Job application checklist

Your application comprises your resume and cover letter. These are self-marketing tools and must impress.
Applications must be targeted to specific jobs and employers; avoid generic statements that could apply to anyone.
Resumes must address the specific selection criteria provided and match your skills and attributes to the requirements of the position.
Cover letters must state why you want the particular position, why you want to work for the organisation and what you can offer them.

Checklist for your resumé

No more than three pages listing education, employment history, relevant experience, skills, personal qualities and carefully selected interests and achievements.
Avoid paragraphs and keep language concise.
Keep it “clean and clear” – not cluttered with too many fonts and symbols.
Make key accomplishments stand out through the use of capital letters, bolding or underlining.
Place degree/s first with the name of the institution after.
Early secondary school experience is not of great interest, so do not go too far back for examples.
Try to find out to whom applications should be addressed and use their name.
Help employers see whether you will fit in to their organisation by selecting interests and activities such as playing team sports to show team work and cooperation, voluntary work to show values and community spirit.
Demonstrate results you have achieved, problems you have dealt with and important learning experiences you have had.
Keep copies of everything you send.

No more than one page.
Observe letter writing conventions, placing your name and contact details, the details of the person to whom you are writing, the date and any reference numbers on the top left of the page
Address the person by their title and their family name, not their given name. For example, “Dear Ms Brown”, not “Dear Jenny Brown” or “Dear Ms Jenny”. Check you know which is the family name.
Highlight what you have to offer and how you match selection criteria. Give brief examples of skills and experience to demonstrate that you “fit” the job
Use verbs to express what you have actually done. For example, “I designed a system to produce reports efficiently while working at Bloggs and Co.”
Avoid clichés and expressions that may be read as insincere and over the top. Rather than using terms such as “your esteemed company”, simply say “this well respected company” or “I would appreciate your time” rather than “your most valuable and precious time”.

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This page was last updated on 14th December 2007

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Are your personal details, including current address, phone numbers and email at the top of the page?
Have you included a clear career objective stating your short and longer term career goals?
Are your key strengths highlighted early in the resume?
Have you included skills and attributes relevant to the specific job?
Do most of your statements begin with action words highlighting what you have done?
Have you shown your education and employment experience in reverse chronological order?
Have you highlighted specific achievements and experiences?
Have you mentioned community-based activities that show your planning, teamwork, organising and communication abilities?
Have you included the names and contact details of at least two referees? Work related referees are best. International students, try to have at least one local name, perhaps a university lecturer or tutor who is prepared to speak on your behalf.
Is your punctuation and spelling correct?
Is your resumé neat and accurate? Is it clearly set out and concise?
Have you attached academic transcripts and references if requested? Make sure you organise certified copies in time to send with applications.
Have you succeeded in telling the employer what you will give as well as what you want?