something+about+jobs+&amp;+looking+for+work

Read student opinions of different jobs

Wikispace - http://jobequip.wikispaces.com/ EDNA - http://www.groups.edna.edu.au/course/view.php?id=92#13 Protopage - http://www.protopage.com/jobequip PDA (Pageflake Digital Organiser) is: http://www.pageflakes.com/wheres.dot.ashx


 * Postcard from the Field -** [|www.protopage.com/nswames1]

WATCH AND READ ABOUT WORK http://employprep.podOmatic.com/entry/2006-10-16T15_11_25-07_00

Remember when we were young and what we thought we wanted to be when we grew up and how it changed every week/ month/ year!

1. Think back and write down some of those dreams you had, do you still have some of them or have they broadened into areas rather than careers? Make a list. A fireman/ woman Working outside Something creative with mind/ hands Working with others caring/ social/ Art therapy …..

2. setting goals

some job search sites: employment & recruitment http://www.seek.com.au/ lists vacancies and research of companies and allows you to publish your resume http://www.mycareer.com.au/ employment, jobsearch and career managment [|http://jobsearch.gov.au] national vacancy database [|http://www.careerone.com.au] recruitment & career managment [|http://www.defencejobs.gov.au] Australian Defence Force [|http://www.recruiting.wapol.gov.au] WA police service

AUSTRALIAN LINKS GENERAL [|www.training.wa.gov.au/tic] training info centre, Dept of Training [|www.tafe.wa.gov.au] TAFE handbook [|http://getaccess.westone.wa.gov.au] WA online career info [|www.apprenticeships.training.wa.gov.au] a guide for employers, apprentices and trainees [|http://jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au] search occupational profiles by industry, interest, index [|http://www.myfuture.edu.au] career guidance & info [|http://www.workplace.gov.au] a portal into various career, training and employment sites http://www.training.gov.au/access access, options and opportunities http://au.tmp.com/ recruitment & career management http://www.jobnet.com.au/ IT jobsearch [|http://www.itskillshub.com.au] industry info & trends, what employers need, course & career info [|http://www.itforwomen.com.au] as it sounds! [|http://www.cdirect.com.au] contractors direct - IT professionals [|http://www.herenow.com.au] Australian resume server for high Tech sector [|http://www.employment.com.au] job vacancies, resumes, company profiles, career guidance package called 'career match' [|http://www.monsterboard.com.au] job &career search, resumes, Australia & overseas, company profiles & career advice [|http://www.CareerOne.com.au] jobs, resumes, career management [|http://www.joblist.com.au] official site for WA State Gov. [|http://www.resumebank.com.au] resume post for all types of professional positions

The following information was adapted from : [|www.jobsearch.gov.au].

2. Think also about what kind of work pattern would best suit your personality and lifestyle.
 * Part time/ full time/ job share/** casual, contract, **work from home….a mix?**


 * 3. make a list of your networks: family, sporting friends, coffee friends, art group friends, school friends….**


 * 4. have you told these friends you’re looking for work/ experience/ job share/ a party plan…**

How do we build networks? Is your shyness like a prison, stopping you doing things, meeting new people? Do you feel people are looking at you, judging you, criticising you, judging what you're wearing, passing judgment on your looks, actions...? The only person doing this is yourself- be good to yourself -repeat- I'm ok, I look ok, I'm right. Look others in the eye and smile, try to say good morning, afternoon, evening. They may not repeat it back- they may be shy also or they are preoccupied with something. Don't give up keep smiling and greeting people and they will pass it on to others, until eventually it comes back to you and you've made the world a more social place! We don't want a world of anti social -strangers!
 * How do we over come shyness?**


 * Try this**: switch your focus from you (and your feelings of awkwardness) to the person you're speaking to. Ask them questions, make them open questions to keep the conversation going. Begin questions with: 'In what way...? Tell me about...? How...?' Throw in the odd compliment, talk about them, remember things about them, soon they'll feel important, the focus will be off you, you'll be thought of as caring and compassionate and the most popular person around!

If you are asking/ looking for approval in what others see in you, you are making yourself vulnerable –If you are giving it – it makes you bullet proof!

