www.ntnews.com.au Saturday, December 18, 2010. NT NEWS. 3

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ntnews.com.au CAREERONE.COM.AU

Would you like to work in an environment built on empathy? Are you looking for bigger more

complex challenges? Do you want a chance to really affect peoples’ lives?

Our client has a variety of senior leadership positions available in remote locations across the

Northern Territory and Western Australia.

These are critical and infl uential positions requiring a careful balance of empathy and authority.

You will work closely with a diverse array of people to understand their needs and improve the

quality of their lives.

While a background in care, education or welfare is essential, it will be your resilience, ability

to make decisions under pressure, confi dence in dealing with stakeholders and commitment to

helping people that will ensure you thrive in these rewarding roles.

All roles offer outstanding salaries and incredible job satisfaction.

If you’re ready to take your career further and wish to apply,

please quote Ref. No. 6B/12213, online at jobs.au.hudson.com

Enquiries can be made to Mick Mason, in our Hudson Perth

offi ce on (08) 9323 0251.

ASK NT local Croc Mick

Pittman what you do if you

spot a crocodile and his advice

would probably be, definitely

don’t smile at it, and if you’re

not familiar with the scary

beasts, run fast, real fast. He

should know after all he has

been in the crocodile business

for over 30 years and is attune

to the dangers associated with

the game.

Croc Mick, crocodile hunter and taxidermist began his (one might say), perculiar career as an apprentice in the 70s under the guidance of his mentor and friend the late ‘German Jack Kiel’. Jack taught Mick the art of croc hunting and of creating fine leather products without the use of chemicals and how to use bush bark to tan crocodile skins.

Living in very harsh conditions, working long and hard hours hunting crocs is all part of what Croc Mick does and when he’s not doing this, he is producing world class

t a x i d e r mand crocodleather produHis chosen path has earneunprecedentedworld-wide acareer bliss some could only wish for. Croc Mick shares the risky, but rewarding business of crocodile hunting. Q: If you had another opportunity to do something else other than croc hunting, what would you do?A: I would do the same thing all over again, as I have had a great life and believe me I have “been out there”. I was a poacher for 16-years and was hunted by the all authorities constantly. So now after 16 years of doing the right thing legally, I have learnt to enjoy every day doing what I love to do.Q: What tips could you give to someone contemplating a croc hunting career?A: Well for starters, if you can’t work hard for long hours, then

don’t b o t h e r going there because it means long work hours and heavy work. My tips are to always respect the crocodile and at the same time be a good hunter. Q: I’m really scared of not just being attacked by a crocodile but more so, being fatally mauled by one, left to decompose awaiting the grand finale. What advice would you give to someone to overcome possible fears related to your job. A: Have no fear! If you think you have, I suggest you never think of a dangerous career ever!Q: Tell me a bit about your role as a taxidermist, briefly how does it fit in with the job

u as oc

A: I le n

I was taught the art of taxidermy by 'German Jack Kiel', a famous Crocodile Hunter who travelled the Top End and Papua New Guinea hunting crocs. I am the only guy left (that I know of), that hunts a crocodile, processes it, and then turns it into product. I also tan my own leather and don’t use chemicals to do this. My job description is a unique one and I have a passion for crocodiles. I preserve the crocodile back to its most natural looking state. This process includes skinning, treating and then stuffing the crocodile back into shape and adding all the finishing touches which, on larger crocodiles can take a couple of months to get the job right. I love it still after 33 years!

Croc Mick shares the risky, but rewarding business of crocodile hunting

Croc Mick Pittman

some could only don’t

u as oc

I ile en

I was taught the art of

Move over Mick

Dundee, Croc

Mick Pittman is

about to roll ya

Is a cover letter necessary?

Cover letters are not passe. The job of the cover letter is to get

the employer/recruiter to read your resume. The job of the resume is to get you a job interview. The job interview is to get you a second interview and/or the job.

A cover letter should run to a few paragraphs and zero in on why your skills and experience match the job being advertised. Don't regurgitate your entire resume, just point out that you do have the specific skills and experience being sought. Try to mimic the words used in the job ad as much as possible. Some applications are read by a software program rather than a person. In such cases, the program is looking for the keywords mentioned in the job ad. Using the same words as the ad will also get the attention of people reading your application. Employers tend to rate cover letters more highly than recruiters ‒ especially small business employers. Some recruiters don't rate cover letters much at all but it is better to be safe than sorry. You can create a cover letter and resume within one document for the convenience of the employer/recruiter. Just make sure you put your name and contact details (email and mobile) on every page to ensure that nothing goes missing when your document is printed.