Nursing and Midwifery Job Application Workbook

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Nursing and Midwifery Job Application Workbook

Contents

Tackling Online Applications ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

What is Selection Criteria -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

Be a STAR ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

Cover Letters ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

Resume Writing --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

Interview Skills ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24

Dress to Impress -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30

Interview Questions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31

First Impression --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39

Professionalism in the Workplace -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41

Notes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 46

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Tackling Online Applications

Online Applications
Many employers require candidates to complete an online application form as the first stage of the
recruitment process. Using centralised web-based recruitment software with online application forms
allows employers to collect information that is specific to the job requirements and helps them assess how
your education, paid or voluntary work experience, skills and extracurricular activities relate to their
vacancy.

What information do I need to provide?

The NSW Health online application, like many standard forms, requires you to complete sections on your
personal details, education and qualifications, employment history (NOT Clinical Placements) and your
hospital preferences. These should be relatively straightforward to complete and you can copy relevant
details from your resume.

Personal Details (Names, Address, DOB, Email, Residential Status)

Educational and Qualifications (University, Qualification, Expected date of completion)
Hospital / Health Facility / Program Preference (List 6-8 preferences)
Curriculum Vitae / Resume - Employment / Work Experience (Not Clinical Placements)
Selection Criteria (Address all six using a maximum of 150 words per criterion)

Personal Details
The online application form begins with your personal details. You must list all the names you have been
known by, including your name at birth, name before or after marriage, adoptive or foster name, alias or
pseudonym. Complete details on country, state and town of birth, current residential address, phone
numbers and email address.

TIP: Your email address will be used to contact you throughout the recruitment process. You are
advised to include a second email address. If you use your university allocated email account, it may
expire at the end of your study. No current email address means no contact!

Education
You are required to give detailed information on your education, qualifications, location of your course
provider and expected completion dates for your course and registration as a Nurse or Midwife. NSW
Health considers suitable applicants on a merit basis and they currently prioritise applicants undertaking
their studies at a university campus within NSW or applicants employed full-time/part-time in the NSW
Health System or have completed their secondary education in NSW. This section is designed to filter
applicants according to the priorities mentioned.

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Hospital / Health / Facility

In this section you have the opportunity to list your employment preferences and must select a minimum
of six (6) and a maximum of eight (8) hospital/facility preferences where you would like to work.

It is suggested your preferences include a blend of larger/metro with smaller/rural hospitals. Often the
larger training hospitals are some of the most popular and as a result, may provide a reduced chance of
gaining a position. Widening your preferences to include smaller/rural hospitals may provide a greater
chance of securing a graduate position. However, it is strongly recommended you do your research
before selecting these hospitals/facilities.

Think carefully about your selection. You may be offered employment at any of your hospital/facility
preferences, therefore do not enter a preference if you have no intentions of working there. It is the
expectation of NSW Health that you will take up an offered position of employment from your preference
list.

Curriculum Vitae / Resume

By definition, a “Curriculum Vitae” traditionally includes a summary of your education and academic
background, research, publications, presentations, awards and affiliations. However, you can relax! In
this section, NSW Health wants information on your employment and work experience. Just the facts! No
career summary, duties or responsibilities.

Fields to complete include: Name of Employer, Period of Employment, Position Title, Hours per week.
Do not include your clinical placement experience in this section.

When you are invited to attend an interview, the hospital or health facility will ask you to bring a list of
documents and this will include your Resume or Curriculum Vitae, so you will have the chance to give the
panel more information about your experience and suitability.

What is Selection Criteria?

Selection Criteria
Selection Criteria are statements that describe clinical knowledge, skills, abilities and experience required
in the role. When asked to respond to selection criteria, you are being asked to describe how you meet
the requirements of the job.

The selection criteria section is where you state your case. Addressing selection criteria is hugely
important and needs to be tailored to the individual role of a Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife.
This is your opportunity to convince the employer that you are the right candidate for the role.

A well written response to the selection criteria will inform the selection panel of the relevant skills, clinical
knowledge and experience you bring to the role as a new graduate and persuade them to offer you an
interview. A poorly written statement will make it difficult for the selection panel to assess your suitability.

Before you start addressing the selection criteria, spend some time thinking about yourself and what you
have to offer, research the role and the hospital or health services provider.

TIP: Read the Selection Criteria in the NSW TPP Handbook and review your Clinical Assessment Form
(CAF) to reflect on your learnings, achievements and skill development.

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NSW Health Selection Criteria (150 word each criterion)

• Demonstrated high level interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated clinical knowledge and clinical problem solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team.
• An understanding of the professional, ethical and legal requirements of the Registered Nurse or
Registered Midwife.
• A demonstrated understanding of the role of the Registered Nurse or Midwife in applying continuous
improvement and quality and safety.
• A demonstrated understanding of NSW Health’s CORE Values - Collaboration, Openness, Respect
and Empowerment.

“Selection Criteria is very important as it forms the first impression employers will have of you. I get
excited when I read well written selection criteria’s and I look forward to meeting that person at interview
so I am already thinking positive thoughts about them. Whereas a poorly written selection criterion may
totally exclude a person from interview. The interviewers may be more critical because they may be
worried about the lack of care, professionalism and written communication skills demonstrated by a
poorly written selection criterion.”
Co-ordinator Clinical Supervision Program and Transition to Practice Program
Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network

De-Mystify the Selection Criteria

Ability Display your potential. Using your skills, knowledge and competency to do the
task required. Prove you are competent in this capacity or function
Understanding Means more than knowledge. It requires you to comprehend the matter and
show an understanding of its significance.
Proven ability Practical experience is essential. Provide specific examples that 'prove' or
Demonstrate 'demonstrate' that you have performed the task or skill. Relevant evidence is
required.
Knowledge Refers to familiarity gained from actual experience or from learning
Demonstrated More than knowledge! Requires comprehension
understanding

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BE A STAR
STAR is a method you can use to give structure and focus when addressing selection criteria and
answering behavioural interview questions.

Situation The context. (e.g. your position and responsibilities)

Who?
When?
Where?

Task Describe the challenge/ opportunity/ expectations.

What needed to be done?
What were you hoping to achieve? Why?

Action Elaborate your specific action. How you planned the action, what steps you took, skills
used, what human or other resources involved, how you co-ordinated those resources,
how you monitored and evaluated the process you put in place. What systems/tools
did you use?

Result Quantify achievements, outcomes, feedback, and recognition.

What did you learn?
What would you do differently in the future?
Would you change your approach?

A poorly written statement

“I have excellent presentation skills”

An improved statement
“Whilst working as a Tutorial Assistant on the High School Tutoring Scheme with University of Technology
Sydney, I was required to design and deliver a 15 minute presentation to year 12 students at a local high
school and encourage them to consider the benefits of tertiary education. To prepare for this, I contacted
the school to get information on the cohort of students and then used my research skills to consider the
demographics of the local area, labour market information and the benefits of entering tertiary education
and then presented this information including data on improved employment outcomes and increased
income to name a few. The students were engaged and asked specific questions. As a result of my
presentation, the school staff gave excellent feedback. The outcome was that I learned with sufficient
research and preparation, I enjoy giving presentations and would confidently do it again in the future if
required.

