What to include on your Resume Personal Details Career Objective Employability Skills & Personal Strengths Academic Achievements & Awards Employment & Work Experience Voluntary & Community Involvement Interests and Activities References
Career Objective A Career Objective is your future goals, what you want to do as a career. You can tailor suit your goals and objective to suit each job you apply for, research each company. Example: When I have gained the right experience and qualifications; my goal is to become a fashion designer. I am a motivated and ambitious person who is passionate about fashion and am looking for the opportunity to fulfil my career goal and secure work in this industry.
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS and PRESENTING A POSITIVE IMAGE IN THE WORKPLACE Employability Skills What are they? the skills required to gain employment and also to progress within the business or expand employment capability, so as to achieve one's potential and contribute successfully to the business strategic directions. The eight skills: 1. Initiative and enterprise 2. Learning 3. Self-management 4. Communication 5. Teamwork 6. Problem Solving 7. Planning and organising 8. Technology Why are they important: They can help you perform better They can be used in any future job you do They can help your employer achieve more of its goal They can help you keep your job
Personal Qualities & Strength s These are the qualities that you usually demonstrate in your daily life. They are also transferable into the workplace. EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES Are you: Conscientious, Punctual, Efficient, Well-organised, Friendly, Positive, Multi-skilled, Trustworthy, Committed, Enthusiastic, Helpful, Empathetic, Creative, Fast learner, Keen to learn, Enjoy a challenge, Can work unsupervised, Independent, A team player, Adaptable to change, Diligent, Energetic, Industrious, Resourceful, Thorough, Constructive, Careful?
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS In this section put down your subjects studying, school attended and year level. Similar to this: 2007 Currently studying Year 11 Mount Austin High School Subjects studied: Maths, English, Visual Arts, Fine Arts, Drama Certificate II Hospitality Operations
Employment & Work Experience In this section you need put down any employment or work experience you have done. Along with the duties you performed in them. Similar to this: Jan 05 Current Café De Lish Sales Assistant (School Based Traineeship) Responsibilities: Providing excellent customer service in a polite and friendly manner Food preparation, servicing and handling Open and closing of business
No work experience!!! IMPORTANCE of SCHOOL WORK Employers will look at your school report and take note of your attendance lateness commitment to your studies involvement in activities comments from teachers Make sure you try your best!
TRAINING ACCREDITATION AWARDS, If you have achieved any type of awards, or have done any training now or in the last few years in and out of school, pop these in your resume as it shows potential employers that you strive to achieve goals and shows that you have commitment and try your best.
Employers like to see that you care about the community you live in and are prepared to help. It tells them something about your values, morals and nature; as it shows them you are willing to help and make a difference This makes you very employable. Arrange similar to this: VOLUNTRY AND COMMUNITY INVOLVMENT Assisting with the organisation of fundraising and social activities for the Marrar Football and Netball club Selling raffle tickets for the Youth Community Centre to assist in raising funds for the refurbishment of the centre
INTERESTS & ACTIVITIES In this section, it is important to put down any hobbies you may have or participate in. Employers like to see that you have other interests other than work and earning money, as this all helps with your overall well being. Being part of clubs also helps the employer see that you are a team player and can work well with others. A happy person is a more productive employee. Set out your interests very simple, dot points are always easy to read. Example: Photography and Art Exercise and general fitness Netball
References Try and put 2 referees down who are going to give you a great report Make sure these are people are not related to you. A good idea is someone you have worked with outside the family home. A teacher, boss, sports coach. Remember to ask them if they will be your referee. Ensure you have their full names, all telephone numbers, Position they hold, email addresses. For Example: Mrs Tanya Wright Manager Café De Lish Mob: 0413 123456 Email: twright@cafedelish.com.au
Check your Resume Make sure you check your resume for spelling, grammar and layout before applying for a position. If you can, get another adult to check it. You don t want to end up with it in the bin at the employers because of bad spelling!!!!
Cover Letters
Cover Letters Don't underestimate the importance or effectiveness of a cover or application letter. This is vital in ensuring the candidate's qualifications and attributes fit the employer's requirements for the position, and that they're stated upfront. So make a clear, clean, crisp cover letter that is going to impress.
General Tips for Writing Cover Letters Letters should be typed unless stated differently in advertisement. Please send written application does not mean handwritten. Use clean white A4 paper. Keep the length of the letter to one page no more! Check and double check for spelling and grammatical errors (this is the first thing employers will cull your application on). Do not regurgitate what you have included in your resume. Never send originals of documents/certificates only send copies (if not mentioned in ad. ring and check if this is required or would be to your advantage to include them). Always ring the contact person to get some extra information about the position and to check any questions you may have (employers normally keep a record of who made contact about the position = they should remember your application). Before sending check the spelling and always keep a copy of the letter.
What Must Be Included In A Covering Letter The Greeting start with Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms keep it formal rather than using first names (even if you know the person). Avoid using Dear Sir/Madam make the effort to find out the contact person s name. Opening paragraph state the job you are applying for (and job number if stated in advertisement) and where you found the advertisement. (ie. as advertised in The Land Newspaper 23 rd March 2008). Second paragraph demonstrate how you can do the job, your experience, skills and training. Explain how you have all the qualities listed in the Selection Criteria. Third paragraph Say why you are particularly interested in the job and what is it about the duties and the organisation that attract you. Final paragraph thank reader for considering your application and refer them to your resume and any other attachments (only include other things if requested by the employer). Indicate you would be keen to attend an interview Closing salutation end with Yours sincerely if you started with Mr/Mrs/Ms or Yours faithfully if you started with Dear Sir/Madam. Type your name below the closing salutation and sign above it.
