Wodonga Jobs Expo 2022

This Expo Is For You And The Wodonga Economic Community!

Whether you are looking for more staff, considering expanding, looking for a career change, upskilling or just want to see what is in our community, this event has something for everyone. From advocacy, career mentors, training, apprenticeships, industry tours, expert panels and so much more, Wodonga Jobs Expo is going to be an exciting event for all. 

Thursday September 1st 2pm-8pm

Employers use resumes throughout the hiring process to learn more about applicants and whether they might be a good fit. Your resume should be easy to read, summarize your accomplishments and skills, and highlight relevant experience.

While there are a few commonly used resume styles, your resume should reflect your unique education, experience and relevant skills. You might consider having multiple versions of your resume tailored to the jobs you’re applying for.

Look for keywords in the job posting

The best place to start when preparing to write a resume is to carefully read the job postings that interest you. As you apply for different jobs, you should study each job description for keywords that show what the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. Include those keywords in your resume where relevant.

Review resume examples for your industry

• Make it simple and easy to read. Resume samples are simple and straightforward. This is because employers have a minimal amount of time to review your resume, so readability is key. This also means selecting a professional, clean font.

• Make it brief. You’ll notice that each section of the resume sample is short and to the point, including the summary and experience descriptions. Including only the most key and relevant information means employers can consume more information about you, and more quickly understand your fitness for the role.

• Include numbers. You might also notice that there are often metrics included in the experience section of resume samples. This is because employers are highly responsive to measurable proven value. Numbers allow them to better understand the value you may bring to the position.

 Use a professional font

Because employers have only a short time to review your resume, it should be as clear and as easy to read as possible. You should use a basic, clean font like Arial or Times New Roman. Keep your font size between 10 and 12 points. Selecting a clear, readable font will help make your resume appear more professional.

 Include only relevant information and put it first

While you might have extensive work or educational experience, it’s important to keep your resume as brief as possible without leaving out key information. 

Try to include only work experience, achievements, education and skills most relevant to the employer. You can find the most relevant attributes by closely reading the job posting. You should prioritize important information higher on your resume to draw attention to key skills and achievements.

Use active language

Your resume should be written using active language without extraneous words. This means using power words such as “achieved,” “earned,” “completed” or “accomplished.” 

Call attention to important achievements

Instead of listing your job duties under the experience section, select your top three or four most important achievements in each role you’ve held. Where possible, include numbers that measure your success for that particular goal or achievement.

Only include subheadings and sections you need

Whether you’re using a resume template or creating your own, you may find there are some recommended sections you do not need.

For example, you may need a resume summary or a resume objective, but you should not include both.   You may also find it useful to combine sections if you are having trouble filling a section with more than two bullet points.

Choose appropriate margins

Typically you should use a one-inch margin size on all sides of your resume with single spaces between the lines. If you have too much white space, you might consider making your lines spaced by 1.15 or 1.5. You can also increase your margins if you find it difficult to fill your resume, but they should stay below two inches.

Proofread and edit

Before sending your resume, you should undergo several rounds of proofreading to ensure there are no spelling or grammar errors.

 Decide whether you need a unique resume for different jobs

Before applying, you should ask yourself, “Have I made it as easy as possible for this employer to see that I’m qualified?”. If you’re applying for a job that has unique requirements, you may need another version of your resume to fully demonstrate your qualifications.

Your resume is often the first step to getting an interview with an employer. Make sure you include the most relevant information on your resume, organize it to highlight the most important information and carefully review for errors. Once your resume is polished and finalized, it should help you get more callbacks, interviews, and job offers.

While cover letters are not always required, many hiring managers still rely on them to gauge an applicant’s skills, experience and background in relation to the position. When optional, submitting a cover letter is also a great way to go above and beyond to show the employer you are genuinely interested in the job.

The key to writing effective cover letters is to succinctly communicate how your professional experience fits the needs of the role and culture of the company. 

Start with your header

As with any standard business letter header, you should include a few pieces of personal and role specific information at the top of your cover letter. This section should include your contact information, date of application and recipient’s contact information. 

