Job Search Resources

CareerConnect is a job search service offered by Challenger TAFE to our students. The following tips have been put together to assist our students with their job search skills.

• Resumés
• Application Letters
• Interviews
• Contacting employers
• CareerConnect Factsheets

Resumés

It is important to have an up-to-date resumé as most employers will request one. To help you prepare yours, we have provided the following hints and sample resumes.

For more information, download our resumé factsheets:

 Resumé Factsheet

 Action Words

 Resumé Comparison Chart

Resumés Checklist

Make sure you have:

• Listed all your qualifications and skills
• Contacted your referees and checked their correct details and phone numbers. Also ask them if it is OK for you to list them as a telephone referee, and advise them you are looking for work
• Listed all details correctly (ie. your current details, dates of employment)
• A good looking resumé! That means neat, with no spelling mistakes! Ask someone to read it for you
• Between 1-4 pages depending on the nature of the vacancy and your experience. No more than four pages long

FREE Resumé Checking Service

NB: To be eligible for this service you MUST be registered with the JobConnect database and a current Challenger TAFE student or graduate of 12 months or less.

It is always a good idea to have someone check your completed resume. You can email us at CareerConnect so we may offer you some useful tips on how to make your resume more effective. You may also email us any other job application materials ie. letters, key selection criteria for checking.

Simply email us at careerconnect@challengertafe.wa.edu.au

We will return your email promptly. Please ensure you allow yourself plenty of time to make adjustments, ie. try not to send us your application the same day it is due in to the employer! 

Resumé Templates

When starting your resumé you may find it easier to use a template.  Microsoft Word have a number of these you may view, and then you can choose the style that best suits your needs. Or you may simply like to have an idea of what the examples look like so you can develop your own style and layout. To make it easy for you to access, follow the prompts below for Microsoft Word 2003.

Option 1:

• Open Microsoft Word on your computer
• Select “File” then “New”
• On the right hand column under the “Template” heading, click “On my computer"
• The “Templates” box will open, then click on “Other Documents” tab
• Choose a style you like, add your details and save to your computer or disk.

Option 2:

• Open Microsoft Word on your computer
• Select “File” then “New”
• On the right hand column under the “Template” heading, in the box titled “Search online for” type in “resume” and hit enter or go
• A number of styles will appear in the right hand column
• Choose a style you like, add your details and save to your computer or disk.

You may also choose to download one of our Example Resumes and use as a template.

 Example Resumé 1

 Example Resumé 2

Application Letters

Generally speaking, résumés should be accompanied by a covering letter, as this will be the first thing the employer reads.

For more information, you may download our Factsheet:

 Application Letters

Interviews

Many people think that an interview is a one way process where the employer decides if they like YOU. Yes, this is partly true. However, you are also deciding whether you like THEIR COMPANY and if you would like to work there. Hopefully you have already made an informed decision on this. You must also be prepared to ask them questions so you have an even better idea of what to expect if they offer you the job.

Remember, the employer will be deciding:

1. Can you do the job? 
(what is your experience, training and/or potential?)

2. Do you want the job?
(your motives for applying, how enthusiastic are you, and career aspirations?)

3. Will you fit into their team?
(what are your values and attitudes?)

 Interviews Factsheet

Contacting Employers

Research shows that approximately 20-30% of all jobs are actually advertised in the papers. Essentially, this means that many jobs form what is commonly referred to as the “hidden job market”.

What is the “hidden job market”?

• Necessary work that no one has identified
• Work that has been identified but for which recruitment has not yet begun
• Work that has been identified and for which informal (word-of-mouth) recruitment has begun
   

Remember:

Managers are always looking for good people even if there is no immediate opening.

 Cold Calling & Networking Factsheet

 Telephoning Employers Factsheet

Please also refer to the Useful Websites section which has a variety of links to sites that will assist you with all your questions about resumes, application letters, interviews, career development and JOBS!