Professional Applications

Rsums, Cover Letters

and
Selection Criteria
Semester 1, 2013

Yovanna Adamis
Careers Consultant
 Today

Overview of key elements of application documents

Rsum/Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter
Key Selection Criteria document
(Online) Application forms
Organisation and structure of core sections of
Cover Letter & Resume
Writing active skills statements to be incorporated
into all four documents
 Resume formats

Reverse Chronological
Clear logical sequence; preferred by Employers
Titles and organisations are highlighted and accomplishments and duties
described

Skills-based / Functional / Combined Format

Profile and/or Objective; optional Key Skills section
Lead with a strong profile section detailing the scope of your experience and
highlights major areas of accomplishments and strengths
Choose key skills from different jobs and move them into a specific key skill set
(Communication, Research, Marketing & Sales, etc)
Focus on 3-7 key skills
Pros includes all experience, better targeted, minimizes gaps in work history

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 What might a rsum include?

Careers and Employment For Students Online Career Tools Exploring Your Options

Contact details
Go to Online Career Tools - Exploring your Career/Job objective (optional)
options to download: Profile (optional)
Resume Format - STEM (Science Technology Education (+ significant academic
Engineering Maths) (PDF|51Kb) achievements)
Thesis (Honour & Master)
Final year Projects/Assignments
Course related experience
Key skills (Technical/ITC)
Other Employment
Volunteering / Extra-curricular activities
Awards/Achievements
Professional membership / development
Referees (available upon request
 Targeted Headings

Positions of Leadership
Volunteering / Community Engagement / Fundraising
International Development
Cross-cultural experience; Travel & Exchange
Contributions to / Involvement in ... Community Health, Campus Life,
Engineering, Philanthropy, Sport, etc
Research and Industry Projects
Invention & Innovation
Professional Development eg., short courses
Performance & Exhibitions
Conferences, Teaching, Lectures, Publications, Presentations

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Activity 1 Rsum organisation

TASK:
Work with your groups and brainstorm elements for
improvement in the sample resume provided
Each group works on the allocated resume sections:
Focus on EDUCATION and PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
Focus on EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
and REFERENCES

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Writing Objectives

An objective should indicate the sort of role in the sort of

industry that you are seeking.

The statement should make a connection to your career

interests and/or plans.

You might refer to some of the skills you have to offer, but the
focus is on what you are looking for and where youre headed.

This needs to be compatible with the position and

organisation you are applying to.

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Objectives examples/templates

The bad:
"A challenging position enabling me to contribute to organizational goals while offering an
opportunity for growth and advancement
to utilise my skills in a professional environment for the mutual benefit of myself and
employer.
Example templates:

A graduate ________ position in the area of ____________ utilising my

knowledge of __________ technologies/services/products.

A challenging, entry-level position in _________ with special interest in

________ and ____________ with a __________ organisation.

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Writing Profiles

A profile is a snapshot which pulls together key information

about you, with particular emphasis on what is relevant to the
position. You might mention for example, your qualifications,
experience, key skills and/or attributes. The profile usually
winds up with a statement about your career objective.
Focuses on specific competencies; steers away from vague
skills such as communication
Profiles can presented as: full sentences, abbreviated
sentences or dot points
To create a high impact summary statement refer to job adverts
and write a list of your matching skills, experience and
education

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Profile - example

A Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) student with summer vacation

experience within the automotive industry as well as general labour in
construction
Experienced in designing residential and commercial structures through
engineering studies
Well-honed skills in identifying technical design problems and proposing
solutions
Highly organised and competent to work collaboratively across a range of
activities within a project
An analytical mind and a keen interest in design, evaluation and risk
assessment of load-bearing structures
Passionate about commencing my career in structural engineering within
the aerospace field

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Final Year Project

Final year Geomatics project:

Implementation of a GIS to study the impacts of human activities on the Great
Barrier Reef.
Project involved the combination of Remote Sensing and GIS technologies, and
provided practical experience for both research techniques and GIS development
using ArcInfo.
Conducted an extensive literature review evaluating past and current contributions
aimed at advancing research, development and applications of GIS.
Produced an eight thousand word report on research background, methodology and
findings, using clear, well-labelled diagrams, tables and equations.
Presented findings in a highly professional seminar presentation using various visual
aids including PowerPoint
Thesis Project was considered to be an H1 standard for excellence in its logical
approach to the project work and the thesis presentation

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Employment Experience

HOLDEN Nov 2011-Mar 2012

Vehicle Integration Engineer
Assisted in the design and building of 12 early prototype vehicles
Designed the prototype parts required to enable assembly of the package by using
CAD software to re-design parts

SMITH CONSTRUCTIONS May 2010 -Mar 2011

Laborer
Supported a multi-disciplinary team in the areas of site preparation, demolition, and
assembly and transport of materials

MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY MUSIC GROUP Mar 2008 Dec 2009

