O32014 Page 1

Academic Learning

Support

Be Job Ready Acknowledgements

Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations

NSW Department of Education & Training

www.seek.com.au

Australian Taxation Office

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Our Mission Statement:

“To support students in complementing their academic endeavours with career enhancement

strategies and work experience opportunities that will contribute to their personal, professional

and intellectual development”.

We will provide you with the following assistance:

Individual assessments

Career coaching & planning

Workshops/information seminars

Job application assistance

Opportunities to acquire work experience

Involvement in community projects/volunteer positions

Information regarding part-time, casual, and graduate employment

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Internet Resources

Popular Job Search Sites:

www.seek.com.au

www.seekcampus.com.au

www.careerone.com.au

www.mycareer.com.au

www.jobsearch.gov.au

www.jobsjobsjobs.com.au

www.parttimeworkforce.com.au

www.graduatecareers.com.au

www.parttimeonline.com.au

Sites to Assist Job Search Skills:

www.career2.com

www.gradsonline.com.au

www.careersonline.com.au

Casual Retail Job Sites:

Coles Group: www.career.colesgroup.com.au/

Woolworths: www.wowcareers.com.au/wowcareers/woolworths/home/

Myer: www.myer.com.au/careers/

Bunnings Hardware: www.bunnings.com.au/contact-us _join-our-team.aspx

K-Mart: www.kmart.com.au/careers/default.asp

Target: www.target.com.au/html/careers/careers.htm

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Interpreting Job Selection Criteria

The job selection criteria outlined below (see Handout 1) is typical of the criteria requiring your response in your job application. Not every job advertisement includes this type of job selection criteria, however if included you will be required to respond to the criteria as part of your overall application. When responding to the criteria, ensure you:

Include your responses after your cover letter

Respond to each criterion individually, and in the same order as outlined in the job advertisement.

Take each criterion as a heading and write 1 or 2 paragraphs to explain how you meet the requirements

Try and include the same language and wording used in the criteria

Use your experiences (work and academic) to describe how you meet the criteria

Provide genuine work and academic examples

Where possible include the result and an indicator of success

Consider the key selection criteria outlined below. How would you respond using your work and academic experience? Essential Criteria 1) Relevant basic accounting skills or studying towards an accounting qualification

_________________________________________________________________________________

2) Experience in data entry, preferably accounts payable and general accounts

_________________________________________________________________________________

3) Basic understanding of accounting principles and reconciliation requirements

_________________________________________________________________________________

4) Willingness to work in a team environment

_________________________________________________________________________________

5) Sound communication skills and attention to detail

_________________________________________________________________________________

6) Intermediate computer skills including Excel and word

_________________________________________________________________________________

Desirable Criteria Basic Accounting qualification

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Cover Letter Writing

Mr Paul Brown

Office Manager

Best Products Pty Ltd

20 Bridge Road

Sydney NSW 2000

15th January 2013

Dear Mr Brown,

I wish to apply for the position of Accounting Assistant as currently advertised

through seek.com.au.

I possess a strong background in the field of Accounting and Administration

combined with previous work experience at Walkers and Associates as an Assistant Accountant.

In this role, I was responsible for reporting to my Accounts Manager, and assisting in

the preparation of overall accounting for clients using the ‘MYOB’ program. I gained

extensive experience in managing accounts on a client by client basis using

accounting software and continually liaising with the clients.

My Accounting and Administration skills gained through my academic studies

combined with my recent Accounting experience are particularly relevant to this

position. Furthermore, my excellent communication skills, client service capabilities,

and willingness to succeed would be beneficial to meet both client and business

needs.

Please find enclosed a copy of my resume for your consideration. I would be more

than willing to provide any supporting material or information required to further my application.

I look forward to meeting with you in the near future to discuss my suitability to the role. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,

Ravinder Singh

http://content.mycareer.com.au/advice-research/cover-

letter/sample-cold-call-cover-letter.asp

Make a

strong

start to

your letter

Thank

you &

ending

Your

letter

Describe

your

Experience

in relation

to the job

Why

should

they hire

YOU?

