Be Job Ready 1 Training, Employment & Career Coaching (TECC) CQUniversity, Sydney Eliza Babajews TECC Coordinator Level 1, 400 Kent St TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011

2 What is TECC? Confidential career planning consultations Career coaching & guidance Resume, cover letter & application writing Job search techniques in Australia Regular job vacancy postings TECC supports you with: TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011

What is TECC? 3 ‘Be Job Ready’ Workshops Seminars with guest speakers Volunteer opportunities Industry networking & liaison TECC also supports you with: TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011

Job Search Process 4 TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011

Job Search Methods 5 TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011 Internet - job search sites eg. Newspapers – employment sections Networking – friends, family, students Employment Agencies – catering for international students

Decoding Online Jobs TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May Part-time Accountant Tie Rack, the international retailer of fashion accessories, is seeking a part time accountant for it’s head office in Gordon, Sydney. The role will involve supervision of various accounting functions including: *Period end management accounts *Internal audit *Creditors *Payroll *Cash flow. The role is expected to be between 16 – 20 hours a week and the salary is negotiable. Interested applicants should send a resume to Stephen Katz at

7 Job Selection Criteria When responding to the criteria, ensure you:  Include your responses after your cover letter  Respond in the same order as per the job advertisement  Include the same language/wording in your responses  Use your work/academic experiences in your responses TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011

8 Your Resume should be ready at all times TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011  Update your resume as needed (ie. completing a course, changing jobs)  Make an appointment with TECC to improve or develop your resume  TECC appointments can be made through the Learning Sills Unit (LSU) on level 1, 400 Kent Street or call

9 10 Tips for Resume Writing Remember “Less is More” - Keep it Simple! Use standard white paper & standard fonts/sizes (eg.Arial) Keep it to less than 3 pages Use standard headings and maintain continuity Use ‘professional’ account details Do not include photographs or dates of birth (unless related to the job) Interests & hobbies are not necessary (unless related to the job) Use professional job titles & work responsibilities Do not include too many volunteer jobs Include months & years for job/study duration periods TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011

10 Writing an Effective Cover Letter 1st part Make a strong start Why are you applying for the job? 2 nd part Describe your experience What have you done? 3 rd part Why should they hire YOU? What can you offer? 4 th part Complete you letter Express your thanks & willingness to meet TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011

Application Tips Your application may be one of many received by the employer – it needs to stand out Think quality NOT quantity – it is better to send out 5 great applications than 30 mass-produced ones Employers commonly look up applicants on Facebook, MySpace and other social networking sites – ensure your profile is professional re. photos, comments, details etc. “Would you like an employer reading your profile?” Make sure not to include a “crazy” addresses like or Perhaps have 2 free accounts, 1 for work and 1 for friends Cover Letters: use “Dear Sir/Madam” if recipient is unknown, or “Dear Mr Brown” if known - NEVER “Dear Dave” Find out who the recipient is; check spelling of names; check courtesy title ie. “Mr” or “Miss, Mrs or Ms” TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May

Application Processing Overview 12 TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011  Job application to employer  Applications assessed based on job selection criteria  Applicants are short-listed for suitability  Short-listed applicants are contacted for interview  Short-listed applicants are interviewed  Short-listed applicants may be required for 2 nd interview  Referees of most suitable applicant/s are contacted  Successful applicant is contacted and offered employment  If successful applicant accepts employment – job documentation completed

13 Job Interview Preparation TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011 o Learn about the job and the company o Know what to take to the interview o Know how to get to the interview o Decide what to wear to the interview o Remember, your presentation is not just about what you wear: How you speak What you say Body language Cultural sensitivities

The Job Interview & Beyond… Know what to say Plan your answers to interview questions Know what to ask the employer Stay calm! What happens after the interview?...  Evaluate your own performance  Learn from the experience  Ask for feedback from the employer 14 TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011

need more help?... Training, Employment & Career Coaching (TECC) Level 1, 400 Kent St. Monday - Friday 9.00am-5.00pm Eliza Babajews TECC Coordinator ph: To make TECC appointments, please see the Learning Skills Unit (LSU) on level 1, or call the LSU on TECC Eliza Babajews last updated May 2011