Australia Employers Requirements
What Australian Employers are
looking for When Hiring
Australian Employers’ big 8 According to recent research, the top eight qualities employers in Australia and New Zealand are looking for are:
• Communication skills
• Team skills
• Attention to detail
• Energy
• Initiative
• Ability to handle pressure
• Enthusiasm
• Ability to handle pressure
• Enthusiasm
• Leadership
Communication skills
Nearly all employers look for communication skills in prospective employees. Even if a job advertisement doesn’t specifically mention them, you can assume you will need them to the standard the job requires. The level of communication depends on job type. For example, a sales job would require an easy manner with customers and strangers. Some sales jobs require the ability to make presentations to groups of clients, and some sales jobs are more persuasive than others. In technical environments or doing manual work, being polite might be enough, along with the ability to express yourself clearly and understand instructions. In any role where you are required to manage others, having an awareness of the language you use when responding to other peoples’ suggestions would be important.
Smart move — Demonstrate great communication skills before you have even been interviewed by producing a clear, knockout Australian CV or résumé
Team skills
Working in project teams or groups has become the way of the professional world in recent decades with Australia being no exception to this. Team skills require communication skills. You need to be open and willing to share information with others. That means being flexible, listening to other team members and playing your part to get a task finished even if this means doing a task that is not normally part of your job.
In a job interview, you can demonstrate that you have team skills in several ways. For example, refer to times when you have worked in a successful team. ‘I was a member of the team that developed a new ordering process that resulted in savings of $500,000 for my previous company, and my team completed the job two months before deadline.’ If you could cite a genuine example like that, it would no doubt impress.
In a job interview, you can demonstrate that you have team skills in several ways. If you haven’t in fact worked in teams much before, you might refer to any team sports you have played in with some degree of success. It indicates that you are nonetheless a team player. More experienced employees should not need to refer to their sporting background and should concentrate on their workforce participation.
Attention to detail
Assume that attention to detail—mentioned in many, many job advertisements—is a must in every job. In other words, the ability to be slack and overlook things is not in very high demand at all. The job applicant who boasts attention to detail while presenting a résumé full of spelling mistakes and mistypings is almost an urban myth—but in reality, all too common. It is common sense that people who make false claims about their attention to detail are easily found out.
Here’s a checklist of how to get your perceived attention to detail off to a good start:
• Make sure your résumé is 100 per cent error-free and the layout is clear and easy to read.
• Thoroughly research the job you are applying for.
• Look over all fine print in a contract and ask questions about every point that needs clarification.
• Look smart! Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed, your hair is tidy and your general appearance is impeccable.
• Arrive five minutes early for an interview.
That some people are better organised than others is a fact of life. If you’re one of the others, one of those who find it difficult to be organised, then you are going to have to work hard to improve your organisational abilities. Training can help. A time management course, for example, can guide you through a series of steps towards more efficient management of your time and activities. Becoming well organised is not that difficult and a few tips can make a big difference.
Time management tips
1. Make lists of tasks and label them ‘urgent’, ‘important’ or ‘can wait’.
2. Put your work things away. Set aside a few minutes each day to put things back into files and books back on their shelves, so you can find them the next time you look.
3. Set aside time every three months or so to go through files, throwing out out-of-date material.
4. Take no prisoners with the mail. Keep and file only what is directly and immediately relevant. Fight the tendency to hang on to stuff because it might be interesting one day—that day rarely comes (and you will have forgotten where you put it anyway).
5. Do not leave home without your diary or PDA, and record any commitments in it immediately.
6. If you are struggling for motivation, set goals for tasks to be done in the next hour, and then the next hour and so on.
7. Out of sight is out of your mind. Stuffing something in a drawer is not the same as filing it. You have put it where you really have no chance of retrieving it.
Energy
Energy means you have strong enthusiasm and are prepared to work very hard. Employers look for people who will rise to a challenge. For example, an unexpected order comes in late one afternoon. You take the initiative to work back for a couple of hours to get the order finished, regardless of what plans you have already made. That’s energy.
