JOB SEARCH TOOLKIT

(08) 93602596 | careers@murdoch.edu.au | careers.murdoch.edu.au

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CONTENTS GRADUATE (NURSING) PROGRAMS .................................................................................................................... 2

HOW TO WRITE: RESUMES .................................................................................................................................. 3

RESUME CHECKLIST ............................................................................................................................................. 4

RESUME SAMPLE .................................................................................................................................................... 5

HOW TO ADDRESS: SELECTION CRITERIA ..................................................................................................... 7

HOW TO WRITE: COVER LETTERS ..................................................................................................................... 9

COVER LETTER CHECKLIST .............................................................................................................................. 10

COVER LETTER FORMAT .................................................................................................................................... 11

COVER LETTER SAMPLE ..................................................................................................................................... 12

SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWS .................................................................................................................................. 13

Additional Resources, details on Job Search Workshops / Presentations and Student /

Graduate opportunities in industry can be found on CareerConnect.

Register now:

www.careerconnect.murdoch.edu.au

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GRADUATE (NURSING)

PROGRAMS Graduate Programs are paid entry positions for approx. 12 months, designed to offer additional support to

inexperienced nurses - assisting your transition into professional employment as a Level 1 RN. There are

fewer Graduate Programs than nursing graduates each year so a detailed and well written on-line

application in your final year is critical, to be in with a chance (there is competition from ALL W.A.

universities and further afield). Undertaking a Graduate Program is helpful in launching your career but is

not a necessary requirement for initial professional employment. (Some alternative options are listed

below).

GradConnect is a centralised online recruitment / selection system used by the majority of employers

(both public and private) offering a Graduate Program. Final year students and recent graduates can apply

for a Graduate Program on GradConnect (via W.A. Dept. of Health website) at more than one public

hospital / health service, or participating private hospital with one single application.

If you are not successful in securing a Graduate Program (remember entry is competitive), or for other

reasons you are considering alternative options, we suggest:

1) applying directly to private hospitals/aged care facilities and other health service organisations who

organise their own recruitment;

2) considering post graduate study options to enhance your employability;

3) applying for interstate Graduate Programs, if practical;

4) applying again for the following year, mid-year intake if available;

5) investigating whether nursing recruitment / temp. agencies run 'buddy' systems where a graduate

nurse accompanies a senior nurse on shifts to gain experience;

6) considering volunteer opportunities to enhance your employability and;

7) registering for email alerts on the jobs.wa.gov.au jobs board.

8)

This Job Search Tool Kit contains specifically tailored job search resources to assist nursing students /

recent graduates seeking employment EITHER via a GradConnect application or applying directly to

employers. All the best with your future career as a qualified Health professional.

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HOW TO WRITE:

RESUMES You do not need to submit a resume / CV with your GradConnect application but many hospitals ask that

you bring one to interview (if you get through the on-line application stage). Employers also expect one

when you are applying directly to them. So you need to prepare a good resume that highlights your

strengths and sets you apart. When applying directly to an employer or a specific specialisation of nursing,

you need to tailor your resume. It is important to identify the language used in the job advertisement and

customise your resume accordingly. Also research the health service organisation in question – find out

about their core business and values. Resumes can vary in format and lay-out (there is no single format)

however there are some standard components that should be included on any resume:

NAME: State your first and last name clearly at the top of your resume. Include a preferred name if

different to your birth name.

CONTACT DETAILS: No heading required, just your postal address, mobile contact number, email address.

That is ALL!

PROFILE STATEMENT / SUMMARY: Promote yourself! Market yourself! Endorse yourself! This is your

chance to clearly outline what you can deliver (NOT what you are looking for or what your objectives are,

so choose your words carefully). Two to three sentences or dot points highlighting where you are at, your

experiences (e.g. exchange in Thailand), strengths (e.g. previous Administration background) and anything

else you have to offer that may set you apart and relates to where you want to be (e.g. Mental Health

placement).

