Master Class Title of presentation Applying for Internships

Master. Class: Title of presentation Applying for Internships and Name of presenter Graduate Employment Title of presenter Career Development Centre School / Faculty / Division La Trobe University xx Month 201 x 17 July 2014 latrobe. edu. au/students/careers CRICOS Provider 00115 M

Master. Class: Applying for Internships and Graduate Employment Workshop Overview • Researching opportunities • Networking • Resumes • Online applications • Responding to behavioural questions • Interview Activity • Graduate Employers Panel CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 2

Researching Opportunities

A sample of organisations offering graduate programs, internships and vacation programs (currently recruiting) • • • • ALDI Anglo American (vacation program) ASIO Bendigo and Adelaide Bank BDO (cadet program) Dixon Advisory (internship) Defence Dept of Environment, Primary Industries Industry Cadetships (FTSE) KPMG (vacation program) Reserve Bank of Australia (internships for Ph. D students) Vic Roads (vacation program and industry based learning) Telstra (vacation program) Various hospitals (nurse applications close in July) Woodside (vacation program) CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 4

What are the opportunities to get experience? Formal or informal programs for penultimate or final year students Vacation programs • Degree related work usually at end of second last year of study • Usually offered by large organisations also offering graduate programs Internships / Work placements • Supervised work experience in an area related to study and / or career interests • Can occur at any time of year for various lengths of time • You can arrange an informal placement yourself! Cadetships • Position offered to students or graduates providing training on the job • Can be full time or part time • Often offered in conjunction with industry bodies or university faculties CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 5

Eligibility formal vacation programs • Check eligibility with each employer • Mostly undergraduate students in the penultimate year of their degree (i. e. the summer before your final year) • Many firms take only students with permanent residence status • More info on vacation programs can be found at: http: //www. graduateopportunities. com/free-downloads/ebooks/ CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 6

What are the opportunities for graduate jobs? Graduate programs • Structured professional development programs lasting 1 -2 years in large organisations specifically for new graduates • Many applications must be submitted a year in advance, whilst some are ongoing • Only one option! Graduate positions • Formal full time positions offered by organisations of all sizes to students who are about to / have recently completed their studies • Advertised on job boards (seek, careerhub) , by professional associations or just on company website Entry level opportunities • Get a ‘foot in the door’ in an organisation that provides further opportunities for training and development and work your way up CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 7

Typical stages of the selection process* Online application Psychometric Testing (usually formal programs only) Phone Screening (may occur) Assessment Centre (usually formal programs only) Face to Face Interview Reference and Probity Checks CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 8

Researching vacation and internship programs www. graduateopportunities. com/ www. unigrad. com. au/ www. gradconnection. com. au/ http: //forums. whirlpool. net. au/forum/136 CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 9

Tips for researching vacation placements / internships Identify the various sources of information available to you: q Faculty/school websites and emails q Industry and professional association websites q Industry-based learning within your course q Volunteering CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 10

Graduate jobs info and resources CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 11

Advertised general job vacancies • Employment websites www. seek. com. au www. mycareer. com. au www. careerone. com. au • La Trobe’s Career. Hub latrobe. edu. au/students/careers • Company websites • Professional associations • Recruitment agencies www. rcsa. com. au • Newspapers • Industry specific job boards CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 12

Tips for job websites • Register your profile so employers can search for you • Subscribe to job email alerts • Check everyday for new listings • Apply ASAP – many employers close vacancies once they receive enough applications CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 13

Tips for using Recruitment Agencies to find graduate jobs • They work for the employer, not you • Register with agencies advertising jobs in your field • Build relationship with recruiter • Accept short-term / contract roles • Ask for feedback on resume, interviews What are 3 things I could do to improve my interview performance? In what ways could I make improvements to my resume? CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 14

‘Canvassing’ for a graduate job or work placement 1. Identify companies in your target industry to contact 2. Identify potential contacts within each company Hiring managers, not HR departments! Use Linked. In, personal networks, company websites, to find contacts 3. Decide on contact approach Email, phone, social media, in-person 4. Prepare tailored cover letter and resume 5. Make contact and provide a copy of your resume 6. Follow-up as appropriate or agreed CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 15