Initiative
Initiative means you don’t hang around waiting to be told how to complete each segment of your work. You understand the needs of the organisation you work for and can make sensible decisions about how to handle different situations. Note that there is a fine balance between showing initiative and showing too much initiative—making decisions that are not appropriate for you to make.
Be aware of this in a job interview. Give examples from times of study or previous work of how you have initiated ideas and carried them through. Typical examples of initiative might be running a school magazine or improving a work process.
Ability to handle pressure
Handling pressure means not going to pieces when a situation becomes difficult to manage. You don’t take the rest of the day off sick, shout at people or lose your temper, even if you feel like doing some of those things. You know your job requirements include the skills to handle pressure. So instead of giving up or lashing out, you quietly and calmly work through your tasks and get them done as best you can. An organisation’s deadlines can cause pressure to build, or you may feel pressured because you are carrying the responsibility of making important decisions that affect other people. Handling pressure also means that you are able to deal with large volumes of work over a short period of time.
Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is similar to energy. You feel motivated and interested in the job. You are interested in doing it well. You are excited about the organisation and want to do the best job you can. Enthusiastic employees are willing to engage in areas outside their usual line of work. They volunteer to take on new tasks or find other ways that show commitment to what their supervisor or company is trying to achieve. Enthusiasm is easily demonstrated in a job interview. Be bright and attentive, and show your interest in what the company is doing. Point out situations in the past where you have been involved in tasks outside your usual job. Note that there is a fine balance between showing initiative andshowing too much initiative…
Leadership
Leadership is commonly mentioned in job advertisements, but employershave many different opinions on what makes a great leader. Some people believe leaders need to be charismatic, but, generally speaking, when an ad says ‘good leadership skills’ it doesn’t mean you have to be a Winston Churchill or Mahatma Gandhi.
Leadership means you are able to manage and motivate other people effectively and that you have experience in delegating tasks so they get done successfully. A good leader can quickly respond to change and help others adapt to change also.
In an interview, you can demonstrate your ability in leadership by pointing out examples from past employment where you were given a project to complete. Briefly explain how you divided up the tasks among your work unit and how the team worked to a favourable conclusion. Examples of initiative—
how you introduced a new approach, devised a new product, or led your company through a major change or process—also reflect on leadership.
Self-management Although not usually mentioned specifically in a job ad, more and more employers are recognising the value of employees with good self-management qualities. Self-management means being able to take responsibility for managing and controlling your own behaviour, along with being able to expand on your abilities and think effectively in the interests of initiating and implementing positive change.
A number of mental and emotional factors contribute to self-management, such as our beliefs, values, associations, memories, expectations and assumptions. Often we are not even conscious of these running our lives. Self-awareness involves being consciously aware of our own behaviour, thinking and feelings, and of the consequences these have for us directly and for others around us, and modifying them as is appropriate. In an interview you can demonstrate self-management in various ways. As with demonstrating leadership and attitude, completion of goals and staying positive also demonstrates good self-management skills. As does outlining stress-reduction techniques you have used (useful when answering questions about how you deal with stress) and being able to respond to questions rather than react (shows good impulse control). Being empathetic to another person’s perspective demonstrates that you have some of the skills necessary to handle conflict well.
Adopting the right mindset and taking responsibility for your job-hunting journey by developing good self-management skills will provide you with the building blocks for success.
Excerpted from about Land That Job in Australia: Successful job-hunting for Migrants
by Jim Bright and Karen Bright
Learn more…
©Tribus Lingua 2007 This excerpt may not be copied without the permission of the publishers. Please contact us for permission rights Tribus Lingua www.tribuslingua.com.au
Applying for Jobs with Australian Employers
A General Overview of How to Apply for Australian Jobs
So you’ve done the research, worked out what you want to do and found an Australian job advertised that you think you would be great for. Read more about:
Telephoning an Australian employer about a vacant position
Sometimes you’ll need to call a potential employer to arrange an interview, ask more questions or request an application form. The following dot points are a great checklist to follow when you need to get in touch with an employer:
Make sure you call as soon as possible after the position is advertised
Know the name of the person you need to speak with, or have a brief introduction prepared for the person answering the phone so they can direct your call
For example, ‘Good Morning, my name is John Smith. I’m calling about the customer service position advertised today on JobSearch. Could I please speak with the person handling applications for that position?’
