Do you want to achieve world domination in 500 – 700 words?

by K B , updated on May 11, 2013

OK, I may be slightly exaggerating here, but I am looking for guest posters. Not because I don’t want to write on this blog – but because I want to add to this blog. All talk from me, can make this site a bit one-dimensional and I think that there are bigger and more talented writers than me out there. So, if you have an interesting opinion, useful advice, or just feel like getting something off your chest, then visit the guest posting tab above.

Gratitude, adoring fans and world domination could be yours…..Would I oversell an opportunity? Never! Trust me on this – I used to work in recruitment 😉

Email me karalyn@interviewiq.com.au.

I am nice and rarely bite.

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More tips – cover letters that have broken rules

by K B , updated on November 3, 2020

These cover letter examples break all the cover letter rules I wrote

Google cover letter tips and you’ll see hundred of rules around cover letters: including this one rule book post I wrote. Sometimes however rules are worth breaking. I broke a few cover letter rules of my own about brevity, structure and length with these cover letters below, but they still worked and landed my clients an interview.

Cover Letter Example 1 – too long?

It is with great pleasure that we present our application for the position of live in management couple advertised on X. We wish to outline the skills that we bring after over twenty years of successfully combining our talents in various businesses.

We are particularly interested in this role as we have enjoyed the challenges presented in managing our most recent property X. Similar to X this is a four star fifty-unit establishment with a large restaurant and conference centre. Within our first year we increased revenue, reduced costs and improved profitability across all areas of the property.

We are strongly commercially focussed and bring extensive experience in hospitality, hotel and motel management. Proof of our skills are in the results we have delivered through tight budgeting, supplier, staff cash flow and cost management, plus increasing marketing and improving revenue. Below is a snapshot of the results we have achieved:

Significantly increasing revenue (in a recession) while retaining customer loyalty within the first 3 months at X; increasing net room rate by 6% and gross turnover by 8%

– At X was pivotal in driving the success of the award winning X Cafe

– Successfully establishing the highly popular and successful X, a 160 seat restaurant to become an icon of the local area

– Delivering profit within first 3 months of employment for X managing licensed clubhouse, shop, restaurant, fast-food outlet and sandwich bar. This business had previously suffered significant losses

Having owned and managed a real estate agency, we have experience in managing leased units and trust accounting. In our time at X Real Estate we doubled the number of properties we let through regular reporting, responding efficiently to the requests of our landlords and managing the maintenance and letting of their properties to generate the best yield.

Our customers describe us as warm, welcoming and quick to anticipate their needs. We enjoy inspiring such an ethos in the teams we manage and we are proud of our history of recruiting, training, managing and retaining loyal teams.

Having spent many years in Queensland we miss the outdoors and space. Your resort located near X and surrounded by X sounds like a delightful location where we can apply our talents to improve profitability of your business.

Please find attached our resume. We very much look forward to discussing our application in more detail. You can contact us on.

Cover Letter Example 2 – even longer?

I am very keen to be considered for the position of a Customer Service Advisor at X. As one of Australia’s biggest employers I know you offer an exciting and challenging work environment and interesting careers.

You will see from my resume that my background is unusual. However I believe this makes me a stronger applicant. I’ll explain why below.

I am highly motivated. Having arrived in Australia as a refugee I have needed to settle into a completely new culture and carve out a life for myself. I practiced as a science teacher for many years in Zimbabwe. Despite extremely difficult circumstances I was able to lead my students to achieve strong academic results.

I have excellent communication skills. Like children anywhere, children in Zimbabwe do not like science. In every class I taught children with a range of abilities. I was able to communicate difficult topics to make science simple and enjoyable. Furthermore as Head Teacher I frequently resolved misunderstandings, even conflicts, between parents and the school.

I enjoy helping people so I know I would love customer service. My referees describe me as someone with strong empathy who is able to quickly bring people onside.

I also enjoy working as part of a team. As a Head Science teacher I motivated my staff, mentored newer teachers and adopted the philosophy of leading by example. I am just as happy working as part of a team as I am leading it. In Australia I have worked as part of a team in a factory where we needed to work effectively together in a pressurised environment to ensure that we meet our turnaround targets.

These are all the practical reasons you should consider my application, but I mentioned at the start of my letter, my unusual background makes me a stronger candidate.

The main reason is this. As a refugee to Australia I would love to give something back to the country that has offered me so much safety and protection. I feel thankful every day that I am now a permanent Australian resident. Working for X with your ethos of helping people in need, will provide me with an amazing opportunity to give something back.

