Finding a job with WorkPac: Part Two
If you haven’t already, make sure you check out Part One of this post, where we covered the registration process, and the best way to search for roles. For Part Two we’ll be covering the application process and how to set up a Job Alert.*Preparing for your next job interviewYour job alert is separate to your myworkpac account, so you will need to begin by setting that up.Now that you have an account, it’s time to start setting up your alerts. You create a job alert directly from the from the Job Alerts page, or you can set one up while doing a job search. Here, we’ll demonstrate how to do both.
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Finding a job with WorkPac: Part One
Interested in finding a job through WorkPac but not sure where to start? To make it simple, we’re going to walk you through the process of registering via our website, and the best way to use our job search to find the right role for you. So follow these steps to success!Before you can apply for a role through us, you will need to first register your details and experience via our website here. You can also register from our homepage anytime by selecting the icon from the right hand side:The more complete your profile with us is, the better the chance that you will show up when recruiters are searching for candidates. So complete these steps to stand out.Now that the basics are in, you also have the option of adding your work history, preferences and documents. These steps aren’t necessary but they are recommended, as the more detailed your profile is the better your chances of standing out.Remember that filling out these details doesn’t guarantee a job. See our job search for the next steps.Once your profile is complete, you’re ready to search for jobs! We’ve set up our job search to make it easy for you to specify what you’re looking for. It’s not necessary to fill out all the fields provided, but the more you input the more specific your results will be.You have a quick search bar on workpac.com:Or, you can complete our advanced searchSince you already have an account with WorkPac, you’ll already be set up to easily apply for any of these roles!Now that you’re registered with WorkPac and know the best way to use the job search, stay tuned for Part Two of this post, which covers the application process and how to set up a job alert.
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Getting a job in Solar
The renewable energy sector is booming with Solar projects happening across Australia and plenty of roles to fill. Are you interested in finding work in Solar? Then check out our infographic below to learn more about the types of roles WorkPac is recruiting for, and the regions to keep an eye on.You can also view our current jobs in Solar hereAnd register on our website here
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Resume not getting noticed? Check out these tips
You submit your resume and wait. And wait. And wait. So why isn’t anyone calling?A resume is an important tool in your job search. It is the key to helping you to get hired for a position, yet many blue-collar workers pay little attention to this important document.Your resume is a chance to make a great first impression; it is a way to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Follow these tips to create a resume that gets that phone ringing.1. Open with a punch The first section of your resume should pack the strongest punch. Many resume’s handed in are just a list of jobs, but you need to go beyond that and write a summary of your most important skills that are relevant to the jobs you are chasing. Think about what the employer would be looking for and then match your existing skills and qualifications. Include things like;• Your trade• Licenses’, tickets & certifications• Medicals & Inductions• Years of experience• Equipment or machinery you can operate• Important skills & industry knowledge2. Your Work History Your work history is where you have a chance to prove your skill level. You might find it difficult to identify your achievements because you feel you were just doing your job. Have a think about the responsibilities and achievements you take for granted and include these in your resume, ask yourself questions like;• Did you win any awards of receive incentives for work performance?• Did you train new employees?• Did your work enable a project to be completed on time and/or on budget?• Did you complete any special training?• Did you complete jobs with zero harm?• Did you submit all your reports on time?• Did you implement or recommend processes that improved productivity or efficiency?3. Training A stand out resume needs to include hands on education and training related to your trade or skill. Use this section to list courses attended, vocational training, further education, certification, licenses completed, signed skills matrix & equipment competencies.4. Proof Read Spelling and grammatical errors are very common in blue-collar resumes. Avoiding these common mistakes can make all the difference in your resume being put forward to possible employers. Make sure you show your resume to a few people to double check it is error free. You need to think of your resume as an advertisement of your services, that extra attention to detail will make all the difference.The job market today is extremely competitive. If you apply for a position that you don’t meet the specific requirements & qualifications, the cold hard truth is that you are not going to hear back. There is possibly someone else who has the required specifics for the role just as eventually there will be a role the suits your skills.5. Application processEvery employer will have their own specific application process that you must follow. This may be anything from an online application form to an ability test. If you want your resume to be noticed, it is important that you pay attention to what the process is, and double check you have completed all the necessary requirements.6. Follow upFollowing up in a courteous, professional way can make you stand out in a positive light, making it more likely that you won't be overlooked. Let the employer know how interested you are in the position, and how eager you are to meet for an interview and thank them for reviewing your resume. You can also take the opportunity to add or clarify any information about your qualifications that you would like to highlight. If the company is not ready to make decisions or interview people, ask when they plan to begin the interview process or when they plan to make hiring decisions, so you will know when to follow up again. It is usually best to wait a week or so before making an inquiry giving the employer enough time to review job applications. Most importantly don’t be disheartened and don’t give up! There are so many roles out there and so many people applying you are not likely to find the perfect job on your first go.So use the tips above, create that stand out resume and make sure you set time aside each day to sit down and search for new positions and apply, apply, apply.
