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résumés & selection criteria


Sometimes, an employer requests a separate statement addressing the selection criteria. Address all items in the selection criteria and provide individual responses for each. The key is to demonstrate what skills you have and where you gained them. Don’t exaggerate, as you may have to discuss these further in an interview.


Remember that employers don’t expect you to have an extensive employment history. You’re just starting out! Draw on parallels with your extracurricular, university or casual jobs and activities to give examples of your skills.


Reference lists and letters A reference list contains the names and contact details of professional acquaintances – ‘referees’ – such as former employers/supervisors, volunteer coordinators, professors or coaches who can provide an employer with background information on you and can attest to your character, personality and attributes.


Before adding a referee to your reference list, confirm the person is willing to participate, and inform them of any applications you’re submitting. You may be asked to provide reference letters later in the application process.


Don’t be surprised if your referee asks you to write your own reference letter for them to review and sign – while it may seem like they’re simply too busy or are avoiding the task, it’s also a reflection of their trust that you will represent yourself in an appropriate manner that also reflects their own views of you!


A reference list should include: three referees


name, position title, company and contact information for each your relationship with the referee


reference letters are less preferred in the initial application but may substitute if the referee is not available to contact.


Top tips Check your résumé for correct grammar and spelling.


Ask your university careers advisor to help refine your application to ensure you don’t repeat information, exaggerate qualities or undersell skills.


You might follow up your application with a phone call to demonstrate your enthusiasm.


Remember, it can sometimes take several months for a graduate employer to complete the recruitment process.


This article contains edited extracts of a piece by Yvonne Giltinan, Careers Educator at Victoria University, that first previously appeared in Graduate Opportunities 2009.


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Nearly three-quarters of all bachelor degree graduates who actively sought employment in 2009 did so by means of internet advertising. Around four in ten graduates approached employers directly to find a job. Graduate Destinations 2009, GCA; Australian citizens and permanent residents only.


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