Tips on Getting the Job

• Only apply for jobs that you really want and which you are qualified and experienced to do
  
• For jobs that you are interested in, make sure you do the research - read the advert, pick out the key points, make sure there is a good fit and then tailor your resume (not just the cover letter).
  
• Follow the instructions in the advert - if it asks for a cover letter, then write one that addresses the key selection criteria. If it asks for you to phone first, make the call.
  
• Always include your reasons for wanting the role, your availability and your salary expectations.
  
• The first page needs to sell you.
  It should include enough information for the recruiter/employer to get a good feel about you. As a rule it should include: relevant qualifications/skills, a summary of recent roles (in reverse chronological order), key achievements/contributions that you have made to your recent employers and some thought about how you meet the criteria for the role to which you are applying.
  
• Ensure your resume is in microsoft word format . As much as it is your document, if a recruiter can't easily work with it, then it won't get forwarded to a client. Avoid PDF files.
  
• Avoid putting contact details in obscure places, poor grammar, not using the spell checker, broad statements about career objectives that mean nothing, strange, uncommon fonts and lots of narrative. In fact lots of anything.
  
• A "me" focus instead of an "employer" focus is the best approach - your future employer is most interested in how your skills have helped your past employer and how they can be applied to help them and their business.
  
• Avoid lots of description about your responsibilities and nothing about your achievements. As a rule, make sure your achievements are emphasised rather than your responsibilities.
  
• Irrelevant or questionable personal information.
  
• Keep it succinct. Resumes over 3 or 4 pages probably won't get read.
  
• Be careful of attaching written references - even a glowing reference can backfire if the grammar and spelling are poor.
  
• Follow up your email with a phone call and speak with the consultant. We receive hundreds of emails every day so you can stand out from the crowd just by talking to us.

How you can sell yourself to us and the client

We have to sell you, your skills and experience to our client. So it is great for us (and you) if you can sell yourself to us by:

1. being professional in your approach
2. easily articulating your achievements
3. taking the time to tailor your resume
4. taking a genuine interest in the employer
5. being well prepared and well researched
6. having carefully selected referees
7. being readily available for interviews
8. being honest about qualifications, experience and achievements

What's important in an interview?

• The first 30 seconds. First impressions really do count!
• Dress well. Corporate clothing. Clean, pressed clothes. Polished shoes. Matching tie. Tidy hair. Matching bags (don't bring your shopping or your gym gear to the interview).
• Never underestimate the receptionist. All good companies will ask their receptionist after you left, about your interactions and behaviour towards them. Be warned and be friendly!
• Turn off your phone before you even get into reception. Not silent. Off. Never make or take a call while you are waiting in reception. You will get caught out and almost certainly blow it before you even get past the greeting.
• Greet the interviewer with a strong handshake, look them in the eye, smile, and use their name. And smile some more throughout the interview. It really does help.
• Listen to the question and make sure you answer it. Try to make your answers sound conversational. Get to the point. If you are not sure what they are asking, by all means ask for clarification - before you launch into an answer.
• On occasions, it is fine to ask the interviewers if "that answers the question" or “whether they need more detail”.
• Avoid "umms" and "ahhs" and "you knows". A couple of seconds silence to collect your thoughts is much better to listen to.
• Always find ways to work into the conversation key points from the ad or the position description.
• Always check out their website and do a Google search for any recent news items and make sure you stroke their ego!
• Always have a couple of intelligent questions to ask.
• Never bring up the subject of money at the first interview. But conversely, be prepared in case they do. If they do, they do not want to hear wishy washy answers.
• Be careful with jokes, asides, puns. No need to keep it totally straight. A light conversational manner is generally best.
• Be honest - or you will get found out. Even if something just doesn't feel right, you won't get put forward for the role if there is any doubt whatsoever. Recruiters are professionals, they are good at uncovering even little examples of you stretching the truth.
• There are a whole range of laws about what an employer can and cannot ask you. Sometimes if they cross the line, it may not be intentional - it might just be them trying to be conversational. So you may be best to answer simply and then change the topic by asking a question or seeking clarification on an earlier point.
• Equally though, if you are going to work for this person or company you want to get a sense of who they are and the same goes for them too. So often it is a good idea to have at least some information about hobbies, interests or particular passions that you may have - even it it is simply your unwavering support for the mighty Magpies!
• At the close of the interview be sure to thank them for their time. Feel free to ask them what the process will be from this point and over what timeframe they expect to make their decision.