Job Application Guide - work with us 04JUL17

JOB APPLICATION TIPS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED

WORK WITH US

I S S U E D B Y R E C R U I T M E N T S U P P O R T U N I T ( H R C O R P O R A T E )

H U N T E R N E W E N G L A N D H E A L T H

DISCLAIMER

Unless explicitly attributed, the opinions expressed in this resource are

those of the author(s) only and do not represent the official view of Hunter

New England Local Health District nor the New South Wales Government.

HNE HEALTH APPLICATION RESOURCE Page 2 / 21

ABOUT US

Hunter New England Local Health District is a great place to grow your career. You will be joining a flexible, responsive and smart workforce.

We are a recognised leader in the healthcare industry, providing a range of public health services to the Hunter, New England and Lower Mid North Coast.

As the largest employer in the region, we encourage collaboration, openness and respect in the workplace to empower our staff to use their knowledge, skills and experience to meet the principle of Excellence. Every patient. Every time.


OUR VALUES

Hunter New England Health is

committed to building an organisation

that lives its values.

Our Values Charter and Code of

Conduct provide the framework for

the standards of behaviour

demonstrated at Hunter New England

Health.

Through collaboration, openness

and respect we aim to create

a sense of empowerment so staff can

use their knowledge, skills and

experience to provide excellence for

every patient, every time.


QUICK FACTSWe are one of the largest local health

districts in New South Wales covering

an area the size of England.

We serve a population of one million

people and counting.

We have close to 16,000 staff.

We proudly have the largest number

of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

staff.

We are supported by 1,600

volunteers.

We are the only local health district in

New South Wales with a major

metropolitan centre, a mix of several

large regional centres and many

smaller rural centres and remote

communities within its borders.


P A G E 4 | L O N E P L A N E T


OUR SECTORS

SIGN UP FOR JOB ALERTS

B E T H E F I R S T T O K N O W HNE Health uses an online recruitment system (eRecruit) to process and advertise vacancies.

Sign up for job alerts in your preferred location and job category. There is no cost for this service.

You will receive job alerts by email when a new position suited to your skills, knowledge and experience is available.

If you are interested in a vacancy and need more information about the role, you are welcome to contact the hiring manager (listed at the bottom of the job advertisement) for more information.

If you are having issues with eRecruit, please contact the Helpdesk on 1300 590 648

N O M A D I C | 2 4HNE HEALTH APPLICATION RESOURCE Page 7 / 21

4. BE SPECIFIC Describe your experience, results and performance and how it relates to the role you have applied for.

5. SHOW INITIATIVE Incorporate relevant facts and figures in your cover letter to show that you have researched the organisation.

6. TELL THE TRUTH Don't make unsupported claims about your skills and experience.

7. CALL TO ACTION Finish your letter with a positive call to action. For example: "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you".

8. CHECK, CHECK, CHECK Revise your cover letter. Check for spelling and grammatical errors.

A great cover letter can help your job application stand out. Here are 8 tips to consider when writing your next cover letter.

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1. CONTACT INFORMATION Make sure your contact information is easily accessible. Include your mobile number and email address at the top of your cover letter.

2. ADDRESS THE HIRING MANAGER Please do not put 'To whom it may concern' at the top of your cover letter. The name of the hiring manager can be found at the bottom of the job advertisement.

3. REFERENCE, REFERENCE, REFERENCE Please include the position / reference number, position title in your cover letter. Open your cover letter advising which position you are applying for.

COVER LETTER MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION


PROFESSIONAL COVER LETTER TEMPLATE

[insert your name] [insert your street number and name] [insert your suburb, state and postcode]

[insert title and name of addressee] [insert his/her position title if known] [insert the organisation’s address]

[insert the date]

Dear [insert Ms/Mr Xxx or Sir/Madam]

Application for position of [insert name of role], Reference Number [insert if given]

Paragraph 1 – Mention the position you are applying for and where you saw the advertisement.

Paragraph 2 – Give a brief outline of your academic and employment history in relation to the selection criteria for the position. State how you could contribute to the role and the organisation (or industry).

Paragraph 3 – Why Them - Explain why you’re interested in the role and the organisation.

Paragraph 4 –Mention your availability for interview and the best way of contacting you. Conclude that on the basis of your outlined skills and experience you’d like to be considered for an interview. State that have completed the selection criteria and attached your resume.

Yours sincerely [insert your signature] [insert your name typed]

Reproduced with permission from The University of Sydney Career Centre


4. KEEP IT SHORT AND SIMPLE Unless otherwise specified, please keep your responses to a maximum of 3/4 of a page. Make sure you give specific responses.

5. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Use the SAO approach to address each selection criterion clearly and concisely.

Situation - Where and when did you do it? Action - What did you do and how did you do it? Outcome - What was the result of your actions?