Treasurer
Worked closely with production and administration teams to secure sufficient funds
and sponsorships

A + B + C Formula
Writing Active Skills Statements: A = Action Verb
B = Object
C = Where, How, What
 Extra-curricular/involvement

2012 - Present ESS, President

2011 - Present Young Labourals, Member
2010 - 2012 Indonesian Social Club, Membership Officer
2009 - 2011 Heath College, Cricket Captain

Booked venues, organised events and catering, and liaised with 175 business
professionals for the 2012 gala event
Honed my oral communication skills, knowledge of government policies and
International issues by participating in public speaking fora
Created and managed the clubs marketing campaign, including advertising
and fundraising drives successfully increasing membership by 15%
Organised and conducted twice weekly training sessions, leading the team to
the 2010 premiership
http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Achievements

Started as a Sales Associate and was promoted to Team Leader within 6

months due to my ability to increase store efficiency by reducing product
return incidents
Worked with a team of six students on a project to identify an engineering
product for improvement using engineering design methodology. Our team
was awarded a distinction
Designed a user-friendly database that detailed new car parts and allowed
engineers to conveniently track the mass of future car assemblies
Received excellent feedback from my supervisor and colleagues for
handling customer needs and complaints in a professional manner
Initiated manual handling safety procedures and actively contributed to
Health & Safety policy developments at USB Consulting

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
Cover Letter
Template

Careers and Employment For

Students Online Career Tools
Exploring Your Options

Go to Online Career Tools -

Exploring your options to download:
Cover Letter Format (PDF|248Kb)

Module 2:
Writing and structuring your letter
Opening paragraphs
Writing opening paragraphs
Middle paragraphs
Middle paragraph activity 1
Middle paragraph activity 2
Concluding paragraphs
Edit & final draft
 Content 2. Interest
1. Purpose
23 Smith Street Expresses genuine
Clarifies reason March 8, 2013
Carlton Vic 3053
Ms Susan Archer interest in the job and
for writing, Human Resources Manager
Mobile: 019 487 234
AUSLAND
email:[email protected] organisation that
position, source
22 Collins Street reveals your research
Melbourne Vic 3000
into the role/company;
Dear Ms Archer:
clarifies major criteria
(degree)
I wish to apply for the position of Graduate Analyst - Logistics, which was advertised in The
Age on Saturday, March 3, 2013. Please find my application and academic results attached.

AusLands recent acquisition of Timco has captured my interest, especially considering the
recent deregulation of this industry within the Australian market. Having recently completed
my Bachelor of Engineering, at the University of Melbourne, I look forward to putting the
knowledge and skills that Ive developed into practice.
3. Sales Pitch
Three years experience as a part-time customer service officer for Telstra has equipped me
with well-developed oral and written communication. Dealing with customer enquiries and Addresses some of
issues I honed my interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, during my summer
vacation work this past year, I gained experience with a start-up e-Commerce company, where the competencies &
I assisted the Web Team by designing a user-friendly database to monitor inbound customer requirements of the
calls. Going on exchange in my 2nd year and a recent 3 month trip to Asia demonstrate my
initiative and genuine interest in international issues. job; demonstrates
My research and analytical abilities are evidenced by my voluntary participation in a project what they have to
conducted by the Engineering Students Association, in which I coordinated the collection and offer & PROVES IT!
analysis of data from over 300 current and past ESA members.
4. Other
I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be contacted on the above phone
unique factors number at all times. I am able to commence immediately. Thank you for considering my
application.
5. Conclusion
Uses figures/
Yours sincerely What next?
facts to add Catherine Marks Other relevant
weight to
Attachments: Resume & Application Form; Academic Results information
argument
Copyright The University of Melbourne 2008
 Reading job advertisements

Qualifications dont be limited by the disciplines or qualifications specified -

employers not always aware of all relevant courses; think about whether your course
has provided relevant skills

Experience where some experience is asked for or preferred, dont be put off if
you have little experience describe the tasks you completed by emphasising your
skills and qualities instead; (refer to the Transferable and adaptive skills checklist *
and identify the skills that you both Do well and Enjoy to build strong sentences by
combining the skills you developed with the tasks you completed)

Selection Criteria dont expect to meet every criterion fully: 70-80% is a ballpark
figure

Develop skills in reading job advertisements and apply for any job that sounds
interesting and doesnt seem beyond your capabilities

* (Transferable and adaptive skillschecklist, PDF downloadable from C&E website Exploring
your Options under Seminar presentations)
 Employability Skills Framework

Knowing your skills

Employability
Skills Start your job search with a Skills Audit which
should consist of:

1. Knowledge-based skills: Acquired from

Work
Workplace
Performance
Performance education and experience
Technical or Core LLN 2. Competency/generic abilities: e.g.,
Discipline- Skills * communication, analytical skills
Specific Skills

