Preparing Your Graduate Application

So you’ve found that job that you think is right for you – here are some tips to help you with your application……..

1.      Do Your Research

Before beginning, make sure you take the time to research the employer and the position that you are applying for.  This will help you to establish whether you are suitable to work for a particular organisation, and, whether you possess the relevant qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience for the position.

2.      Include a Cover Letter

Employers will receive numerous applications for vacancies. A cover letter is very important as they may read this and decide whether to look at your application in more detail – or not – from this.  Most employers will not look at a resume unless it comes with a cover letter.

Your cover letter should demonstrate that you have read the job advertisement carefully and that you are truly interested in that particular position.  It should:

• Be relevant to the employer and the position, clearly stating what position you are applying for.
• Be brief and concise (3 – 4 paragraphs).
• Include the date and the details of the person/employer you are writing to.
• Clearly identify the qualities that make you suitable for the position.
• Outline why you want to work for that organisation and what qualities you possess that will make you an attribute.
• Thank the employer for their time.
• ALWAYS check your cover letter for spelling and grammatical errors.

• Be a repeat of your resume
• Be a generic letter that you send with all job applications

3.      Attach a Resume

Resumes should ideally be 2, and no more than 3 pages long, outlining your Career Objectives, Education/Qualifications, Employment History, Other Relevant Training and Skills eg:  school, study, work experience and hobbies.

When writing a resume it is important to include:

• Relevant Personal Details – name, contact number/s, email address
• Education/Qualifications– clearly list institution, dates and qualification received or working towards.  Always list the most recent first and attach a copy of the qualification/academic transcript to the resume.

• When applying for a graduate position, you must include details of your academic results thus far.

• Employment History – list in order from most recent position.  Clearly state employer details and commencement and finishing dates.  Briefly list main key responsibilities (4-5).
• Relevant Training and Skills – only include things that will add value to your application eg: computer training, public speaking skills
• Clear headings, page numbers and consistent, business-like formatting throughout the document.

When writing a resume, you do not need to include:

• Any personal details that may lead to discrimination eg: marital status, nationality, where you live.
• General hobbies and interests (unless they specifically relate to the job or highlight employability skills, eg: leadership roles, team ethic).
• Written references or referee details – unless your application progresses through to interview stage, employers will not need referee details, though you can state “Referees Available on Request” on your resume.

4.      Final Checks

Some final checks before you send your application:

• Always check for spelling/grammatical errors.
• Make sure that you have covered all selection criteria requirements.
• Make sure your application is professionally presented eg:  business layout, no coloured paper, clear headings,  cover letter properly addressed, A4 paper.
• Only send copies.  You should retain all original documents.
• LESS IS MORE.  Your cover letter and resume should only contain information that has been asked for.
• Make sure the position you are applying for and the organisation match your expectations.
• Be sure to check if there are any related forms that need to be completed and submitted along with your application.