NSW Physiotherapy New Graduate Allocation Committee Seeking Employment in the Public Sector

Applying for a position The two commonest ways are: – Contacting a prospective employer – Responding to an advertisement Employment in the Public Sector 2

Applying for a position – contact the prospective employer Clearly identify the reason for contacting the employer as first impressions are very important. Verbal contact – if possible, make an appointment to visit and follow up with a letter and CV or resumé. Written contact only is less preferable but it may be more practical if you are contacting a number of employers. Employment in the Public Sector3

Applying for a position – contact the prospective employer Consider the advertisement – Identify the essential criteria and determine whether you can meet them. – Think about the job in the short and long term. Some questions to ask yourself: Is it in line with my career plans? Do I want this type of work at this time? Contact the Department Head to establish your interest. Organise a visit if possible - if visiting consider punctuality, dress, written information. Obtain a job description. Employment in the Public Sector4

Applying for a position – prepare a written application A combination of letter and resumé is most often used. – Your application must effectively address the selection requirements of the position. Examples of how you have met each criterion rather than just assertions are preferable. – When applying on line the same principles of brevity and conciseness apply particularly when providing information relating to the selection criteria. Employment in the Public Sector5

Applying for a position - guidelines for written applications "People without resumés frequently prejudice their chances of gaining employment interviews. Those who use inadequate resumes certainly do so”. Name, address and other relevant personal particulars. Education, including short courses. As you do not have significant work experience you should list all the clinical placements you had at tertiary level (these will not be relevant for more senior positions). Your work history, in brief. Achievements can be highlighted. An effective technique is to present your background as a series of accomplishments, not simply experience. Indicate any previous work you have undertaken including vacation and part-time work. You can highlight any work skills you acquired that have specific reference to any of the criteria for the position for which you are applying e.g. staff supervision, working with older people, customer service. Other items, such as, other language fluency, computer skills, community cultural and social interests can be included in the resumé or the accompanying letter, as long as they are appropriate to the position. Any references that you consider relevant can be attached. Employment in the Public Sector6

Applying for a position - guidelines for written applications "Some people talk themselves out of the job at interview, others write themselves out of an interview in their application". Your resumé should not exceed four A4 pages. Layout is critical! It should be easy to read, so it should present the important facts about you both clearly and briefly. Employment in the Public Sector7

Prepare for the interview As the interviewer will be comparing your skills and attributes with those of other applicants or against set criteria, preparation is essential to present yourself favourably. Interviewees tend to undersell their merits. – Obtain background information about the organisation, its structure and range of activities. Obtain the job description as this is in effect your contract of employment. – Prepare replies to predictable questions such as "what skills do you bring to this position?" "What are the essentials of teamwork" etc. (see handout on attached sheet). – Answer all questions thoughtfully : those appearing irrelevant may be designed to elicit information about your personal attitudes and approach. – Take to the interview : The original advertisement; Copies of your application and any written references; Originals and copies of any additional information that support your application; You should also have the names and telephone numbers of two appropriate referees, if these have not already been provided. (It is, of course, wise to obtain the referee’s consent beforehand). Employment in the Public Sector8

Prepare for interview questions “ What do you see as the challenges of this 12 month new graduate allocation?” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” “ “What will you do when you are confronted with a patient with a clinical condition you have never seen before?” “What do you do if after your assessment, your treatment plan differs from that on the referral?” “What is a quality activities project you would like to undertake on your current position?” “What is patient centred healthcare?” ‘There is pressure to discharge one of your patients and you don’t believe it is appropriate. What do you do?’ “Do you have any questions?” The position entails some supervision of a physiotherapy assistant. What experience do you have of this?” Employment in the Public Sector9

Prepare for interview questions There will also be questions related to your competence in specific clinical areas of work. Don’t try to bluff your way through clinical questions if you are not sure. The interviewer is interested primarily in competence, initiative and professionalism, but safety is vitally important and you won’t be expected to know everything! The interview setting is stressful for most people. It will be made a lot easier by good preparation and practice or rehearsal. Simulating the interview situation can be very effective especially if you take some effort to anticipate the questions that will be asked and answer them as you would expect to do in the interview. Employment in the Public Sector10

Interview techniques Your dress and grooming should be appropriate to the position for which you have applied. Extremes in fashion should be avoided. Punctuality is imperative. You will be judged from the time you arrive for interview so be mindful of your posture and general body language including hand placement. Speak slowly, clearly and confidently. Answer each question directly. If you are being interviewed by a panel, respond to each person on an individual basis. Be mindful of your body language, make eye contact with the questioner. Ask questions of the interviewer(s) when appropriate. Query any point about which you may be doubtful as there is no point in second guessing what has been asked. You should prepare and ask questions as this reinforces the impression that you have thought deeply about the position. Employment in the Public Sector11

Interview techniques There are basic facts about which you should usually enquire at an employment interview. You may, of course, decide not to raise one or more than at the initial interview. "Ensure that you make if clear that you are more interested in the actual work of the position than in the benefits it provides” – Adequate information about the work you will be doing – Ask for a Job Description (try to obtain it before the interview) – Prospects and career development – Salary (private practice) – Leave entitlements – Superannuation and other benefits (private practice) – Opportunities for further study, including on-the-job training – How will your performance be assessed Employment in the Public Sector12