Sometimes others can misinterpret your shyness as rudeness, arrogance, pride (Is your silence saying-‘I can’t be bothered talking or listening to you’?) Silence/ shyness can mean for others- hidden hostility! (The message you could be sending is ‘I’m scared because you’re dangerous)

Essentially the meaning is not derived from what we meant but how it was received. The response we get from the other person is really the meaning of our communication. Both verbally and non-verbally. Pure communication (unless between 2 computers) is almost impossible. There is always 'noise' that interferes with our messages. Noise could be: hunger, sleepy, wrong time, wrong words, wrong tone... To be highly effective at communicating a person has to be sensitive enough to understand as to how his communication is being received and processed. The communicator should be sensitive to eye movements, postural and gestural complexes, skin colour, muscle tension, breathing rate and position to understand the quality of how their communication is being received. If the outcome of any communication is not what was intended, then you have to change the way you are communicating the message until the message is received in the way you want it to be. That's effective communication!
 * The meaning of our communication is the response we get:** People are always communicating, verbally and non-verbally. Research shows that only 7% of the meaning of our communication is through words. The rest of the communication process takes place through body language, tone of voice and the various signals words cannot convey. That's means that 93% of what we communicate is not from our words!! If we communicate a message and it is received by a person in a way other than what we intended than we did not communicate effectively.

In any group people give energy or drain energy. To have a successful group/ party/ meeting there needs to be more givers than takers. For example a giver sees a shy friend at the party, they bring them over and introduce them to others who make conversation. If the energy taker does not contribute energy to the conversation it will soon be drained and people will look to others to ‘recharge’.


 * Use Active listening**: Encouraging signals and gestures to keep them talking and show your interest. These include: eye contact, head nods, mimic their small gestures and facial expressions (men may not show these to each as much as women), lean forward, don't close your body gestures and use encouraging small words (yes, ah ha, hmm, really, wow, great, oh no!) If you have trouble talking be a great listener. Use that energy wasted on stress/ anxiety/ shyness to energetic listening. If you appear glued to what someone is saying no one will notice you're not talking!


 * Use Reflective listening:**

This is all great for making friends and networking, but for an interview you really will need to talk!


 * Make it your mission to rescue other shy people!**

To find work in this way, **we have to be pro-active and make it happen.** We have got to chase up leads and create opportunities. We have to use the networks we have and expand those networks. However, it takes a fair amount of self-confidence to approach an employer.
 * The way we seek work has changed.** These days, only a small percentage of jobs are advertised in newspapers. Many jobs are advertised on the internet or exclusively through employment and recruitment agencies. What is even more effective is “word of mouth” and “cold canvassing” – using the network of people we know and approaching employers directly.


 * Create a skills audit:**
 * Technical skills** are the specialised skills and knowledge required to perform specific duties. For example, driving a forklift, arranging flowers, word processing, window cleaning, gardening, bookkeeping, and nursing. Each one of these broader skills is made up of many specific skills a person must be able to do in order to complete those technical tasks.

customer service, problem solving, communication, and organisation.
 * Transferable skills** are the basic skills required to perform a variety of tasks. They can be “transferred” from one area of work to another. For example, skills in money handling,

and style of operation. For example, the ability to work under pressure, to work unsupervised, and being trustworthy, honest, and reliable.
 * Personal skills** are the individual attributes you have such as attitudes, personality, work habits,

Too often, we think only about our technical skills as they are easiest to identify. Though these are important, employers want a person for more than just their ability to do a specific task. How you approach the task and interact with others is also particularly significant.

In the changing world of work, your transferable and personal skills are increasingly important. If you have a clear understanding of your skills, it helps you to be more confident when you approach employers. It also helps you to consider other patterns and forms of employment, and should enable you to explore realistic work options.

Have you ever heard a woman describing herself as being “Just a mother?” Think about the skills that are required to perform those diverse duties!
 * The technical skills include:** food preparation, washing, cleaning, driving a car, child care skills, and more.
 * The transferable skills include:** budgeting, organising, planning, money handling, meeting deadlines, co–ordination skills, ability to prioritise tasks, and more.
 * The personal skills include:** reliability, ability to work unsupervised, trustworthy, and more.

think about all the skills and abilities that you have acquired through your lifetime, from a range of sources including your hobbies, your sporting activities, your school and other training, your work, and your interests.

