A summary of the chapters of Write a Winning Job Application – 4th edition.
Chapter one –The Selection Process
- explains the selection process used by government – federal – state- and local agencies. It explains the processes involved including written applications, interviews and referees and the standards set to ensure the process meets the various Acts.
Chapter two –Selection Criteria Demystified
- focuses on the selection criteria, how they are developed and divided into skills, experience, knowledge, personal qualities and values and then divided into “essential” and “desirable”. The terminology such as “Skills in”, “Knowledge”, “Demonstrated knowledge”, “Proven record” and “Experience” that are used in writing these criteria is defined.
Chapter three –Three Response models
- gives you models for structuring your responses to these criteria.
Chapter four –Fine Tune Your Response
- has suggestions and examples to lift the standard of your responses to improve your chances of an interview. These hints come from reviewing thousands of applications and will help you from falling into some of the common traps.
Chapter five –Senior Positions
- focuses on those criteria used for senior positions and looks at common State and Commonwealth criteria. Some interview questions are included and has some suggestions for Resumes for senior positions.
Chapter six –Common Criteria
- goes into detail about how to respond to 31 of the most common criteria. This chapter will be very useful in giving a specific format to your responses together with ideas and suggestions for examples.
Chapter seven –Teaching and TAFE Lecturing Positions
- contains some of the criteria for teaching positions around Australia and lists some teaching skills that can be used in your responses.
Chapter eight –University Graduate Applications
- has some strategies for finding graduate positions. Graduate programs and on-line applications are included.
Chapter nine –Targeted Résumés
-is an important guide to helping you prepare a résumé that is targeted on the job you are applying for. It has an example and lots of words and phrases to borrow.
Chapter ten - Preparing for the Interview
- focuses on your preparation (notes, examples, what to take in) and presentation techniques. It also contains a closing statement that will really impress the panel.
Chapter eleven –Interview Questions
- Here are 257 possible interview questions based on 65 of the most common selection criteria. You can use these to prepare you answers (with minor adjustments). They are also useful in helping you with ideas for examples in your written responses.
Chapter twelve –Skills lists
- Forty one criteria are broken down into words that describe how that skill could be used. These words provide the targeted vocabulary for your written response and your interview examples.
Chapter thirteen – Application Letters
- You usually need to add a letter to support your application. Some straight forward advice is given on how to structure these letters and three examples are provided.
Chapter fourteen – Feedback and Appeals
- This chapter discusses how to get feedback from the panel and if you can appeal a decision.
Chapter fifteen – Selection Panel Responsibilities
-is mainly written for panel members who need guidance on how to conduct the selection process, but it is useful for applicants to know how the selection process works too.