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Situation Working as a Tutorial Assistant on the High School Tutoring Scheme with University of
Technology Sydney
Task required to design and deliver a 15 minute presentation to year 12 students at a local
high school
Action information on the cohort of students and then researched the benefits and presented
on improved employment outcomes and increased income to name a few
Result received excellent feedback from school staff and would confidently do it again in the
future

It is important to note that your interview questions will be based on the employers’ selection criteria, so a
well prepared and relevant statement can then be expanded at your interview. Thorough preparation
increases your self-awareness and will give you greater confidence at your interview.

“One worded answers are out. Elaborate. Answer questions with a scenario that you may have
experienced… example recognising a deteriorating patient so I notified the Registered Nurse I was
working with.
Regional Nurse Educator, Nursing and Midwifery Directorate
Parkes Hospital, New South Wales

Example
Question: “Please tell us about a time when you demonstrated your organisational and prioritisation skills”

Situation: An example of my ability to organise and prioritise was demonstrated on a recent clinical
placement.

Task: While on a high dependency surgical ward containing an intensive treatment unit, my task was to
manage my own bay of patients.

Action: On a particularly busy shift I had to deal with three emergency admissions, arrange two
discharges and initiate life support for a patient suffering cardiac arrest. I was required to monitor and
evaluate individual patients, delegate tasks and prioritise care.

Result: By the end of this placement I was given the responsibility to care for patients on a one-to-one
basis in the intensive treatment unit. This was exciting and a real challenge; however I always had support
from the Registered Nurses and sought advice when needed. In addition I learnt the importance of
effective delegation, communication, team work and referring to other health care professionals and senior
staff when appropriate.

TIP: You can save the online application form and return to add or edit information before Submitting.
We suggest you write your Selection Criteria in a MS Word Doc / Notepad and when ready, copy and
paste into the online form.

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ACTIVITY

Thinking about a time on your placement, tell us about a time when you had to relay information to
another staff member.
Choose one of the skills below and complete the fields below using STAR per Selection Criteria
Communication Teamwork
Clinical knowledge Decision making
Clinical problem solving Self-management
Planning & organising Leadership

SITUATION: The context (e.g. your position and responsibilities)

____________________________________________________________

TASK: The problem or opportunity which prompted action

____________________________________________________________________

ACTION: How you planned the action, what steps you took, what human or other resources involved,
how you co-ordinated those resources, how you monitored and evaluated the process you put in place.

____________________________________________________________________

RESULT: Achievements, outcomes, feedback, learning opportunities and changes resulting from your
action

____________________________________________________________________

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What do employers look for when hiring?

In general, employers look for ‘all rounders’
Understanding of, and passion for, their industry
Evidence of research into the company
Some career focus /area of speciality
Sound academic performance
Desire to make a positive contribution & learn
Transferable skills (communication, leadership, work ethic etc)
Understanding and ability to communicate accomplishments
Overall, a balanced involvement in work, study and leisure

Top Skills Rated by Employers

As well as clinical skills, employers put a very strong emphasis
on ‘soft’ or interpersonal skills, sometimes called ‘transferable
skills’.
They look for evidence of these both in your application and at interview.
In their annual survey (2019), the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE) released the
following list as the top 10 competencies which were reported as being the most assessed in graduate
recruitment processes:

Communication Skills Teamwork

Interpersonal Skills Resilience
Planning and organising Emotional Intelligence
Self-Management Understanding of the Organisation
Initiative & Enterprise Leadership

Interestingly, university grades didn’t make the top 10! …. Hence, there are many other skills and
competencies which are MORE assessed. The good news is that these skills can be gained in ANY
area of your life. The more involved you are in activities outside of university/academic pursuits, the
greater your opportunity for developing these skills!

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Question: Which of these employability skills do you possess or

need to develop?
1. Communication Written Professional Communication
Oral & Visual Professional Communication
Listening, understanding, empathising, negotiating, persuading
Networking

2. Ethics & Acting responsibly & ethically with due regard to social, legal, environmental &

Professionalism multicultural contexts including awareness of professional codes of ethics,

their role & limitations

3. Teamwork Working with and across different ages, genders, races, religion etc
Group problem solving & applying teamwork to a range of situations
Team role development, identifying strengths of team members, group
engagement & dynamics, working across different ages & irrespective of
gender, race, religion or political persuasion

4. Initiative & Enterprise Taking initiative & embracing innovation in responding to change & leadership
issues
Being creative
Developing strategic, creative, long term vision
Identifying opportunities & options, initiating innovative solutions, & translating
ideas into action

5. Life-Long Learning Managing & applying own learning

Using a range of mediums – mentoring, peer support, reflection and
networking

6. Planning & Organising Decision making

Planning & managing time, priorities, people, resources, goals/ deliverables

7. Problem Solving Critical, creative, innovative & analytical thinking, problem solving, applying
knowledge & skills, synthesis & evaluation of experiences
Using statistics, maths, budgeting & financial management to solve problems
Independent research skills
Risk assessment, managing for quality & testing assumptions

8. Self-Management Developing & articulating visions, goals, ideas & options

Evaluating & monitoring own performance
Taking responsibility

10. Technology / Digital Practical skills with software, online systems, web applications & digital
devices
Using & applying IT to organise data and as a management tool
Having OHS knowledge to apply technology

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Cover Letters (Private Hospitals and

Health Providers – Note: Not Required
for NSW Health)
The simple purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself, intrigue the employer and encourage them to
learn more about you through your resume. Always include a one page cover letter with your application.
• Make sure it is grammatically correct and free from spelling errors
• Make it positive and targeted to each job advertisement
• Use professional language with no acronyms (UTS, BN, BM)
• Do not use texting abbreviations (2moro)
• Do not use emoji’s
___________________________________________________________________________________

Your Name
Your Phone
Your Email

Date you send the letter

Contact name (title),

Job Position
Company Name
Address of employer
Dear (Name/Hiring Manager), (avoid Dear Sir/Madam or To Whom it may concern whenever you can)

Re: Position name and job reference number (if applicable)

Paragraph 1 - Your stand-out paragraph - concisely explain why you are the right person for the job and
what you can offer to that organisation. Do you possess relevant qualifications and/or work experience?
Do you have a particular interest in that area of work? What are your 3 key points of differentiation for this
role?
Paragraph 2 – You want to express your motivation for applying to this organisation and demonstrate that
you’ve done your research. This is your chance to relate your interests and experience to what the
organisation does and values.
Paragraphs 3/4 - What you can offer the company, matching your skills and experience to their key
assessment criteria or apparent needs. Mention where you used the skills and how – draw on examples
from education/training, work experience, industry placements, and extracurricular activities. Explain the
value you can offer to the employer.
Final - Express again your enthusiasm and fit, thank them for their consideration, and say that you hope to
be able to discuss your application with them in more detail at an interview

Yours sincerely,
Sign name
Print name
____________________________________________________________________________________
For an example of a cover letter, visit CareerHub Resources and type “Cover Letter”.

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Resume Writing
At some stage through the recruitment process you will need to present your resume. If you are applying
for a new graduate role with NSW Health, they may ask you to bring specific documents including your
resume to your initial interview. On the other hand, if you are applying for a new graduate role with private
hospitals they prefer to see your resume as part of your application and before you are invited to interview.
Remember: you have just 6 seconds to grab the employer’s attention!
Make it easy for the employer:
Clear layout (obvious headings, white space, margins)
Concise (include only relevant information for each application)
Consistent (with choice and size of font, layout of dates, use of bullet points/bold/underlining)

Think of page 1 like a shop window – is there enough enticing information there to make the employer
want to read on?
The first page has to be relevant and targeted, and tell the employer something outstanding or something
different about YOU ….. What is your unique selling proposition (USP), your value to that employer, your
point of difference?
Samples are on CareerHub, however you should not simply follow a template; rather you should make
your resume your own, respecting the common protocols below. For some people, employment will be
listed first, especially if it’s particularly key for the role or for most graduate roles; for others, skills will be
listed first.