You may find it useful to get a friend to add to your list.

4. (C + HR class licences) Keyboard skills Word processing Operate a cash register Play piano and guitar || Excellent verbal communication skills Good at problem solving Money handling skills Good organiser || Hard working Reliable & honest Able to work under pressure Outgoing and friendly ||
 * **My technical skills** || **My transferable skills** || **My personal skills** ||
 * Drive cars and trucks

Tara has always loved animals, especially dogs. When she left school, Tara really didn’t know what she wanted to do, so she went fruit picking in the orchards down south. Not having any previous experience, she was able to get a job by using her networks – a friend of her cousin in Donnybrook needed pickers, and the cousin was able to put in a good word for Tara.
 * Tara****’s Story:**

This work helped her to decide one thing – she liked being in the city! On moving back to the city, Tara asked at the local fruit and vegetable shop about work possibilities, and on the strength of her experience picking fruit, she scored a part-time job there. It was 20 hours a week, and not enough to live on.

Thinking about other options, she put a sign in the shop window offering to walk people’s dogs, and was surprised how many people were prepared to pay her to exercise their dogs. Now she also spends another 10 to 15 hours a week doing what she loves most of all – being with dogs. By targeting a neighbouring high density housing suburb, Tara’s dog walking service is growing.

application form || Research a Party plan || keep copies of all your applications, letters, resume versions || “selling yourself” to others || Tell friends you’re looking for work Get a variety of work experience || Follow up with a repeat visit in a week || to search. || Walk the shops & look for signs in the window || Look newspapers, particularly Wednesday & Saturday || local community newspaper. || Record telephone contacts, dates, numbers, times & outcomes - track your efforts & organise follow-up. || “cold canvassing” In person/ on the phone || leave a copy of you resume with an employer. || note names & address –cold canvass or any employment signs? || Ask work experience employer to be a referee/ their networks/ similar organisations opportunities || “cold canvassing” In person/ on the phone || keep your options open Apply for own business seed funding ||
 * **The job game**: brainstorm some actions and steps you can take to find work/ create work / work experience and voluntary work. Write them in the squares, some may be repeated. Cut them out & stick them to a path to make a snakes and ladder game. ||
 * network || Cold call || **stay positive…** || Job share ||
 * Get your paperwork organised || ring an organisation/ shop / company for an
 * Get your paperwork organised || ring an organisation/ shop / company for an
 * Up date your resume || Follow up network leads -it involves
 * record on paper- names & addresses, people spoken to, and information -leads || identify the employers and areas you want
 * look in your
 * Do a short course || Use your special talents/ energy to create your own business || Follow up a network contact || Change voluntary work ||
 * Register with CES/RUAH/mission Aust. || Up date your resume ||  ||   ||
 * drive around the light industrial &/or retail areas near home


 * About references and referees: These days, written references are nice to have, but are not worth much.** Most potential employers would rather speak to a referee on the telephone to get an honest idea of how you conduct yourself at work.


 * A referee:** someone willing to be contacted by telephone to provide information about you. Make sure to ask your referees if they are willing to speak on your behalf, and inform them of any positions you have applied for. The more positive they are about you, the better!
 * A reference** is a written testimonial prepared by a previous employer, or a teacher, or family friend - someone who can vouch for your character, skills and abilities. It is normally in the form of a letter and copies of references may be attached to your resume when you apply for positions, or may be provided if requested.


 * RESUME**


 * Kim Lee**

28 Ponderosa Place, Floreat WA 6014.

Phone: 9177 2314

email: kimlee@hotmail.com


 * SKILLS**

• Excellent communication skills • Ability to work co-operatively with others • Efficient time management and organisational skills • Familiarity with small business operations in the hospitality/travel industries • Competent with computers and the ability to use MS Word, Excel and Access.


