Applying for a position
Your application
Details in relation to the advertised position are contained in the position description that can be obtained from the Hunter New England Health Jobs Board or by contacting the Recruitment Unit on (02) 4926 7626. If you have any enquiries regarding the position for which you are applying, please contact the nominated contact person.
It is most important to prepare a thorough application as it will form the basis of the initial short-listing of applicants who will proceed to interview. A thorough application outlining your claims for the position in relation to the selection criteria will provide you with the best opportunity to showcase your skills, knowledge, qualifications and experience.
Before preparing your application, you should take the following steps.
- Read the advertisement and position description carefully. Make a note of anything you don’t understand and need to ask about. Telephone the contact person, who will be able to provide you with more information about the position
- Obtain as much additional information as you need to write a thorough application. You may consider the option of meeting with the contact person to gain an overview of the work environment. Talk to people in similar positions and read any available relevant information such as annual reports, strategic plans etc.
Understanding selection criteria
You need to outline your claims against the selection criteria to show the selection committee that you have the right mix of skills, knowledge and experience to do the job. Make a separate heading for each selection criterion. For each one, describe your skills, knowledge and experience that pertain to that criterion and show how they could be used in the job. Emphasise your major achievements. Use positive language in talking about yourself, for example “my success in my current role demonstrates my ability to do every aspect of this work, especially ….”
Key words in selection criteria
Demonstrated knowledge: This requires you to provide examples that show you possess this area of knowledge.
Demonstrated ability to: This requires you to provide examples of how you meet this criteria through your previous experience, skills development and knowledge.
Previous experience in: You are required to provide examples relevant to the specific experience indicated in the position description.
Effective, Proven, Highly Developed, Superior: These are all asking you to show your level of achievement. Provide as much detail as you can, using examples of your achievements to illustrate your skills, knowledge and experience.
Hunter New England Health requires all employees to have an awareness of the principles and practices related to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Ethical Practices, Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statements (EAPS) and Occupational Health, Safety (OH&S) relevant to the position.
It is important that applicants address all the selection criteria listed in the position description. In your claims for the position it is important to express your understanding in your own words relevant to the role for which you are applying. Whilst it is important to provide detail in your statement of your claims for the position, it is equally important to be concise.
Writing the application
You will either complete your application on-line or submit a manual copy. This will include an application for employment and a statement setting out how you meet the criteria in addition to the documents outlined in the attached checklist. Whether you will be applying on line or submitting a manual application, your preparation will involve:
- Preparing a resume
- Listing each criterion as a heading and writing your claims for the position in relation to each criterion
- Providing examples relevant to each criterion including relevant formal qualifications and experience.
Writing your resume
You are required to submit a resume with your application outlining details of your education and employment history.
Ensure you include the type of work you have performed and details of your responsibilities. Detail roles you have been employed in and organisations you have worked for and the period of your employment.
If you are intending to apply for more than one position, please submit a separate application for each position.
Referee reports
In your application you should also include the names and phone numbers of at least two referees.
It is important you choose your referees carefully. At least one of your referees should be a recent work supervisor. It is equally important that your referees know that you are applying for the job.
The selection committee will contact your referees to obtain details of your performance and will seek information related to the selection criteria. Comments related to your demonstrated ability or potential to fulfil the selection criteria may also be sought from your nominated referees.
Referees will be required to confine their comments to their direct knowledge of you. It is therefore important that you nominate referees who are able to discuss your suitability in relation to the selection criteria.
Consider providing them with a copy of the position description so that they are prepared to provide relevant information to the selection committee.
You are not required to provide written referee reports.