6. TECHNICAL TIP Writing effective selection criteria takes time. Prepare all your responses in a saved Word document so you can 'cut and paste' your final responses into our online recruitment system.

7. CHECK, CHECK, CHECK Make sure you've used positive strong language. Revise your selection criteria for spelling and grammatical errors and ask a colleague / friend or family member to review your responses for you.

The key to a successful application is demonstrating that you meet the selection criteria. Here's 7 tips to help you address HNE Health selection criteria effectively.

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1. MAKE TIME Schedule time to read and understand the selection criteria, position description and job advertisement. A thorough understanding of all these elements will help to tailor your responses.

2. ANALYSE EACH SELECTION CRITERION Always address every criterion. Start by making a few quick points on each one and brainstorm as many ideas and relevant examples of how you meet each criterion.

3. LOOK CLOSER Be aware of key expressions and levels required in each criterion. Skills may be required at different levels. ensure your responses reflect the required level of skill.

SELECTION CRITERIA

GIVE CLEAR, CONCISE AND WELL WRITTEN RESPONSES


SELECTION CRITERIA RESPONSE EXAMPLE

Able to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to

team operations and working relationships

I have worked as part of a team for many years and understand the

importance of great teamwork. As a team member, I am mindful of

my role and the roles of others to ensure successful outcomes. I

have been part of teams that take a problem-solving approach to

tasks and have helped formulate action plans. In such situations, I

enjoy the ability to work together to brainstorm ideas.

In my current role I participate in twice-weekly sales and service

meetings. I contribute ideas that often lead to the success of

various projects. In our most recent campaign, I suggested the title

and developed the direction while others contributed to other

areas of the project, such as the program and promotion. Effective

teamwork led to the campaign being the most successful yet.

I work closely with other team members to foster an open

communication environment by regularly discussing any issues we

may have. I am also involved in coaching other members where

needed.

Describe the situation

What action did you take?

What was the result?

Selection Criterion


4. MAKE IT LOOK GOOD You don't have to have graphic design skills to make your resume look good. Clearly presented information is easier to read.

Use bullet points. Use consistent, clear, legible font (size 10 - 12)

5. PRESENT YOUR EXPERIENCE CLEARLY When listing your experience, start with your most recent position and work your way back. For each position include the position title, organisation location, short summary about the role, your accountabilities and achievements.

6. TECHNICAL TIP You can save a copy of your resume in eRecruit. All you need to do is log into eRecruit, click on your name and add new resume.

7. CHECK, CHECK, CHECK Revise your resume for spelling and grammatical errors and ask a colleague / friend or family member to review your resume for you.

Your resume (or curriculum vitae) is your opportunity to show that you have the skills relevant to the position you are applying for. Here's 7 tips to help you make your achievements shine!

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1. REGULARLY UPDATE Review your resume often. Ensure you update it to match the position you are applying for.

2. KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL Leave personal details like marital status, health status, religion, children out of your resume.

3. RECENT EVENTS Include recent, relevant information. Don't include work experience that is between 10-20 years old unless it is directly related to the position you are applying for.

RESUME PREP MAKE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS SHINE


RESUME TEMPLATE

Your Name email address Mobile Number Residential Address (optional)

Personal Statement / Summary Describe how your professional attributes and skills will provide value to a prospective HNE Health.

Experience to date (repeat format for all relevant roles) Job title, Company Name, Location, Employment Dates Key accountabilities / responsibilities in this role Achievements gained

Education and Qualifications Include your degree and any other professional development courses, workshops you have attended that are related to the role you are applying for.

Referees Include the names and contact details of at least 2 referees.

List your recent experience first and work backwards

Include relevant Professional Memberships


4. RELEVANT ANSWERS Prepare a few examples to demonstrate required skills. Check the selection criteria to help identify examples to prepare.

5. PREPARED PAPERWORK Please ensure you have all your required checks and paperwork ready.

6. DRESS FOR SUCCESS Dress smart and professional for your interview. Keep in mind you are competing with other candidates for this role and put your best foot forward.

7. DO SOME GROUND WORK If you are not sure of the location of the interview, please call the hiring manager a few days before the interview to confirm the details of the interview. Ensure you ask about parking options and how to access the building.

8. FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT Remember to smile, smile, smile and to express your enthusiasm when responding.

You have done well to get to the interview stage in the recruitment process. Take every opportunity to impress the selection panel. Here are 8 tips to help you interview with impact.

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1. REVISE SELECTION CRITERIA Revise the position description and selection criteria for the position as the interview questions will be based around this information.

2. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Revise common interview questions. A selection of key behavioural interview questions areavailable on the next page. Make sure you have questions to ask the panel. It will show that you are thinking in depth about the role.

3. SELECTION PANEL HNE Health interview panels consist of at least three people. The convenor (hiring manager), job specialist (team member) and an independent panel member.