 Include a greeting

In your research, try to find the name of the person who will be reviewing applications for the job. Address your letter to this person with a common business greeting, such as “Dear” or “Hello.” If you’re unable to confirm the gender pronouns (he/him, she/her, them/they) of the person reviewing your application, it is best to use a gender-neutral greeting such as “Dear [first and last name]” or “Dear [position title].”

Write an opening paragraph

In the first paragraph of your letter, mention the job title for which you’re applying and where you saw the position posting. Explain your specific interest in the role and company so the reader knows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested. Briefly state the main experience or qualification you have that makes you a good fit. The first section of your cover letter is also the first impression the reader will have of you, so it is important to appeal to that person quickly and succinctly.

Follow with a second paragraph

Your second paragraph should be a brief overview of your background as is relevant to the position. Here, you should include key achievements, skills and specialties that make you particularly suited to perform well in the position. Focus on one or two and provide specific details about your success including measurable impacts you made.

Finish with a closing paragraph

The next paragraph should focus on another key achievement or skill that is relevant to the position. Instead of repeating details from your resume, expand on specific stories or anecdotes that display your fitness for the role. Again, focus on stories that demonstrate the skills and qualifications outlined in the job description.

End with a professional signoff

You should end your cover letter with a paragraph that summarizes the reasons you are applying for the role and why you would be a great fit. Keep the cover letter conclusion brief and explain that you look forward to hearing from the employer with the next steps. End with your signature at the bottom.

Whether a candidate succeeds in an interview depends on various factors, from what steps they take to prepare to how they conduct themselves in the meeting. You may have multiple rounds of interviews before receiving a job offer, so it's essential to approach each one appropriately. Regardless of the type of interview you're expecting, you can follow some general guidelines that may help improve your chances of impressing a potential employer.

Learn about behavioral interviewing techniques

Behavior-based interviewing is when your interviewer asks you about how you handled past situations at work. This interviewing technique gives a potential employer valuable insight into the way you approach challenges in your job and turn them into favorable opportunities.

 Prepare for the type of interview

Employers can conduct interviews in different formats and settings. Knowing what kind of interview to expect can help you enter the meeting feeling more prepared and confident. Some interview formats that differ from the traditional one-on-one meeting include:

• Out-of-office interviews: You may arrive a few minutes before your interviewer for lunch or dinner interview. Browse through the restaurant menu online before arriving, and learn about what type of restaurant you'll be visiting to determine how to dress.

• Phone and video interviews: Find a quiet room where there won’t be any interruptions to do the interview. Make sure the technology you are using works efficiently and practice using it before the interview.

• Group interviews: A group interview is when a panel of people interviews you. Besides practicing your answers to common questions, it may also help to practice your listening skills before going into this type of interview.

Make time for practice

Practicing for your interview can always lead to some improvement. Ask a family member or a friend to interview you and get their feedback. You can also record yourself when answering their sample questions. Study how you’re delivering answers and observe your gestures and other nonverbal cues.

Prepare answers to common questions

Here are some common questions you may hear in an interview:

• Can you tell me about yourself?

• How did you hear about this job?

• Why do you want this job?

• Why should we hire you?

• What are your strengths?

• What are your weaknesses?

• What do you know about the company?

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

• What is your work ethic?

• What kind of environment do you prefer to work in?

• How do you handle work-related disagreements with your colleagues?

• How would your current employer and colleagues describe you?

• How do you handle pressure?

• Do you have any questions for me?

Remain professional from start to finish

The hiring manager isn't the only person you need to impress. Be polite and respectful to everyone in the building. This includes the person who greets you as you enter and the assistant who serves you a coffee or tea before the interview.

Dress for the job

Your first impression can have a significant effect on the way your interviewer views you. The way you dress can help ensure you make a positive first impression. Go beyond the traditional smart attire and focus on the details, such as ensuring your clothes are free of holes or wrinkles. The outfit you choose may depend on the company and the type of culture they promote.

Be authentic

Practice and preparation may help you have a successful interview, but it's best to act like yourself when you meet with your interviewer. Be positive, assertive and confident, but also remain candid and concise in what you say. Focus on telling the truth when answering questions, using real-world examples from your career.

Ultimately, the key to effective interviewing is to project confidence, stay positive, and be able to share examples of your workplace skills and your qualifications for the job.