Applying for a job

Ready to start your job search and launch your new career?

Applying for a job often involves a written or online application (including cover letter, resume and sometimes further documentation) and an interview.

The process might also include:

psychometric or ability testing
a phone interview
group assessment
an informal meeting
a task or presentation.

Find out more about these tasks, as well as the career support available to VU students through VU Employ.

Written applications

Your written application is your crucial first chance to show potential employers that you have the skills, knowledge and ability they need. They will use it to decide whether to consider you for the job.

If your application lets you down, you probably won’t get any further in the recruitment process – no matter how perfect you are for the role.

Tips for written job applications

Always ...

include a cover letter, regardless of whether they ask for one.
use the job title or reference number in the email subject and, in the body, state your name and what is attached.
follow application instructions exactly
send electronic applications in a format that can be universally opened
keep track of your applications with a list.

Avoid ...

sending a generic application to several employers
making false claims about your skills or qualifications
attaching documents that were not requested – including academic transcripts.

Online applications

Keep these hints and tips in mind when you submit an online application.

Research the organisation
What skills are they seeking? Do you meet the selection criteria? What has been happening in the organisation?
Start your application early
Applications can take time. Check if you are able to partly complete the application and save it or whether it must be completed in one sitting (and plan accordingly). If you can, save regularly!
Complete responses offline
You can cut and paste from your offline version - use the spell check!
Ask someone else to read your responses and give you feedback
Get your reader to look at the application from an employer's point of view - you can submit your answers to [email protected] for an online review.
Save a copy
Record each application you submit, and make a note of any contact you have with the organisation in relation to your application.

Phone to confirm your application has been received and save the record of acknowledgement of your application just in case there is a problem.

Resumes, cover letters & selection criteria

Read our tips on cover letters and resumes and access online templates through VU Employ Collaborate, or the 360 resume builder tool through the Careers Toolkit.

Cover letters

Cover letters should never be more than one A4 page. If asked to address selection criteria:

do so in a separate ‘Response to selection criteria’ document
make your cover letter brief
highlight a few key points about yourself – save the detail for the selection criteria document
outline your interest in the position.

When there are no formal selection criteria:

provide more evidence of your skills and experience in your cover letter
read the advertisement and/or position description carefully to determine what skills and experience are required
if necessary, call the company for more information and/or ask for a position description.

Selection criteria

Many employers, including government and professional associations, will ask you to address specific selection criteria in detail. You are then rated on how closely you meet each of the criteria compared to other applicants.

To address selection criteria:

provide specific examples for each to demonstrate how you meet them
present the information in a separate document
common titles are 'Evidence in Support of the Selection Criteria' and 'Responses to Selection Criteria'.

: Examples of common criteria include:
well-developed communication skills
teamwork skills
commitment to the delivery of quality customer service
flexibility and a willingness to adapt to change
enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Interviews

Six interview tips to land your dream job

Get a one up on the competition with these interview dos and don’ts from an industry expert.

Six interview tips to land your dream job

An interview is your opportunity to sell yourself and to convince the employer that you’re the best candidate for the job. Prepare for interview success by:

answering mock interview questions
researching the organisation and the role
preparing a few of your own questions to ask the employer.

Remember, the interview is a two-way process – your best chance to see if this is really the right job for you.

: Some employers screen potential candidates by phone to decide whether to meet in person.
Phone interviews are typically up to 25 minutes long. You may be advised in advance of a phone interview, so make sure you are in an environment where you will not be interrupted.
: Motivational fit
Questions that identify if someone wants to do the job, as opposed to someone who is able to do it, are searching for motivational fit.
Examples:
Why are you interested in this job?
What are the most satisfying aspects of work to date? What is the least satisfying?
Why are you looking to move on from your current role?
What are your short-term/long term career goals?
Cultural fit
Cultural fit looks to see if a person's style, values and beliefs align with those of the workplace, which helps to predict a better chance of job success and satisfaction. Examples:
What is your ideal job?
In your opinion, what makes a good leader?
What is your preferred working style?
Describe the work environment in which you will most effectively be able to contribute.
: Make sure that you have found out as much information as possible about the company and the role.
Prepare notes to refer to during the interview.
If you are not able to understand a question clearly, ask the interviewer to repeat it.
The interview should end on a positive note. Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to speak with them.

Psychometric testing

Some organisations will ask job applicants to undertake Psychometric Testing.

Their aim is to gain objective information about a candidate’s aptitude and suitability for the job, such as whether or not you:

have the minimum level of ability needed in areas such as literacy and numeracy
will fit in with the role, team or organisation.

: Verbal reasoning – assesses critical evaluation of written information.
Numerical reasoning – assesses ability to analyse numerical data.
Abstract reasoning – often uses diagram sequences.
Occupational personality/motivations/values-based questionnaires – assesses personality type and features.
: Try out these practice tests to help you prepare:
SHL Direct
Psychometric tests
Institute of Psychometric Coaching
Practice Reasoning.

Assessment centres

Employers often use assessment centres to review several applicants at once. Common activities may include:

work-typical exercises
group discussions (possibly part of a group interview)
case studies
role plays
presentations.

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