Common Resume Sections:

• Name and Contact Details
• Career Objective
• Education (potentially including achievements / projects / relevant electives)
• Relevant Employment
• Clinical Placements (include dates/weeks/time frame) i.e. 1 - 14 February 2014
• Additional Employment
• Key Competencies/Professional Skills – including specific examples to support your claims
• Extra-Curricular Activities / Volunteering
• Professional Affiliations / Memberships / Awards
• Referees

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SAMPLE RESUME

[YOUR NAME]
[make your name the largest font size on the resume. Contact details should not take up excessive
space]

Mobile:
[make sure you have a working voicemail feature on your mobile]

Email:
[make sure this is an appropriate, professional email address]

[NO need to include other personal information, e.g. age, date of birth, place of birth, gender,
nationality, religion, height, weight, or a photo]

Career Objective
[Tailored to each role. A mix of what you can offer by way of relevant skills and specific experience
AND what you are looking for in terms of type of role/company/industry.]

Education

Name of degree Expected completion date

Name of university

Add results if tracking well (optional), e.g. Distinction average

Can list 1-3 subjects/electives IF relevant to the role you are applying for
If any Awards won at University, list those here

Other qualifications in the same format as above Year completed

If you’re an under graduate, you may list secondary school info Year completed

[reverse chronological, i.e. most recent first]

Relevant Employment
[Reverse chronological order. Don’t go back too far. Exception to reverse chronological is if you had
relevant experience in a role that was a longer time ago, i.e. not your most recent job. Then use sub-
heading ‘Relevant experience’ or ‘Relevant employment’ and list that first, followed by 2nd sub-heading
‘Other employment’ or ‘Other experience’

Position title, Name of company Month / Year – current

Responsibilities
• Use bullet point list, 4 points max
• Use clear, concise structure starting with active verbs such as ‘manage’, ‘negotiate’, ‘create’ (i.e.
present tense verbs if job is still current)
• Keep the language clear and concise.
• Think about the skills you have demonstrated that you most want the employer to know about

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Achievements
• Use bullet list for two or three major achievements.
• Provide specifics and quantify the achievements (e.g. Copy created for a client saw an increase in
sales of 25% over a 2 week period

Position title, Name of company Month year – Month year

Responsibilities
• Use bullet list.
• Use clear, concise structure with active verbs such as ‘managed’, ‘negotiated’, ‘created’ (i.e. past
tense verbs if job in the past)
• Keep the language clear and concise.

Achievements
• Use bullet list for two or three major achievements; provide specifics and quantify if possible

Key Skills, Relevant Skills or Professional Skills – for some roles these may be advertised as
‘competencies or selection criteria’

Initiative: Demonstrated in my rapid promotion to Acting Manager in a retail environment and in the
ability to deliver 2 successful design projects for the UTS Design Studio.

TIP: Think ‘so what?’ after each skill heading – have you provided enough information for the
employer to determine whether or not the skill is a) useful and b) well demonstrated?

Clinical Placement

Hospital (Speciality) Exact dates

Responsibilities
• Use bullet list.
• Use clear, concise structure with active verbs such as ‘managed’, ‘negotiated’, ‘created’ (i.e. past
tense verbs if job in the past)
• Keep the language clear and concise.

Achievements
• Use bullet list for two or three major achievements; provide specifics and quantify if possible

Additional Employment

[Reverse chronological order. Don’t go back too far. Exception to reverse chronological is if you had
relevant experience in a role that was a longer time ago, i.e. not your most recent job. Then use sub-
heading ‘Relevant experience’ or ‘Relevant employment’ and list that first, followed by 2nd sub-heading
‘Other employment’ or ‘Other experience’

Media Relations
Written and followed up media releases, scripted radio announcements and organised and run
interviews for television, radio and print in my role at xxx. Organised celebrities for promotional functions
including photo shoots in collaboration with Creative Media Company. Responsible for local media
involvement in all special events such as xxx.

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Other Skills
(Other technical or generic skills could be added here.)

Software Packages: Illustrator 7/8, Photoshop 5, Quark Express 3/4, Pagemaker, Dreamweaver
Platforms: Familiar with both Mac and PC, competent keyboard skills
Languages: Fluent in Malay and Mandarin.

Professional Memberships

List any relevant organisations to which you belong or have recently belonged. Use bullet points for
consistency.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Are you involved in any charities? Do you belong to a community group or organisation? Do you belong
to any societies or have any hobbies? Do you have any interests that relate to the job? If you can add
information that demonstrates skills and proficiencies which will get a tick from the reader, add them
here.

Examples might include:

Peer Networker; University Society Leadership role; Volunteer, Sports teams - - think about the relevant
and transferable skills that you may have demonstrated through your extra-curricular activities….

TIP: Remember to ask permission from your referees FIRST!

Referees – ‘Available upon request’

OR:

Name of person
Position title, Company
Address
Tel:
Email:

OR:

Name of person
Position title, Company
Contact details are available upon request

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Additional Resume Tips

Career Objective
Gives an employer an idea of your career aspirations and how you can contribute to the organisation.
• Too specific could limit opportunities. Too general is meaningless. Too self-serving lacks
substance.
– “To use my nursing degree to increase my skills” (Where is the benefit to the employer?)

• Tailor your Career Objective to the type of position and field you’re applying
– “To utilise my Engineering and Business degrees, extensive technical skills by combining my
interest in project management, satellite technology and data processing with a multinational
organisation.

Employment History
Example:
Assistant in Nursing Jan 2020 – Current
Seymour Aged Care Centre

• Demonstrate strong empathy when assisting families and carers in providing care to patients such as
feeding, showing, and toileting activities
• Utilise an understanding of scope of practice when working under the supervision of a
Registered Nurse
• Practice strong organisation and time management skills when planning and assisting with the carrying
out of recreational activities for aged care residents

Key Achievement
• Promoted from Casual to Permanent Part-Time after 6 months with the business

TIPS
Don’t focus too much on duties – especially non-relevant ones. Instead, use statements focused on
your personal accomplishments / contributions
Use active verbs at the beginning of statements: e.g. Analysed ... / Led ... / Produced
Quantify where possible: e.g. Responsible for managing four projects... / Raised over $5000 /
Promoted to supervisor within first 3 months …

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Key Skills
A “shopping list” of employability skills alone is not meaningful to an employer.
• Communication
• Time Management
• Leadership

For each skill listed, you need to give evidence, as shown below, of HOW (e.g. when/where/how/ how
successfully/how often) you have demonstrated it.
• Include only 4-6 of the skills most relevant to the position applied for
• Approx. 3-4 lines for each.

Awards / Certifications
• Don’t go back too far.
• Not necessary to list every certificate – only list the relevant ones.

Professional Memberships
• List name of association, type of membership & degree of involvement (e.g. Australian Human
Resource Institute (AHRI), student member)

Interests & Extracurricular activities

• Demonstrate you’re a balanced candidate.
• Outline SELECTED activities or interests.
• Indicate degree of involvement.

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Resume checklist
Key Benefit Guideline Where might your
resume be
improved?
[+]

Easy & quick to The most relevant information is on the first page
find info
Layout looks well-spaced

No gimmicks. No photo, borders around pages etc.