Summary on Researching Opportunities for Jobs and Getting Experience • Start your research early • Use multiple methods • Target your applications to companies that fit your values and career goals • Keep a record of your research findings • There are many opportunities outside of formal programs CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 16

Networking

“Networking: the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business. ” Source: Merriam Webster Dictionary CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 18

Why network? • develop two-way, mutually beneficial relationships • find out about your industry • learn from others • share your knowledge and skills • work collaboratively towards common aims • be aware of opportunities for career advancement • stay in touch with the right people to get ‘things done’ • communicate your strengths CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 19

Networking can be formal or informal. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 20

With whom? People with shared professional interests. . . • family • friends, or friends-of-friends • at uni • in professional associations • in your industry or allied professions • in organisations you might volunteer with or work for CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 21

Where? • Informal occasions in day-to-day life • Clubs and societies at uni • Professional events • Online • Employer events and expos CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 22

How to network Networking is a skill. • Be purposeful. • Actively listen and observe. • Ask thoughtful, relevant questions and be interested in people’s responses. • Ask open-ended questions. • Be mindful of where you are and other people’s interests (and time). CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 23

Networking Tips 1. Think ahead. What’s your aim? Who would like to meet? What do you want? Names, ideas, introductions? What can you do for others? 2. Get comfortable. Practice skills. Put yourself into environments you’re comfortable in as well as getting used to new settings (and people). 3. Go to the right places for your career objective or industry. 4. Follow up on the information and contacts you make. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 24

Networking online Facebook • Will anything be embarrassing if seen by an employer? • Ensure privacy settings keep employers separated from friends Linked. In • Best for professional networking • Upload your resume • Have a professional summary and photo • Keep up to date with referees and ex-colleagues CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 25

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How to use Linked. In • Join a special interest group related to your field • Contribute to conversations in the interest groups • Update your status regularly ‘seeking opportunities in. . . ’ • Use the resume builder • Ask former colleagues and employers to complete a recommendation on your account • Add people that you meet including recruiters at Career Expos • Follow up your contacts regularly, use the in-built email or go directly through their email address CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 27

Use social media for research • get more info about graduate opportunities , employer expectations and company culture using Linked In and other sites • connect directly with employers and get updates through their twitter and other accounts • forums can be a good source of info on recruitment process, from people who have been through the process and from employers o e. g. whirlpool, gradconnection, wikijob etc. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 28

Gradconnection – employer forum sessions CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 29

whirlpool – posts by Ericsson’s CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 30

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KEY POINTS Networking… • exchange • informal or formal • a career skill for life • face to face or online • an opportunity to connect • requires professional behaviour, wherever it happens CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 33

Resumes

Your resume is a marketing tool. It tells your story. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 35

Will anyone read your resume? Does it look professional, relevant, clear and concise? NO / MAYBE / YES CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 36

Will it get you an interview? Does it clearly demonstrate the specific skills, knowledge and personal characteristics that the position requires and the organisation values? NO / MAYBE / YES CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 37

Your resume should make it easy for employers to see what you have to offer. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 38

1. Keep it concise • include key information on the first page • focus on key points and dates • 3 pages at most CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 39

2. Make it easy to read and follow • keep the layout clear, simple and uncluttered • organise information so it’s easy to follow, using clear headings and sub-headings • use dot points for details • include page numbers CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 40

3. Provide relevant information • highlight your key skills and provide clear evidence of these (and qualities) you claim to have. • use key words that reflect essential aspects of the position description and organisation. • use reverse chronological order, listing the current or most recent activity first • adapt your resume for each job application so it accurately reflects the key skills, and other requirements, of the job you are applying for. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 41

4. Use it to demonstrate your skills in… • researching, assembling and presenting relevant information • writing, editing and proof-reading • paying attention to detail CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 42

Your resume has a job to do Summarise and give evidence of the qualifications, skills, experience and qualities you have that match an employer’s specific job and workplace requirements. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 43

What do employers want? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Interpersonal & communication skills Passion, knowledge of industry, drive, commitment, attitude Analytical, problem solving skills Calibre of academic results Work experience Values fit, cultural alignment Emotional intelligence Teamwork Extracurricular activities Leadership skills Source: 2013 Graduate Careers Australia Employer Survey CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 44