Plan what you’re going to say to the person responsible
You might need to say who you are and that you are calling to find out what you need to do to apply for an advertised position.
Make sure any questions you ask are worthwhile
Don’t ask any questions that can be answered by reading the Australian job ad. This may lead the employer to think you lack attention to detail.
Highlight what you think will make you appealing to this Australian employer
Think about answers to any questions the employer might ask
You might be asked about your skills, qualifications and experience.
Practice what you are going to say
Do this so you sound natural, friendly and confident. Use everyday, conversational language without being too informal.
Make sure you won’t be interrupted when you call and are somewhere quiet
Have a pen and paper ready to take notes
Make sure you write down the details of any interview you arrange including the date, location, time and name of the person you need to ask for.
Be professional at all times
Speak clearly so they can hear you. How you conduct yourself over the phone could be part of the employer’s overall selection process.
Know your availability if they want you to come in for an interview
Keeping a diary is a good idea. Try your best to be available when the employer wants you to come in.
Make sure you thank the person for their time and confirm any arrangements
For example, that you will see them tomorrow at 10am for an interview.
Remain professional
If you call and the position has already been filled or they don’t ask you to attend an interview, remain professional. You can always ask the employer if you can send them your résumé if any similar positions come up in the future.
For most Australian jobs, you’ll need to apply in writing. This normally means preparing two items: a letter of application (cover letter) and your résumé.
If you are applying for an Australian job with the government or within a professional firm, then you may also need to answer a series of questions about your skills, known as ‘Selection Criteria’.
Written applications generally form a key part of an employer’s selection process. They use them to select who they should interview by assessing your skills, qualities, experience and qualifications. Some will also use them to identify your written communication skills if these are important to the job.
Before beginning
Ensure you have researched the employer and the position you are applying for.
Identify which of your skills, attributes, knowledge, experience and qualifications are going to appeal to the employer the most. You will need to focus on them in your application.
In some ways the cover letter is even more important than your résumé. Most Australian employers are very busy and will use the cover letter to quickly decide if you are suitable, before they decide to read on.
Customise every cover letter
You should customise every cover letter you write so it is relevant to the employer and position.
Focus on what the Australian employer wants to know
Don’t focus on what you want from them. Through your cover letter you need to try and convince them that you can do the job, that you’ll do a great job and that you’ll fit in and be an asset to their organisation.
Make sure you include your contact details
Also include the date and the details of the person you are writing to.
Keep your letter to no more than one page
You don’t want to overwhelm the employer with too much information. Your cover letter will help the employer to decide if they want to read your résumé in detail.
In the opening paragraph, explain the purpose of your letter
Mention the position you are applying for and where you heard about it or where it was advertised. Also try and make a point that will encourage them to keep reading. Think about which of your selling points will be most appealing to the employer.
In the next couple of paragraphs, show you can do the job and do it really well
Before starting your letter, clearly identify what skills and experience the employer is looking for (hint: look at the Australian job description, if you have one, and then highlight the qualities that make you the perfect match for the position).
Next highlight how keen you are to work for the organisation and why. This shows you have taken the time to find out about them. Also try and give some information about what type of person you are. Keep in mind what you know about the employer and mention the personal qualities you have that you think they are looking for. It is very important to employers that you fit in with their culture and get along with other staff.
Before finishing, thank them for taking the time to review your application
Also mention any attachments including your résumé and any work examples.
Résumés are generally no more than one to two pages and must include your education, work history, and any other training and skills.
You don’t need to have had previous employment to have a résumé. Focus instead on the skills and experience you have gained through school, study, work experience and hobbies.
- Keep your résumé simple.
- Use techniques to make it easy for Australian employers to scan and get the key points very quickly.
- Use headings, bold important words and use dot points.
- Have a master résumé and always keep it up to date. Then customise it to suit individual employers and positions.
