The document outlines three key steps to create a well-rounded job application: removing inconsistencies (price tags), selecting an appealing presentation (packaging), and ensuring smooth delivery. Each application component should be tailored, consistent, and professional, while the overall presentation should stand out to potential employers. Finally, applicants are advised to consolidate documents into one PDF file and follow up to confirm receipt.

1. How to package a
well-rounded job
application in 3 steps

2. Depending on the role you’re applying for, your job
application might include a range of different documents
such as a cover letter, your résumé, professional references,
selection criteria, a portfolio of your work and much more.
Remember, these documents are your opportunity
to demonstrate why YOU are the most suitable
applicant for the job.

3. Each of these documents is unique and equally important
to your application, but it’s important to keep in mind that
when put together, they should form a well-rounded and
well-presented package.
Just like posting a parcel or a gift, tying together all the
separate elements of your job application comes down to
some simple rules of packaging…

4. 1. Take off the price tags
When you’re bringing together separate documents into the one
package, it can be easy to overlook the little details, such as errors in
consistency or accuracy. Unfortunately, this can really undermine the
quality of your overall application. It’s like wrapping a gift only to realise
you’ve left the price tags on!
Take the time to read your entire application from beginning to end
to ensure it reads like one well-crafted document, not a collection of
separate items that are loosely tied together. But just like price tags,
errors can be hard to spot, so ask a friend or mentor to double check
your application. If you’re not sure where to begin, ask yourself these
questions…

5. Is it tailored?
Your application should be specific to the organisation and role
you’re applying for, not a standard application you shoot off for
multiple jobs at a time. From the name and address on the cover letter
to the references you include, think about what is relevant and remove
anything that you can’t directly link to the job description.

6. Is it tailored?
Your application should be specific to the organisation and role
you’re applying for, not a standard application you shoot off for
multiple jobs at a time. From the name and address on the cover letter
to the references you include, think about what is relevant and remove
anything that you can’t directly link to the job description.
Is it consistent?
So you mention a skill in your cover letter but don’t support it
with evidence in your résumé… hello price tag! Your application
should flow from beginning to end and give a strong and consistent
representation of your skills and experience. Also think about the tone
and language used throughout your application. Have you maintained
the same level of professionalism and used the same language to
describe your skills each time?

7. Remember, your goal is to create a
well-rounded and well-presented package.

8. 2. Select the perfect packaging
Now that you’ve taken off the price tags, it’s time to start thinking about
presentation.
To do this well, put yourself in your potential employers’ shoes and
imagine having to sift through hundreds of applications at a time. Would
you rather a bland package that’s poorly put together or one that’s
unique, eye-catching and easy to open?
Think creatively about how you present your application and stand out
from the crowd! Here are some tips to get you started…

9. Try gift wrapping
Add a little flair by using a custom document template that structures
the content of your application at a student friendly cost, seamlessly.
There are numerous graphic designers willing to share their talents
online, kind of like a gift-wrapping service for your application!

10. Try gift wrapping
Add a little flair by using a custom document template that structures
the content of your application at a student friendly cost, seamlessly.
There are numerous graphic designers willing to share their talents
online, kind of like a gift-wrapping service for your application!
Think quality over quantity
Don’t get carried away thinking the more you cram into your job
application, the more impressive it will be. Great things come in small
packages, so refine your content and remove unnecessary fluff.

11. Try gift wrapping
Add a little flair by using a custom document template that structures
the content of your application at a student friendly cost, seamlessly.
There are numerous graphic designers willing to share their talents
online, kind of like a gift-wrapping service for your application!
Think quality over quantity
Don’t get carried away thinking the more you cram into your job
application, the more impressive it will be. Great things come in small
packages, so refine your content and remove unnecessary fluff.
Keep it simple
From start to finish, your application should look clean, crisp and
professional. The true quality of your package lies on the inside, so make
sure the wrapping is complementary and doesn’t detract from the true
value of your application (your skills and experience).

12. Remember, your goal is to create a
well-rounded and well-presented package.

13. 3. Final delivery
The final step in gifting your employer with a well-rounded and well-
presented job application is to execute a seamless delivery. There’s
nothing worse than receiving a package that’s not what you ordered or
is missing something, so follow these steps to ensure your application
arrives intact:

14. 3. Final delivery
The final step in gifting your employer with a well-rounded and well-
presented job application is to execute a seamless delivery. There’s
nothing worse than receiving a package that’s not what you ordered or
is missing something, so follow these steps to ensure your application
arrives intact:
»» Save each element of your application into one document. Multiple attachments on an email look
messy and create work for the person on the receiving end.

15. 3. Final delivery
The final step in gifting your employer with a well-rounded and well-
presented job application is to execute a seamless delivery. There’s
nothing worse than receiving a package that’s not what you ordered or
is missing something, so follow these steps to ensure your application
arrives intact:
»» Save each element of your application into one document. Multiple attachments on an email look
messy and create work for the person on the receiving end.
»» Send your application as a PDF. PDF files are easier to work with and will ensure none of your
formatting comes undone at the other end, and PDF documents are a smaller file size for emailing.

16. 3. Final delivery
The final step in gifting your employer with a well-rounded and well-
presented job application is to execute a seamless delivery. There’s
nothing worse than receiving a package that’s not what you ordered or
is missing something, so follow these steps to ensure your application
arrives intact:
»» Save each element of your application into one document. Multiple attachments on an email look
messy and create work for the person on the receiving end.
»» Send your application as a PDF. PDF files are easier to work with and will ensure none of your
formatting comes undone at the other end, and PDF documents are a smaller file size for emailing.
»» Check, check and check again. Once a parcel is in the post you can’t get it back, so take the time
to make sure you’ve removed the price tags and are happy with the packaging of your application
before you send it.

17. 3. Final delivery
The final step in gifting your employer with a well-rounded and well-
presented job application is to execute a seamless delivery. There’s
nothing worse than receiving a package that’s not what you ordered or
is missing something, so follow these steps to ensure your application
arrives intact:
»» Save each element of your application into one document. Multiple attachments on an email look
messy and create work for the person on the receiving end.
»» Send your application as a PDF. PDF files are easier to work with and will ensure none of your
formatting comes undone at the other end, and PDF documents are a smaller file size for emailing.
»» Check, check and check again. Once a parcel is in the post you can’t get it back, so take the time
to make sure you’ve removed the price tags and are happy with the packaging of your application
before you send it.
»» Track your item. Follow up your application with a phone call 2 to 3 days later to ensure it’s been
received. This shows the employer that you’re proactive and invested in the application process.

18. When it comes to submitting a job application it’s important to see all
the individual elements, your cover letter, résumé and references, as
part of an enticing package.
By taking the time to remove the price tags, select the perfect
packaging and execute a seamless delivery, you’ll not only stand out
from the crowd, but will communicate to your potential employer that
you’re willing to go above and beyond to deliver a great result.
Tip: Submit your application before the due date.
You don’t want to miss out if they close applications early.

19. CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.2.1 10.2016 Graphics © Shutterstock
social.usq.edu.au
If you’re still working on the individual elements of your application
package (such as your résumé and cover letter) or want some further advice,
get in touch with the Career Development Team at Student Services for more
insider tips on putting together a well-rounded and well-presented package.