Cover Letter Example 3 – too casual?

I wish to apply for the position of Sister City Coordinator as advertised in X on X. The job reference number is ABC.

Ever since my first trip to Japan, I have been a big fan of cultural exchanges.

I have recently returned to Sydney after living and working as a training professional in Osaka, Japan for the last ten years. My first trip to Japan was part of a “home stay”. I had just graduated from University and found it an exhilarating experience – just overcoming the day to day difficulties of language barriers, food differences and understanding a different culture, made the ordinary seem exciting.

My overseas experience was character building and gave me an entirely new outlook, not just to a different Asian culture, but also to appreciate my home town of Sydney much more.

I would now love to be involved in a program that creates such opportunities.

I have enclosed my resume to provide you with an overview of my experience and training. Please contact me at the above address so that I can provide you with any additional information you may require.

The Cover Letter Bottom Line

If these cover letters are too long or too casually written, why did they succeed?

They show that the applicant had done their homework on themselves and the organisation, and had put in an effort. In fact so many people now, don’t bother doing cover letters now, that a small effort may go a long way.

The client in example 2 would not have made any impact with just his resume. As a school teacher, he was not a match for the role. His cover letter pulled it all together for him and described his motivations. He made his point of difference a strength.

The bottom line here is, don’t overlook a good cover letter, it might just get you over the line.

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IQ Q&A: tips for government graduate selection processes

by K B , updated on November 3, 2020

I received another great question (well three or four questions actually) for the blog on the selection process for graduates in government positions. My answers are in italics.  I am writing this as someone who has assessed graduates in many assessment centres, for both the public and private sector. But I cannot cover off all scenarios. So If anyone has anything more to add, or clarify, please leave a comment below.

Hi Karalyn,

I am currently applying for a number of graduate programs with the federal government. I have found your site a valuable resource as both a graduate and someone who is applying to the APS.

Flattery will take you places with anyone in an email – you’re off to a good start here 😉

There are, however, a couple of specific things about applying for APS graduate programs that I am still uncertain about. I have a couple of questions below, and if you have the time or inclination to address these on your blog or by email that would be fantastic! However, I understand that you are likely very busy and you write your blog for free.

My first question is regarding selection criteria. Advice on how to address selection criteria often suggests calling and asking about the duties of the position and so on. However, most of the graduate programs have rotations and neither the department nor the applicant will have any idea where the applicant might end up. This makes targeting rather tricky.

Yes, this can be tricky – particularly as the first rounds of graduate application processes tend to screen people out rather than in, as the people recruiting sometimes anticipate hundreds of applicants. So you talking to one individual within a department can be difficult. My advice on this is to make sure you read any graduate testimonials on the employer’s website to get a sense of what the experience is about. Also, often the larger employers will have open days or stands at careers fairs. Speak with as many people as you can there. Have a read of this post about getting on the “list” when you network.

 

In terms of targeting your application, you are right: if there are rotations involved you cannot aim your application at one position, although you should have a firm idea of what you want to get out of the program. Think more along the lines of your fit for a graduate role and beyond. In essence this is your fit to achieve accelerated progression into management, and that can be in your particular field.

 

Some programs are very specific about where you will be at the end: say for example a specialist engineering role. If you know that’s the pathway for the program: then you could provide some examples in your answers to the application, that show your skills in that context. Say, for example, the leadership skills you may need to manage projects as an engineer.

In addition to this, many graduate applications pose their selection criteria as questions. An example from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s application:

“Describe a challenging situation you have faced. What made it challenging, what did you do to address the challenges and were you successful? Your response should reflect upon your ability to achieve results through your personal drive and integrity and your ability to cultivate productive working relationships.”

This is quite difficult, as it seems to limit the response to one example. Do you have any recommendations on how to approach this? I have been responding to these in a way that brings in the Department’s values (if available) and looking for selection criteria examples in other advertised positions.

Yes. It is challenging. You are on the right track. Have a look at anything the department may say is required for graduate level skills. If it is a Federal Government position, they often use this model: The Integrated Leadership System. See, the individual profiles for APS5 and APS6 and page two on the documents for some idea on the skills you need to demonstrate in your examples. (These levels of skills are around the right mark for a graduate who has had some leadership experience already.)

 

As for the right example: it needs to be one where you can demonstrate most of the skills they require. So your killer example, if you like. That’s where the ILS link will help. Use that information to help you identify examples to present. Plus you do need to show that you are a cultural fit as well. If you can pick an example which is fitting for the challenges you might face in the graduate role (I know I am asking a lot here), that’s even better.