Employers want to know about the transferable skills & qualities you have, as well as your university degree and academic results. What you’ve done in the past suggests what you can do for an employer now & in the future. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 45

Use your Resume to show employers that you have what they want EXAMPLES Interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) • quality of your resume, studies, activities, communication with employer Passion/ knowledge of industry • studies, professional development, professional memberships, practical experience Work experience • volunteering, part-time work, internships, paid work in your industry Teamwork skills • uni projects, sports, clubs and societies, part-time work, CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 46

Communicate your selling points 1. Where are you heading and what can you offer? 2. What can you do for an organisation? 3. How up-to-date is your knowledge of your discipline/industry/profession? 4. What added value or potential do you have? CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 47

1. Where are you heading and what can you offer? Career Objective EXAMPLE I am seeking a graduate role in government where I can contribute my research and analytical skills to the development of policies in youth justice and community engagement. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 48

3 ASPECTS of strong career objectives 1. specific & targeted – e. g. graduate role, government 2. demonstrate motivation and awareness of the different sectors of industry – e. g. what you can contribute, areas of interest, industry language 3. not too vague or general – e. g. specific about key skills CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 49

2. What can you do for an organisation? CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 50

2 types of skills 1. industry specific – specialist, technical, expert 2. transferable – general, practical, employable CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 51

• don’t assume that anyone reading your resume will know what skills you have gained through your degree, placements, parttime work etc. • identify and assess your own skills and strengths • communicate them in your resume, job applications and interviews CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 52

Use action verbs to describe what you’ve done at uni, on placements and in part-time work. ORGANISED RESEARCHED reported generated SUPERVISED monitored planned assisted REPORTED tested initiated budgeted provided WROTE illustrated handled ADVISED taught planned translated used PREPARED managed dealt with CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 53

4 TIPS for communicating your skills 1. list your key skills under sub-headings with examples of what you’ve done 2. use action verbs e. g. researching managing, planning, creating, analysing, installing 3. provide evidence of where and how you’ve applied specific skills 4. reflect key words from the position description / duty statement CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 54

Example Organisational Skills • planned and coordinated training sessions for the Eltham Junior Basketball Team for 3 years • planned, managed and filled fortnightly rosters for up to 12 staff at the Toys ‘R’Us Brunswick store for 18 months including two peak Christmas periods. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 55

FACT Including details of your skills or competencies in your resume increases your chance of being offered an interview by 30%. Bright and Earl, 2007 CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 56

3. How up-to-date is your knowledge of your discipline/industry/profession? Show your awareness and active participation through. . . • student placements or internships • volunteer work • paid work • active membership of professional association/s • extra-curricular activities CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 57

4. What added value or potential do you have? Achievements • How and when did you positively affect. . . a project, a community, an organisation, the bottom line, your boss, your co-workers, your clients? • What awards, commendations, publications, etc. , have you achieved that relate to your career objective? CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 58

Examples of relevant achievements • holding positions of responsibility • increasing sales figures • running a project to change something in your university, community, company • winning an award or prize • achieving good results in exams or assessments • gaining additional qualifications • receiving customer service / quality awards • managing achievements outside of your studies or workplace, such as raising money for charity, being elected to a committee • achieving as an individual or in group sports CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 59

2 ways to detail your achievements in your resume 1. Provide details under different sub-headings in your resume. EDUCATION Bachelor of Business (Marketing) 2011 - Current La Trobe University, Bendigo Anticipated completion date: Nov 2014) • Invited to join the Golden Key International Honour Society (membership offered to top 15% of academic achievers) • La Trobe University Student Career Mentoring Program (2013) 2. Create a single list of examples ACHIEVEMENTS • created. . • awarded… • recognised… CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 60

Create a strong resume KEY POINTS 1. Do your research. 2. Tailor your resume for each job and every application. 3. Identify and communicate your skills and strengths. 4. Use action verbs and key words that show you match the skills and other requirements of the job. 5. Get input from others – online career resources, La Trobe University Resume Booth, mentors, friends. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 61