Target to

the job

Your mobile number

Sign your letter

if sending by

post – otherwise

leave blank

More cover letter samples can be found online

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_______________________________________________________________________________

Stephanie Chen

_________________________________________________

PERSONAL DETAILS:

Address: 20 View Street, Marrickville NSW 2204

Mobile: 0411 111 555

E-mail: schen01@bigpond.com

EDUCATION:

Jul 2013 – Present Kent Institute of Business and Technology, Sydney

Graduate Diploma of Management

Jul 2010 – May 2012 University of New South Wales, Sydney

Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

Mar 2002 – Jun 2006 University of New England, Armidale

Bachelor of Arts

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

Aug 2012 - Present QEC International Pty Ltd, Haymarket Sydney

Marketing Assistant

Data entry duties

General administration

Maintaining client database

Jun 2010 - Present Woolworths Pty Ltd, Marrickville Sydney

Customer Service Assistant

Cash Handling & Balancing

Customer Complaint Resolution

Customer Enquiries

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Nov 2009 - Dec 2009 Talent Creation Ltd. Shanghai, China

Shipping Documentation Assistant

Preparing shipping documentation

Data entry processes

Client information collection

Jan 2008 - Feb 2008 China Shipping Logistics Co. Shanghai, China

Administrative Assistant

Data entry duties

General administration tasks

Documentation presentation

VOLUNTEER WORK

Jun 2012 – July 2012 World Vision Australia, Sydney

Volunteer Office Assistant

Mar 2011 – Jun 2011 Sydney City Mission, Sydney

Volunteer Administration Assistant

COMPUTER SKILLS

MS Office Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Internet / Email Advanced practical skills

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Chinese (Mandarin): fluent

REFEREES

Available Upon Request

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Job Interview Preparation

The job interview is the most important part of getting a job. To make a good impression at the interview, it is

important that you prepare yourself thoroughly.

Preparing For Success

A job interview can be a very daunting and nerve-racking experience! The best way to both survive the

experience and make it a successful occasion is to be organised and prepared.

Here are a few suggestions about how to prepare for interviews:

Learn about the job and the company:

What would you be doing? Know as much as you can about the job you are applying for and where

the job role fits into the organisation. If there are selection criteria, these will give you a good idea of the

work you would be undertaking. The job advertisement will also give you information.

What do they do? Find out what the company makes sells or offers. The more you know and

understand the products and services produced by the business, the better prepared you will be.

Who are they? Find out about the employer, where the business is based, try telephoning the

Marketing or Public Relations Unit for any information or try to obtain a copy of the company's annual

report if it is publically available. You may know someone who works there or be able to get information

from the Internet, the Yellow Pages, or your local library.

Know what to take:

It is important to take with you to the interview the following paperwork:

Your resume

A copy of your application, especially if you had to address any selection criteria.

Qualifications, school records (if appropriate) and evidence of the levels completed.

Any certificates or special awards relevant to the job.

Written references if you have them (these maybe from your referees or others)

Samples of your work or hobbies that may be related to the job. For example, a model, samples of

typing, art portfolio materials, copy of a report you have written, etc.

Your employment folder in which to present all this information. This is normally a vinyl folder with clear

plastic pockets, which contains all of the above paperwork.

Know how to get there:

Double check the address of the business.

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Make sure you know how to get to the building (use your street directory, GPS, or ‘Google Maps’).

Check bus and train timetables (www.131500.com.au ) or parking and street directions so you know

you will arrive on time (at least 10 minutes early).

If in doubt, do a trial run - go to the company beforehand and time yourself getting there.

Decide what to wear:

Decide what you are going to wear and have it ready the night before.

Be clean, neat and tidy. For example, brush your hair, have clean finger nails and clean shoes.

Dress to suit the occasion. Avoid wearing "street" clothes, scruffy jeans or thongs. It is a better idea to

dress ‘better’ for the job interview than what you would be wearing working in the job on a daily basis.

If it looks like rain, ensure you take an umbrella.

Remember, your presentation is not just about what

you wear:

How you speak

Do you come across as confident or arrogant? Are you surly or too quiet and timid? Do you speak

clearly or do you mumble? Most employers are looking for a person who speaks politely and confidently.

If your first contact with an employer is via the telephone, the way you address them and the way you

make your enquiry and carry on a conversation is absolutely critical.

What you say

Your choice of words is vital. Do not use words the employer may consider to be swearing. Answer

questions clearly and honestly, and don't waffle on. It may help to practise what you want to say.

Body Language

What messages are you communicating by the way you stand, greet a person, and generally hold

yourself? The outside of our body is like a window to the inside. Be prepared to shake the hand of the

employer you are meeting and make it a firm, positive handshake.

Cultural Sensitivities

When you are dealing with most employers, it is important you look them in the eye and maintain eye

contact while you talk with them. This shows confidence and respect. However, this is not always

appropriate for all cultures. For example, bowing your head slightly while shaking hands will often be

appropriate with employers of an Asian background. Just be aware of these sensitivities and they will be

greatly appreciated as a mark of respect for that person.

