Found your dream job and want to ensure you put your best foot forward? Collectively our team have reviewed, interviewed and placed hundreds if not thousands of candidates into new positions – and we know exactly how you can stand out from the crowd.
We also understand that your experience and understanding of the interview process could be limited. After all – you’re probably not applying for jobs and participating in the process regularly. This article aims to set you up for success by sharing insights and shedding light on common questions and mistakes related to the recruitment process. It clearly walks you through the key recommendations to be professional and prepared. By following this advice, it could mean the difference between being overlooked in the initial phase and being offered and excelling in an interview.
In this article, we share:
- Key terminology you may hear during the recruitment process
- Quick, informative and practical videos to assist you to apply for a role and participate in an interview
- Your next steps to apply for the job of your dreams
Key terms in the recruitment process
You may have come across these terms during past job applications, or have seen them in current job adverts. We explain what they mean and why they’re important.
Candidate: The people who have applied for and are being considered for the role.
Position Description: A Position Description is the organisation’s internal document that serves to clearly outline the role’s responsibilities (key tasks and deliverables), and the qualifications and experience required for the role (what you should bring to the role to be successful). This is the key document that influences the job advert, selection criteria and interview questions, as well as performance management for the successful candidate. We highly recommend accessing a copy of the Position Description and reading it thoroughly to ensure you understand the role before applying.
Selection Criteria: Taken directly from the Position Description, the Selection Criteria provide a standardised basis for evaluating candidate suitability and ensure alignment with the organisation’s needs and goals. You should clearly address the Selection Criteria in your cover letter or in a separate document submitted along with your cover letter and resume.
You will be amazed at how few people read, understand and address the Selection Criteria in their application. By taking the time to do this properly you will set yourself apart from the crowd. You don’t have to possess 100% of the skills, knowledge and experience to apply – but should have most. Where gaps in your skills and knowledge apply, an acknowledgement of these in your cover letter along with a potential remedy (such as a willingness to take on suitable training) is beneficial.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae: A Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a comprehensive document summarising an individual’s education, work experience, skills, achievements, and qualifications. Resumes are usually concise and tailored to specific job applications, while CVs tend to be more detailed and encompass a broader range of professional and academic accomplishments.
We highly recommend you take time to review and adjust your resume for each new job application and ensure it’s tailored for the role.
Referee/Reference: A Referee is someone who can provide insight into your character, work ethic, skills and qualifications to potential employers – a reference. Referees are typically previous employers, supervisors, professors, or other professional contacts who can offer credible and relevant information about your capabilities and suitability for a particular role. When conducting recruitment activities, we require 2 Professional Referees and prefer them to be your last 2 Managers/Supervisors; however, we recognise that this may not always be possible.
When interviewing through Full Circle HR, we will ask you to inform your Referees to expect our call before we reach out to them.
Video tutorials – Job Seeker Secrets
The fantastic ‘Job Seeker Secrets’ videos from Gippsand’s communications expert Leah Mether in conjunction with Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN walk you through practical ways to ensure your job application shines. The information and advice are spot on, and we highly encourage you to watch each and put into action the recommendations.
Applying for a job
Video 1: Do your Homework: Success is in the Preparation 5 Mins 10 Sec
Understanding the business you’re applying to in order to position your cover letter and resume to appropriately demonstrate you’re genuinely interested, invested and aligned.
Video 2: Pick up the Phone: Telephone skills for success 4 Min 39 Sec
Before you apply, pick up the phone to connect and build a relationship, learn more and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role you’re applying for.
Video 3: Write it Right: Nail your application 6 Mins 5 Sec
The 5 keys to an application that will cut through the pack and get attention.
Video 4: Be a STAR: How to find and prepare examples to use in a job interview 5 Mins 7 Sec
Understanding and preparing for the behavioural questions you may be asked in an interview using the S.T.A.R. method.
Video 5: Do’s and Don’ts: Top tips for a great interview 6 Mins 15 Secs
10 do’s and 5 big don’ts for your job interview, including the 1-pager cheat sheet you can bring with you into the interview to avoid memory failure in the moment.
Your next step
- Watch the videos
- Request/Download a copy of the Position Description for the role you’re interested in
- Conduct further research about the organisation, and gather the intel you need
- Review your Resume, and edit it to bring the most relevant parts of your experience and skills to the forefront
- Prepare your Cover Letter, including a direct and clear reference to the Key Selection Criteria
- Have another person proofread your documents
- Submit your application as soon as possible – we recommend applying via seek.com where possible
Happy job hunting! We look forward to reading your resume with selection criteria, and cover letter.