Online Applications

Online application forms • 77% of employers have an online application process • Designed for you to provide evidence that you have the skills and attributes matching the key selection criteria • The selection process has started – applications will be either shortlisted or rejected • Filling out application forms can be time consuming - allow at least 1. 5 -2 hours per application • Good quality applications take time Source: Unigrad 2012 CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 63

Before you start your application • Do your research so that you know what the employer wants and what skills they are looking for. • Research the organisation (company website, Linked In, You. Tube, internet search, newspapers etc) • Research the position (key selection criteria, position description) • Think about yourself and what you have to offer (your skills, experience, qualities etc) • Use this research to tailor your application • Keep your answers structured, clear and concise. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 64

Tips for online applications • Diarise the application closing date and submit your application well before then • Allow plenty of time to complete the application form • Employers often have specific instructions - read and follow these instructions completely • Stick to word limits – applications that exceed these limits often will not be considered • Proof-read to avoid spelling and grammar errors • Ensure your documentation uses formal business language • Save files in a version that anyone can open • Keep a copy of your submitted application CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 65

Types of questions asked by employers Open questions Behavioural questions Technical questions related to your discipline (e. g. case study/ scenario) Closed questions Requiring right/wrong or yes/no answers More common in assessment tasks, exams, tests CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 66

Example Open Questions about you • Why did you choose to study this major/degree? • Tell us about yourself • Which of your placements did you like the most? The least? Why? • Where do you see yourself in five years' time? • What are your strengths/ weaknesses? Questions about the role and organisation • Why have you applied for this job? • What interests you about this position? • What do you know about our organisation? • Why would you like to work for this organization? CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 67

Sample Online Question Why do you want to work for the Victorian Public Service as opposed to other graduate opportunities? What do you feel you could contribute to the work done by the Victorian Public Service? Please limit your response to 250 words or less. Information that exceeds these limits will not be considered. (42 words in the question) CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 68

Developing answers to open questions Demonstrate self-awareness on main issues • your skills and qualities, both personal and professional • how you chose this career pathway • motivation: why working in this industry and occupation is important to you • what makes you passionate about your work in general and this job in particular? Link your own story to the industry and the organisation • use your research – what skills & capabilities are valued for this position, by the organisation, and by the industry? • based on this, identify your key selling points for this position CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 69

Behavioural Questions

Types of questions: behavioural questions Behavioural/Competency-Based Questions • Used at application and interview stages • Companies identify the competencies required to do the job – these form the basis of the questions • “We can predict future performance from past behaviour” • You are asked to discuss concrete EXAMPLES from your own experiences to prove you possess the required competencies Cues: • “Tell me about a time when…. ” • “Give an example of ……. ” • “Describe a situation…. . ” CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 71

Example Questions Teamwork “ Can you give me an example of a time when you have been part of a team that successfully completed a task? ” Innovation/creativity “Give me an example when you had the opportunity to come up with a creative solution to a problem. How did you arrive at the solution? Problem solving “Describe a situation when you had to solve a problem that required careful thought. What did you do? ” CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 72

Sample Online Behavioural Question Please provide an example of a time when you had to work as part of a team to accomplish an objective. Describe the task, what your role in the team was, and what outcomes the team achieved. Please limit your response to 250 words or less. Information that exceeds these limits will not be considered. (46 words in the question) CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 73

Use the STAR Approach v Describe the Situation / context v Identify the Task / challenge you encountered v Describe the Action you took v Specify the Result or outcome • Provide specific examples, preferably from last 2 -3 years. • Use real examples from a range of contexts such as your studies, placements, employment, Voluntary work, sports, mentoring, interests/clubs etc. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 74 74

Situation Describe the situation / environment you were in Include context, details and time. Task What did you need to accomplish to deal with the situation? What was your role concerning the problem, issue or assignment? Action What did you do? **The Most Important Part ** Set out the steps you took to resolve the situation Provide detail – how you listened to the unhappy customer. What strategy did you use to manage your time? How did you influence your team? Result What happened? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? Promote yourself and your achievements If it is employment-related , link the result back to the organisation. What was the benefit to the organisation? CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 75