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Discussion Topics: Some major areas of non-verbal behaviours to explore are:

Eye contact Facial expressions Gestures Posture and body orientation Paralinguistics Humour

Eye Contact:

Eye contact is an important channel of interpersonal communication that helps regulate the flow of communication

Facial Expressions:

Smiling is a powerful cue that transmits:

Happiness Friendliness Warmth & Understanding

Gestures:

If you fail to gesture while speaking, you may be perceived as boring, stiff and unanimated. Head nods, or ahum... a form of gestures, communicate positive reinforcement to people and indicate that you are listening

Posture and Body Orientation:

We communicate numerous messages by the way we walk, talk, stand and sit. An active posture or a “not interested” posture. Which do you notice?

Paralinguistics:

This facet of non-verbal communication includes such vocal elements as:

Tone Rhythm Loudness Inflection (pitch tone)

Ensure you demonstrate a variety of tone in your voice – avoid using “monotone” responses

Humour:

Humour is often overlooked as an interview skill. It is often not encouraged in interviews.

However, laughter (when appropriate) can release stress and tension for all parties and instil a “human” quality in the job candidate

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The Job Interview & Beyond

Know What to Say:

Give brief, clear answers to questions (but not just "Yes" or "No").

Practise the answers to questions the employer may ask. Use the list below for ideas.

Typical Questions Employers Ask:

What aspects of the job interest you most?

What do you consider your special skills and abilities are?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Have you had any work experience in this type of work?

What do you know about our company?

Are you active in any clubs or community organisations?

What are your leisure activities/hobbies/interests?

Which of your school subjects interested you the most?

What are your long term career plans?

Would you undertake further training if it was required for this position?

How do you cope with new situations/procedures?

How do you feel about working as part of a team?

Would you be prepared to work overtime or on weekends if required?

When could you start?

They may ask you to discuss different situations:

You are working as a receptionist at the front desk of an office. Your manager has asked you to arrange

some appointments with staff as soon as possible. At the same time a client appears at the desk as the

phone starts to ring. How do you cope with this situation?

Describe a situation where you have had conflict with a co-worker or fellow student and explain how this

conflict was resolved?

Know What to Ask:

Prepare some questions you will ask the employer. Ask job related questions, such as those listed below, not

questions about holidays or money. It creates a good impression and lets the employer know you want to work

for the company.

Here are some questions you could ask:

What would be my career prospects?

What further study could I do?

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Where and who would I be working with?

What training would I be given?

At the Interview...a few helpful tips to calm the nerves!

The actual interview itself can be a very scary thing to face, especially if you are not feeling very confident.

Sometimes you may be interviewed by one person, or sometimes it can be a panel of up to 4 or 6 people! You

will find it easier to face if you are well prepared!

Arrive ten minutes early. Give yourself time to gather your thoughts and check your appearance.

Introduce yourself to the receptionist. Give your name, time of the appointment, name of the person who

is interviewing you - and speak clearly and politely. For example: "Good afternoon. My name is Peter

Brown and I have an appointment with Mrs Green at 2 o'clock." The receptionist will tell you where to

wait. Thank the receptionist and wait quietly.

Greet the interviewer(s) and introduce yourself.

Smile and be ready to shake hands.

Enter the interviewer's office and wait to take the seat which is offered to you.

Maintain eye contact. This shows interest and demonstrates confidence.

Keep your hands and legs still. Don't fidget, fiddle, smoke or chew gum.

Answer questions honestly and politely. Consider your answers carefully and speak clearly. Give brief,

clear answers to questions (not just "Yes" or "No").

Always try to turn the question to your advantage. This is your opportunity to show that the skills,

interests and experience you have meet the requirements of the job.

When given the opportunity, ask job-related questions that are not about salary or benefits.

At the end of the interview, politely thank the employer/interviewer(s).

After the Interview...What Happens Next?

After the interview, evaluate your performance. This will help you in future interviews. Consider the things you did

well and the things you could improve on.

Each interview is not a win or lose situation. It is an opportunity for you to learn and gain experience for next time.

Usually, you will not know straight away whether you have been successful in the interview or not. You will be

contacted by telephone or mail. Now you'll just have to wait!

If you find your interview to be unsuccessful, make sure you still look at the

experience positively. It was a learning opportunity for you. Ask for feedback from the

interview, it will help you with future interviews.

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Tax File Number (TFN)

A TFN is a unique number issued to you by the Australian Tax Office to

help them administer your tax

A TFN is not essential but if you do not have one you may be taxed at a

higher rate than necessary

Apply for one on-line at the Australian Taxation office website

www.ato.gov.au

Superannuation or ‘Super’

This is money set aside for you when you retire

Superannuation must be paid to every employee (whether they are

casual or permanent) and is a minimum of 9% of your income. It is in

addition to your base salary.

If you are a former temporary resident you can claim this

superannuation back when you have permanently departed Australia.

More information can be found on the Australian Taxation Office

website

Good Luck with your Job Search!