 * WORK HISTORY**

Customer Service • Prepare and package food • Customer service • Unload deliveries
 * 2004 - current** Burger World, Swanbourne

Customer Service. • Housekeeping • Front desk • Marketing
 * 2005** Acquire Hotel, Perth. (Work Experience Placement)

• Receptionist • Customer contact • Photocopy and prepare travel documents • Preparation of correspondence
 * 2003** STAR travel, Cannington (Work Experience Placement)

Babysitter.
 * 2000 - 2005** Mrs R Smythe, Floreat


 * EDUCATION**

Secondary Education Certificate • Vocational English • Mathematics in Practice • Work Studies • Computer Fundamentals • Food Production • Aspects of the Tourism Industry
 * 2001 - 2005** Fairmark Senior High School


 * OTHER QUALIFICATIONS**

• Modules completed: • Present food • Receive and store stocks • Clean and maintain premises • Prepare sandwiches • Process financial transactions • Communicate on the telephone
 * 2004** HBC Vocational Institute - Hospitality


 * AWARDS**

Fairmark Senior High School Academic Distinction, 2005. Captain Boomers Netball Team, 2005. Red Cross Community Service Award, 2005.


 * INTERESTS**

Photography Cooking Netball


 * REFEREES**

Mr Joe Thomas, Manager, Burger World, Swanbourne, 5408 Railway Parade, Swanbourne 6010. Phone: 9984 0009 Mobile: 04931 66058

Mrs Ingrid Bettenay, Head of Department, Hospitality and Tourism, Fairmark Senior High School, Fairmark WA 6541. Phone: 9946 8220 (school).


 * Gwen Chilcott**


 * Unit 4, 88 Marmion Avenue, Hillarys 6025**
 * Phone 08 9401 5432**
 * Email: gwench@iinet.net.au**


 * CAREER SUMMARY**

Highly skilled in word processing with a typing speed of 52 wpm, I have an excellent grasp of French and English and a sound understanding of office protocols. I bring to the workforce extensive office administration experience and professionalism.


 * DEMONSTRATED AREAS OF COMPETENCE**

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Highly skilled in word processing, 52 wpm 100 % accuracy • Sound knowledge of office protocols •Well developed clerical skills • High level of computer skills MS Word, E-mail, MYOB, MS Publisher and MS Excel • Skilled in financial management • High level of organisation skills


 * WORK HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE**


 * Relevant Experiences**

Chilcott’s Hardware
 * Office Manager/Bookkeeper**

• Supervised and coordinated activities of staff • Prepared annual estimates of expenditure • Maintained budgetary costs
 * Duties:** • Undertook banking, credit control and payroll functions


 * Clerical Officer**

Greenfields Insurance Office

Duties: • Wrote business letters, reports and memorandums • Answered telephone and counter enquiries • Filed office documents


 * President/Treasurer/Fund Raiser**

Ocean Reef High School Parents & Citizens Association

• Chaired and facilitated meetings • Managed projects
 * Duties:** • Managed Association’s finances


 * Other Experiences**


 * Management Committee Member**

Banksia Women’s Refuge

Duties: • Assisted with conflict resolution • Counselled refuge’s clients


 * Women’s Refuge Volunteer**

Banksia Women’s Refuge Duties: • Assisted in crisis situations • Cared for distraught women and children • Managed the funds as Treasurer • Managed the Op Shop


 * OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES**

“C” Class driver’s licence • Fluent in French language • Able to solve problems and think creatively • Confident • Polite telephone manners • Experienced in handling payments and wages

Ms Wilma Clarke Coordinator Banksia Women’s Refuge Tel: (H) 08 9308 9988 Principal Ocean Reef Senior High School Tel: (W) 08 9907 0222 ||
 * REFEREES**
 * Mr John Watson

**Resume : Steven John Fogarty**
18 Karri Rise, Forest Hollow WA 6258 Telephone 08 1776 2354 Mobile 0485 555444


 * Career Summary & Profile**

Gaining extensive experience in many facets of the softwoods industry, I have worked as a mill hand and progressed my way to management. In conjunction with this background, I have gained the wide range of skills and knowledge needed to lead and manage effective teams in today’s new work environments.

