Tips for Applying

Your application may be the first step towards obtaining a rewarding job or career with the Victorian Government. This section has important information on writing your application and provides a sample resume, plus helpful interview tips.

Writing your application

When you click the 'apply' button you'll be taken to the online application form. Here you'll be asked to provide personal and contact details, respond to employment related questions and show how you meet the Key Selection Criteria. You can also attach your resume and other relevant documents or you can build a resume. See the Sample Resume below.

Answers to the Key Selection Criteria should be short statements that demonstrate how you meet the qualities, knowledge and skills asked for. Use examples from other jobs, or experience gained outside work or from your formal studies. You may also be asked other questions (yes/no or multiple choice format) for example, about criminal convictions, your preferred hours of work or willingness to attend a medical fitness examination.

We are interested to find out whether you are in a disadvantaged group or have a disability. This information is voluntary and is used for workforce planning purposes only. Job Programs and employment strategies are in place to help people in these groups.

Your Checklist

• Is your application complete?
• Is your application in plain English and concise, courteous and correct?
• Have you satisfactorily addressed each of the key selection criterion?
• Have you checked your resume? Below is a sample resume
• Do you need to brush up on your interview skills? Tips can be found below

If you need help with a resume see below. 

Interview Tips

You've been advised that have got an interview. Preparing for the interview may be a little daunting. Here are some basic interview tips to help you prepare:

• Dress appropriately for the interview. How formal this is will depend on the type of job
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your alloted interview time - allow plenty of time for travel and to find the venue. Try to relax.
• Bring your application and relevant documents with you so you can refer to them. Focus on the job requirements- refer to the Position Description
• Introduce yourself to the interview panel members with a firm handshake. Look the panel members in the eye.
• Show interest and enthusiasm when responding to questions and answer in a clear and concise way. Think about your answer first
• Allow the interviewer to finish talking before you answer the question- don't interrupt. If you don't understand the question, ask the interviewer to repeat it.
• Be prepared to talk about your understanding of what the organisation does, and why you applied for the job - how your skills and achievements meet the criteria. These are common interview questions.
• Don't forget to mention any skills you have gained in another field of work, through projects at school, or as a volunteer. Sometimes we don't realise that we have transferable skills.
• The panel will give you an opportunity to ask any final questions. You could ask when you are likely to hear about the interview outcome.
• A thank you to the panel for inviting you before you leave would provide a good last impression.

Finally, good luck at the job interview!

Sample Resume

It is important that your resume presents your personal information, education and work background in a clear and structured way. This will not only make it easier for the interview panel to identify and contact you, but also make it easier for the panel to see how your capabilities, personal qualities and background fit the job. Also include at least two referees and their contact details.

We've provided a Sample Resume below to give you an idea of how to start. You can go to your local library or search the Internet for other examples.

__________________________________________________________________

Example Only

Resume of John J Smith

CONTACT DETAILS:

Name : John SMITH

Address : 23 Any Street,
Suburb,

State, 9111

Home Phone : (03) 9444- 4444
Mobile : 0400 550 600

E-Mail: johnsmith@hotmail.com

_____________________________________

CAREER OBJECTIVES:

Summary:

(Describe your ultimate career goals and types of experiences you want to achieve)

_____________________________________

QUALIFICATIONS:

(State your highest level of education first and other qualifications– the year of completion, name of the college or institute, and its location. Indicate the major areas of study. Include any post graduate training)

_____________________________________

EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND:

(For each employer over past 5 years)

Employer : (Name the organisation)

Period: (Month and year- start and end date)

Role: (Job Title or functional descriptor)

Responsibilities/Achievements

· (Describe key tasks performed and one or two significant personal or team achievements)
.................................................................

(For each employer beyond 5 years)

Employer; Period; Role. (Name the organisation, month and year and job title)

_____________________________________

SKILLS/ TRAINING:

(Details of relevant training courses you have attended)

_____________________________________

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

(Body and Membership status)

____________________________________

INTERESTS/ OTHER:

(Hobbies and interests)

____________________________________

REFEREES:

(Indicate the names and work relationships of at least two current referees)

__________________________________________________________________