INTERVIEW INSIGHTS

PREPARE TO INTERVIEW WITH IMPACT


COMMON BEHAVIORIAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

COMMUNICATION What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give an example.

Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa). How did you handle the situation? What obstacles or difficulties did you face? How did you deal with them?

COOPERATION WITH CO-WORKERS Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?

Tell me about the last time you had a conflict with a co-worker, what was the conflict and how did you resolve it?

TEAMWORK Describe a situation where you have had to work as part of a team to achieve a result. What was your role in this?

WHY BEHAVIOURAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS? Behavioural interview questions are excellent for drawing in-depth information from applicants. They provide an opportunity to obtain insight into how a person operates in the workplace. Here are a few examples:

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE QUESTIONS Tell me about a situation where you had to solve a difficult problem. What did you do? What was the outcome? What do you wish you had done differently?

Describe a situation that required you to do a number of things at the same time. How did you handle it? What was the result?

TIME MANAGEMENT How do you determine priorities in scheduling your time? Give examples.

Describe a time when you had many projects or assignments due at the same time. What steps did you take to get them all done?

How do you prioritise projects and tasks when scheduling your time? Give me some examples.

How do you organise and plan for major projects?


Stepping Up is NSW Health’s online recruitment resource for Aboriginal applicants and hiring managers. The resource supports the NSW Ministry of Health’s commitment to growing the Aboriginal workforce across the public health sector and also offers information on career opportunities in health and advice to new starters to ease the transition to NSW Health.

Stepping Up aims to assist Aboriginal job applicants understand how to apply for roles in NSW Health by clarifying the recruitment process and addresses some of the challenges that can be experienced by hiring managers so they can more effectively structure recruitment to roles within NSW Health.

For more information about Stepping Up , please visit: http://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp

For more information about Aboriginal Employment, please visit http://bit.ly/HNEAboriginalEmployment

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce has grown from 190 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in 2008 to 735 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in 2015 with over 500 staff being employed into permanent roles.

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Hunter New England Health’s goal is to maintain the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed in positions at all levels of the organisation to more properly reflect the diversity of Hunter New England communities and to ensure a culturally appropriate service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Aboriginal Employment Unit plans and implements diversity initiatives to take positive steps to address continued disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the workplace.

ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT

GOOD HEALTH. GREAT JOBS.


SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

If you are invited to interview for a position, please ensure you bring the following COMPLETED documentation with you:

- 100 points of identification - Evidence of work rights in Australia - Current registration or qualification (related to your role) - National Criminal Record Check - Working with Children Check (if required)

REFEREES

Please provide at least two referees with your application.

Before you list someone as a referee, please contact them and obtain their consent to do so.

Think about giving your referees a copy of the position description so that they are prepared to provide relevant responses to the selection committee.

At least one of your referees must be a current work manager / supervisor.


OCCUPATIONAL ASSESSMENT,

SCREENING AND VACCINATION AGAINST

SPECIFIC DISEASES

If you are applying for a Category ‘A’ position, please read and understand NSW Health policy directive PD2011_005.

All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in this policy.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK

The Working with Children Check is for people who work directly with children, that is, have face-to face or physical contact with children in areas of work specified as child-related work, or work in a designated role as stated in the Child Protection (Working With Children) legislation.

If you are applying for a position with HNE Health that requires a Working With Children Check, please apply for a check ww.kidsguardian.nsw.gov. au /child-safe-organisations/working- with-children-check


NSW HEALTH CODE OF CONDUCTEvery HNE Health employee is required to adhere to the NSW Health Code of Conduct which outlines the responsibilities of employees for promoting a positive work environment.

At HNE Health staff are encouraged to focus on behaving in ways that promote harmonious and productive working relationships.

To learn more about our CORE values,please visit: http://bit.ly/HNEHealthCOREValues

LIVING AND WORKING IN A

REGIONAL AREAWorking in a regional area may give you access to a wider range of patients and caseloads. It may also provide you with the opportunity to develop your clinical expertise.

Give your career a competitive advantage by working with a diverse patient mix while enjoying greater autonomy and responsibility.

For more information about living andworking in a regional area, please visit http://evocities.com.au


Excellence. Every Patient. Every Time.


CONTACTSFOR ALL TECHNICAL SUPPORT ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT HealthShare NSW - eRecruit Helpdesk Hours of operation / Mon - Fri / 8.30am - 4.30pm Phone: 1300 590 648 Email: [email protected]

CONNECT WITH US

Connect with us on

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.co

m/HunterNewEnglandHe

althJobs/

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR APPLICATION Please contact the hiring manager. Their contact details will be listed in the position advertisement.

Connect with us

on LINKEDIN

www.linkedin.com/

Hunter New England

Local Health District

If you have comments regarding the contents of this resource, please contact [email protected] Manager, Recruitment Support Unit, Hunter New England Health


Documents

Job Application Guide - work with us 04JUL17