RELEVANT SKILLS: Use sub-headings to identify specific skills required for the position. DON’T simply list

all your technical/clinical skills (they are often a given). Select ones most relevant and think about

including some general employability skills such as communication (written and verbal – taking into

account proficiency in languages), team skills, problem solving, IT skills etc. You need to give a brief

description or example to evidence each skill, or highlight these examples in your RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

section (which can include your clinical placements).

EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS: These need to be listed in reverse chronological order with

your most recent qualification first. Write qualifications in full – e.g. “Bachelor of Nursing”. State the name

of the university or institution where you received the qualification and also the relevant dates (include

any overseas institutions if you have studied abroad). If you are still completing your studies, include an

expected completion date. You can also include any academic awards as well as other studies, certificates

and professional development you have completed here too - but keep it brief! If you completed an

unrelated qualification more than 10 years ago, consider its relevance to the job you are applying for or if it

helps to evidence your skill-set and include it only if you think it adds value e.g. went to a Catholic High

School and St John of God is your first preference.

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RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Include BOTH paid and unpaid experience here, in reverse chronological order (i.e.

your most recent practical placement should appear first) e.g. clinical placements, part-time Support

Worker or Personal Carer roles, volunteering at a Hospice.

OTHER EMPLOYMENT / EXPERIENCE: In a similar format to your relevant skills, this section lists details of

unrelated on-the-job experiences such as ‘Cashier’ at a supermarket. This experience is important to

mention as it demonstrates transferrable career skills such as interpersonal and team skills, but keep it

brief and if you have more than 10 years unrelated (other) experience, consider combining, summarizing

or leaving off.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS / MEMBERSHIPS: Relevant employment skills are developed through active

engagement with professional affiliations and student clubs/societies, so make sure that you check out

relevant Student Societies at Murdoch (check the Student Guild website under “Clubs”). Joining a

professional association in your area of study is also highly recommended (e.g. Australian College of

Nursing).

REFEREES: Make sure you request the permission of your chosen referees and keep them up to date on

the positions you are applying for. List the names, job title, organisation/hospital name, phone number(s)

and email contact of 2 to 3 referees (including an Academic if you are stuck for employment contacts).

If no particular job is advertised and you are just getting your resume out to potential employers, stating

that “Referees are available upon request” in this section is adequate.

RESUME CHECKLIST: Dos

Use keywords found in the job advert (i.e. relevant skills and/or language of the employer), but do it naturally, so that it makes sense.

Keep it short (1-2 pages for inexperienced students and up to 3 pages if you have 10 years + previous work history). Tip: using the full page and narrowing the margins can help reduce pages.

Use a standard, freely available font throughout and go for 10 – 12 point in size.

Keep format simple and consistent, making sure dot points and indents line up. Use short statements or bullet points (avoid lengthy paragraphs) and include “action” words when listing job duties / responsibilities.

Get permission from your referees to include them and keep them up to date if you get shortlisted for an interview for advertised jobs.

Include residency/citizen status if it is a job requirement or you think there may be any reason to doubt your ability to work in Australia.

Read your resume aloud to yourself and ask someone you trust to read it for feedback. Don’ts

Don’t include borders, tables, boxes, pictures and graphics in case Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software is used to “pre-filter” your resume to reduce numbers. These features can accidently filter out your resume before it is viewed by employers or recruiters.

Make sure there are NO spelling or grammatical errors – double-check your document.

Don’t include date of birth, marital status, religion, health, children, or student temporary visa details.

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RESUME SAMPLE: Do not copy

Claire Spencer ___________________________________________________________________________________________

1 South St Murdoch W.A. 6150 I Mob: 0457 457 356 I Email: name@server.com.au Final year Nursing student with previous experience working within a laboratory environment. Methodical with strong attention to detail. Demonstrated strengths in renal care, paediatric care and pre-operation compliance. Excellent ability to assist in patient care, maintain healthy standards and carry out regular clinical practices. Active contributor towards promotional and fund-raising activities for Nepalese Children’s Orphanage and Red Cross. Available for shift-work, regional and/or city employment. OR Confident and accountable graduating Nursing student. I have attained a Distinction average to date and recognised for my commitment to quality patient care on my final practical placement at ???. Experienced in customer service and working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Keen to further develop my competencies in neonatal clinical care and women’s health. EDUCATION & ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor of Nursing

Murdoch University (Expected completion November 201??)

