Resume & Interview Tips

If you are creating a resume for the first time, it is best to keep it simple. Here is an easy to use guide to help you get started.

What is a resume?

A resume contains a brief account of one's career experience, knowledge and accomplishments to date.

What information do I need to include?

At a minimum, your resume should contain the following key sections:
  1. Contact details
  2. Qualifications
  3. Work History/Experience
  4. Referees
  1. Contact Details
    Your full name and current address, after hours phone number, mobile number and a current work number if you can be contacted during the day. You can also include your email address if you have one.

  2. Qualifications
    List your qualifications putting the most recent at the top. Ensure you include:
    • The institute/school/University/TAFE you attended
    • Where you attended, ie. Melbourne, Australia
    • What was the resulting qualification ie. Certificate III - Plumbing & Gasfitting
    • The date you completed your course

  3. Work History & Experience
    List your work history putting the most recent at the top. Include the company you worked for and the start and end dates of your employment.
    You will also need to list the responsibilities you had and your achievements whilst in this job.

  4. Referees
    At least two people you have worked for (Supervisor or Manager) in the past who are happy to talk to a prospective employer.

  5. Additional Information
    You may also want to include information on organisations you are a member of and any licenses or permits that are applicable to your industry.
Additional Tips
  • Don't lie, or embellish the truth
  • Keep it simple and short, a resume should only by 2-5 pages long.
  • Always check your resume for spelling and grammar or better still get someone else to check it for you. You don't want to make your first impression a bad one.
  • Stay away from using fancy covers or fonts.
  • If you have access to a computer, make use of the Resume Wizard template which can be accessed in Microsoft Word. This will make sure your resume looks professional!
  • SAMPLE RESUME
Interview Tips

Job interviews can be very stressful but they don't need to be, especially if you are prepared. By using some key steps and the below tips you will be able to confidently show the interviewer that you are prepared for the interview and potentially the right person for the job.

As with all things, preparation is the key to success. When it comes to job interviews, you can not prepare enough!

Address the job criteria

Look at the company's job criteria and match examples of ways you have addressed this criteria in previous jobs and your professional dealings. This is where you will show solid examples of how you can add value and why you are the most suitable person for the job.

Understand what the company produces and the equipment used, or if it is a service company, who their customers are and the type of service provided.

Research

Investigate the company thoroughly. This can be done by surfing the web, reading the latest annual report, checking news articles and generally getting a feel for the facts and figures so you can draw on them in your interview. Feel free to contact your interviewer for more information such as corporate profiles to be sent to you. This will show you are serious about your application.

Prepare Questions

Take the time to think of some relevant and insightful questions to ask. Refer back to the research you have done. Remember, you want to make sure this is the right job for you, so use the interview to ask as many questions as possible.

Determine if the person interviewing you is the person you will be working for or someone from the HR area (build rapport).

The Interview itself
  • First and foremost...DON'T BE LATE!
  • Make a good first impression by dressing appropriately (usually conservatively), not chewing gum or smoking and above all...smile!
  • Don't talk too fast, take your time during the interview and pause if you need to, a pause is never as long as it seems and this shows you are thinking about what you are about to say.
  • Use solid examples to answer questions, this will address the criteria directly and convince your interviewer that you have the experience to do the job.
  • You can take notes to the interview to refer to but ensure they are not too comprehensive so you don't have to wade through text to find information. Bullet points should do the trick.
  • Don't put down or discredit previous employers, always remain diplomatic and positive.
  • Don't ask about money until near the end of the interview.
  • Remain focused, confident and remember to smile!


Looking for a fresh start?

Thinking of relocating? Wondering what our regions offer?

If you are considering taking the next step in your career and it includes a move to the Hunter Valley or Bowen Basin click here for some useful info for you and your family.

Fighting fit?

Check out our monthly health talks...all part of our program designed to improve the well being of our crew.