Resume length is between 2-3 pages

Font is consistent and looks professional. Font size 10-12

Section headings stand out (bold, underline or larger font)

Most recent info comes first. Reverse chronological order

Footer. Name, mobile number, page numbering

Includes all dates of employment – month/year

Includes all dates of clinical placements – date/month/year

Dot points used – with abbreviated sentences

Sentences and paragraphs are succinct

Uses appealing All spelling is correct – Australian not U.S. English

language
Grammar and punctuation are correct

Uses clear and direct language

Uses action verbs where possible – e.g. “ Initiated / Co-

ordinated ”

Explains any unusual acronyms – e.g. “HDV (high-definition

video)”

Focuses on Omits irrelevant information

relevant info The most relevant information is on page 1
Employment/Relevant Employment section contains brief
summaries of responsibilities and achievements with notable
contributions

Quantifies achievement using numbers &/or statistics – e.g.

“Four of my six recommendations adopted by the policy
committee.”

Supporting evidence provided for all strengths claimed – most

relevant skills / qualities demonstrated within appropriate
section/s

Includes all relevant keywords and phrases – in case search

software is used to shortlist applications

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Resume Action Words

Be specific about your actions & achievements when resume / cover letter writing or when addressing
selection criteria.

Ask yourself – what exactly did you ACHIEVE?

For example, rather than say you ‘assisted’ with something, be more specific and outline YOUR actual
responsibilities and the skills you displayed when carrying them out.

You may not have played the lead role in something, but talk about how you contributed and how
successful you were at that.

Following is a selection of ACTION words. These are useful for starting off your bullet point statements in
a resume and can also be utilised in cover letters or in addressing selection criteria.

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Accelerated Concluded Enlarged Merged Renegotiated

Accomplished Condensed Ensured Minimised Reorganized
Achieved Conducted Established Modernized Reported
Activated Confirmed Estimated Monitored Represented
Acquainted Consolidated Evaluated Motivated Researched
Acquired Constructed Examined Negated Resolved

Addressed Consulted Executed Negotiated Restored

Administered Contracted Expanded Networked Restricted

Advised Controlled Expedited Observed Reviewed
Amended Converted Extracted Obtained Revised

Amplified Conveyed Facilitated Operated Saved

Coordinated Familiarised Ordered Scheduled

Analysed
Anticipated Corrected Finished Organised Selected
Corresponded Forecasted Performed Served
Applied
Counselled Formed Persuaded Set up
Appropriated
Approved Created Formulated Pioneered Shaped

Cultivated Founded Planned Simplified

Arbitrated
Arranged Cut Generated Positioned Sold
Decentralised Guided Predicated Solved
Assembled
Decreased Identified Prepared Specified
Assessed
Defined Imparted Presented Staffed
Assimilated
Delivered Implemented Prevented Standardised
Assisted
Demonstrated Improved Processed Started
Attained
Designed Improvised Procured Stimulated
Audited
Detected Incorporated Produced Strengthened
Augmented
Determined Increased Structured
Authorised Programmed
Developed Indicated Progressed Succeeded
Avoided
Devised Initiated Promoted Suggested
Balanced
Diagnosed Installed Proposed Supervised
Bought
Directed Instigated Supplied
Budgeted Protected
Discharged Instituted Supported
Built Proved
Discovered Instructed Surveyed
Calculated Provided
Dispensed Integrated Taught
Captured Purchased
Disposed Interpreted Tested
Centralised Quoted
Disproved Intervened Trained
Charted Quantified
Checked Distributed Interviewed Transferred
Qualified
Coached Diversified Introduced Translated
Queried
Documented Invented Uncovered
Collaborated Realised
Doubled Investigated Unified
Collated Recommended
Drove Involved Utilised
Collected Reconvened
Earned Launched Verified
Combined
Recorded
Edited Led Widened
Commanded
Recruited Won
Effected Lectured
Compiled
Redesigned Wrote
Eliminated Liaised
Completed
Logged Reduced
Composed Enacted
Maintained Referred
Compounded Encouraged

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Jane Mahmud
Jane.Mahmud@email.com
04XX XXX XXX

Career Objective

Final year Bachelor of Nursing student, seeking a Graduate role which will allow me to utilise
my sound understanding of patient care techniques and demonstrate my ability to build
positive relationships with clients, family members and physicians. I will be able to utilise the
clinical knowledge which I have gained from my various placements while working in
partnership with a multi-disciplinary team.

Education

Bachelor of Nursing Month (M) Year (Y) – M Y

(Expected)
University of Technology Sydney
• High credit average
• High Distinction in Complex Nursing Care: Mental Health

Relevant Employment

Assistant in Nursing M Y – Current

Seymour Aged Care Centre
• Demonstrate strong empathy when assisting families and carers in providing care to
patients such as feeding, showing, and toileting activities
• Utilise an understanding of scope of practice when working under the supervision of
a Registered Nurse
• Practice strong organisation and time management skills when planning and
assisting with the carrying out of recreational activities for aged care residents

Clinical Rotations
Aged Care Student Nurse Day (D) Month (M) Year (Y) – D M Y
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
• Completed ADL’s, including showering, dressing, grooming
• Applied simple wound dressing
• Collected and conducted urinalysis
• Thoroughly documented Bowel Charts and Fluid Balance Charts

Mental Health Student Nurse DMY–DMY

Royal North Shore Hospital
• Conducted falls prevention assessments
• Documented detailed observations of patients
• Assisted with transfer/admission and discharge of patients
• Attended regular staff meetings

Paediatric Student Nurse DMY–DMY

Westmead Children’s Hospital
• Facilitated admission processes by taking patient details and completing relevant
admission forms
• Cared for neonates and infants including feeding and changing diapers
• Conducted measurements of height and weight and maintained records on patient
charts
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Orthopaedics Student Nurse DMY–DMY

Prince of Wales Hospital
• Facilitated toileting and shower care with bed bound patients
• Complied through documentation, including fluid balance charts and observations
• Attended in-services on documentation, and observation charts

Clinical Supervisor Comment: “Demonstrated excellent clinical knowledge and patient

care.”

Oncology Student Nurse DMY–DMY

St. Vincent’s Hospital
• Carefully followed infection control guidelines
• Assisted with ADL’s including showering, dressing and grooming
• Provided toileting assistance and bathing with bed bound patients

Medical Surgery Student Nurse DMY–DMY

Sutherland Hospital
• Practiced and gained a deep understanding of the nursing care routine
• Conducted tasks under the direction of the Registered Nurse

Casual Employment

Waitress M Y – Current
Take a Break Café
• Demonstrate an ability to multi-task when serving up to 10 tables each shift
• Utilise strong verbal communication and active listening skills when greeting
customers and taking accurate orders
• Practice attention to detail when counting and balancing the till at the end of each
shift
• Use a strong knowledge of Health and Safety guidelines when operating in wet
conditions and using heavy machinery
• Proven teamwork abilities demonstrated by working in a team of 10, and attending
weekly goal setting meetings

Extra-curricular Activities

President M Y – Current
UTS Nursing and Midwifery Society
• Utilise organisation and time management skills when planning regular networking
events for society members
• Use interpersonal skills and professionalism when liaising with healthcare industry
representatives prior to society events

Referees
First and last name
Job title and organisation
Mobile number
Email

First and last name

Job title and organisation
Mobile number
Email

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Interview Skills
Who am I? (Self-assessment)
In order to be able to communicate information about yourself, your experience and your career goals to
other professionals, you first need to have a good understanding of YOU! What makes you you? How
are you different? If you were marketing yourself as a new product, what sort of branding or packaging
would you want to use?