Notable Achievements:

20?? Vice Chancellor Award for Academic Excellence

Gained High Distinction scores in Children’s Health

Undertook an exchange unit to Thailand where I was involved in …..

Certificate IV in Laboratory Practice

Challenger Institute of Technology (Fremantle Campus) 20??

(graduating with Honours end of 20???

SKILLS / AREAS OF COMPETENCE

- Wound assessment (prevention of infection and dressing): demonstrated on recent Practical Placement at ????

- Demonstrated ability to adhere to clinical care procedures and ensure that the objectives of the hospital are met.

- Communication: proven ability to build rapport quickly with all ages and deal effectively with emotionally difficult

situations; bilingual (English/Spanish)

- Collaborative team work: developed through Laboratory Assistant work

- IT Skills: Proficient user of the full MS Office suite and can adapt quickly to customised databases/systems

- ?? (add more general skills such as problem solving or include skills relevant to a preferred area of specialistion)

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/PLACEMENTS Placement? (most recent first)? Year/Duration?

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Hospital/Health Service Organisation? Description of the hospital/organisation/ward/section in no more than one line (public/private, area serviced etc.)

• Three or four key experiences (specialties covered, case mix, patient/nurse ratio, hours) • Do not write a job description • Use action words (e.g. developed, initiated, prepared)

e.g. FINAL YEAR STUDENT PLACEMENT 17 November - 17 December 20??

St John of God Hospital, Murdoch Private hospital with over 500 beds, emergency dept., 16 room operating suite and a wide range of specialty services. Key Responsibilities:

• Assisted RN in the Renal Unit with the care of seven patients per shift. • Monitored liquid intake of patients and collected/labeled urine samples ensuring accuracy and timeliness. • Observed and worked with specialists caring for patients with Diabetes, Hepatitis, Asthma and Bronchitis.

Took patients’ blood pressure, blood samples and liaised with Pathology. OTHER EXPERIENCE Laboratory Assistant 20?? – 20?? Safety Bay Senior High School

• Worked collaboratively with a wide range of professional teaching staff, providing science laboratory support. (Team Skills)

Cashier 20?? – 20?? Coles, Mandurah Forum

Developed excellent skills in quality customer service; working in busy, demanding environment while maintaining a positive and friendly manner. (Customer Service/Interpersonal skills)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILITATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS Red Cross Appeal (Fund raising committee) - 20?? Australian College of Nursing (Current - Student No. ??) REFEREES David Smith

RN Level 2 Nurse

Fiona Stanley Hospital

Tel: (08) 6588 3444

Email: d.smith@fsh.gov.au

Brenda Davis

Senior Lecturer and Academic Chair: Bachelor of Nursing

School of Health Professions

Murdoch University

Tel: (08) 9360 3456

Email: b.davis@murdoch.edu.au

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HOW TO ADDRESS:

SELECTION CRITERIA For final year Nursing students applying for a Graduate position via GradConnect addressing the selection

criteria/key requirements is the most important aspect of your application. Your ability to successfully

identify, understand and respond in full to each criterion will affect your chances of progressing to

interview stage.

There are several components to keep in mind when addressing the selection criteria, outlined below.

o Address each criterion separately. (Average length: 2 per page or in the case of GradConnect

there may be a 250 words limit for each criterion).

o Brainstorm a range of experiences (examples) to promote your skills, knowledge and

attributes – i.e. clinical placements and other experiences such as relevant volunteer work,

community engagement activities, previous Aged Care employment.

o Provide detailed evidence / examples demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and

attributes have been developed or applied. (avoid vague or unsubstantiated answers).

Reviewing NCAS or CPATs used on placements will assist with providing appropriate

examples

o When outlining specific examples to demonstrate your skills, attributes and knowledge –

follow the STAR method

SITUATION – Provide a brief outline of the setting (e.g. Whilst on placement at Sir Charles Gardiner

Hospital …)

TASK – Outline what you did or the challenge you faced

ACTION – Describe (using action words) how you went about completing the task or dealing with

the challenge

RESULT – What was the result? How was it measured / acknowledged? What did you learn from

the experience? What would you do differently next time?