Katie Wilbor 3 Fir Tree Lane Cleveland, Qld 4163 Tel: 0456 789 467 Email: kwilb6@eq.edu.au Old Mac Mazda 60 Shore Street Cleveland, Qld 4163 3rd November 2011 Dear Mr Steward, I am very interested in the full time position you are advertising through Busy at Work Apprenticeship Services. I am a grade 11 student currently studying at Alexandra Hills State High School and am very keen in finding a full time position as a mechanic. As you can see from my resume I am very hard working and trustworthy and have just recently this year done some work experience with a mechanic based in Wynnum and I thoroughly enjoyed this. I have learnt many skills from Kevin and working alongside a mechanic has made it clearer to me that this is the industry that I really want to pursue for my future, as a career. I have attached my resume and references for your perusal and I look forward to you response and hopefully meeting you soon. Yours Sincerely Katie Wilbor Miss Katie Wilbor
What to wear to an interview
HOW WILL YOU ACE THE INTERVIEW? Know Your Target Know Yourself Practice Dress the Part Arrive Early Make A Good First Impression Answer Well Ask Questions Be Yourself Follow Up
At the interview There may be a panel of two or three interviewers. You can create a good impression by being: Punctual be at least 10 minutes early. This will also give you the chance to familiarise yourself with your surroundings (which may help you relax). You may be tense, so try using a relaxation technique that works for you, such as deep breathing Dressed suitably wear your best work outfit. The things to remember are cleanliness, simplicity, no strong or 'loud' colours, and no midriff (or belly) showing. Below is a table of how to prepare yourself for a job interview. Well prepared take your job application and resume folder to the interview, as well as a list of questions you may want to ask Polite have the right attitude whenever you speak or answer questions. Remember to smile and shake hands when you meet the person who will interview you
Thoughtful take time to think a question through and then answer in a clear and logical way Confident ask the interviewer to repeat or explain a question if you do not understand it Calm an interviewer may be aggressive in order to test your ability to remain calm in a stressful situation. If you feel that nerves are spoiling your performance, then the best way to relieve it may be to admit the problem: 'I am afraid I am feeling rather nervous and I am not really doing justice to the questions you are asking me.' This is an honest admission that may improve the atmosphere of the interview.
At the Interview DO S DON TS Listen Speak clearly Take your paperwork Arrive at least 5 mins prior to interview time Wear neat, ironed, clean, work appropriate clothing Male appearance washed, shaven, brushed hair Female appearance washed, brushed/styled hair, little make-up Ask questions Make sure you know what time you start and finish work Make sure you know what to wear Know how you are going to get to and from work Smile Interrupt the interviewer Argue with the interviewer Don t chew gum Take unnecessary items with you into the interview, such as shopping bag Wear a hat Wear sunglasses Talk about your personal problems Swear or use slang Wear facial jewellery or lots of jewellery Talk negatively about previous employer, if applicable Wear school uniform Wear midriff tops or low cut/riding pants that also shows your underwear Thank the interviewer
Questions you may get asked Why do you think you are suitable for this position? Why would you like this job? What qualifications do you have for this job? Why have you applied for this job? What are your strengths/weaknesses/faults? Give an example to show how you work well with others, as part of a team. Where can you see yourself in five years time? Why do you think we should employ you? What have you got to offer us? What do you know about this organisation? Are you a member of any clubs or organisations?
Questions you can ask??? An interviewer will often ask you at the end of the interview if you have any questions. Be prepared. Asking questions is one way of showing you are prepared and interested in the job. Some of the things you might want to know about are: 1. More details about what the job actually involves, including daily duties and hours of work 2. What the prospects are for advancement and training and whether training is on the job or after hours 3. What are the dress requirements and are there any other conditions? 4. When will the job start? 5. The time it will take to notify applicants whether they have been successful or not.
After your interview 1. At the end of the interview, thank the interviewers for their time, by name if you can remember them. 2. If the interview results in a direct offer for the job and you are sure that the job meets your needs, accept it. 3. If you are unsure about accepting the job and wish to discuss it with others, ask if you could think it over and let them know the next day. 4. If you have not heard from an employer after a reasonable time, it is a good idea to follow up and ask if they have reached a decision. It shows you are still interested.
When you get the job and are working Present a positive image in the workplace. Be punctual. Ensure you are appropriately dressed and presented e.g. Uniforms, shoes, hair tied back, etc. Be reliable. Use common sense. Have the right attitude. Show initiative, don t just sit around, go ask for work to do, or if you know that something needs doing then just do it. Ask questions. You must comply with all reasonable directions given by the employer. Follow Workplace Health & Safety requirements. Ring employer if you are going to be late. Ring employer when you are sick. Remember everyone had to start at the bottom, you will be doing jobs that may not always be glamorous or interesting, but we all have to do them. E.g. sweep floors, cleaning, filing, washing up. Ensure you complete your timesheet. Use of MOBILE PHONES is NOT ALLOWED during work hours. It is prohibited to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs in the workplace. Smoking is NOT ALLOWED. Do not swear or use slang.
Contacts: Who: Katie Wilbor Industry Liaison Officer When: Monday to Thursday 8am to 5pm Where: Work Education Office Business Block AHSHS Tel: 3820 1416 Mob: 0433 087 115 Email: kwilb6@eq.edu.au