Selection and Recruitment

Resume Preparation

For those of you who have not applied for a position for some time, or just want to update your existing resume, we have designed a template resume that can be used for this purpose.

Your resume is an important tool in the recruitment process as it is evidence of your work history, your experience and qualifications that a potential employer will read. You need to ensure that your resume is brief (no more that five pages), factual and provides a list of your key responsibilities and achievements. Although we suggest that your keep your resume brief, we also recommend that you provide recent, relevant information that will allow the selection panel to assess your suitability for an interview.

Remember keep it succinct and simple.

Click here for a resume template

Preparing Information for Positions Advertised by the Western Australian Government

When preparing an application for vacancies in the Western Australian Government system, it will be highly likely you will be requested to address selection criteria. To ensure that you meet the requirements when addressing criteria we recommend that you use the S.A.O or S.T.A.R techniques.

Interview Preparation

First impressions count … tips for winning selection panel members.

An interview is a make or break situation for even the most experienced interviewee. Even if your resume covers all of the essential elements, if you do not perform at the interview, it may lead to you not being successful. Survey information suggests that the person who gets the position is it not always the most, experienced, skilled or qualified, but the person that the selection panel was most engaged with.

Most people feel nervous when attending interviews, so to assist you in gaining more confidence when attending an interview, the following helpful hints are provided:

Presentation

• Present yourself in a professional manner.
• Wear clothing that relates to the position that you are applying for.
• It is preferable that you ‘’dress up” rather ‘’dress down”’.
• Be early rather than late.

Research

• When you are contacted about an interview, ask who the selection panel members are and what their current role is.
• Make sure you research the organisation on the internet, gain an understanding of its business through information held on their website, annual reports, brochures etc.
• Gain some knowledge and understanding of the particular work area where the vacancy resides. This is as simple as contacting the person nominated for further information within the initial job advertisement.
• Read the job specification/ description so that you are very familiar with the requirements. This will assist you in gaining some understanding of the questions that are you are likely to be asked and may also assist you in the preparation of questions that you may wish to ask of the panel.

Interview Techniques and Questions

• On most occasions you will be asked behavioural based questions. If this is the case you will need to provide specific examples within your responses that are based on previous experiences. You should ensure that the examples that you provide at interview relate in some way to the role of the position.
• Other methods for conducting interviews may be hypothetical questions or the preparation for a presentation to the selection panel on a particular subject.
• Other typical questions could include:
  • What strengths/ weaknesses do you have?
  • What experience, skills, competencies and knowledge do you bring to our organisation?
  • What do you know of our organisation?
  • What attracted you to this position and/or our organisation?

Non Verbal Communication

• It is very important during an interview that your non-verbal communication mirrors your verbal communication to reflect your interest and enthusiasm, for example:
  • Handshakes – Always shake hands with each member of the interview panel at the start and the end of the interview. When being introduced to the each person repeat their name as this will assist you in remembering their names. A firm positive handshake will demonstrate your professionalism and confidence.
  • Body Language – Always face the interview panel, don’t slouch or fiddle and always look interested/enthusiastic.
  • Eye Contact – Pay attention to the person asking the question. Do not gaze around the room or out of the window. Whoever asks the question, direct your response to that person. If you start to look elsewhere the panel may get the impression that you are not interested in the interview process being conducted.
  • Smile – You will probably be nervous, however it is important that you smile. Remember the panel are trying to gauge how you personally will fit into a particular work environment and team and will take this into account together with the information about your experience, knowledge and skills that you provide. A smile gives the impression that you are positive, confident and interested in the position.
  • After the Interview – You will probably leave the room and think I should have “said this or that’’. It is important to remember when the interview is over – it is over. It is advised however that it is important to reflect on this experience and focus on how you conducted yourself during the interview. It is a vital learning tool for any future interviews that you may attend. We further recommend that regardless of the outcome of the interview that you contact the Convener of the selection panel to gain feedback for your own professional development.

If you require any further assistance, or require more information about preparing your resume, addressing the selection criteria or an interview please contact Dillinger at info@dillinger.com.au or on (08) 93799422