With excellent skills in new computer technology, the management of people and other resources, I am adaptable and experienced in managing change. A person who enjoys being around people and providing appropriate leadership, I have developed sound resource management practices and a practical approach to problem solving. I am reliable and clear thinking.

I enjoy the challenges of doing business and of managing personnel, and am keen to utilise and further develop my human resource management skills in the corporate environment.


 * Demonstrated Skills and Abilities**

• Excellent leadership and supervisory skills • Good team player • Sound financial management skills • Well-developed written and verbal communication skills • Ability to train and motivate staff • Adaptable to new technology • Excellent problem solving skills • Friendly & approachable • Flexible and forward thinking • Excellent supervisory skills


 * Industry Related Training**

“Principles of Effective Management”, TAFE course 2004. “Occupational Safety & Health Certificate III”, TAFE course 2003. Supervisor Training Program, Timber Workforce Training Consultants Australia, 2003. Fire Control course, Softwood Timber Producers Industry Association (STPIA), July 2002. “Plantation Pines Beyond 2000” industry training program, STPIA, August 2001. Forklift Operators Certificate.


 * Recent Employment**


 * May 2000 to Sept 2005**

Position: **Production Manager,** Sirex Pine Mill, South Quenda 6286

• **Management of production personnel.** Organised and maintained the workforce of 25 staff across all aspects of timber production in the mill, through the co-ordination and supervision of the 4 Work Section Supervisors.


 * Accomplishments:** In 2003 I instigated a highly successful new reporting system that enabled the workers to feed back information and suggestions to management in order to create a safer, more efficient and cost-effective working environment. The success of this program resulted in significantly reduced turnover of staff, lower accident rate, and reduced loss of production time due to mechanical failure.

• **Management of sawing operations.** Oversaw the production of high quality softwoods to required grades and dimensions in order to meet customer orders and production deadlines. With an annual turnover of $3.5 million, this required maximising of production with minimal wastage and lost time due to machinery breakdown and staff changes.


 * Accomplishments:** The effectiveness of the new reporting system carried through to the production, by increasing timber yield from the saw logs by 9.5% in the first year. The smooth running of the mill sawing operations has been greatly enhanced by the system that I introduced, resulting in greater efficiencies in production.


 * __Previous Employment History__****.**

Position: **Production Sub-manager,** Sirex Pine Mill, (formerly PJ Borer Pine Millers Pty Ltd)
 * July 1997 to May 2000**

Position: **Foreman**, PJ Borer Pine Millers Pty Ltd, South Quenda
 * April 1991 to July 1997**

Position: **Mill hand,** Malimumbo Pine Mill, Malimumbo
 * May 1987 to April 1991**


 * __Community Involvement__**

Immediate Past-President, Malimumbo Lions Club. Coach Malimumbo Boomers under 12’s junior football team. Past-President South Quenda Cricket Association. Active member of Forest Hollow and Districts Chamber of Commerce.

Chief Executive Officer, Yellowood Pty Ltd, trading as Sirex Pine Mill, South Quenda 6286. 08 1771 2823 (direct line)
 * Referees**
 * Mr Richard Stevens**

Contact list & Address** || **Contact Person Title & Phone Number** || **Work Applied For** || **What Happened** || **Interview Date** || **Outcome** || **Follow up Date** ||
 * **Date of contact** ||  ||   || **Business Name



Sample job advertisements

Position No: 23/00
 * Administrative Assistant** (Level 1)

Applications for the above position are sought from suitably qualified persons who will function as a member of a team in the Customer Services Division within the City of Mount Elisa.
 * $21990-$27990 pa**

Good written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated customer service skills. Ability to prioritise work. Ability to work in a team environment.
 * Qualifications and experience:**
 * Essential:**

Experience in Word Processing, specifically MS Word. Experience working in the local Government sector. Further information contact: Mr J. Forrest on (08) 9921 3333 For an application package contact: Mr K.P. Board on (08) 9921 3312
 * Desirable:**


 * CLOSING DATE:** Written applications addressing the selection criteria and a copy of your resume including 2 referees should be marked “Confidential Advertised Vacancy” quoting the position number and addressed to: The Recruitment Officer, City of Mount Elisa, PO Box 000, Mount Elisa WA 6999


 * No later than 5:00pm Friday 25 February 2005.**

NO FAXED, LATE OR PROFORMA APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. The City of Mount Elisa is an Equal Opportunity Employer and abides by the Public Sector Standards in relation to recruitment, selection, and appointment.


