Before you apply

Before applying for a position

• Always read the advert carefully
• Do not apply for the position if you do not have the mandatory skills or qualifications
• Look for instructions on how they want you to apply (it may be online, via email or another way)
• Check to see if you need a cover letter
• Check to see if you are required to respond to ‘Selection Criteria’

Understanding the Position Description and Selection Criteria

In some cases, the advertisement will provide you with a more detailed position description and/or selection criteria for the job. It is important to read these requirements carefully and identify how your own skills and experience can match the requirements. Repeat steps 1 – 4 from the previous step (read, circle/highlight, write a response list). You can find an example position description here.

Tip!

Don’t just think about your formal work experience; consider other experiences that could help you to demonstrate the desired qualities or experience.

• Sporting clubs/voluntary work
• Jobs while you were in high school
• Fundraising events
• Part-time work e.g. babysitting jobs/helping fix gearbox in a car
• Home responsibilities e.g. looking after younger family members
• Hobbies and Interests

Practice

If you would like to practice looking for key criteria and requirements you can use the examples below:

Marketing Officer – Blank, Highlighted

Analyst Developer – Blank, Highlighted

Groundsperson – Blank, Highlighted