Resumes and Application Letters

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Resumes and Application Letters

• Human Movements
• Workshop 2

2
Possible Selection Process

• Advertisement (information, application process)
• Application (letter, form, selection criteria,
  resume)
• Short list
• Interview
• Testing
• Reference checks
• Offer

3
Definitions

• Resume summary
• Curriculum Vitae fuller, more descriptive
• Portfolio original documents,
  references

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How many pages is a typical Brisbane resume?
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Typical No of Pages

• Australia, Brisbane
• 3 pages (2-5 depending on qualifications
  experience)
• Plus Letter, Academic history, Selection
  Criteria
• International
• USA, Singapore
• 1 page only

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How long does an employer take to read a resume?
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Employer Reading Time

• 100 Resumes from
• QUT, GU, UQ, USQ, UCQ, USC, JCU
• An 8hr day (minus 1hr lunch) 7hrs left
• Plus shuffle time, coffee, toilet (1hr) 6hrs
  left
• Plus admin for successful applicants (1hr) 5
  hrs left
• 5 hours divided by 100 applications 3 minutes
  each
• But what if your application is looked at during
  the post-lunch fatigue! (130 230pm)

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Variations

• Paper ?
• Design graphics?, borders?, colour..
• No cover page
• Font size (12), style (arial)..
• Emphasis bold, italics, underline
• Bullets dashes, shapes..
• Headers/footers name, personal details, page
  no..
• Spacings large between sections,
• closed within sections

9
Language

• Read and re-read the advertisement
• Use similar wording/concepts to the key duties
• Check what they are asking for
• Ring the contact person for more info

10
Typical Resume Headings

• Personal Details letterhead style
• Career Goal/Objective/Summary (optional)
• Education/Training reverse chronological order
• Industry Experience reverse chronological order
• Work History reverse chronological order
• Industry Skills (optional)
• Achievements (optional)
• Memberships (optional)
• Interests, extra-curricular activities (optional)
• Referees

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Turning Tasks into Transferable Skills An
Example Not Just A Waiter

• Tasks
• wait at table
• serve food drinks
• take food from the kitchen
• look after the bills
• talk to the customers
• meet customer requests
• work with manager, cooks

• Transferable Skills
• - attending to clients
• - prioritising managing tasks
• - taking instructions
• - handling accounts money
• - effective communication
• - problem solving, conflict management
• - good team work

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Application Letters
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Hints for Application Letters

• NO longer than ONE page
• Develop a basic design and content
• Rewrite specific bits for each application
• Spell check person check
• Error free
• Positive
• Balance self confidence modesty
• It is their first contact with you

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• Your Name Address
• Date
• Persons name, title address
• - to Human Resources Manager, if unsure
• Dear Sir/Madam or the specific name (Mr/Ms..)
• Introductory paragraph (why I am writing - 2
  lines)
• Main paragraph 1 (what do I have to offer 3-4
  lines summary)
• Main paragraph 2 (what is my relevant experience
  4-6 lines)
• - expand on relevant experiences (work
  experience/employment)
• Main paragraph 3 (why choose me 4 lines)
• - indicate strongly what you can offer them (any
  bonus skills/quals/experience)
• Closure (refer to attachments, thank them, give
  contact details)
• Sign off (sincerely if person known, faithfully
  if unknown)

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Lets get your feedback on this application
letter!
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30 March 2006The Manager Fitness CenterHyatt
Regency CoolumPO box 428Coolum Beach Qld Dear
Sir/MadamGood Morning. My name is Joe Bloggs
and I am writing to apply for the above position
which was advertised in the courier Mail last
Saturday.I have a Batchelors degree majoring in
Human Movement studies from QUT and feel that
this degree has given me the necessary skills and
qualifications to more than adequately perform
the duties of the position. Although I do not
have a great deal of professional experience, I
have participated in a number of pracs as part of
my course and my experience on these placements
is very relevant to your requirements. As part
of my studies I have participated in two industry
base project groups, one of which involved
undertaking a detailed analysis of ECGs and
cardiac stress tests, the other developed an
involvement in the physiotherapy rehabilitation
area, both projects provided me with an
opportunity to work closely with industry
personnel and strentgthen my interest in this
area.I also have work experience as a customer
service assistant at McDonalds where I have
worked for the past 3 years part time. I have
received very favourable reports on my customer
service skills.
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The idea of working at the Hyatt excites me as
know that the settings of all Hyatt Hotels are
very beautiful and luxurious. I also have many
friends who live on the Sunshine Coast so would
like the opprotunitiy to move closer to them.As
you will see from my attached reference and prac
reports, I am a committed, organised, motivated
and enthusiastic employee, and I am sure I will
be a great asset to your organisation.I have
included a comprehensive resume and would like
the opportunity to show you why I am the best
person for this job. I am available for a
personal interview at your convenience and can be
contacted on the number listed above.Yours
faithfullyJoe Bloggs