 * Addressing the Selection Criteria :**


 * Claire Thomas.**


 * Essential:**


 * 1. Good written and verbal communication skills.**

My **written** communication skills have been demonstrated by: • Writing high school assignments in various subjects to specified requirements and time deadlines as a student at Monkey Bay Senior High School. I have received consistently high grades in my written work at school. • Writing project reports on various group projects as a student. • Drafting letters in response to client enquiries during my part-time job as a receptionist with B J Hoskins Solicitor. • Getting an A grade in Office Communication in Year 12.

My **verbal** communication skills have been demonstrated by: • Leading Monkey Bay Senior High School in the Interstate School Debating Competition. • Answering the telephone and welcoming clients as a receptionist during my employment with B J Hoskins Solicitors. • Taking orders from customers as a Customer Service Crew at Burger Bonanza. • Getting an A grade in English Literature and Japanese in Year 12.

During the past 2 years I have worked in positions where my main responsibility involved using my well-developed customer service skills. • While working as a Customer Service Crew at Burger Bonanza, on several occasions I have been confronted by irate customers with complaints about the food or the delay in the queues during very busy periods. These encounters have required me to listen patiently to the complaint, to speak gently to the customer despite their raised voice, and to find a way of satisfying the customer. My supervisor on several occasions has congratulated me on how well I have handled these difficult customers. • As a Front Office Receptionist with B J Hoskins Solicitors, I was often the first point of contact for clients who came into the office. On one occasion an elderly woman came into the office very angry about a letter that she had received from our solicitors’ office. By careful handling, I was able to settle her down and explain to her briefly the purpose of the letter. Soon I was able to make her a cup of tea and got her talking about other matters. By the time Mr Hoskins was able to call her into his office, she was no longer angry. He later thanked me for the sensitive way that I handled the woman.
 * 2. Demonstrated customer service skills.**

While holding these positions, I demonstrated excellence in customer service by: • Meeting customers in a pleasant manner. • Making sure that I had taken orders accurately. • Processing orders promptly and handing them over to the appropriate customer. • Conveying messages to staff members promptly and accurately. I have demonstrated the ability to prioritise work by: • Working part-time while successfully completing Year 11 and 12 studies. • Efficiently serving customers as a Customer Service Crew at Burger Bonanza and also carrying out other duties such as assisting in food preparation and housekeeping. • Typing letters in order of priority, serving clients and answering telephone calls during my work as a receptionist. • Prioritising my workload as a student to effectively manage my time for studies.
 * 3. Ability to prioritise work.**


 * 4. Ability to work in a team environment.**

My ability to work in a team environment has been demonstrated by: • Representing Monkey Bay Senior High School in the Inter School Netball Competition. • Working as part of team to provide a quality food service at Burger Bonanza where I was responsible for taking orders, serving customers, food preparation and house keeping. • Organising branch meetings for B J Hoskins Solicitors. While organising these branch meetings I had to work with staff from various branches of B J Hoskins Solicitors. • Working on various group projects as a Year 12 student. As part of these student groups I took part in planning group activities, carrying out individual work, reporting to the group leader and presenting information in the classroom


 * Desirable:**


 * 1. Experience in using Word Processing packages such as MS Word.**

My ability to use Word Processing packages has been demonstrated by: • Using MS Word and Corel WordPerfect to prepare high school assignments. • Using MS Word to prepare class hand outs during group presentations as a high school student at Monkey Bay Senior High School, as well as to prepare flyers and brochures for the 97 Student Expo. • Using MS Word to draft, edit format and print letters during my work as a receptionist with B Hoskins Solicitors. While using Word I have utilised advanced features such as merging documents, using graphs and tables, auto formatting and making use of templates. A course in Office Communication has supplemented my skills in this area.

