Resume & Cover Letter Templates

Resumes
Cover Letters

Resume hints and Interview Reminders

Resume Tips

Your resume is the first thing a potential employer will see from you.  It identifies your accomplishments and skills, explains your employment history, knowledge and successes.  Your resume is what makes you stand out from the crowd and differentiate you from your competition.  

 REMEMBER, YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE AT MAKING A FIRST IMPRESSION!

 Triple check these:

  • Spelling: Read and re-read (spell check will not pick up on all errors or misused words)
  • Dates of employment
  • Tenses & punctuation
  • Information that has been crossed out or handwritten is unacceptable
  • Make sure your resume will email and photocopy well

 

Job Searching Tips

  • Network (Not only on line): Most people find jobs through word-of-mouth. Talk to the people you know, including relatives, friends, teachers, and former co-workers.  Let them know that you are looking for an Apprenticeship or Traineeship; ask their advice; seek out introductions to people in the field that interests you.
  •  Target that Job: Create a custom version of your resume for each job that interests you. Your resume is usually an employer’s first contact with you. Make sure it highlights your passion and any experience that relate to the job that employer is seeking to fill.
  •  Sell Yourself: Identify your skills. Work on communicating them effectively. You need to be able to lay out your skills, and explain how they relate to the job you're seeking. 

 

  • Get Organised: Make a list to help keep track of your job search efforts. Preparing a list also helps you to organize your priorities and keeps you focused on your goal - finding your perfect Apprenticeship or Traineeship.
  •  Know your Stuff: Read the newspaper and industry mags to remain current on developments in your field of interest. Knowing the latest trends will help set you apart from other candidates in an interview. 
  •  Practice makes perfect: Preparation is the key to a successful interview. Know your skills and be ready to illustrate how they relate to the job in question. Practice with a family member or a friend to get comfortable with your responses and to formulate strong answers to questions you might not anticipate.
  •  Follow up: Follow up on all leads as soon as possible. If you don't, your competition may.  Send a post interview thank you e-mail.

 

  • Keep smiling: Looking for a job can feel like a job in itself.  Don't let it get you down. With patience and hard work, you will succeed.

 

Interview Preparation

 

Interviews can be a stressful activity for some but it does not need to be if you prepare well.  The following tips will assist in easing the stress of an up-coming interview:

  •  Do Your Homework - Take the time to research the company. This can be done by checking the webpage/Facebook/Instagram pages and familiarising yourself with the type of company they are.
  •  Address job criteria - Look at the job criteria and think of specific examples of ways you have addressed this criteria in previous jobs and experiences.
  •  Questions - Think of some appropriate questions to ask. Remember, you want to make sure this is the right job for you, so use the interview to ask as many relevant questions as possible.

 

FOR THE INTERVIEW

  • Do not be late
  • Dress appropriately:  First impressions count!
  • Speak clearly & enthusiastically (but keep it professional)
  • Posture; sit up straight & keep eye contact with your interviewer
  • Smile!