- Put your résumé together using the Résumé builder. You’ll also find a number of example résumés in this section and learn what information you should include.
| Yes – Important | No – Don’t include |
| Personal contact details: name, address, phone numbers (email address, mobile number if available) | The actual works: name, address, phone number etc |
| Career objective matches position applied for | Personal details like your marital status, health, race or nationality |
| Work skills: highlight and demonstrate teh things you can do | Personal characteristics and traits (things you are) |
| Education and Training | Subjects and grades unless relevant or requested by the employer |
| Employment history listed appropriately (view the sample résumé | Detailed list of duties, irrelevant information |
| Accomplishments and career highlights | Generic hobbies and interests (unless they specifically relate to the job or highlight employability skills, for example, leadership roles) |
| Referees – include their name, position and contact details | Written references |
| 1-2 pages (3 max), plenty of white space | Cover page and attachments, for example a copy of your Year 12 Certificate or university degree |
| Tables and columns if used are consistent throughout | Borders around tables |
| Clear font (Arial or Tahoma 14/12) | Over-stylised fonts |
| Clear headings | Headings with nothing to go with them |
| Full name and page numbers on each page | Page borders and graphics (unless these suit position applied for) |
| White or cream paper | Coloured paper |
If you are applying for a government-related Australian job or one within a professional field, then you will probably have to respond to some ‘Selection Criteria’. It’s very important that you do this the right way.
The key to addressing each selection criterion is to demonstrate your capability by providing evidence of how you meet the criterion, using specific examples drawn from your experience.
You need to convince the selection team that you have the capabilities to do the job – capabilities which are reflected in the selection criteria.
One model for doing this is the STAR model, which is:
Situation – provide a very brief outline of the situation or setting
Task – outline what you did
Action – outline how you did it
Result – describe the outcomes
An example
If one criterion is “Well developed written communication skills”, you can use the STAR model to gather evidence of how you meet this criterion, as illustrated below in note form:
Situation
My role as research support officer in XYZ Company.
Task
Ensure that principal researchers were kept informed of global developments.
Action
Initiated monthly newsletter, emailed to each principal researcher. Took responsibility for writing lead articles. Obtained ideas and input from stakeholders to ensure articles reflected researchers’ needs (content, language, style, presentation).
Result
Feedback consistently excellent. Got achievement award for newsletter. Led to improved lines of communication between principal researchers & research support unit.
You can then translate these notes into full sentence and paragraph form, for inclusion in your written application. As a guide, give two recent examples which support your claim against each criterion. Your response to each criterion should be concise. If in doubt, always seek guidance from the Contact Officer for the vacancy.
More information about addressing selection criteria
Before submitting your application, make sure you check that:
- You have addressed all aspects of each criterion
- You have used positive and specific language (i.e. avoid ambiguous expressions such as ‘I was involved in . . . ‘)
- You have used strong action (i.e. doing) words
- Your spelling and grammar are correct.
Before sending your application check it over to ensure there are no mistakes
Ask someone else to look over it for you, preferably someone who is a good writer. Two sets of eyes are better than one, and they can advise you on things to improve. Read it out aloud once you’ve made your final draft.
Ensure you have read the Australian job advertisement and any other information thoroughly
For example, some employers may ask you to send several copies of your application. Others might want you to address specific selection criteria. If you miss things like this, the employer might think you lack attention to detail.
Don’t send too much
Australian employers are very busy and will not want to be bombarded with information they haven’t asked for.
Send copies only of your documents
If the employer has requested copies of certificates and other formal documents, send copies only. You can show them the originals if required at your interview. If your copies have to be certified copies, you’ll need to complete a statutory declaration form from the post office or find someone who is a Justice of the Peace (if you don’t know one already you might be able to find one in a Centrelink office).