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Handout 1 SAMPLE JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Accounts Payable Officer - New Position -

Part Time - 20 Hours per Week

The Organisation: ‘Best Jobs 4 U’ is an employment agency with a proud history of providing employment solutions to a wide range of individuals in the greater community. The Position: Part-time 20 hours a week Accounts Payable Officer role with primary responsibilities of:

- Accounts payable data/invoice processing - Timely supplier payments and reconciliations - Assist in General Ledger Reconciliations as required - Other Finance and administration tasks as required.

The Candidate:

Successful candidates ideally will possess: Essential Criteria

1) Relevant basic accounting skills or studying towards an accounting qualification

2) Experience in data entry, preferably accounts payable and general accounts

3) Basic understanding of accounting principles and reconciliation requirements

4) Willingness to work in a team environment

5) Sound communication skills and attention to detail

6) Intermediate computer skills including Excel and word

Desirable Criteria

Basic Accounting qualification

To apply for this opportunity, please send your resume, covering letter and application form to:

Ms Julie Watson Office Manager Best Jobs 4 U PO Box 123 SYDNEY NSW 2000 e-mail: jwatson@bestjobs4u.com.au phone: (02) 9955 4477

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Handout 3 COVER LETTER WRITING ACTIVITY

Use the accounting job advertisement in Handout 1 or the job advertisement below and

produce a cover letter for these positions.

1. Underline the main points that you will need to address in your cover letter

i.e. what skills and requirements is the advert asking for.

2. Look at page 11. For each box on the left hand side make your own notes on

a separate piece of paper what you would include in each of these sections

for your cover letter in relation to this job.

Job Advert

Our restaurant, ‘Great Indian Restaurant’, is looking for a waitperson to assist in our busy

team. We provide quality Indian food and are looking for staff that can provide a quality

service. We are based in Surry Hills, close to public transport. This position is for 15 hours

per week and we are looking for staffs that are able to commence work in the next 2 weeks.

You will be responsible for excellent customer service, discussing daily specials with

customers and providing a first-class wait service.

You must:

Be able to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Have the ability to deal with customer complaints effectively

Have a passion for good food

Have excellent time management skills

Be trustworthy

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Handout 2 RESUME WRITING ACTIVITY

NAME

PERSONAL DETAILS

Address:

Mobile:

E-mail:

EDUCATION

Jul 2008 – Present Master of Professional Accounting

CQUniversity, Sydney (example)

WORK HISTORY

Aug 2008 – Present Ace Accounting Pty Ltd, Sydney (example)

Accounting Assistant

Responsibilities:

Assisting with Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable

General bookkeeping duties

Recording relevant client information in database and

maintaining client records

Answering incoming calls and general administrative duties

Date/Year

Date/Year

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Responsibilities:

Company Name

Position

Date – Date

Company Name

Position

Date – Date

Company name

Position

Date – Date

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VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Mar 2008 – May 2008 World Vision Australia, Sydney

Volunteer Administrative Assistant (example)

Responsibilities:

Completed general enquiries

General administrative duties

Completed promotional mailouts

COMPUTER SKILLS

MS Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint: Advanced skill

Internet/Email: Advanced skill

MYOB – Proficient knowledge (example)

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Chinese (Mandarin) (example)

Company name

Position

Date – Date

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REFEREES

Available Upon Request

______________________________________________________________________

Remove referee details and place in Word document for when employer requests referee details

Mr Roger Smith (example)

General Manager

Best Accounting Pty Ltd, Sydney

Tel: 0419 655 112

Email: rsmith@bestaccounting.com.au

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Handout 4 INTERVIEW ROLE PLAY ACTIVITY

Scenario: You are applying for your first career job after completing your

studies. Choose a job based upon your area of study for your interview.

Method:

1) Form a group of two (2)

2) Each adopt the role of either the ‘Interviewer’ or the ‘Job Candidate’

3) Interviewer: Ask your Job Candidate the following questions one at a

time; Job Candidate: Answer each question in turn using your job

interview skills

4) Swap roles after 5 minutes and repeat the role play

5) Discuss the role play e.g. What worked & Why?; What did not work &

Why?; How could your skills be improved?

Interviewer: 7 questions to ask the Job Candidate -

1. Tell me about yourself, and why you applied for this job?

2. What do you consider to be your strengths?

3. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

5. Why should we hire you over the other applicants?

6. What skills can you bring to our company?

7. Describe a situation where you have experienced conflict in work

or during your studies with another person and explain how this

conflict was resolved?

Job Candidate:

- Answer the questions one at a time as they are asked by the Interviewer

- Use any supporting information you wish to apply to answer the

questions based upon your knowledge of this type of job

- Practise your interview skills as if you were at a genuine interview