How are your responses evaluated? Your answers to behavioural questions are evaluated • Each STAR is given a numerical rating • Interviewers work to a definition of each competency. They focus on Action and Result to determine how effective your behaviour was. • Each STAR is rated in terms of: Ø Similarity/Relevancy (to competency definition) Ø Impact (i. e. what was the effect of your action? ) Ø Recency (of example) CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 76

Behavioural competency Verbal Communication • Clearly explains information and listens to feedback • Uses a polite and considerate manner when dealing with others • Confidently conveys ideas and information in a clear and interesting way • Understands and meets the needs of target audience • Sees things from others points of view and confirms understanding Source: VPS Graduate Candidate Guide 2014 CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 77

Example response Behavioural Question: Give an example of when you had to clearly explain information to a person. This is something that I have to do regularly in my part-time role as a sales assistant at my local newsagent. We not only sell items from the newsagency but as we are next to a train station that is only staffed from 6 am to 2 pm, we often have inquiries from train passengers. Four months ago, an elderly lady came in to the shop in a confused state. She had got on the wrong train and kept saying “This isn’t the Moorabbin train station”. (Situation and Task) CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 78

Candidate Response 1 (with minimal preparation) I outlined to the elderly lady where she was and explained patiently where she needed to go, and I also used a map to do this. She still didn’t seem to understand after I went through it a second time so I made her comfortable while I phoned her daughter. (Action) As a result, the daughter drove over to the newsagency and the elderly lady was reunited with her family. The daughter was appreciative and wrote a thank you letter to the newsagency. My boss was pleased with how I handled the situation and offered me first choice of shifts on the next roster. (Result) CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 79

Candidate Response 2 (with preparation) I calmly explained to her which station she was at and I asked her where she had started her train journey that morning. I found out she was from Bendigo so was not that familiar with the Melbourne train system and was feeling lost and overwhelmed. I made her comfortable by getting her a chair. After a few minutes of rest, I clarified with her to make sure she did actually want to go to Moorabbin. I showed her a copy of the Melbourne train map and explained in a patient manner where she was, and which train line she needed to be on to go to Moorabbin. When she continued to be confused, I asked her if there was someone I could phone for her. I phoned her daughter, explained who I was, why I was phoning and gave her directions to the newsagency. (Action) CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 80

Candidate Response 2 … As a result, the daughter drove over to the newsagency and the elderly lady was reunited with her family. The daughter was appreciative and wrote a thank you letter to the newsagency. My boss at the newsagency has a strong customer focus and wants the newsagency to be regarded as a community hub, which will also make his business more sustainable. He was pleased with how I had handled the situation and gave me first choice of shifts when the next roster came out. (Result) CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 81

Build up your own ‘skills bank’ of examples Skills Academic studies Employment Placement/ Internship Volunteering, extra- curricular Communication Teamwork Problem solving Planning & organising CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 82 82

Interviews

The best interview ever… CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 84

Why an interview? The employer’s objective is to attract and appoint the best candidate for the job. An interview is used to find out: • Can you do the job? Do you have the skills, knowledge and experience appropriate for the role? • Will you do the job? What’s your motivation? Are you enthusiastic about the position and the organisation? • Will you fit in? Do you fit into the team, within the organisation’s culture and workplace environment? CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 85

Phone screening • Many organisations conduct a brief phone interview early in the selection process • This can happen when you least expect it. If the timing is inconvenient let them know when would be more suitable CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 86

Tips for phone interviews • Treat a phone interview as seriously as a face to face interview • Have your resume and application handy but don’t be distracted by them • Ensure your phone is fully charged and that you have good reception • Answer your phone in a professional manner • Take the call in quiet place, free from interruptions • Speak clearly and smile • Ensure that your voicemail message is professional • At the end, thank the interviewer for their time CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 87

Example open and behavioural interview questions Open questions Why are you interested in this graduate program? Qantas What do you know about our business? Pricewaterhouse. Coopers What would you do differently if you were given the opportunity? Schweppes Australia Behavioural questions Give me an example of a time when you used good judgement and logic in solving a problem. St George Bank Tell me about a time when you saw an opportunity and drove it forward? How did you spot the opportunity? Victorian Public Service Tell me about a time when you lead the team to a positive result? Telstra CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 88