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How to write a rockin' resume
This week's #WorkHack is the ultimate collection of dos and don'ts on how to write a rockin' resume. Follow our simple tips to ensure your resume is professional, focused and a cut above the rest. We've done the hard work and research for you so you can get the best results on your job hunt. Share this Image On Your Site<p><a href='https://www.workpac.com/blog/write-a-rockin-resume/'><img src='https://www.workpac.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Write_a_rockin_resume.png' alt='Write a rockin resume' width='540px' border='0' /></p><p></a>This infographic was provided by WorkPac: <a href='https://www.workpac.com/blog/write-a-rockin-resume/'>Write a rockin resume</a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
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How to get a job BEFORE it is advertised
You have probably heard or read somewhere before that the best jobs often aren’t advertised. Just because a company isn’t actively recruiting through the traditional channels, it doesn’t mean that they’re not looking to hire at all.Given the close attention being paid to productivity in business today, companies are continually looking to add to their talent pool so that when opportunities arise the time to fill is greatly reduced. Referrals can also often carry significant weighting when someone is looking to fill a vacancy because it can often reduce the risk associated with a new hire.So how can you make sure you are meeting the right people, and having the right conversations, to get one of these jobs?It is all about stepping outside your comfort zone and proactively meeting new people and making new professional connections. The next person you meet might just be able to direct you to an exciting opportunity waiting around the corner, or know someone else who does.Here are our tips for finding and applying for a role before it’s advertised for everyone to see:Networking EventsGetting a job before it’s advertised can often be a case of right place, right time so the more you put yourself out there, the more likely you get that timing right.The key here is to attend suitable networking events on a regular basis and securing meaningful introductions at these (that is, ones relevant to your career aspirations). While working the room handing out business cards might get your name in front of lots of people, this isn’t going to make you memorable to any of them.Focus on setting a target for how many people you want to introduce yourself to in a networking session and make your approach friendly and engaging. Explain what you do and what you have to offer as well as genuine interest in their job or business. Be sure to ask if they wouldn’t mind you getting in touch in the future or to connect with them on a professional social network like LinkedIn.Expand and leverage your social media networkYour social media networks like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can prove valuable for reaching connections with career potential so they should form part of your proactive job search strategy.These are incredibly efficient resources that allow you to quickly reach far and wide with professional audiences. Actively participate in industry group discussions to share your knowledge in the field you wish to work in. If you are not currently employer, leverage your network and communicate the type of opportunity you are looking for. Your contacts may be able to direct you to opportunities within their companies.A top tip for using social media is to ensure you’re networking with the right people, not just many people. Quality of connections trumps quantity of connections any day.Contact a company directlyA traditional yet effective approach is cold contacting. This approach can take a lot of guts and a good ability to sell yourself so before emailing or picking up the phone, think about your next ideal job or employer, and how best to approach them without coming off as a nuisance.Start by finding out who may be the right person to speak with (a particular manager or the head of the relevant department). Rather than intrude on their likely busy day with a call out of the blue, think about how to structure a proposition that presents you as an employee that would deliver value to their business. Email is probably the less intrusive means to make initial contact so you can opt to email them your resume with a well written, short and succinct message about your interest in their company, and what kind of role you might be suitable for.At best you might snag a face to face meeting, at worst you make a new connection and develop confidence in proactive job sourcing. Even if nothing is available at the current point in time, it may put you on the radar for when something does come up. But be careful not to be too pushy – you need to make an introduction and sell your skills without being forceful.So when looking for a job, make sure you’re not missing out on a whole host of job opportunities by not casting your net a bit wider than traditional job advertisements or postings. Putting yourself out there and making new connections through proactive approaches, could open new doors for your career advancement.