Ensure your application is professionally presented
Australian Employers like to present a professional image and are looking at your application to ensure that you share their values. For example:
Type your application, unless they specify for you to hand write it
- Use clean, white A4 paper
- Don’t make manual corrections, such as crossing something out or using correction fluid. Re-type it, then re-print it
- Make sure it is easy to read – the print is clear, there are spaces between paragraphs, a suitable font size and appropriate margins are used
- If the application doesn’t fit easily into a standard envelope, use an A4 one
- Use a standard font, such as Arial 12
- Don’t be tempted to give it a little something extra. Avoid using cover pages, pictures and multiple colours unless you are asked to
- Staple your application, rather than bind it.
- If posting your application make sure you send it in plenty of time
Otherwise try and drop it off in person to the Australian employer
You can find this information by clicking the following link:
Source:
Australia CV – Australia Resume
Australia CV or Australia Resume
In Australia the terms CV and resume are use interchangeably – although resume is now more common. We recommend you use the term that is stated in the Australian job advertisement.
A well written and properly presented Australian CV can be your ticket to finding an Australian job. Like other countries the Australian CV is a marketing tool to enable you to get that first step in the door. It is extremely important to present yourself the Australian way.
How do Australian CV’s or Australian Resumes differ from those of other countries?
Firstly and most importantly the now popular 2 page resume commonly used in the USA, UK and other Western countries has yet to reach Australian shores! Using this style of resume will yield little or no result no matter how good your experience may be in another country. This is possibly the biggest stumbling block for new migrants arriving in Australia.
In order to present yourself the Australian way we recommend you Australianise your Resume-CV. Firstly Australian CV’s are expected to be long and detailed. If responsibilities, achievements and duties are not written clearly and backed up with supporting evidence it is assumed you do not have this experience at all. Although length of an Australian CV depends on your individual experience, generally speaking Australian employers prefer resumes to be 3-4 pages long, and up to six pages for senior roles.
Key Points to Ensure You Get Your Australian Resume right:
Ensure you tailor EVERY application to suit the job for which you are applying. If you are going to stand out from the crowd as a new migrant you have to make sure that your application is outstanding. Sending out generic resumes for Australian job applications will not answer the specific needs of employers. If you went to a shop to buy a pair of pants what would your response be if every time you asked for a size 12 they gave you 14!! Spend as much time as possible ensuring you address what EXACTLY the Australian Employer wants.
Use British English ONLY in your Australian Resume (there is an official Australian Dictionary – the Macquarie Dictionary), unfortunately American English is really disliked in Australian CV-Resumes.
Use plain clear language and avoid long wordy sentences. Remove any slang/jargon that may be specific to your country
Referees: Written references are no longer in use. You should list 2-3 referees at the end of your Australian CV. Include their details along with International Dialling Code and email addresses. Use an Australian email address even if you have not arrived in Australia yet.
Ensure Your Australian CV-Resume is Suitable for the Australian Labour Market:
Reframe your professional experience so that it can be understood in an Australian context. Make reference points to Australia where possible, for example that your qualifications have been assessed as an equivalent to an Australian degree.
If you do not have work experience in Australia then there is no advantage to have worked for the number 1 company that Australian employers have never heard about. In your Australian CV include links to the company website and a profile of the company.
The Australian CV or Australian resume is the most important part of finding a job in Australia. Make sure you get that Australian CV and Cover Letter right – its critical to getting shortlisted.
*One point of note. Although Australian’s are informal in general when it comes to Australian job applications assume absolute formality. Generally the opening address of an email will begin with “Dear Employer” (although the first persons name will be used ) and end the email with “Best Regards”
Australia CV – Australia Resume Sample
Kith Jayavendra
42 Sanctuary Lakes Telephone: (07) 93428502 Brisbane QLD 4700 Mobile: 040 122 298 Email: jayavendra@isp.com.au
Career objective
To secure a bookkeeping role in the personal/company tax area to capitalise on my accounting expertise specifically in the tax area. I wish to utilise my people management and strong IT skills gained through extensive experience in a variety of accounting roles.
