Newsletter # 3

Makeovers

Our newsletter and website a whole new look! 

We renamed the newsletter ‘Ten Seconds and Counting’ and, our website

has been completely revamped! See the new look on  
 www.impressiveinterviews.com.au

Our makeover is in response to your feedback on style and content.

The employment scene is competitive and fast changing.

To give you the edge to get the job you want, we want to make sure that our proven methods for compiling CVs and preparing for job interviews

are in step with new approaches.

So keep that feedback coming!

Finally, many thanks to Ronni Choi and the team at IT Easy

 for their excellent work on the newsletter and website.  

A New Service - Preparing Tenders

Impressive Interviews is offering a new service – reviewing and editing tender documentation.  Preparing tenders is a time consuming exercise because documentation requirements are complex and detailed. 

With our long experience in developing public service tender requirements and preparing tender documentation, we can edit your tender application, and advise on structure and content to ensure your application has the best chance of succeeding. 

Meanwhile, here are some useful hints to make the process relatively painless!

• Create a hard copy and electronic folder to collect all the relevant information.  Put each piece of information in its own numbered section.  
• Set up simple templates of font sizes and paragraph styles.  This will ensure that your document layout is consistent, attractive and easy to read.  

• There are standard information requirements to tenders – eg company profiles, staff CVs, references, project profiles.  Collect and prepare these, in your template style, in advance and regularly update them.
• If you are going to engage in a joint submission, establish - before you do anything else - a communication and information gathering strategy!  This includes:-
  • Allocating responsibility for different aspects of the tender
  • Setting a timeframe for monitoring and reviewing progress as well as completing each section of the tender

Applying for Public Service Jobs

Public Service applications are a challenge for everyone.  So, don’t be put off by the paperwork and miss out on the job you want.  Here are some hints on tackling the documents and requirements. 

• Research

• All government jobs include an information package which usually includes some background on the relevant department, job description and the selection criteria. Take the time to read it carefully - because it gives you important information on the core business of the department and the culture of the organization that you want to join.  
  
• Go through the Department’s website and read some of their information.

• Read the selection criteria carefully so that your responses will match these appropriately.  Remember that the reader will select or reject applicants on how well they respond to the selection criteria.

• Identify any issues that you feel you need to clarify and ring the contact person to get any additional information.  Doing the above research will ensure you ask relevant useful questions and will give you confidence in dealing with the selection criteria.

·         Responding to the selection criteria

o        Leave yourself plenty of time to write the selection criteria - they take longer than you think

o        Address each criterion and always give at least two examples of how you meet the particular criteria  The examples can be from any area of your experience – such as study or voluntary work

o        Apply the language used in the information package to your responses.  This draws the attention of the reader quickly to your responses and gives the all-important impression that you understand the ethos and needs of the organization you want to join.

o        Each response to the criteria must demonstrate how you did it, where you did it and what you achieved.

o        Make sure you answer every selection criterion.

o        Write in a purposeful, positive style.  Selectors will have to read many applications – so, make it easy for them to put you on the ‘for interview’ pile!

·         Edit your work

o        Read you document carefully so that you can correct any spelling or grammatical errors.  A good method is to read from the end.

o        There is no maximum or minimum limit to how much you should write.  But, make sure that what you say is to the point and make every sentence count.

Good luck!

If you have any questions on preparing selection criteria,

please email them to newsletter@impressiveinterviews.com.au

So You Got the Job!

After all your efforts in applying for the job and preparing for interview, you got the job.  Congratulations!  Now what?

John Tonkin Managing Director of Macro Perspective is an experienced Human Resource Manager who assists organisations in developing induction programs.  His approach ensures that every employee gets a positive start on the new job by building confidence, competence and personal fulfilment in the first few months in a new job.

See what John has to say on how to succeed in the new job from Day 1.

New Job?  Isn’t it Great!

Congratulation on your new job!  Isn’t it an exciting time?

Well, yes, it is.  And if some of your excitement comes out as anxiety, that’s normal too.  There’s always that element of anxiety that comes from not quite knowing where everything is, how things work, who “owns” what, etc. It’s new territory.

Here are some strategies to get you through those first weeks.

·         Ask questions at every opportunity.  No one minds being asked questions when they can see you applying the answers.  People enjoy helping others - it's human nature.

·         Take notes.  There is so much that is new or different that no one really manages to absorb it all.  Take notes helps you get to know how things work.  It also shows your new workmates that you value their assistance and take your new role seriously.

·         Note your first impressions.  Some of the most valuable insights into how a company operates come from people viewing the company with new eyes and motivation to understand – ie you, the new employee.  If you see something that you feel could be improved, tell someone.  BUT REMEMBER TO BE TACTFUL!

·         Be an Actor, not a Recipient.  This may seem obvious, but far too many people see themselves as passive recipients of whatever is offered in the induction period, rather than as actors involved in the business.  Make it your business, from Day One, to participate positively in your induction and choose your path to success.

For more information you can call John on

1300 665 603.or visit his website www.perspectiv.com.au

Gift Vouchers

Have you thought about giving the gift voucher for a family member or friend to assist them in moving their career.  What a practical gift.

Special Offer CV updates

If you are a past client of Impressive Interviews and would like your CV updated tour special offer is $120 for the updates