ACTIVITY
Self-Assessment Questions - The more accurately you can answer the following questions, the more
accurately you will be able to perform in any interview without sounding rehearsed!

• Why did I choose UTS?

• How did I deal with any obstacles that affected my choice?

• Why did I choose my academic subject/training course?

• What did I enjoy most about my course?

• What was I particularly good at?

• Was there anything I found difficult about my course?

• How did I overcome this difficulty?

Understanding our own strengths and values, and having insight into our personality and work
preferences, is something we may not have thought much about before.

The below exercises can help you to start thinking…. What is it about you that makes you unique?

A) Strengths

List previous experiences that are positive for you. These are things that you are proud of, that
make you feel energised as you recall them. They may also include things you recognise as
‘achievements’, but they don’t have to be something that others recognise as a ‘win’. This is a
very personal exercise. It only matters how you feel about it.

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Examples of strength moments or positive experiences:

• Created an innovative new procedure and trained staff how to use it
• Organised and led weekend Girl Guide camping outings
• Raised $1,000 organising a raffle for my local school
• Successfully managed a difficult project to completion
• Wrote an innovative database program to help my class manage a research project

Put items down in the order that they occur to you, without prioritising them. It is ideal if you can come up
with FIVE (5) items. Remember that it is important to write about things you did in a variety of life roles
(creative, cooking, volunteering, playing sport, learning music, learning maths, etc.).

My Pride Moments/Positive Experiences

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Tip: When you have written about your achievements, talk it over with people who know you well. What
do they tell you about yourself and your strengths? How does this help you describe yourself in relation
to the job you’re applying for and in your resume?

Your pride list is a great place to start to identify your skills and strengths. They have hopefully given you
some confidence and helped you to build your knowledge, skills and self-reliance.

Skills/Strengths Suggested by Pride Moments/Positive

Experiences:
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Think also about any work-based skills you have been developing in the roles you undertake, including in
a voluntary capacity e.g. social or community support, managing meetings, building friendships, event
management, managing projects, helping with a family/friend’s business, helping run a student society or
newsletter.

TIP: Ask trusted colleagues, friends and family what they think your main skills are – we are often ‘blind’
to our obvious skills and take our strengths for granted.

List your top 5 skills and indicate how you would be able to provide specific evidence of each skill to an
employer if required at an interview or in a written response addressing selection criteria.

Skill Evidence
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

NB - The list on the next page might help you if you’re struggling to identify your skills/abilities

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Strengths/Skills List
Self-rate the following strengths/skills on a one-ten scale to identify your TOP 10 strengths/skills.
10 = extraordinary level of talent; 5 = average level of talent; 1 = extremely small amount of talent.
Ref: Zen & the Art of Making a Living (Bouldt, 2010)

An ability to organise An ability to analyse

An ability to motivate An ability to be enthusiastic

An ability to mediate An ability to express through the written word (writing)

An ability to instruct An ability to express through movement (dance)

An ability to manage An ability to express through the visual arts

An ability to execute An ability to express through music

An ability to lead An ability to be persuasive

An ability to inspire An ability to synthesize ideas

An ability to counsel An ability for logical or abstract thought

An ability to make things work An ability for imagination and vision

An ability to build things An ability for athletics

An ability to design things An ability for tactics

An ability to heal An ability to strategize

An ability to put people at ease (diplomacy) An ability to interpret/translate languages

An ability to contemplate (philosophize) An ability to negotiate

An ability to make beautiful things An ability to protect or defend

An ability to perform (entertain) An ability to invent things

An ability to communicate through speech An ability to evaluate or judge

An ability to tell stories that instruct An ability to explore or discover

An ability to be playful An ability to experiment

An ability to persist An ability to nurture

An ability to perceive the essential An ability to invest

An ability to multitask An ability to cooperate

An ability for efficiency An ability to inspect

An ability to be loyal An ability to investigate

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An ability to be appropriate An ability to plan

An ability to be self-disciplined An ability to perceive opportunities

An ability to be tolerant An ability to cooperate

An ability to concentrate An ability to clarify

An ability to be balanced An ability to establish rapport

An ability to be generous An ability to be decisive

An ability to be compassionate An ability to initiate or begin

My Values
Have you ever wondered what causes someone to study for years to enter a career such as nursing or
midwifery, while another person will study law or engineering? What causes someone to transition his
or her career midstream? What motivates someone to leave a high paying salary to move into a the
not-for-profit sector?

The answer to these questions is values.

If you value good health, you will make time for daily exercise and proper nutrition AND if you value
career satisfaction, you will take time to examine your values and make choices that are consistent with
them.

Understanding your values is also essential to preventing conflict or stress in the workplace.

Clarifying Your Values Activity

Using the values listed below; indicate how important each of them is to you using the scale:
Very Important VI Important I Neutral N Unimportant U Very Unimportant VU

 Justice (fairness, honesty)  Peace of Mind (freedom from inner conflict)

 Intelligence (ability to understand)  Self-Determination (power to control own life)
 Wealth (material comfort and security)  Happiness (satisfaction, joy, contentment)
 Friendship (trust, companionship)  Self-Respect (pride, confidence In yourself)
 Excitement (adventure, travel, interest)  Authority (total order, confidence in leadership)
 Social Recognition (respect, admiration,  Environment (appreciation of nature)
fame, status)
 Freedom (power to do what you want to do)
 Achievement (contribution to society)  Learning and growing as a person
 Peace (freedom from war and personal  Service (giving/doing to others)
conflict)

 Pleasure (enjoyment, comfort)  Popularity (being liked, respected)

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 Beauty (appreciation of nice things)  Belonging (being accepted by others, not isolated)
 Security (personal and national protection)  Power (able to make changes, influence, control)
 Equality ( opportunity for everyone)  Stability (lack of sudden unexpected changes)
 Love (closeness, intimacy, self-giving)  Comfort (ease, pleasure, relaxation)
 Family (security, care, closeness)

WHICH FIVE ARE MOST IMPORTANT VALUES

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Remember – interviews are two-way processes. As much as the employer wants to learn about you, the
interview is also your opportunity to find out as much as you can about your potential employer and the
specific role, so you feel confident that the opportunity is one which you feel happy about.

Preparing for an Interview

It is essential to do your research before going for an interview. You need to gain a good understanding
of the role, the overall health industry, the hospital or health provider, their clinical specialties, mission
statement and values etc.

“Research - visit the website and review the company’s values, goals, strategic directions, cohort of
clients, specialities. Ring the contact person ask questions; maybe visit the site, read any promotional
material. Know where the interview is being held, do a practice run so that you know how much time it
takes to get there, plan to be early to interview. Lastly breathe, big breathe in, centre yourself prior and
during the interview.”

Co-ordinator Clinical Supervision Program and Transition to Practice Program| Justice Health &
Forensic Mental Health Network

Before your interview, make sure you have everything ready that you need to take with you to the
interview. For example, the interview panel may have asked you to bring a number of documents
including: residency and identification documents, two written references, immunisation documentation,
your transcript, resume etc. You may also like to bring your CAF’s for reference use only. Ensure you
have clean photocopies ready, and placed in a clear and clean presentation folder.

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Dress to Impress!
You only get one first impression, whether it’s at a business meeting or that all-important interview, so
having the perfect outfit is one of the most obvious – and fairly simple – things you can do to ensure
your success.

