Job search advice

Winning resume tips

Your resume is your chance to make a good first impression, address the selection criteria for a particular job and separate yourself from your competition. Put yourself in the readers’ shoes – what would you want to know to make a decision? Read More

Your resume should be easy to read – remember this could be your only chance to capture the attention of the hiring manager. Use a font such as Arial or Calibre and have the text at either 10pt or 11pt.

Your academic achievements and skills can go at the back of your resume – this means your most recent job will often be on the first page of your resume and easy for the reader. If your career is lengthy, you can include a career overview at the start of your resume - this means the reader can see at a glance your companies and the titles you have held.

Formatting:

Open with a career summary – about a paragraph to include your highlights. It could have your qualification, years of experience and the types of roles you have had. It is also useful to include the categories you have specialised in and the spend (dollar value) you have been responsible. Read More

List your company name and include a company summary
List dates of employment and who the role reports to
Outline your responsibilities under each role
Outline your achievements
Ensure your contact details are included, up to date and that you have a professional voicemail

List your achievements under each of the jobs they relate to. Particularly within procurement, sometimes your achievements are more important than your responsibilities. What initiatives did you have, what was the impact, how much money did you save and benefits did you gain within your role.

Example Resume 1
Example Resume 2
Example Resume 3

Interview Tips

Be prepared! Ensure you have researched the organisation, the structure and the position you are going for. Ask questions of your recruiter, use Linkedin to see the background of the person who is interviewing you and read over any information you can. Read More

Be armed with your facts and figures. Not only have examples of situations ready but also have the actual saving or benefit you achieved.

When you talk about why you left each role - give a simple explanation - don't waste time discussing it, you only have a short time with the interviewer so make sure it is used wisely!

Know what you offer: Prepare answers for open-ended questions, like "Tell me about yourself", by making a list of your skills and traits that match the employer's requirements. Focus on the positives - on the points that will get you the job.

Prepare for negative questions: Even the best of us have disagreements form time to time. Tell me about the most serious disagreement you had with a co-worker. What led to the disagreement, how did you first approach solving the disagreement, how did the co-worker respond, what was the outcome?

What you need to know!!

Going for a job interview can often be an overwhelming and stressful experience. However, it need not be if you are prepared. Remember that an interview is not only for the employer to decide if you are suitable for the job, but also for you to decide if the job will be suitable for you. Read More

Here are hot hints to keep in mind before going for that all-important interview:

LOCATION:
There is nothing worse than being late for an interview, and there is no need to be. The day before look up the address in the street directory, check on public transport (if necessary) and allow plenty of time to get to your interview.
RESUME:
Take your resume and certificates. This should be in a presentation folder and include only the relevant information.
GROOMING:
Make sure that you select an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and that is appropriate for the role and culture of the organisation you are seeking employment with.
Remember first impressions last but you do not have to rush out and buy a new outfit.
BODY LANGUAGE:
Smile upon entry, look the interviewer in the eye and always give him/her a firm handshake. While some nervousness is understandable, beware of slouching in your chair, tapping your feet, nervous laughter and fidgeting.
RESEARCH:
Investigate the company thoroughly by surfing the web, reading the latest annual report, checking news articles, etc. This will show you are serious and enthusiastic about your application.
QUESTIONS: to ask and be asked.
The key here is to be prepared. If you are asked a question you have not prepared for in advance, take a moment to think through and organise your thoughts before answering.
Also, prepare questions to ask about the company or the role. This will emphasise to the employer how interested and enthusiastic you are about the job.
ASK FOR THE JOB:
If you want the job - ask for it. Look the interviewer in the eye and say "thank you for explaining the position, I feel I have the right skills and I am very interested". Thank the interviewer for his/her time with a firm handshake. Make sure you clarify what follow-up action is to be taken after the interview.

Our consultants can assist you with preparing your resume. To find out more about our current temporary and permanent roles, you can also contact one of our Vertical Talent consultants today on 03 9949 8600.

Remember: If you have been arranged the interview through an agency, remember to contact your consultant before and immediately after the interview. We want to know what you thought of the interview and think of the position.

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