Applying for a Job

People usually apply for a job through a written application. Applications need to be of a high standard to ensure the best possible chance of being selected for interview or testing.

Applications usually include a cover letter and a copy of your resume (also known as a Curriculum Vitae or CV). Applications should be tailored to specific jobs and demonstrate:

  • relevant skills, qualifications and/or experience
  • understanding what the advertisement is asking for
  • attributes that the company or employer wants in its staff.

Applications can be sent by email or mail - if a preference is not stated you should check with the employer or recruiter to see how they want to receive your application.

On this page:
Preparing a job application
Further information

Preparing a job application

Cover letter

Your cover letter should be no more than one page long, and clearly communicate:

  • which job you are applying for (including where and when you saw the job advertised)
  • why you are interested in the job and employer
  • how your skills, qualifications and experience match the requirements of the job and make you a suitable candidate for the job (in a paragraph or two)
  • that you are available for interview or further discussion of the position and your application.

Resume or CV

Your resume should always be tailored to the specific job, up-to-date and with full details of your most recent jobs and experience.

Your resume should include:

  • contact details - name, address, phone number.
  • key skills or qualities - these should match the skills the employer asked for in the job advertisement.
  • work experience - generally from the most recent job backwards. Focus on recent jobs, and those that show that you are capable of doing the job.
  • work achievements and duties.

Referees

You may be asked to include the names and contact details for referees in your resume.

Presenting your resume

Your resume should be clear, concise and easy for an employer to read.

Resumes normally follow one of three styles, using a similar template:

Take letters of commendation and other supporting documents to the interview rather than attaching them with the resume.

Prepare an Australian style resume

It is important that your resume is in an appropriate format for Australian employers. Employers in Australia want a detailed picture of past experience and skills, not just a snapshot of qualifications and previous positions held. They generally prefer resumes to be two to four pages long.

Tips include:

  • Pay attention to the 'soft' skills such as the ability to listen and communicate well and work in a team environment.
  • Reference as much as you can to Australia - for example, that your qualifications have been assessed as an equivalent to an Australian degree.
  • Have an Australia-based local referee listed on your resume if possible. This referee could be someone you meet through networking, unpaid work experience and/or volunteering.
  • Use British English spelling, as used in the official Australian dictionary.
  • Avoid unnecessary personal information such as marital status, gender, date of birth, and driver's licence.

Further information

For more information including sample cover letters and resumes, visit the following websites:

You can also contact an organisation that helps migrants tailor their resumes and interview techniques for the Australian market:

ICT Guide

ICT Opportunities Guide

For ICT Professionals

Designed to help you navigate your way through the job seeking process, find an ICT job and settle into your new life in Victoria.

Read More

Also See

Last updated: 29 October 2009

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State Government of Victoria