Dressing for success comprises a number of different factors, including:

General hygiene
• Deodorant
• Perfume/after shave – (but not too much!)
• Clean hands and fingernails
• Fresh breath – (chew a mint before your meeting/interview)
• Make-up – not too much, professional, subtle
• Piercings – generally ear piercings showing only.

Hair
• Clean, well-brushed and dry
• Tie long hair back
• Avoid excessive hair products
• Men – think about shaving or tidying up facial hair – (obviously depending on the role you are
interviewing for, or your line of work)

Jewelry
• Wedding ring, small band, single bracelet and professional watch are acceptable. Along with small
studs, hoops, but avoid bright, chunky pieces that take attention away from you.

Appropriate for interview

• Men - dark-coloured 2-piece suit, long-sleeved collared shirt (white or neutral, no loud patterns!), tie
(can have a bit of colour but not too wild!), belt (to match shoe colour), dark, formal, clean and
polished shoes, dark socks and a briefcase.
• Women – dark-coloured suit, trousers or skirt (and not too short a skirt!), nice, conservative top or
collared white/neutral shirt, and mid-heel or flat leather shoe.

Where am I going?
Know exactly where you are going and how you are going to get there. Plan how long it will take and
also plan a back-up route in case, for whatever reason, your first route is not available (e.g. the buses are
on strike).

Add the telephone number of the person you are going to meet, (or their PA, or receptionist), into your
phone so that if you are running late, (and PLEASE try everything possible to make sure this doesn’t
happen), you can call ahead and let them know your estimated arrival time.

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Interview Questions
You may be asked a number of different styles of questions in an interview including:

Introductory
Examples:
• Tell us a little bit about yourself.
• Why would you like to work for this organisation?
• What skills and experience do you bring to this role?

“In many cases the interview commences with a question about what a candidate can offer and bring to
the role of a Registered Nurse. It is not necessarily easy to talk about oneself in this light so it is a good
idea for a candidate to prepare by writing down a list of their skills and attributes as well as to practice
delivering their response to another person.
As the answer may provide the interviewers with their first impression of a candidate, it is very important
to ‘sell oneself’.
Clinical Coordinator, St George Hospital

Behavioural Interview Questions

“This is an interviewing technique employers use to determine whether you are a good fit for the job.
This is accomplished by asking questions that pertain to your past behaviour. The information gained
through this technique is used as an indicator of your future success. In other words, the answers you
give about your past experiences will be used to predict your future performance - if you did it before
you could do it again!”.

Ref: http://www.career-intelligence.com/transition/BehavioralInterviewing.asp 30 April 2010

• Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses at work that tested your coping
skills. What did you do?
• Give me an example of an important goal you set in the past and tell me about the steps you took to
reach that goal.
• Describe a time when you demonstrated excellent written communication skills.
• Tell me about a situation in the past year in which you had to deal with a very upset patient or co-
worker.
• Give me an example of when you have had to show good leadership.
• By providing an example, tell me about a situation where you had to use your negotiation skills.

Select your Evidence/Example based on:

1. Recency (try not to pick an example within the past 3-5 years)
2. Regularity (something you have had to do more than once, rather than only once might be a better
example if available)
3. Specificity (choose something that relates to the requirement of the role and showcases your
suitability)
4. Relevance (if you have an example that is at all relevant to the organisation or role you are applying
for, this could be a good one to choose)
5. Complexity (something relatively complex is better, i.e. you needed to think about the choice you
made or analyse something, rather than there being only one obvious option)

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Use the STAR Model to Prepare for and Answer Behavioural

Questions
• Situation – Briefly describe when and where the situation occurred and who was involved.
• Task – Talk about what you were trying to achieve. What was the problem or issue that needed to
be addressed?

• Action – Describe what action you independently took to get a positive outcome.
• Result – Talk through the outcome of your actions. State the success and any positive feedback
received or what you learnt if the outcome was different to what you anticipated. Also explain what
you would do differently in the future.

Remember to keep in mind that your Situation and Task components will take up about 20% of your
answer – using them to set context. Your Action and Result components will take up about 80% of
your answer – using this time to flesh out your examples.

Use these questions to help you think about how to provide detailed and specific STAR
examples:
• What was the situation?
• Who did it involve?
• When did it happen?
• Where was it?
• What goal did you set for yourself?
• What did you have to do?
• What was your role in the situation?
• What obstacles did you have to overcome?
• Which strategies did you use to make it happen?
• What was your action plan?
• How did you make your goal turn into a reality?
• What happened? What was the result or outcome?
• What did you learn from this experience?
• What skills did you gain?
• Would you do anything differently next time? How did you feel about it? What were you particularly
proud of?

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Practice STAR Interview Questions

Jot down some thoughts on what would be your best example if asked a question on the following
skills/competencies:

Teamwork (Interdisciplinary)

Communication

Problem-solving

Initiative

Clinical problem solving

Multitasking

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Scenario-Based Questions
Scenario-based questions (also called hypothetical or situational questions) are similar to behavioural
interview questions, but they do not focus on past behaviour. Instead, these questions are future focused
and hypothetical in nature. These types of questions are used as a way to measure your ability to think on
the spot, and assess how you use your critical thinking and reasoning skills.

How to Answer Scenario-Based Questions

• Describe WHAT you would do and WHY

• Describe the steps
• Show your logic and reasoning
• Demonstrate critical thinking
• State any assumptions
• State any additional information you would need
• Explain how you would delegate or collaborate effectively

Examples of Scenario-Based Questions

1. [Prioritisation of Care]

You have 3 patients:

1) One has medications due

2) One with a cannula that has tissued

3) Another that is becoming verbally aggressive

Can you tell the panel how you would prioritise the care of these patients and WHY?

2. [Professional, Ethical, Legal]

If you were checking out an S8 drug with another Nurse/Midwife and they said they were too busy to go
with you to the patient, what would you do?

3. [Professional, Ethical, Legal]

You are dealing with a mother and father who refuse permission to give the Hepatitis B vaccine to their
newborn infant. What action would you take?

4. [Professional, Ethical, Legal]

What role will social media have in your day to day role as a Nurse / Midwife? What considerations will you
make?

Remember
• Talk through WHAT you would do and WHY
• Describe the steps
• Show your logic and critical thinking

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Sample Interview Questions - RN

Introductory
1. What skills do you have that makes you suitable for the role of Registered Nurse?

Interpersonal & verbal communication & skills

2. How do you know if you are communicating effectively with a patient?

Clinical knowledge & Clinical problem solving/ Analytical and Problem Solving
Skills/Planning and Organisational Skills
As a Registered Nurse, you will be working in a teamwork environment. Typically, you may be caring for
a number of patients. Can you tell the panel how you would prioritise the care of these patients & why?

3. Prioritise Care – You have 3 patients – one patient has IV antibiotics due at 0800 and it is now
0830, another patient who is complaining of feeling very weak and light headed and the third patient
with a history of high blood pressure is having a nose bleed.

Teamwork (Interdisciplinary)
4. As a Registered Nurse, how can you contribute to a positive team environment?

5. What is a multidisciplinary team? Who do they include?

Professional, ethical & legal requirements (RN)

6. What role does Social Media have in your day to day role as a Registered Nurse/Midwife?

7. A patient tells you they don’t want you looking after them because you are inexperienced. What
would you do?

8. If you were checking out an S8 drug with another nurse and he/she said they were too busy to go
with you to the patient, what would you do?

