Welcome to the Career Knowledge Centre: Applying for a role can at times be challenging, to help with this we have completed the following tips to assist you with your preparation .
Tip #1 Know what you are applying for
Research the job, and research the organisation if you can. In particular, pay attention to their “About” sections on their websites as this will tell you about their culture and their values. Be prepared for your interview with answers to common questions like, “why do you want this job?”
It’s important to show a genuine interest in the apprenticeship that you’re applying for. We at TASBGAS always want to make sure you’re committed to completing four years of training because you have a strong passionate interest in the work and have a desire to succeed.
Tip #2 Make sure you fit the job criteria!
Read the job description carefully. Take note of required licences, qualifications or experience, and make sure it applies to you.
Applying for jobs you are ineligible or unqualified for is time consuming for both yourself and for the recruiter. Recruiters write their job ads specifically for each position that is available, and put these kinds of criteria in the description because they’re a necessity.
If you would like to apply for a job but don’t meet the criteria (or you aren’t sure if you meet the criteria), call the Recruiter to discuss the problem, and to ask about registering for other similar jobs. If you’re seeing a lot of jobs asking for a specific licence, do the research and work towards getting the licence yourself.
Tip #3 Have a smart resume and cover letter
Everyone has a generic resume and cover letter that they use to apply for a range of jobs, which is fine, but make sure it is relevant to the job you are applying for.
Be sure to add or remove information according to the job criteria based on its relevancy. Having lots of unimportant information distracts the reader from seeing the parts you really want employers to know about you.
It’s important to use spell check, and read what you’ve written aloud to make sure it flows and makes sense. There are also great websites out there that will check grammar and give you tips for improving your language style.
Tip #4 Include your relevant experience
Following on from Tip #3, it is important to include any relevant information that will explain your experience or passion for wanting this job.
For example, if you’re applying for an Carpentry Apprenticeship and the only experience you have is working on small projects at home , include that and photos in your cover letter. It’s relevant and will actually go a long way in getting your resume onto the short list and into the interview stage. But don’t lie or exaggerate! You will be caught out eventually, and this will severely damage your reputation with the company you’re applying with.
Tip #5 Get your personal details right!
Make sure you put down relevant phone numbers that you actually use – if you don’t use the landline home number anymore, don’t include it. You’ll just miss out on opportunities. Make sure you have voicemail activated with a clear and professional message.
It’s very important to use a professional email address as well. No inappropriate language, misspelled words or puns on your name, as this looks unprofessional and in extreme cases can damage your reputation and chances for employment.
Tip #6 Be on time!
Don’t be too early or too late to your interview. Recruiters work to a tight schedule and will look unfavourably upon unexplained tardiness.
If you are going to be late for any reason, make sure you call to let the interviewer know. They will appreciate the call and the respect you’ve shown for their time. Even if you’re only going to be 5 minutes late, a quick courtesy call will be appreciated. If you need to reschedule, give as much notice as possible.
Tip #7 Present a good image!
Take a shower, comb your hair, brush your teeth, and put on neat, clean clothes. Depending on the job you’re applying for, you don’t necessarily have to wear a suit, but don’t show up in boardies and thongs!
First impressions are so important and your personal presentation will impact greatly on your success. Don’t forget to take the gum out of your mouth and spray a bit of deodorant on if it’s a hot day.
Tip #8 Don't show up empty handed
Bring your resume, CV, and all relevant certificates to your interview. You would have sent your resume to apply for the job but don’t expect the interviewer to have it with them, especially if you sent your resume electronically.
In some cases you may be interviewed by more than one person, so print out a couple of copies to be safe. It’s best to put together a neat folder that has copies of your resume at the front (that the interviewer(s) can keep) and then any relevant certificates behind that so they can browse and take photocopies if they wish.
Tip #9 Ask questions!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions before, during AND after your interview. The interviewer will be impressed if you ask appropriate questions showing that you are truly interested in gaining more knowledge about the position and ultimately landing the job. There are no stupid questions, especially if you’ve done your research.
Tip #10 Follow up
Before you leave the interview, make sure you find out when you should hear back about the role. If you haven’t heard any response then it is acceptable to follow up with a call. You may well have been unsuccessful but you may receive some feedback as to why, which will help you when applying for future positions. Don’t harass the recruiter however; one phone call to reiterate your interest is all you need to do!