Job Search Tips
When you’re looking for work, there are many ways you can increase your chances of success. Westvic Staffing Solutions is here to help and support you throughout your job-seeking journey.

Looking for work? Things you can do today

• Contact your nearest Westvic Staffing Solutions office
• Register with employment agencies
• Take a look at www.jobsearch.gov.au
• Job search using local newspapers
• Compile a resume and application lette
• Approach possible employers
• Ask family and friends whether they know of any job vacancies
• If you are at school, speak with your Careers Coordinator or VET Coordinator
• Contact Centrelink

How to compile a resume and application letter
The application letter
A well-written application letter can help you stand out. It should be brief and will ideally tell the prospective employer a little about you, your education and/or work experience and, importantly, your personality.

What information should I include in my application letter?

• Your name, address and telephone number.
• The position you are applying for or are interested in.
• A brief summary of your relevant skills, education, training and/or experience.
• The strengths you believe set you apart and could contribute to you being successful in that job.
  

What should the application letter look like?

• Remember that your letter will reflect you, so it is important to make sure it looks professional and polished!
• It should be evenly spaced on the page, preferably typed.
• It should never contain any spelling or grammatical errors (ask someone to check over it for you, or use the spell-check function on your computer).
  

What are some application letter writing tips?

• Try to keep it simple. Use shorter sentences without too many long, descriptive words.
• Try not to be too formal – allow some of your personality to shine through.
• Keep it relevant to the job you are interested in. Ask yourself what your prospective employer might be interested in knowing about you.
  

The resume
There are several key points to remember when compiling your resume.

• As with the application letter, it should be professional and well presented.
• It should contain all your relevant personal details, including, name, address, telephone number/s, date of birth.
• The next section should set out your career goals and ambitions. (Hint: ensure they match up in some way with the position you are applying for or are registering your interest in).
• Clearly set out your education and qualifications, including the year/s completed.
• Set out your employment history, starting with the most recent position.
• Consider listing your personal qualities – what special attributes can you bring to the position?
• List any community involvement you may have. It’s great to be able to demonstrate that you are prepared to link with others within the community.
• Include a brief list of your personal interests and hobbies – this will help your prospective employer gain a better understanding of your personality.
• Finally, list your referees. Ideally, these will be former employees, but if you do not have any work experience, you can list personal referees. Always ask permission from your referees before including them in your resume.

How to approach an employer
Fact: Seven out of 10 jobs are not advertised at all! Often, they are filled by people who are prepared to let employers know they are looking for work.

Where do I start?

• Prepare your resume and application/cover letter.
• Prepare your folder of certificates, awards and any references you have (copies only – keep the originals filed away safely)
• Make a list of all the places you could approach to seek work. Hint: Start with the Yellow Pages.
• Dress to impress! First impressions count, so ensure your clothing matches the standards you see worn by employees who are working with the organisation you are seeking work with.
• Approach the business at an appropriate time (ie during business hours) either in person or by telephone.
  • Ask if it is possible to speak with the manager or supervisor.
  • You may only have a few short minutes, so be brief and clearly explain the type/s of work you are looking for and your relevant experience and/or qualifications.
  • If there is no work available at that time, ask if you can leave your resume with them, and whether they may know of any other openings within their organisation or elsewhere.
  • Remember to thank the employer for their time!
• Don’t be disheartened if there is nothing available right now. Keeping in contact with prospective employers shows them you are genuine in your hope to work with them.
  

The interview
Congratulations! You have made an impression on your prospective employer and they’ve invited you for an interview. What now?

Pre-interview checklist

• Prepare a folder containing your resume (even if the employer already has a copy), any awards, certificates, references or other supporting documents you may have.
• Ensure you know where to go and can allow enough time to arrive 10 minutes early.
• Research the business so you understand what services it offers or what products it sells, how big it is and perhaps a little about its history.
• Write down a list of questions you would like to ask your prospective new employer. Hint: Don’t ask too many questions about the level of pay – there will be time for that later. Some good examples are:
  • Can you tell me more about the company?
  • Is there a uniform, and if so, is it provided?
  • What is the timeline for the selection process?
  • Can you tell me more about the training program?
  • What are the hours and is there overtime involved?
  • Will I be working unsupervised, or mainly as part of a team?
  • Will there be an opportunity to learn other tasks and skills outside this role?
• Check your personal presentation – is your clothing appropriate for this workplace? Are you neat and presentable?

At the interview

• Arrive 10 minutes early.
• Offer a firm handshake and a smile.
• Wait until you are offered a seat.
• Speak clearly, and try to directly answer any questions asked of you.
• If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification. Some examples of questions you may be asked include:
  • Tell me about yourself – your interests and hobbies.
  • Have you ever done this type of work before?
  • Why do you want to work here?
  • Why should we hire you and not somebody else?
  • What skills could you bring to this role?
  • What are your personal and career goals?
  • What relevant experience have you had in this field?
  • When would you be available to start working with us?
  • What five words do you believe best describe you?
• Maintain eye contact with all interviewers.
• Use the interviewers’ names.
• Mention your strengths and why you think you are a great candidate for the position.
• Be honest, and be yourself.

After the interview

• Prepare for the possibility of a second interview.
• If you have not heard from the employer after a week, contact them.
• If you have been unsuccessful this time, ask for feedback on your interview and suggestions as to how you could improve.
• Don’t let it get you down! Perhaps this was just not the right job for you.
  

For more help and advice about interviews, contact your nearest Westvic Staffing Solutions office.