Self-awareness & personal motivation

9. As a Registered Nurse/Midwife, how do you believe the New Graduate program will assist you to
achieve your nursing goals?

CORE Values
10. Describe the CORE values

11. How do you incorporate “empowerment” into your practice?

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Sample Interview Questions - RM

1. What are some skills and attributes you would bring to the position of a new graduate midwife?

2. As a registered midwife you will be working in a team environment. Typically you may be caring for
the following women on a shift in the antenatal ward:

a. A woman who has IV antibiotics due at 08.00 and it is now 08.30

b. Another woman’s partner asks you for iced water for his wife
c. The third woman in your care has a history of hypertension and is complaining of a headache

Can you tell the panel how you would prioritise the care of these women and why?
3. You are caring for Elizabeth who had a normal birth of her first baby an hour ago. You take her
blood pressure and it is 70/50 mmHg and her radial pulse is 100 bpm. Elizabeth is bleeding heavily
per vaginum. What do you do?

4. What methods would you use to promote the benefits of breastfeeding and why?

Teamwork (Interdisciplinary)
5. Describe a time when you demonstrated effective skills of working within an interdisciplinary team.

Professional, ethical & legal requirements (RM)

6. What personal and professional qualities do you bring to the midwifery team?

7. You are caring for a mother and father who refuse you give the Hepatitis B vaccine to their newborn
infant. What action would you take?

8. What would you do if a midwife whom you are working with arrives for her shift under the influence
of alcohol?

Self-awareness & personal motivation questions:

9. As a registered midwife please tell us how you plan to meet your CPD obligations and career goals
over the next 12 months.

10. You have just heard from a fellow new graduate that a senior member of staff has complained about
your level of competence in one particular clinical skill. What would you do in this situation to
ensure you are delivering high quality care?

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CORE Values
11. NSW Health strives to reflect CORE values in the workplace. What is your understanding of what
the ‘O’ represents? Please give some examples.

Do you have any questions?

The answer to this question is always ‘Yes’. Questions at the conclusion of any interview show
confidence and enthusiasm.

TIP: Always prepare questions in advance - but don’t ask anything you could have found the answer to
on their website! It is a good idea to jot your questions down and take them in with you, in case you
forget them at the end of the interview.

Questions that show confidence and interest!

• What educational support do you offer your new graduates? e.g. study days or learning packages
• What sort of mentoring is available to new graduates?
• Is there a formal mentorship program? Have these people gone through any formal training?
• What is your attrition/retention rate of new graduate nurses?
• How many rotations do I get through different clinical environments during my graduate program
and do I get a say in what they will be?
• At the conclusion of my graduate program, am I guaranteed a full time registered nurse/midwife
position at this facility?
• Would you be able to utilise my foreign languages?
• What is your personal experience of working for this organisation?

TIP: Avoid topics such as salary, holidays, staff parties, lunch breaks etc.

However, if you would like more information on conditions and rates of pay, the PUBLIC HEALTH
SYSTEM NURSES' AND MIDWIVES' (STATE) AWARD 2015 approved by the INDUSTRIAL
RELATIONS COMMISSION OF NEW SOUTH WALES visit these pages:

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/conditions/Awards/nurses.pdf
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/conditions/Pages/rates.aspx

Post-interview
After an interview, if possible send a brief email of thanks to the interviewer and panel, if you have their
email address. The purpose of this would be to:
• Show appreciation for the employer's time, their interest in you and for the opportunity of the
interview.
• Reiterate your interest in the position and in the organisation.
• Review, or remind the employer about your qualifications for the position. If you thought of
something you forgot to mention in the interview, you can mention it in your follow-up / thank-you
letter.
• Demonstrate that you have good manners and know to write a thank-you email.
• Follow up with any information the employer may have asked you to provide after the interview such
as referee contact details.

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Summary of Interview Do’s and Don’ts

DO DON’T

Do dress appropriately Don’t be late

Do your research Don’t speak negatively about previous

employers

Do take a few moments to gather your Don’t lie

thoughts before rushing into an answer

Do be aware of any nervous habits you Don’t ask about salary in a first interview
have

Do turn off your mobile phone Don’t forget the power of body language

“Nursing is a 24-hr profession – asking to only work Monday to Friday is not advisable. Night duty is
sometimes included early in the program depending on which Hospital the applicant is applying.”
Manager | SLHD Clinical Placement Unit | Centre for Education and Workforce Development

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First Impression
Whilst it may seem unfair that people can form a first impression within just a few seconds of seeing you
(even before you have even said a full sentence!), the fact remains that the first impression you create
will be incredibly important. The way you sit in Reception, when waiting for an interview, the way you
smile, shake hands, and the way in which you maintain eye contact with your interviewers is all part of
your interview ‘performance’. Are you looking calm yet confident? Are you projecting a positive attitude?

First impressions can be nearly impossible to reverse or undo! Some research indicates that body
language might influence a first impression by as much as 90%.

Appearance – Is your appearance appropriate for the situation? Are you well-groomed and clean? Is
your hair combed? Is your clothing clean and neat? Do you ‘stand out’ from the crowd or blend in?

Body movement and position – Do you move with confidence and have an upright body position with
shoulders back? Is your head hanging down, or held upright? Is your walk steady, not too fast or too
slow? Are your hand/arm gestures appropriate, purposeful and deliberate?

Facial expression – Do you have a pleasant facial expression, appropriate for the situation? Do your
eyes appear bright and interested, or dull and bored? Is your face expressive or locked into a single
look?

Eye contact – Do you make steady eye contact with a smiling face? Do your eyes dart back and forth or
do you stay focused? Are you staring inappropriately? Does your eye contact match your overall facial
expression?

Remember, in a few seconds, your interviewers will form an

opinion about you based on:
• appearance,
• body language,
• demeanour,
• mannerisms,
• and how you are dressed.

Useful sources: http://www.bodylanguageexpert.co.uk and http://www.mindtools.com

Developing an Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive “blurb” that you use to spark interest in you! They should be
interesting, memorable, and succinct. They also need to explain what makes you - unique. A good
elevator pitch should last no longer than a short elevator ride of 20 to 30 seconds, hence the name.
Having an elevator pitch (or pitches) prepared enables you to make the most of any such chance
encounters.

Your Elevator pitch needs to be:

• Brief & concise
• An overview of who you are, what you do - and maybe even how you can help the listener
• Your 30-second commercial!

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When thinking about YOUR pitch, some of the following

questions might be helpful:

• What are my key skills, experience, interests?

• What value do I provide?

• How do I provide this value?

• What is unique about my offering?

• What/who is my target market?

• What are my accomplishments (paid, unpaid, work, education, life experience) that are most

relevant to this person?

• What is the role, company or industry I am most interested in and why?

‘The Undercover Recruiter’ (http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/how-create-your-memorable-elevator-pitch-four-simple-

steps/) has some tips on putting together an elevator pitch:

1. Begin with an ACTION PHRASE that is NOT a noun. (”I am an X” — but don’t use a “label” in
the blank. You don’t want people to put you in a box.)

2. Add a one sentence statement about what you DO. (”I do Y” — what do you help people or
businesses do?)

3. Give a statement of the SPECIFIC IMPACT you have. (”People who I work with (or have
worked for in the past) find Z” — list one or two things from the perspective of your (potential)
employer.)

