How to prepare a good application
The main function of an application is to provide enough information about your education, work history and experience so the selection committee can decide whether you should be interviewed for the position.
Your application should be an organised information paper written with the needs of the selection committee in mind.
To apply for a job with us, we require:
Application cover sheet
Complete the application sheet and attach it to the front of your application.
The application sheet gives us a summary of your personal details and key information about the job you are applying for.
If you are applying for more than one job with us, please complete an application sheet for each job.
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Résumé
A résumé is the most acceptable method of providing details relating to your education, training, work experience and referees.
Your résumé should:
- list your academic qualifications and training courses in chronological order
- list positions you have held, starting from your most recent position.
- Give brief details of your duties and accomplishments in each job.
- Give more detail on recent and current positions and highlight those duties relevant to the position.
If you are a fresh graduate or have just left school, list your positions of responsibility in clubs or schools and highlight how your skills are relevant to the position.
Tips for résumé writing
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Statement against the position profile
You can address the position profile either in:
- a cover letter
- a separate statement.
Your cover letter or statement should briefly describe how your particular skills, abilities, and work experience suit the position.
If you are preparing a separate statement, address each of the points under the headings of "personal qualities" and "qualifications and experience" provided in the position profile.
The following dos and don'ts may be helpful in developing your application.
- Do be concise - your cover letter should not exceed one page and the separate statement should not exceed four pages.
- Do organise your application in an easy-to-follow format.
- Don't provide details about positions or duties performed many years ago and that are not relevant.
- Don't use third or fourth generation photocopies of previous applications.
- Don't submit a very general application.
- Don't provide multiple copies or present your application in a binder.
Tips for writing a cover sheet
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Referees
Referees are people who are able to comment on your previous work performance and your abilities in relation to the position profile.
ActewAGL requires at least two referees, including your current supervisor if possible.
Referee details needed include:
- name
- contact details (at least one contact number)
- relationship between the referee and the applicant.
If you have just finished high school or university, choose someone who is able to vouch for your work ethic and performance such as your teacher or lecturer.
It is advisable to ask before naming people as your referees.
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Learn more about job applications
- Job juice - For school or university graduates interested in finding a job. Includes tips on choosing a job.
- Careers online
- Hints to help you write a job application.
- Career one - Information on résumé writing
- Seek - Career resources such as writing job applications and interview skills.
- Microsoft Office Online - Examples and templates to assist with résumé writing.
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