Online applications

• Remember to add your address and phone number to your application as well as an appropriate e-mail address. (Email addresses such as evilpixie@... are not very professional.)

Application letters

• An application letter needs to be much more than a simple cover letter.
• Use correct spelling and grammar.
• Use the correct job title.
• Make sure the letter is addressed to the right person.
• Spell the company name correctly.
• Write the letter to suit the position.
• If there is a position description, respond to selection criteria separately.
• Try to reduce the number of times you use ‘I’ in the letter.
• Take care that the font you choose can be easily read and is not too zany.
• Keep font size conventional, not too big or too small – 11 or 12 point is appropriate.

Resumes

• Unless you’re a model or actor, a photo of yourself on your resume is old-fashioned and unnecessary.
• Use appropriate dot points (for example, not hearts)
• Don’t include animations or emoticons on your online resume.
• Don’t include jobs more than 10 years-old, especially if they’re not relevant to the position.
• Keep the resume to three pages.

Interviews

• Be there on time (or five minutes early)
• Don’t wear too much fragrance, but be freshly showered.
• Be appropriately dressed – it’s an interview, not a nightclub.
• Don’t mention money until you’re offered the job. (Tip: If the question is asked, say something like – I’d like to be paid fairly for my skills and abilities.)