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5 cover letter blunders that could cost you a job
Are cover letters still relevant in the job application process? The answer is a resounding “yes”. Whilst employers may have changed the way they filter candidates, your cover letter can still be an essential part of getting your foot in the door when applying for any job.It is the first opportunity you have to makes a strong, upfront and specific case for why you are the best fit for a position, so it's worth taking the time to get them right.Here are five of the most common mistakes people make when writing a cover letter that might just cost you your dream job.1. Leaving out the company name or job referenceFailing to quote the job title or job reference in your cover letter suggests an inability to follow instructions, and can often result in your application not being processed. When writing out multiple job applications, candidates often send through applications addressed to the wrong employer – so also make sure to check that all details are correct before sending!2. Being too casualTo make sure that your cover letter hits the right note, you need to use the right style, tone and language. Firstly, be sure to use a formal greeting when addressing your Cover Letter. For the main body, you should certainly feel free to show a little personality and your enthusiasm for the role, but always be professional and concise.3. Failing to cross your t'sAttention to detail is incredibly important when writing a cover letter. Always take the time to triple check your cover letter and go through it with a fine toothed comb for accuracy of names, job titles, spelling, grammar and punctuation.4. Forgetting to add contextExpressing your skills and capabilities without any context, will generally not convince employers about your suitability for the job. Back up your statements by referencing a job or role where you successfully employed that strength.Example A - "I have leadership experience and have had notable success in my past roles."Example B - "I worked at the Industroplex Company as a general manager for 3 years. While there, I improved operating efficiency in my department by 21 per cent."5. Using an old cover letterEach cover letter you write should be unique and written for the specific role for which you are applying. That means not reusing the same cover letter from application to application and keeping the content relevant.Also keep your cover letter up-to-date. If you haven’t updated your cover letter in the past year or when your responsibilities or qualifications changed, it's very important that you update it before you apply for your next job. An out-of-date cover letter suggests indifference or lack of attention to detail.
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2 simple tips to make your resume stand out
Sell yourself..improve your marketability...stand out from the crowd. You may have heard similar advice at some point during your job search, but this is often easier said than done, especially when it comes to your resume.If you can learn how to better sell yourself by promoting desirable skills, highlighting your achievements and backing it up with demonstrable evidence - all in a succinct document - you may well find it delivers you greater cut through and make your job search a little easier.Here are two simple tips to help you rethink the way you sell your abilities to a potential employer.Tip #1: Remember it's more than a just list of where you have been.A resume is more than a timeline of previous workplaces and roles. Employers or hiring managers not only want to see what you did, but what you did well and how the company benefited. This can be as simple as introducing a new system that improved productivity or completing tasks ahead of schedule. Consider:What did you do really well in your previous roles?What did you have to do to accomplish it?How did the organisation benefit from the result (ie measurable results)?If you are struggling to come up with past achievements, take a broader look at your daily activities. You may see training a new employee on your team as a simple favour or even a regular task, but you could list this as an achievement by saying you "served as a mentor to bring a new employee up to speed in less than three months".Again, it's all about demonstrating value delivered to a past employer through measurable results and specific examples.Tip # 2: Be more specific with your skillsMany job applicants still take a broad brush approach to outlining their skill set without considering whether they are aligned to the position description/job advertisement.The skills you list should tell a company that you have the experience and wherewithal to handle the exact tasks outlined, whether it's for an engineering role, business administration or even a trades or operator role in mining or construction.For example, rather than simply listing "time management skills", you may want to expand and include further context around the statement, such as "ability to prioritise tasks and meet agreed deadlines" or "experienced in producing high volume, quality output within tight timeframes". Your achievements can help act as evidence to support this.Remember one size resume does not fit all job advertisements.In today's competitive market, job seekers simply can't afford to take a mass market approach to the job search and apply process. Always ensure you tweak your resume in response to what an employer is looking for.Your resume is the true first impression a company has of you and often your only chance to get noticed. By learning how to concisely and effectively list your achievements and skills, you will significantly improve your chances of making the first cut and getting that highly desired interview.Want more job search tips? Subscribe to our blog and receive advice direct to your inbox.
