Your application is a summary of what you would like us to know about your skills and experience, relevant to the position you are applying for. The information in your application will be used to determine whether or not you are short-listed for an interview.
All vacant positions with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) are advertised on the NSW Health Career website via the Recruitment and On-Boarding (ROB) system. Applications are to be submitted online and need to address the position’s selection criteria to be considered.
The following information is provided to assist you in preparing your application.
Cover Letter - make a great first impression
A great cover letter can help your job application stand out. Here are eight tips to consider when writing your next cover letter.
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.
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
Do not 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.
Addressing the selection criteria
The key to a successful application is demonstrating that you meet the selection criteria. Here are seven tips to help you address selection criteria effectively.
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.
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.
Preparing your resume
Your resume (or curriculum vitae) is your opportunity to show that you have the skills relevant to the position you are applying for. Here are six tips to help you make your achievements shine!
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.
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. 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.
Nominated referees
As part of your application, you will be required to provide contact details for two recent referees. At least one of your referees should be a current supervisor. Let your referees know they may be contacted to comment on your recent work performance (your referees may find it helpful if you provide them with a copy of the position description).
Occupational screening and vaccination
NSW Health is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all clients in health care settings and providing a safe and healthy working environment for all staff and other clinical personnel, including students. This commitment includes adopting an assessment, screening and vaccination policy that minimises the risk of acquiring infectious diseases.
Information will be included as part of your application kit if the position that you are applying for is required to comply with the NSW Health policy for Occupational Assessment, Screening & Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases. Successful/preferred candidates must provide documentation to demonstrate evidence of protection.
Working with Children Check
Depending on the type of work you are applying for, you may be required to provide a WWCC clearance number.
To obtain a WWCC clearance number, follow the instructions on the website of the NSW Children’s Guardian, which includes completing an online application form and then attending a NSW Motor Registry or a NSW Council Agency that provides Road and Maritime Services, to provide proof of identity and pay for the WWCC to be completed. The cost of the WWCC is $80.
Please note that a volunteer WWCC (which is free) cannot be used for paid employment.