Make sure you don’t make these common errors that will see your GradConnect application forms being

rejected:

Spelling/grammatical errors

Not answering the questions

Not providing succinct responses i.e. going off on a tangent

Not using the STAR method to properly structure your answers

Producing answers which are significantly below the 250 word limit

Not including sufficient relevant evidence.

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Not making good use of the final empty text box at the end of the on-line application form. Be

sure to mention any good grades, supervisor feedback or other experiences that could set you

appart.

SELECTION CRITERIA/KEY

REQUIREMENTS FOR RN GRADUATE (Through GRADCONNECT)

Note: “Demonstrated “means provide a detailed example using STAR and provide multiple examples when

more than one skill is required e.g. written AND verbal communication skills.

Example: DO NOT COPY and DO NOT INCLUDE (S) (T) (A) (R) in your own response.

2. Demonstrated effective interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills

I place great emphasis on developing good working relationships with my fellow students in team settings

as well as with work colleagues and residents within the aged care facility where I am employed part-time.

(Introduction indicating different areas of application).

By bringing a positive, supportive and can-do attitude to my work environment, I am generally able to

achieve this. However, there are times when colleagues or patients are not necessarily cooperative. One

such occasion, and how I responded is outlined below.

(S) An elderly patient refused to shower, and was shouting loudly and angrily at the nursing assistant and

other patients in the ward. This would happen on a number of occasions and the nursing assistant I was

working with on that day was now reluctant to continue caring for the patient. (T) In order to secure the

patient’s cooperation, I ensured that she had a role/sense of purpose. (A) I gently and calmly asked her to

hold a washcloth and choose from two scented washes and their soothing properties. By giving her an

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alternative sense of power or control, and playing some soothing music, I was able to distract her – even to

the point of getting her to do some singing with me by asking her to help me and the PCA to learn one of

her favourite songs. (R) This action helped to calm the patient and the nursing assistant now also uses this

approach in her work when dealing with uncooperative or difficult patients.

HOW TO WRITE:

COVER LETTERS A cover letter is NOT necessary when applying for a Graduate Program via GradConnect. However, if you

are applying directly to an employer in response to a job vacancy, you need one that creates a good first

impression (your cover letter is the first thing they will read). Expressing yourself enthusiastically,

highlighting what you know about the health service organisation and detailing how you would add value

are key in making a good first impression.

Start by researching the health service organisation and areas of specialisation that interests you. You then

need to find out what the employer is looking for in the ideal candidate and customise or tailor your cover

letter, showcasing your capabilities to meet the employer’s needs. Your cover letter should:

express your motivation and excitement at the prospect of working for the organisation and/or

industry;

communicate that you have done your research and know the organisation – it’s core business,

new initiatives/projects and the values they consider important in employees, then relate back to

you to suggest you would fit in well with the team; and

highlight relevant attributes/personal qualities, knowledge, skills (and supporting experiences)

required to be a successful (tailor this to the job).

Make sure you know who to address your application to. If you are applying for an advertised vacancy and

the job advert doesn’t mention who the application should be sent to, do your best to find out – try to get

a name and the position of the person you are communicating with.

Avoid repeating too much information that is already detailed in your resume as your cover letter is really

your introduction to you as an individual highlighting the key points you want to communicate about

yourself with a clear orientation to the requirements of the advertised job.

Use dot points if there are a number of selection criteria / key requirements to address in the cover letter

(this is sometimes the case – follow all instructions carefully). See Addressing Selection Criteria for further

details.

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COVER LETTER CHECKLIST: Read all job application instructions carefully and follow them!

Use professional business format (left justified).

Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. (A cover letter is an example of your written

communication skills – so make sure it reads well!)

Check the date is accurate.

Keep the letter to one page in length or to the length specified in the advertisement (often it can

be longer when the Selection Criteria / Work Related Requirements need to be addressed within

the letter).

Use a standard font type / a size that is easy to read.

Get the person’s name and title to whom you are writing to.