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When the going gets tough: 5 actions for a competitive job market
Without a doubt it is really tough going at the moment for the thousands of unemployed Australians seeking full time work. The unemployment rate held steady at 5.7 per cent in October, thought largely because fewer workers are looking for jobs.This equates to approximately 709,300 people are seeking work, leading to a job market that is now more competitive than it has been in a long time.Another concerning feature of the current Australian labour market is the workforce participation rate of 64.9%, the lowest level in seven years. Workforce participation refers to the share of the working age population who are either in a job or actively looking for work.Low workforce participation has a negative impact on Australia’s economy; the lower the number of people employed or looking for work, the less hours worked and therefore reduced output potential as a country. And reduced growth means less jobs. Quite the conundrum.That said, it’s not all doom and gloom though, with the latest Fairfax Employment Report predicting that business and consumer confidence will continue to rise and 193,000 new jobs will be added by August 2014.Whilst it is really hard to not fall into the discouraged job seeker trap after a run of disappointments, it is really important that you don’t give up and keep trying to find work.Here are some positive actions you can take to keep your chin up and stay in the fight for employment.1) Consider part-time or contract workWhile full-time employment figures were down in October, the number of people who gained part-time employment increased. This is a great way to keep some income coming in whilst you work towards full time employment. Part-time employment will:Keep your skills and knowledge sharp while you're looking for a permanent position;Give you the opportunity to network with others in your industry; andPrevent your resume from containing any large employment gaps.2) Ask for feedbackIf you find your resume isn’t getting you a phone call or you don’t make it through a job interview process, ask the recruiter or company employing why. This can only help you improve for your next interview.You may need to simply tweak your resume or practice your interview technique to ensure you are positioning yourself as a highly desirable candidate.3) Consider enhancing your skill setIf you're repeatedly hearing that a "more qualified" candidate has been chosen for a position over you, maybe it's time to hone your skills or learn something new. If you enroll in a training course, you can:Show employers that you're motivated and want to further your career;Enhance your resume and give yourself an edge over the competition; andFeel positive and more confident because you've achieved something.4) Target your job searchWhen it comes to a job search, less is more.It's common for job seekers to cast a wide net and fire generic resumes out to as many employers as possible in the hope that one will stick. This approach could find you interviewing for jobs you're not right for, that you don’t really want (so have no long term plans to stay in) or getting no responses at all.Tailor your resume to suit each individual job advertisement/position description - employers need to know if you're the right fit for the position they're offering, not just an all-round good worker. Yes it takes time but it will benefit you in the long run.5) Get in touch with a recruitment companyRecruiters are often frowned upon by frustrated job seekers. You may have had a couple of bad experiences but don’t put all recruitment companies in the one box as there are some very good ones out there that really do deliver job seekers good advice and support.A recruitment agency can help you find part-time or contract work, contact employers on your behalf and get feedback, offer advice on a wide range of training courses and coach you through your job search.Staying positive in a tough job market is easier said than done but staying motivated to find work is exceptionally important to your personal confidence and, in the bigger picture, to our country’s economy. And don’t forget that every ‘no’ brings you closer to a ‘yes’.Do you have any good tips for keeping your chin up in a tough job market? Please comment or share below. Also don't forget to subscribe to our blog and receive updates direct to your inbox.
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The DOs and DON'Ts of job interview body language
We've all heard the saying "actions speak louder than words". This cliche is especially prevalent when it comes to job interviews.Most people will devote a significant amount of time and energy to practicing what they will say in an upcoming job interview. But we should also spare a thought for what we convey with our mannerisms and poise as this can speak volumes to a potential employer.How aware are you of your own body language in the office, with friends or in job interviews?Here are some basic tips to help you use body language to your advantage.Body Language No-No's...FidgetingMany employers associate this with a lack of self-confidence, and it can be extremely distracting. It's best to keep your hands in your lap, or on the table in front of you.Touching Your FaceThis is often interpreted as a sign that you're lying. In particular, there's a position known as the "mouth guard" - covering your mouth and putting your thumb on your cheek - that is associated with dishonesty.Orientating Your Body Away From Your AudienceThis displays little interest in the person you are speaking to. It will make you look impatient and desperate to leave the interview room.Avoiding Eye ContactIf you don't look at your prospective employer in the eye enough, you will appear self conscious or disinterested in what they are saying. Traditionally "shifty eyes" has also been associated with lying however it is now commonly known to be linked to anxiety. Either way, try your best to hold your audiences gaze as it will go a long way in creating a positive impression.Folding Your ArmsThis can make you seem closed off, disengaged and unfriendly. It can present as a barrier between you and the person you are speaking to.Body Language Do's...Sit Up StraightThis will not only make you look confident and prepared for the job interview, but can also increase testosterone levels and decrease cortisol (the primary stress hormone) levels.Mirror Your AudienceThis technique helps build a rapport with your potential employer, and makes them feel comfortable in your presence. This doesn't mean you copy your interviewer, you simply reciprocate their body language.GestureThis is often taken as a sign that you're enthusiastic about a particular subject, and can also help your brain access information more easily.Maintain Eye ContactThe rule of thumb is to acknowledge every question you're asked with appropriate eye contact. You may want to pair this with a simple nod to indicate that you're listening and understand the what your interviewer is saying.SmileA great, genuine smile is a force of nature. By smiling at someone, you have the capacity to ignite a chain reaction of other smiles and good feelings. Smile when relevant, show your genuineness to your potential employer as the results can be surprising.Are you ready?Remember, practice makes perfect. Set aside some time to walk through your job interview - literally. This will boost your confidence and help you avoid making body language mistakes.Want more job interview and career advancement tips? Subsribe to our blog and receive updates direct to you inbox.
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