Finally, I was wondering if you had any other insights into the graduate hiring process for the APS? Is there anything beyond the obvious that candidates can do to stand out? Most of us don’t have any experience with government hiring and may not understand the assumptions they are working from.

I have to say that the graduate recruitment process is tough. I used to say ironically with one of my clients last year, that to get through, you need all the skills, plus the stars need to be aligned in the right position as well. The employer often does put you through the hoops. Have a read of this post about do’s and don’ts in graduate group exercises. Many people muck up there. Also read this one on how not to be boring.

 

If the government has outsourced the hiring to one of the larger recruitment firms, you will probably be judged on more of the generic graduate skills, rather than specific skills to that department, so leadership, advanced communication, goal focus, decision making etc.

 

If you get through the assessment centres, as above: the time where you can stand out in terms of your fit, will be at an interview. And at that point you should show that you understand the department, want to work for the department, and have some good solid behavioural examples you can present. Think about how you know you are ready for the challenges of a graduate program, as often they can be tough. The department will work you hard and will be investing millions into you, if you get through. So they want you to have given some serious thought about this.

Also, advice targeted to APS job seekers does not usually address graduate programs and the difference between these and regular hiring processes.

Unlike other positions, often for the first few rounds of the recruitment process, the government uses a similar model to the private sector. They may use an assessment centre. They may outsource this part. So some of the advice you read around assessment centre prep and graduate interview tips, holds weight here. I think if they have an interview, and you get to that stage, along with everything else, it’s important to stress why you have chosen the government for your graduate career. Some people look upon a government role as a bit of a walk in the part. But that’s not the case. These jobs have their own set of challenges.

 

Normal government hiring processes usually involve selection criteria, panel interviews and a lot of pain all round. 😉

Hope that helps in some way. And all the best of luck.

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IQ Q&A – Job interview tips – how to handle your accent in interview

by K B , updated on November 3, 2020

I love it when people pick me up on something I have written – as often nothing is black and white in careerville here, and sometimes I talk off on a thought bubble. Yesterday I received this question on my blog – which I thought was an excellent question on how to manage an accent in an interview.

Hi, Karalyn

You are writing that “any incorrect choice of words will fuel any negative stereotypes a recruiter may have about communication skills” and then you advise to ask somebody to review the resume to ensure it is written in a “correct Australian fluent” style. However, what about an interview? Say, the resume is written and sounds “local”, but then when the interview follows, the recruiter will immediately understand that the candidate in real life is not so “local” – what to do then? I mean how important is to sound local on the phone or face-to-face interview? Can accent and “not so perfect” communication skills ruin the interview or be a major turn off for an interviewer?

A few times I have been interviewed on the phone and I realised that the incorrect using of some English vocabulary ruined my chances to be selected for further the face-to face interview.

Another question, is it important to be bubbly during the interview? However, it is very difficult for me to be bubbly, because English (as you found it out already) is not my first language. And the last question, if my personality is more introverted and I don’t speak a lot and prefer  listening  to speaking, can it have a negative impact on the interview’s decision to hire me.

Thank you, Karalyn

Where to start? Where to start? There are some big questions here.

One of the things I have noticed that people who have English as a second language stress about in interview, is this. They think that their language needs to be text book perfect, and they worry about not sounding like they have read the text book guide to words in their particular profession.

If that’s you, the thing to remember is don’t. Nobody ever sounds like they write or the text book they read. When recruiters assess your communication skills – sure they will hear your accent, but if you are genuinely listening, clarifying what they ask, and genuinely responding to what they say, they will think you are a good communicator.

Phone interviews if you have an accent and are really nervous are difficult. I would suggest practice. Tape yourself. Slow yourself down. Don’t panic, and focus on understanding what the other person has said, and whether you are answering their questions, rather than what you sound like. When you make communication about the other person, you take your energy away from you  – and you will find that you are less nervous.

As for being bubbly – not all interviewers require bubbles. Be yourself. If you are naturally introverted – that’s what you are. Some places want introverts. Some people like extroverts, and a whole host of other personalities in between.

If you think you may run out of things to say, particularly if the interview is less formal, and chat-like – take a long list of questions. If you worry that you won’t have enough to say in answering questions, then read this post on interview preparation.

Lastly don’t ever say that you are a poor communicator as English is your second language. They can hear your accent. They will know that English is not your first language. Don’t give anyone reason to doubt your ability.