3. Personal traits: Your unique qualities

(e.g., dependable, flexible, being a team
Context player)

(Transferable and adaptive skills checklist, PDF downloadable from C&E website -
Knowing Yourself under Document Centre)
*LLN Language, Literacy & Numeracy
http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Activity 2 Cover letter

TASK:
Work from the advertisement/s provided and
write up the skills paragraph (i.e. why Im
most suitable for the position)
Use the Advert Analysis template provided if
necessary

Designed (A) - a user-friendly database (B) - that detailed A + B + C Formula

new car parts and allowed engineers to conveniently A = Action Verb
B = Object
track the mass of future car assemblies (C)
C = Where, How, What

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Job Ads Activity
Occupations & Organisations

Graduate Software Engineer Redflex Traffic systems

Engineering Graduate (software, hardware, Linux, Networking, Mechatronic,
Electrical/Electronic BAE Systems Australia
Electronics Engineer Invenio Engineering Solutions
Applications Engineering Program Texas Instruments Australia
Graduate Engineer Scott Wilson
Graduate Engineer Wood Group PSN
Engineering Graduates Shell
Graduate Engineers Parsons Brinckerhoff
Graduate Opportunities Engineering Mars Australia
Graduate Software Engineer Integrated Research
Graduate Forward Deployed Engineer Palantir Technologies
Graduate Engineering Employment ExxonMobil

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
Advert analysis template
 Action verbs by skill type

Communication/ Initiative/ Research/ Organisational/ Leadership

Interpersonal Problem Solving Analytical Time Management
informed devised analysed managed directed
motivated founded classified monitored guided
supervised introduced recorded coordinated lead
negotiated reviewed catalogued delegated motivated
supported designed compiled directed supervised
taught initiated reported juggled coached
wrote invented categorised controlled
demonstrated enhanced investigated handled
presented developed researched organised
negotiated established directed
illustrated improved
advised modified
created
http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Selection Criteria

The relevant skills, personal qualities and abilities required to be

successful in a role are reflected in the Key Selection Criteria
Often divided into two categories:
essential and desirable OR key and other

Look out for key phrases like:

Background / Experience / Knowledge in

Proven record / Understanding / Awareness of

Ability to / Aptitude for / Capacity to

Superior / Strong / Extensive / High level of

Types of Criteria - formal qualifications, personal attributes,

technical & business skills, knowledge areas, transferable skills
Selection Criteria Statements
Application Form Questions:
Examples
 STAR Technique

Frame your response in a four-step process: S T A R

Situation Brief outline of situation/setting
Task Outline the task/challenge you encountered
Action Describe the action you took (how you did it)
Result What was the outcome (think here about the task outcome,
but also about relationship outcomes, and/or learning outcomes)

Tell us about a time when you had to meet the

needs of a difficult customer. What was the
situation? What action did you take to address
their needs? What was the result?

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
Selection Criteria responses -
example
Transferable &
Adaptive Skills
checklist
(PDF downloadable from C&E
website Exploring your Options
under Seminar presentations)
Work Values
Inventory
(PDF downloadable from C&E
website Exploring your Options
under Seminar presentations)
 Resources 1:
Applying for Work

C&E website/student :
Applying_for_Work
Cover Letters
Resumes
Selection Criteria
Application Forms
Referees

Launch Application Express via

C&E website - Preparing_for_Next_Steps

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Resources 2:
Internet References

http://www.graduatecareers.com.au - Preparing Your Application

www.careerone.com.au - Resume Writing

www.mycareer.com.au - Cover letter and Resume advice

www.seek.com.au - Prepare Your Job Application

http://tools.monster.com/ - Resumes and Cover Letters

http://www.rileyguide.com/letters.html

http://quintcareers.careerperfect.com/

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Resources 3:
Selection Criteria

Applications Express http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student/online-

career-tools

APS guide to addressing selection criteria:

http://www.apsc.gov.au/publications-and-media/current-publications/cracking-the-
code/factsheet5

VPS guide to addressing selection criteria:

http://www.careers.vic.gov.au/vacancies/key-selection-criteria

Anne Villiers Addressing Selection Criteria p. 177 for examples of

responses using different combinations of dot points and text, and single
vs multiple examples for a criterion
http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 Resources 4:
C&E Services

Rsum Review
30-minute appointment; bookings essential
Resume, Cover letter, Application form, Selection criteria responses
One document per session
Can self-book on Careers Online

Before booking for appointment:

Use Application Express
Attend a relevant Your Career seminar/workshop
See a careers consultant at a Drop-In @ Eastern Precinct

Refer to What's On calendar of events

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 C&E website

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
Online Career Tools

Careers and Employment

For Students
Online Career Tools
Exploring Your Options

http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student
 How to find C&E

Web www.careers.unimelb.edu.au/
Facebook facebook.com/careers.melbuni
Phone 8344 0100
On Campus Eastern Precinct