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Frequently Asked Questions

To view the answer to a question, please click the question. To view all answers click here. If you have an unanswered question, please contact us.

Q) Where is Careers and Employment and when are you open?

Location: Level 2, East Wing of Quadrangle Building
Ph: 9385 5429
Fax: 9385 6145
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Contact us

Q) What services are offered by Careers and Employment?
          The annual UNSW Careers Expo
          Employer Information Sessions
          Workshops presented by external presenters Guest Workshops
Q) Where can I look for a job?
Q) What are employers looking for?
  • Enthusiasm: convince the employer that you really want to work in this position and for this organisation
  • The graduate employment market is very competitive and employers usually receive many applications. Therefore your academic performance is often the first criteria used to cull applications
  • Employers highly value work experience, preferably degree-related, however all experience is worthwhile
  • Evidence of generic skills or graduate attributes: Communication, Teamwork, Enthusiasm, Motivation, Initiative, Leadership, Commitment, Interpersonal Skills, Organisation, Foreign Language Competence, Problem Solving - Analytical Skills, Computer Skills. Use evidence from your studies, your employment experience and your involvement in extra curricular activities. You can begin to document this evidence using the UNSW Student Portfolio
  • Evidence that you have researched the organisation and that you have an understanding of the requirements of the position you are applying for
Q) Where is my degree leading? What jobs will be open to me at the end of my degree?
Q) What salary can I expect?
Q) How do I write a resume?
  • Decide what job your resume will be written for.
  • Analyse the skills, knowledge, experience, and attitudes required of the job and the company.
  • Examine samples of resumes. Resume samples and a resume writing guide are available in our Resume Preparation section.
  • The following books are held in the Careers and Employment Library
    - Resumes That Get Shortlisted (Bright J. and Earl J.)
    - Proven Strategies To Get The Job You Want (Bright J. and Earl J.)
    - The Australian Resume Guide (Stevens P.)
    - Job Search 101 (Fox M. and Morgan P.)
  • Draft and then edit your resume with correct dates and detailed information relevant to the job type.
  • Attend a workshop on Resume and Cover Letter writing (regularly offered)
  • Once you have completed these steps you may wish to book into an Individual Assistance session to have your resume and cover letter checked. Note: If attending an IA session to have your resume checked, you must complete and bring a Resume Checklist
Q) How do I write a cover letter?
  • Examine samples of cover letters in our Cover Letter section.
  • Attend a workshop on writing Resumes and Cover letters
  • Samples and advice are provided in
    - Resumes That Get Shortlisted (Bright J. and Earl J.)
    - Proven Strategies To Get The Job You Want (Bright J. and Earl J.)
    - Resumes for Dummies
  • Once you have completed these steps you may wish to book into an Individual Assistance session to have your resume and cover letter checked. Note: If attending an IA session to have your resume checked, you must complete and bring a Cover Letter Checklist
Q) Can I have my resume and cover letter checked?

Yes, but only after you have followed the advice above.

Q) How do I improve my interview skills?
  • Review our resources on Interview. We cover types of interviews (including case studies and psychometric testing), questions you'll be asked (and how to prepare for them), and how to handle interviews in general.
  • Attend an Interview Skills and Mock Interview workshop
  • After you have attended the interview skills workshops, you can register for an Individual Assistance session if you need more help
Q) What is Individual Assistance? How do I make a booking?

Individual Assistance is a 20 minute one-on-one session with a Careers Consultant where you can discuss topics like career choices or have your resume and cover letter looked at. To make a booking click here. Note: If attending an IA session to have your resume checked, you must complete and bring a Resume Checklist

Q) I am an international student. How can I find work?
Please visit the International Students' Centre (located in the Red Centre building) for assistance in securing the necessary visas. They can advise you on your legal responsibilities.  You can also find information on work rights and tax requirements on their website at Work Permit & Tax Info and Tax Information. Once you have done this please see our advice on how to find work at Student Employment.

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Authorised by: Manager, Careers and Employment. Last Reviewed: 10/03/2004
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