While I do not have previous experience working in the local government sector, I believe I have the necessary skills to be able to work effectively in this area. I am quick to learn new skills and systems, am adaptable, and am able to relate easily with a wide range of people. I would look forward to the challenges and opportunities to be found in local government.
 * 2. Experience working in the Local Government sector.**

1 **Use each selection criterion as a heading** and remember to address all parts of the selection criteria. See our response to Criterion 1. 2 **Focus on key words** in each criterion. For instance, if you are addressing a criterion that requires you to demonstrate your knowledge, you could respond by writing how and where you gained that knowledge. 3 **Use dot points** wherever possible to make your responses clear and concise. 4 **Give concrete examples** to support your claims. 5 **Be results-oriented** wherever possible. 6 Remember the **SAO** technique: Or some people like the **STAR** technique: **Situation, Task, Action, Response.** Either way, these are tools to help you to demonstrate skills, abilities and experience. 7 **If you don’t have what they are asking for in a criterion, don’t leave it blank!** Still address the criterion, as shown in our example Desirable # 2. 8 **Save your work** to a computer disk; you can use it later, with some changes, for other job applications.
 * Some Useful Hints**
 * Situation:** Where and when did you do it?
 * Action:** What did you do and how did you do it?
 * Outcome:** What was the result of your actions?


 * This is how to set out the letter of application:**

present/ previous work history or work experience and relevant skills and abilities.
 * Paragraph 1** State the job that has been applied for, and when and where the job was advertised. When applying for a position which has not been advertised, state the type of position being applied for.
 * Paragraph 2** State when you completed your most recent studies, present/previous work experience and relevant skills and abilities. When applying for a position which has not been advertised, state your credentials, including most recent studies,
 * Paragraph 3** State why you are seeking the position. A knowledge of the company or business may be mentioned at this time, if appropriate.
 * Paragraph 4** State that a resume and relevant information, eg. references, have been attached.
 * Paragraph 5** State how and when you can be contacted for an interview.

2 Wombat Crescent PALMYRA WA 6156 || Mr. R Richards Personnel Officer Money Matters Pty Ltd 3 Alpine Crescent WILLETON WA 6155
 * Joe Black

Dear Mr Richards


 * APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT: CLERICAL OFFICER**

I am very keen to be considered for the Clerical Officer position that was advertised in The West Australian on Saturday, 15 January 2005.

Over the past 10 months, I have been working as a part-time Clerical Assistant for Mater and Company. I am experienced in word processing and bookkeeping, and am competent using a Commander telephone system, email, computer networks and a range of office machines. My previous work history includes three months as a temporary Clerical Officer.

My research into your organisation indicates that Money Matters Pty Ltd is a growing business which offers exciting opportunities for people wishing to have a career in financial administration. I am applying for this position because I would welcome the opportunity to utilise and further develop my skills while participating in the operations of such a dynamic company.

I am confident I possess the necessary skills and abilities to make a valuable contribution to this position and have enclosed a copy of my resume and references for your consideration.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application further and would be available for an interview at a time convenient to you. I may be contacted on 9912 9999 during working hours, or 9911 1111 after hours.

Yours sincerely

Joe Black 25 January 2005

Mr I Smith Manager Geographe Farm Machinery & Services Unit 3, 548 Pioneer Street, LIA BUSSELTON WA 6280

Dear Mr Smith

I am very keen to be considered for any Reception and Clerical positions that may arise within your business.

For the past 3 years, I have been working as a receptionist/clerical officer at Spencer Irrigation Services on a full-time basis. While I am responsible for the handling of telephone and customer enquiries, I also assist the bookkeeper with the payroll and handling of accounts. As a person who has grown up in farming, I have considerable experience and understanding of farming machinery, plenty of mechanical experience, and I relate easily with farming people. I have excellent customer service and clerical skills, and am efficient with the use of computers in a wide variety of applications.

My enquiries locally indicate that Geographe Farm Machinery & Services is a highly respected business, which takes pride in offering a high quality service to its customers. I would welcome the opportunity to be part of such a positive business servicing the rural community, hence this application to you seeking work opportunities.

I am confident I possess the necessary skills and abilities to make a valuable contribution to your business. In support of my application, I have enclosed a copy of my resume and references for your consideration.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application further and would be available for an interview at a time convenient to you. I may be contacted on 9914 1528 after hours.