Sign the letter “Yours Sincerely” or “Warm regards”.

Clearly identify the position you are applying for.

Be creative with the opening of each paragraph so that you are not always beginning with “I”.

Investigate the health service organisation you are applying to – focus on their services, values and

new initiatives. Research where they are within their industry and how you match their needs.

Be sure to address the skills and experience outlined in the job advert but don’t make any

unsupported statements about yourself.

Take the time and initiative to be creative and tailor or customise your cover letter to the job for

which you are applying for. A standard template will often be overlooked and is NOT

recommended.

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COVER LETTER FORMAT

Full name of person to whom letter is addressed (Mr/Ms/Mrs/Professor, XX)

(NOTE: You may need to do some research to get a contact name)

Job title

Health Service Organisation

Postal Address

Date (in full)

Dear Mr/ Ms/Dr

Re: Position title and quote reference number if there is one (in bold)

Paragraph 1: Why are you writing? How did you find out about the position? If an unsolicited letter (no

job advertisement), what kind of position you are seeking and why?

Paragraph 2: Why are you interested in the advertised position or the particular health service

organisation? What attracts you to the job role and/or the organisation? Research what the health

organisation does / its values / areas of specialisation etc. and describe how the position appeals or suits

you.

E.g. Organisation X values: Quality Care and Responsibility, Collaboration, Promoting Aging Well with

Dignity. (relate these back to you).

Paragraph 3: How do you match the requirements of the job / health service organisation with regard to

skills, education, personal qualities / attributes or experience? Highlight any relevant successes or

experiences that may set you apart from other candidates or students. Try not to make any

unsubstantiated claims i.e. provide concrete evidence and examples where you can.

E.g. Organisation Y is looking for -

People who demonstrate accountability, respect, and team skills

People with enthusiasm and who are keen to excel in customer care

People who build relationships and trust based on doing the right thing

NOTE: You may be required to address specific Selection Criteria / Key Requirements in this section.

List each one separately and see How to Address Selection Criteria above for further details.

Paragraph 4: Mention you would be appreciative for the opportunity to discuss your application further.

If applying for an advertised vacancy, clarify how you can be contacted for further information (include

your contact number / email address). If you are submitting an unsolicited letter (no job advertised),

specify a time period when you will follow up (say 1-2 weeks).

Close with “Yours sincerely” or “Warm regards”

Your first and last name

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COVER LETTER SAMPLE: Do not copy

Dr David Hansei

Practice Manager

Acme Medical Centre

29 Smart St

PERTH 6000

4 May ??

Dear Dr Hansei (Avoid Sir/Madam)

I write to express interest in joining Acme Medical Centre as a Graduate Nurse, a position that you advertised

through the recruitment agency: Kelly Scientific Resources.

As I am about to graduate with a Bachelor of Nursing at Murdoch University, I am particularly interested in working

in a regional hospital where I can actively engage in community life. I am keen to work in a medical facility that

values excellence in patient care and would bring to the role a keen sense of achievement, good nursing practice,

and experience in applying my skills in a multi-disciplinary work environment.

I understand that Acme Medical Centre is setting up a mobile doctor service. In June ?? I volunteered at the

Fremantle Mobile Health Service attending to members of the public who sought assistance for substance abuse. As

a result of this initiative, I developed key contacts in industry and subsequently secured a clinical placement at the

Alma Street Clinic. I believe that my passion for the profession, sound academic achievement in my course, and

flexibility to work on weekends as outlined in your advertisement, are key to suiting your requirements.

A current resume is attached, providing full details regarding my relevant qualification and experiences to date. I

would very much like to meet with you to discuss my application further and can be contact either by Mob: ?? or

Email: ??

Warm regards

Hariet Spandrell

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SUCCESSFUL

INTERVIEWS Interviews are a competitive business. If you have been shortlisted, congratulations on a well written application. The task now is to impress the employer face to face. Preparation is the key!