I actually spoke to the person who asked me this question on the phone today. The only reason I knew that she was worried about her communication skills and that she didn’t understand me, was when she told me she was worried about her English – after we had spoken.

Otherwise I would have had no idea!

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Why are more men on the move?

by K B , updated on November 8, 2020

Job hunting site CareerOne have released their “Hunting the Hidden Hunters” research this month which showed 700,000 more people looking for work this year, compared to 12 months ago, and some very distinct change among job seekers motivations. They commissioned independent research of 1000 adult job seekers. Curiously they found men to be looking the hardest, as apparently they had become more cautious during the GFC.

The C1 researchers segmented the market, identifying people by what motivates them to change jobs. Here are highlights of the report.

– There is increased job hunting among males. Over 60% are now actively looking or scanning the job market, driven by a desire for more training (+11%), better flexibility and working from home (+11%), greater work life balance, a desire for normal hours (+7%), and a concern for the financial health of the organisation (+7%)

– There are over 200,000 less females are actively looking or scanning job opportunities compared to 2010

– There is a consistent increase among people identifying with the “flexibility” segment. People seeking flexible hours and work life balance are one of the largest segments of the job market

– Those that sought out a supportive work environment during the GFC have now come out of the woods and become more rewards focused

I get the work life balance bit.

Most people I know in middle management and up are working really hard these days – especially Sydneysiders. But the male finding is intriguing. I wonder whether that’s because the industries in which they dominate were hardest hit by cutbacks in the GFC?

All thoughts would be welcome.

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How to avoid work from home scams

by K B , updated on November 8, 2020

The Internet has made it very easy for scams and scam artists to trick people into all sorts of things and “work from home scams” have been popping up all over the place. While this does mean you should be more cautious when looking for work from home opportunities, you certainly shouldn’t avoid working from home altogether. There are plenty of excellent and legitimate opportunities out there. It’s all about knowing the warning signs and spotting them before you get sucked in. Leah Gibbs from Lifestyle Careers gives this great advice on how to find a legitimate work from home job.

How Are Scams Conducted?

Most commonly, work from home scams are advertised through emails, advertisements and billboards or through social networking. They generally require you to pay for something upfront before you can start the job and, once you have transferred the money, they give you nothing and become uncontactable.

How to Spot Scams

Here are some telltale signs, common with many scams that are out there:

* No legitimate business name: If you see an employment opportunity advertised or someone contacts you directly, the first thing to do is look for a business name. If there is only a person’s name, no business number and no licensing (ABN, ACN, Pty Ltd or similar), proceed with caution.

* No online presence: The majority of work from home opportunities are web-based so there is simply no excuse for a business without a website. Likewise, most businesses are engaged with social networking so you can search for the business name on Google and see what comes up. If there is no online presence whatsoever, start to ask more questions.

* Unrecognisable sources: Where did you receive the offer? If you receive a job advertisement via email that is not from a source you recognise, immediately be wary. Similarly, direct messages on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter from an unknown source should generally be ignored, as they are not real job opportunities.

* Vague description of job and pay: Any advertisement that only very vaguely spells out the pay and job requirements is a possible scam. If a selection criteria is not present and a CV not requested, there is little chance this is a real job opportunity.

* Requests for Money: No real job will ask you to transfer money to them to start up. Alarm bells should ring the second anyone asks you for funds for registration, a start-up kit or for any other reason.

Where to Find Legitimate Positions

– Use established sites such as www.lifestylecareers.com.au or www.workathomemums.com.au whose niche and speciality is work at home employment and opportunities.

– Go through recruitment agencies; and
– Word of mouth, ask friends and family to keep an ear out.

What to Do if You’re Still Unsure

If you’ve gone through all the steps and the business checks out, but you’re still feeling unsure, just try to get in contact with the owner. If you’re worried about only having online contact, mention you would like to discuss the opportunity over the phone and would like a contact number. Any legitimate business owner seeking an employee will happily oblige and you will be able to enter the opportunity with your mind at ease.

Make an informed choice and do your research. Keep up to date with the latest scams, visit Oz Rip Off, Scamwatch, the ACCC Fido and Behind MLM.

Remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes and beware of job offers that require you to pay an upfront fee and beware of products or schemes that claim to guarantee income or winnings

In closing, treat working from home like any other position, don’t let people ask too much of you for too little and be aware of your rights. All it takes is a little bit of caution and you will find the opportunities are endless.
See the Leah’s post here

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