The document provides guidance on applying for jobs within the Western Australian Public Service. It discusses including a cover letter, CV, academic record, selection criteria responses, and referees in your application. It also offers tips for preparing for an interview such as having examples ready, dressing appropriately, reviewing your application, and asking questions. The document notes that applicants will be informed of the outcome and unsuccessful candidates can request feedback to improve future applications. Successful candidates will receive details on commencing their new role.

1. Applying for Jobs within the
Western Australian Public Service
Presenters
Alex Marshall – Senior Human Resource Consultant
& assisted by
Jessica Holmes – Human Resource Consultant

2. Advertising for employment
– Western Australian Public
Service
Closing Date for Graduate Positions:
4pm - 12 October 2012.

3. Applying for employment within WA
Public Service
A cover letter which outlines why you are interested in
working at the State Library and how it fits with your
career aspirations
A description (maximum of two pages) of your role in a
project that you have undertaken or participated in (a
recent university assignment is acceptable) that
demonstrates your skills in the following areas:
Interpersonal and communication skills
Research using technology and web-based resources
Enthusiasm and personal initiative
Innovative thinking and problem solving skills to achieve
team goals

4. Academic record

5. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Just remember, when preparing your CV:
Keep it brief and to the point.
Keep the paragraphs short and space them out.
Make the headings clear and leave plenty of space on each
page.
Focus on your skills and achievements, not just your past
experience and the tasks you performed.
Focus on what you can offer to the potential employer.
You don't need to include personal details such as your
marital status or age unless specifically requested and
required for the job.
Before submitting your CV it's a good idea to get
someone who knows you well to check it for spelling,
grammar, readability and content.

6. Referees
You should provide the names and contact details of
at least two referees as part of your CV.
Referees can be sourced from:
Academic
Past employer/part-time employer
Personal
Remember to let your referees know you have
nominated them before you submit your application,
as it's common practice for the Selection Panel to
contact referees.

7. Addressing the required Criteria
Selection Criteria can be addressed in a number of ways and
we've given some suggestions below:
Use each selection criterion as a heading.
Focus on the key words in each criterion, but make sure
you address all of its aspects. For example, if you're
addressing a criterion that asks you to "demonstrate your
knowledge..." you might also include how and where you
obtained that knowledge (e.g. by attending a training
course or through past experience).
Use dot points wherever possible.
Always give actual examples of what you have done in the
past to support your claims.
Wherever possible, focus on what you actually achieved.

8. Tips for the Interview
Here are some tips to help you prepare for an interview and shine
on the day:
Have some examples ready of how you've applied the relevant
skills and abilities.
Dress according to the position that you have applied for and
ensure you look presentable.
Remember, all interview questions will be related to the criteria
within the job Ad.
Sometimes you may receive the interview questions on arrival,
so make sure you are ten to fifteen minutes early.
Take time to answer each question, but be concise. Wherever
possible, relate your answer to relevant past experiences.
An interview is an information exchange. You're allowed to ask
questions too!
Review your application prior to the interview and take a copy of
it with you on the day.

9. Appointment
Once the selection decision is made, all applicants are
informed of the outcome of the selection process via
mail and an offer of employment is made to the
successful applicant’s.

10. Feedback
If your application is unsuccessful, you are
encouraged to seek feedback on your application
from the convenor of the panel. This will help you
when writing future applications and preparing for
interviews. Feedback is given verbally by the
convenor of the panel or someone else involved in
the process. It is based on the Selection Panel's
consideration of your application and whether or not
you met the selection criteria or were competitive
compared to other candidates.

11. Commencement
If you are successful, you will be contacted about the
commencement of the graduate program and agree
on a starting date with the Library.
A contract of employment will be sent to you with all
details of your appointment.

12. Questions