Interview settings can vary from the number of people on the panel to the circumstances in which an

interview is conducted, such as face to face, skype or over the phone. Typically, an interview comprises of

the following stages:

Introduction / Icebreakers

Evidence collecting - behavioural based questions, career oriented questions, self-awareness

questions

Interviewee questions – your opportunity to ask the employer questions – make sure you have

some questions ready

Interview outcome - the successful candidate is offered the position after referee checks.

PREPARATION TIPS

Know the employer and the job. Re-visit the job advert (if there is one - focus on the personal qualities,

knowledge and skills required to perform the role). Also familiarise yourself with the mission and core

values of the health facility you are applying to. This will help you anticipate some possible questions. See

examples below.

Registered Nurse - Graduate | RN Level 1

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Know yourself - Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses, career aspirations etc.

Confirm the interview details and ask for the names of the interviewer(s) – this will make it easier to

remember names on the day.

Practice your responses to possible questions – use a mirror, friend or family member, or a Career

Development Advisor (by appointment).

Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the concluding stage of your interview – this shows that you

have thought about the role and would like some more information. Some suggestions include: How will

my performance be measured? What professional development is typically available to Graduate Nurses

within public hospitals? What are some of the key challenges faced by Graduate Nurses at your hospital?

ON THE DAY

Plan your route and parking to arrive early. Remember to turn your phone to silent, remove sunglasses

and take some deep breaths whilst you wait. Self-talk strategies such as “I am as qualified as everyone else

and have prepared well for this interview” can also be useful. Be nice to the receptionist or anyone you

encounter before the interview (you don’t know what influence they may have!)

Dress for success – clean, comfortable, neat and tidy with a professional/conservative appearance will

indicate that you are an organised person and keen for the position. Avoid too much jewellery,

perfume/aftershave and cover any ink!

Be mindful of your body language

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Smile often

Give a confident handshake and wait to be seated

Look the interviewer(s) in the eye when responding to questions. If there are multiple interviewers,

include them

Don’t slouch or fidget and keep your hands away from your face

Try to demonstrate confidence, knowing that you’ve already been selected as a strong candidate on

paper

Consider what you say

Speak clearly and be specific (look out for “umms” and colloquialisms/slang)

Be prepared to talk about your learning experiences from previous successes and failures – this

indicates your commitment to self-improvement

If you get stuck or freeze up, ask for the question to be repeated, or revisited later in the interview

– when answering, try to be direct or provide a response that reflects your ability to learn and

adapt quickly

TYPICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Interview questions can usually be identified as ‘Behavioural Based’, ‘Career Orientated’ or ‘Self

Awareness’ questions.

Behavioural Based Questions – require you to provide examples of past behaviour with the aim of

predicting future behaviours.

Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult patient or calm someone down to avoid potential

conflict? What did you do and how did it turn out? (demonstrating interpersonal skills).

Provide an example of when you had to communicate and work collaboratively with medical staff, other

health professionals and/or administration staff in order to provide a coordinated approach to the care of a

patient? (demonstrating communication skills).

It can be useful to adopt the “STAR” method when answering Behavioural Questions:

SITUATION – Provide a brief outline of the setting (e.g. Whilst on placement at Sir Charles Gardiner

Hospital …)

TASK – Outline what you did or the challenge you faced

ACTION – Describe (using action words) how you went about completing the task or dealing with

the challenge

RESULT – What was the result? How was it measured / acknowledged? What did you learn from

the experience? What would you do differently next time?

Career Orientated Questions – these are asking you to look to the future

Where do you see yourself in five years from now?

Why did you choose to study Nursing?

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Self-Awareness Questions – these will get you to reflect upon your abilities, attributes and responsibilities.

What is your greatest strength?

Describe a weakness in the way you operate and identify how you would go about changing this?

Why would we employ you over other nursing graduates?

What are your professional responsibilities when it comes to the use of social media?

FINAL TIPS

Thank the interviewer or interview panel for their time (if possible, follow up with a brief thank you

email, adding anything you had forgotten to mention and thanking them again for their time).

If unsuccessful, request feedback on your performance post interview. Try and obtain specific

feedback on areas for improvement. (Interviewers may or may not have time to give you this

information in detail – but you can always ask!)

This document was developed, created and produced by the team

at the Murdoch Careers Centre.