Education
1992 Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
ICFAI University, Sri Lanka (recognised by the Australian National Office for Overseas Skills Recognition and CPA Australia as comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree)
2005 MYOB accreditation Brisbane Training College
2005 University of Southern Queensland (Australia) – CA conversion exam (First attempt)
Skills, experience and personal attributes Accounting expertise
A varied finance background in both the public and private sector, and my experience in the Sri Lankan Tax Office (the equivalent of the Australian Tax Office) have provided me with a thorough understanding of financial reporting requirements. I have extensive experience working in the areas of taxation and general ledger including the application of standard accounting packages available for large accounting firms. In addition to these skills I am confident using Windows, Excel and Access at an advanced level.
Attention to detail and people management skills
Attention to detail was an essential performance criterion at Helicopters Ltd. I pride myself on delivering a quality reporting product that the management team can have confidence in. In my last staff appraisal I was rated highly commendable in all criteria. I have provided a full set of accounts with the support of a team of three people I directly manage, delivering timely and accurate information to management.
Multitasking and management skills
I was often required to work to deadlines at Helicopters Ltd. Through careful planning and delegation, I have been successful in fulfilling all processing and reporting deadlines. I am able to achieve the best result possible by taking a team approach, managing group activity to achieve desired outcomes.
Employment history
Part-time bookkeeper 2005-current
Brisbane High School, Qld
This role involves invoicing, journal entries, payroll, accounts receivable and payable, bank reconciliation, tax returns and BAS statements.
Key Achievements
• Successfully delivered all reports to the school accountant on time and have received very favourable comments about my performance
Financial Controller 2000-2005
Helicopters Ltd, Sri Lanka
Helicopters Sri Lanka is a world leader in the manufacture of helicopter parts, exporting to five countries-including Australia. As Financial Controller, I was responsible for preparing, consolidating and reviewing management accounts, covering all foreign exchange exposures, liaising with banks for provision of security for contracts and subcontracts and supervision of staff.
Key Achievements
• 80% of courses conducted out of core business hours to minimise selling downtime.
• Successfully managed a department of three staff, providing direction and professional development to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Designed and implemented an in house sales training course which contributed to a 25% increase in sales.
• Achieved participant and manager satisfaction ratings of 4 and above for 85% of courses.
• Training budget on target ($150,000) and expenditure on external consultants reduced by 18%.
• Achieved compliance will all insurance contracts and successfully liaised with banks for the provision of security for contracts and subcontracts.
Assistant Financial Controller 1995-2000
Helicopters Ltd, Sri Lanka
Reporting to the Financial Controller, I was responsible for consolidating and preparing management and statutory accounts, tax returns and budgets, review of capital expenditure proposals and analysis of operating results for senior management.
Key Achievements
• Implemented new foreign currency exchange trading procedures and systems enabling accurate monitoring of foreign exchange exposures at all times.
• Oversaw the preparation of monthly board reports and successfully met all reporting deadlines.
• Successfully analysed operating results and reviewed capital expenditure proposals in accordance with budgets for the fi nancial year.
Taxation Advisor, 1992-1995
Sri Lankan Tax Office
During this three-year period, I developed comprehensive knowledge of taxation law and gained practical accounting experience after completing my degree.
Memberships
• Associate member, Institute of Chartered Accountants, Sri Lanka
Referees
Mr John Smith Principal, Brisbane High School Tel: (07) 9875 4321 email: jsmith@rockhigh.com.au
Dr Wasantha Perera, Sri Lanka-Australia Association, Rockhampton, Qld Tel: (07) 9875 4321 email: wperera@acc.com.au
Skilled migrant Australia CV Resume career checklist:
* Name, full address, telephone numbers, up-to-date email address
* Full details of all paid jobs
* Details of any voluntary work in Australia
* Full educational qualifications-showing recognition by Overseas
* Qualifications Unit
* Any short courses taken in Australia
* Emphasis on achievements and results
* Believable competency statements, with evidence
* Evidence of sustained achievement
* Evidence of energy and enthusiasm
* Snappy career statement
* Two referees (already approached for permission) including full contact details
Australia CV- Resume excerpted from Land That Job in Australia: Successful job-hunting for Migrants
by Jim Bright and Karen Bright
Learn more…
www.tribuslingua.com.au
©Tribus Lingua 2007