Example Technical questions Questions may relate to the content of the job, a case study, a clinical scenario (e. g. for health science) or current trends within the industry. Can you explain what a public good is, why the government may provide public good and give an example? Economist stream, Victorian Public Service What do you consider to be the essential elements of an effective classroom management plan, particularly when working with a new group? Victorian Department of Education How has online media affected the way we consume technology? Telstra CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 89

Preparing for behavioural interview questions • Review the selection criteria and think of questions related to each competency or skill • Prepare specific examples from a range of recent experiences – study, placements, paid or voluntary work, sport, hobbies/clubs etc. • • • Use STAR approach. Practice responding to questions out loud Make it clear what you specifically did if you worked in a team Describe the Situation and Task concisely so you can focus on the Action and Result parts of your example. • Be prepared for negative questions Example - Tell me about a time when you were part of a team that did not accomplish all of its goals. NAB CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 90

Strategies to succeed at interview Research and prepare • The position and the organisation • Know yourself – your motivation, experiences, skills etc. (What can you offer? ) Prior to the Interview • Organise your dress, journey and ensure your phone is off. During the Interview • Build rapport using interpersonal skills (eye contact, smile, firm handshake. . ) • Communicate clearly – keep it to the point, structured and balanced between not talking too little/ too much • Try to relax CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 91

Additional interview resources • http: //career-ready. blogs. latrobe. edu. au/ • Book a practice interview with a Careers Consultant § http: //www. seek. com. au/jobs-resources/interview-questions • http: //www. kent. ac. uk/careers/intervw. htm • Youtube employer channels for interview tips e. g. http: //www. youtube. com/user/accentureuscareers http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=bl. Jwjf. Dqcv. A CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 92

Interview Activity

Interview Activity Prepare 5 mins Question & Feedback 5 mins 2 Roles Interviewer & Applicant Question & Feedback 5 mins Swap Roles CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 94

Interview Questions Choose one of the following interview questions to answer. • Can you tell me about a time when you had a problem to solve, and found there were many ways to go about solving it. How did you go about solving this problem and what were the steps that you took? • Tell us about a time when you were asked to do something you didn’t agree with, how you managed this situation and how you would manage this in the future? • Describe a situation when you saw a problem and took action to correct it rather than waiting for someone else to do so. • Can you describe a time when you were not particularly pleased with your performance. • Can you please tell the panel of a time you were working on either an individual or group task at university and you encountered obstacles and roadblocks on the way, How did you tackle these? What were the outcomes? CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 95

Interview Activity - Feedback • ‘Interviewer’ provide feedback considering: - the person’s eye contact, non-verbal behaviour - how engaged/involved they were - did their answer cover all aspects of a STAR? - did they provide a specific example? - how clear, structured and coherent was their answer? CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 96

Panel Graduate Employers

Panellists • Rachel Kelsey, Senior Business Partner, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank • Summer Lawrence, Campus Recruitment Coordinator, Ernst & Young • Heidi Van Wyngaarden, Scientific Consultant, Kelly Scientific Resources • Nova Barro, Graduate Recruitment Consultant, KPMG • Natalie Gibbons, Policy and Program Adviser, Victoria Public Sector Commission CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 98

Interview Questions • Can you tell me about a time when you had a problem to solve, and found there were many ways to go about solving it. How did you go about solving this problem and what were the steps that you took? • Tell us about a time when you were asked to do something you didn’t agree with, how you managed this situation and how you would manage this in the future? • Describe a situation when you saw a problem and took action to correct it rather than waiting for someone else to do so. • Can you describe a time when you were not particularly pleased with your performance. • Can you please tell the panel of a time you were working on either an individual or group task at university and you encountered obstacles and roadblocks on the way, How did you tackle these? What were the outcomes? CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE | La Trobe University 99

Thank you Contact Us: Bundoora: Level 1, Peribolos East 9479 2459 www. latrobe. edu. au/students/careers@latrobe. edu. au @LTUcareers www. facebook. com/La. Trobe. Careers latrobe. edu. au/students/careers CRICOS Provider 00115 M