Yours sincerely

Chantelle Browne 14 October 2005

_

Use words that give a positive impression, such as:

capable co-ordinated experienced consistent established responsible ability managed resourceful participated organised achieved supervised created designed maintained successful prepared committed efficient

Some job advertisements ask you to contact the business or a particular person by telephone. The more organised you are before you make your call, the more effective the conversation will be.
 * Using the Telephone and Planning Your Calls**

• Think about the information that is needed and write it down. Have your resume and other relevant information (eg. school reports, references, qualifications) handy. • Know something about the kind of work and what you would be required to do. • Prepare some questions to ask the employer. • Have a pen and paper handy. • Be prepared to say why you want the position. • Turn off the radio or television so there are no distractions.
 * Step 1 -Before you make the telephone call**

• Speak clearly and confidently. • Give a greeting - such as “Good Morning” or “Good Afternoon”. • Politely explain your reason for ringing. • Ask to speak to the person mentioned in the advertisement or the person in charge of interviewing.
 * Step2-When the telephone is answered**

“Good morning, Money Matters. May I help you?”
 * Here is a way of starting a telephone conversation**
 * Receptionist:**

“Good morning. My name is Joe Black. I am enquiring about the Clerical Officer position which was advertised in The West Australian on the 15th of January. I am very interested in this position. May I speak with the personnel officer please?” “One moment please, I’ll put you through.” “Thank you”. “Ralph Richards speaking”.
 * Joe Black:**
 * Receptionist:**
 * Job seeker:**
 * Mr Richards:**

“Good morning Mr Richards. My name is Joe Black and I am telephoning to apply for the Clerical Officer position which was advertised in last Saturday’s West Australian.”
 * Joe Black:**

“Thank you for your enquiry. I will need to get some details from you over the telephone to start with”…
 * Mr Richards:**

• Give informative answers. • Sound keen and interested. • Ask for questions to be repeated if you do not understand. • Ask any questions you have prepared, if appropriate. • If you are asked to attend an interview, write down all the information about the interview, including the employer’s name and address, date and time of interview, what you need to take along, and who you need to ask for when you arrive at the interview. • If you are not granted an interview, ask if the employer knows of other businesses with vacancies.
 * When speaking to the interviewer:**

• Think about how the telephone call went and how you might improve your telephone skills. • Place the details of the telephone call on your Job Search Contact List.
 * After the telephone call**


 * The interview**

• What aspects of this job interest you most? • What do you consider your special skills and abilities are? • Have you had any work experience in this type of work? • What do you know about our company? • Are you active in any clubs or community organisations? • What are your leisure activities/hobbies/interests? • Which of your school subjects interested you most? • What are your long term career plans? • Would you undertake further training if it was required for this position? • How do you cope with new situations/procedures? • How do you feel about working as part of a team? • Would you be prepared to work overtime or on weekends if required? • When could you start?
 * Typical Questions Employers ask:**

Always have a plan B & C & D! Yippy, I won lotto- I achieved my goal! Not likely! Are your goals realistic? Sometimes we don’t realise we have achieved our goals until we look back & see that we do have what we wanted- a close loving family, a comfortable life, well being. We have found our goal has been achieved but it is in another form and another time, but in a way that really does fit with everyone who is important in our lives. We keep our goals distant when we think they are 'must haves'. When we let go of the ‘must have’ we set ourselves free to achieve what we really want and perhaps need. The secret behind much of life's real achievements is paradoxical - we need to give (up) to receive.
 * __stay positive- be kind to yourself!__**
 * be organised, file your work and take control of your life
 * Get motivated and stay motivated - make priorities - your health and well being comes first!
 * Identify clear outcomes in all areas of your life
 * Use S-M-A-R-T criteria for making goals come true Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, timely
 * Eliminate limiting/negative beliefs and decisions
 * Release unwanted emotions and behaviours from the past (would you carry a bag of rotten apples everywhere? let it go!)
 * Visualise your future so that it's more compelling, motivating and exciting for you
 * 1. We cannot expect to achieve our goals in precisely the way that we think we want them.**