JOB SEARCH & APPLICATION
BEST PRACTICE STANDARDS
Keep the below tips in mind when submitting your job applications
Current information
This one’s obvious, but make sure your employment, education and all other information is up to date. Create your CV/cover letter using MS Word, Google Docs or similar, and save this so you can easily edit it whenever necessary.
Succinct and to the point
Recruiters will read dozens to hundreds or applications a day. Include only relevant information, try not to “waffle”, and aim to use as few words as possible to get the point across. Use bullet points.
Check spelling and grammar
Pay attention to spelling correction prompts, or have somebody proof-read for you. Google is your friend!
Keep it professional
Use a formal tone throughout, choose appropriate language, and avoid jargon or acronyms.
Simple and clean design
Stick with a white background, and black text. Sans serif fonts are easiest to read, and no more than 3 different font sizes for heading, subheading and text.
Short and sweet
At a maximum, keep your CV to two pages, and one page cover letter.
File type and name
Save and attach your documents to your application as a PDF file - do NOT attach an editable word doc! The CV file name should be along the lines of “Firstname Surname Month Year CV”. Likewise for the cover letter file, with the company and/or role title also if you like.
Additional documents
Have copies of your qualifications or licenses at the ready, but don’t include these in your application pack unless specifically requested.
Avoid these things
Date of birth/age: Age is not relevant to whatever type of role you are applying for, and employers should never discriminate based on age, so don’t include this. Do keep in mind however, that Australian state legislation does dictate age restrictions on certain types of work/industries.
Photo: It’s generally bad practice to include a photo on your CV, even if a professional headshot. Just avoid it altogether - it’s not going to help you get the job. You can include this in your LinkedIn profile.
Dated/excessive information: Job history earlier than 10+ years (note that this is dependent on the role and your personal circumstances), high school graduation, numerous short-term casual jobs with unrelated skillsets, etc.
Personal information: Focus only on your professional history, and never include things like your relationship or family status, religious affiliation, medical conditions, etc.
References: If you are including references, make sure these are professional or education related, and NOT a family member or friend. Don’t forget to request permission, and give a heads up if you are providing their contact details with an application.
Being deceitful: Don’t lie, bend the truth or exaggerate competencies.
Not everybody is great at these kinds of things, and it’s alright if the thought of writing a CV or cover letter makes you feel uncomfortable. You can ask a friend to help, or reach out to us for more tips. We’ll be uploading additional resources soon.
