recruitment online. Applications should include: –Resume (standard recruitment online format) –Attachments Cover Letter A more detailed Resume, incl. 3 referees Response to Key Selection Criteria (KSC)

3. Resume Remember the purpose –Your personal advertisement –Concise & focussed –The application gets you an interview! Format is now set (state-wide) through recruitment online

4. Resume - Format Resumes can be prepared in various formats, however the most common are: Chronological: Experience and information are listed in reverse chronological order, present role being cited first. Shows growth and development. Functional: Roles, responsibilities and experiences are arranged in categories such as leadership, management, teaching, community partnerships, etc. Keep it between 3 to 4 pages

5. Resume - Content Identifying the content can be difficult. Select key information that best describes your abilities and demonstrates your capacity to fulfil the role through past experiences. Use section headings: Personal Details, Certificates, Community Involvement, Professional Responsibilities, PD, Confidential Referees, etc. The principal should ‘get a feel’ for your experience and capabilities from your resume.

6. Response to KSC This will ultimately determine your success in gaining an interview No more than one page per criteria It must be visually inviting (formatting, layout, font, size, bullet points, etc) Some of your ‘evidence’ and past roles will overlap on some criteria. You just need to decide where it best fits or how that particular role demonstrates the criteria.

7. Response to KSC For each criteria, select between 2 to 4 (examples) roles or responsibilities that demonstrate your capacity Use action verbs – led, initiated, prepared, consulted, etc Describe the ‘outcomes’ and ‘processes’ rather than a list of roles and committees. Avoid philosophical statements – I believe, we feel, etc

8. Response to KSC Be consistent with format / presentation –Short opening paragraph (beliefs, research, school context) –Dot point / paragraphs of 2 to 4 examples –Short closing paragraph (summation, how this evidence can transfer to the new role/school) Ensure you have read the role description. Make some reference throughout. Avoid repetition

9. Other Tips Keep your resume & KSC responses logical Have a colleague or friend read over it Always tell your referees & send them a copy – even if you have used them previously Avoid a congested resume or KSC. If in doubt, leave it out!