GHD's tips for your application

GHD

One of the hardest and most time-consuming parts for you is researching your options and deciding which organisations to apply for.

As part of this research, you need to have a good idea of what you are looking for, what is most important to you and where you feel you will be challenged and continue to develop.

If GHD is an organisation you see yourself being part of, then here is some information that will be useful for you when applying.

Take the time to read the role advert in full and make sure you understand what is required and who we are looking for.
You don’t necessarily have to meet all requirements to apply, but you will have to be able to demonstrate transferrable skills and/or knowledge.
Take note of the closing date/time (in the correct time zone) and make sure you get your application in by then. Late applications are usually not considered.
Follow all instructions regarding what you need to provide with your initial application.
Make sure you keep track of all roles you apply for when they close and what status your application is at. An excel spreadsheet is a great way of doing this. It is important that when we reach out to you that you remember what you’ve applied for (believe me, lots of students forget!).
Like university assignments, deadlines are set in the recruitment process too. Try to manage your time and priorities so that you don’t miss any important application deadlines.

CV/Resume

Keep it succinct, no more than 2 or 3 pages is recommended.
Keep it simple, not too much fancy graphics or design work that makes it hard to read (unless of course you are applying for a graphic design role!).
Tailor your resume for the role/organisation you are applying for. Highlight the skills, knowledge, experience that is most relevant.
Page 1 should provide a good overall summary of you (we will always read page 1).
Page 2/3 can then provide more detail.

Cover Letter

Cover letters should not just be a copy of your resume. We’ve already got your resume, tell us something more about you.
Use the cover letter as an opportunity to tell us more about you as a person, why you applied, what you’re looking for etc.
One page is good, but up to two pages is acceptable.
If you don’t know who to personally address it to, simply addressing it to the Recruitment Manager or Hiring Manager is fine.

Communication Channels

In the early stages of the recruitment process, most communication will be via email.
Use an email account that you check regularly.
Make sure you check your junk folders regularly as well.
Respond to communication in a professional and friendly manner.
Update your message bank or voicemail message to something more professional (if you currently have something more informal).
If you are asked for a response, then please respond. Even if you’ve decided to withdraw your application, just ignoring emails or phone calls is not professional.
If you haven’t heard from our team for a few weeks, then it is OK to reach out to us via email to check on your application. Sometimes, updates get lost unfortunately.

While there is always a high number of applicants for our roles, we do our best to provide you with a positive recruitment experience. We don’t always get it right, so please let us know so that we can fix it.

As a candidate, the one thing you can’t control is who else has applied. It is a competitive market, and sometimes only small things can differentiate candidates. So, focus on what you can control (research, preparation etc.) and use every application as an opportunity to learn more about the process and about what you can do to give yourself the outcome you’re looking for.

Southern Cross University acknowledges and pays respect to the ancestors, Elders and descendants of the Lands upon which we meet and study. We are mindful that within and without the concrete and steel of buildings these Lands always were and always will be Aboriginal Land.