4. End with a CALL TO ACTION. (”I am looking to be introduced to A” — be specific! If you ask
for something non-specific you are likely to get it. OR end with a question, to draw the contact
into the conversation)

TIP: You should practise your pitch so that you appear confident and personable – but not so rehearsed
that you sound unnatural!

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Professionalism in the Workplace

Body Language
As mentioned briefly under Interview Skills, the difference between the words people speak, and our
understanding of what they are saying, comes from non-verbal communication, otherwise known as "body
language."
The way we talk, walk, sit and stand all say something about us, and whatever is happening on the inside
can be reflected on the outside. By becoming more aware of the power of body language and, in
particular, the signals we send through our own body language, we can communicate more effectively with
others.
Aspects of body language include:

Face Your face is a major source of expression when communicating with others. It can smile, frown,
remain neutral, show anger, show disgust, indicate you want to speak, and show interest.

Eyes Your eyes are often the first piece of body language others see or notice. They can be used to
make visual contact, avoid visual contact, express feelings based on intensity and length of eye
contact, and the like.

Posture Your posture includes how you hold your head, shoulders, legs, arms, and hips. Each of these
parts of your body work separately as well as together to send non-verbal cues. Examples include
tilting your head, fidgeting with hair/clothes, slumping your shoulders, turning your hips sideways,
and the like.

Gestures Your gestures can be related to verbal communication or unrelated to verbal communication. For
instance, you might wave at another person as a way of saying ‘hello’, but you do not have to
actually say the word out loud for the message to be clear. Or, you might use hand gestures to
emphasize a key point during a speech or presentation; in this case, your gesture is related to the
verbal communication.

Voice Your voice is used to verbalise language, but is an integral part of your non-verbal
communication. For instance, your tone of voice, volume, emotion, pace, and the like, all
influence the messages you send as part of your body language.

Movement Your movement, whether using your entire body or just part of your body, is both flexible and
commanding. For instance, moving toward another person may send a message of dominance or
assertiveness, while moving away from another person may send a message of avoidance,
submission, or simply bringing the interaction to a close.

Touch This is one of the most powerful elements of body language. It is capable of communicating so
many different messages, and can also be interpreted in so many different ways. Touch is usually
divided into four main categories: friendship, professional, social, and intimacy.

Appearance Your physical appearance includes clothing, neatness and anything else that provides visual
messages and cues to other people. For instance, you dress conservatively and formally for a
funeral, but casually and informally for a backyard barbecue.

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Have a think about your Body Language…..

Body What Confidence Looks How do others observe me?

Language Like

Face Solid with a "smiling" face.

Eyes Direct eye contact

Posture Standing or sitting tall with

shoulders back. Leaning in
slightly shows interest.

Gestures Purposeful and deliberate to

make points.
Nodding in agreement

Voice Slow and clear, moderate to low

tone

Movement Deliberate, appropriate not

sharp or surprising

Touch Firm hand shake

Appearance Appropriate to the workplace

If in doubt, overdressing is better
than underdressing

Research suggests that, when we communicate with others, it is our non-verbal communication (or our
body language) that has more importance than the actual words being spoken.
Two research studies (Mehrabian & Wiener, 1967 and Mehrabian & Ferris, 1967) resulted in the 55/38/7
formula:
Body language 55% of communication
Tone of voice 38% of communication
Actual words spoken 7% of communication
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/beyond-words/201109/is-nonverbal-communication-numbers-game

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Active Listening
Listening is one of the most important skills we can have. How well we listen has a major impact on our
job effectiveness, and on the quality of our relationships with others.
Remember – research suggests we remember only between 25% and 50% of what we hear so try to
beat this statistic in your interactions with others!

Key elements:
1. Pay attention (… your undivided attention!). Remember to maintain good eye contact with the
speaker. Don’t be distracted by other things happening in the environment around you. Tune in to
the speaker’s body language.
2. Show that you are listening (through your body language and non-verbal communication!). Think
about nods, smiles, open posture and encouraging comments like ‘uh huh’ and ‘yes’.
3. Provide feedback (by reflecting, or paraphrasing back). Think of using “It sounds like you’re
saying…” or “What I think you’re saying is…., is that right?”. Ask open questions when needing to
clarify a point (think when, where, what, how…). Periodically summarise the speaker.
4. Defer judgement (and do not interrupt!). Allow the speaker to finish before asking questions and
never interrupt with a counter argument. It will get you nowhere….
5. Respond appropriately (… do not attack or put down the speaker!). Be open and honest and,
most importantly, assert your opinions respectfully. Think - would you like someone to speak to
you the way you are speaking to them?

Professionalism
“Professionalism is not only a skills set in a given occupation; it is an ineffable something that the person
exudes in manner, dress, speech and standards of practice that is palpably powerful….”
http://www.professions.com.au/Files/Professionalism_Beaton.pdf

Professionalism is a combination of qualities and competencies including:

• Interpersonal Skills

• Appearance

• Communication skills

• Time management (both using time efficiently and being punctual)

• Confidence

• Being ethical and having a sound work ethic

• Being knowledgeable

• Emotional intelligence

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Emotional Intelligence is a form of social intelligence which involves the capacity both
to:
• Recognise our own feelings and emotions, to understand what they’re telling us, and to manage
those emotions well in ourselves whilst remaining aware of how – unchecked - they could impact on
our relationships with others.
• Recognise and understand how others are feeling and be able to empathise with others’ wants,
needs and viewpoints.

Professionalism in the Workplace

Emails
Do Do Not
Clearly identify the subject Use slang, emoji’s, SMS or text abbreviations
Use an email signature that includes your Be overly familiar
full name and best contact number
Respond to emails in a timely manner Use inappropriate or unprofessional email
address
Be concise and answer all questions Forward Junk email or Chain emails
Always write in the body of the email Over use punctuation!!! or bold
(Explain attachments with comment or
explanation)
Proofread before sending USE CAPITAL LETTERS (Yelling)

Dress code

Do Do Not

Ensure you understand dress code (jewellery, Expose inappropriate parts of the body
make-up)

Take inspiration from the appearance of other Take “Casual Friday” too far
senior professional staff

Keep jewellery to a minimum Overload on perfume or aftershave

Punctuality

Do Do Not

Arrive early – this shows that you want to Show up late

work, and you take your job seriously

Call if you are running late (traffic, public Ask to leave early until you have established
transport delay) yourself

Advise if you are struggling to meet a deadline Ask to take annual leave immediately

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Meetings

Do Do Not

Turn your mobile off Arrive late

Take notes, follow the agenda and action Look at your mobile/tablet during meetings to check
what you is allocated to you emails/text/Facebook etc

Arrive at least 5 mins early Interrupt a speaker or start a conversation with a

colleague

RSVP in advance if required to Fidget, tap your pen, keep checking the time

Remain focused, be alert and contribute Leave early, unless necessary and agreed in
advance

Work Environment Conversation

Do Not

Ensure you are respectful of others Speak negatively of colleagues, clients and
patients

Be honest and keep your word Speak loudly on the phone in shared spaces

Remain humble – ask for help when you need Take or make personal calls at work
it and be willing to listen and learn from others

Remain calm and professional when under Share every detail of your private life/personal
pressure problems with work colleagues

Maintain confidentiality Let a bad day impact on your interactions with

colleagues, clients or patients

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Notes

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Notes

UTS Careers | Student Services Unit | University of Technology Sydney

Building 2, Level 4, Room 221, 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007 (PO Box 123)
T +61 2 9514 1471 E careers@uts.edu.au W careers.uts.edu.au

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