CSA

Careers
Guide
2015
7 Steps to Becoming More Employable

Commerce Student Association

Office:
DWB230

Website:
http://www.latrobecsa.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/latrobe.csa

Disclaimer
Material contained in his Guide is subject to copyright.
You may download, display and print and reproduce this material in its unaltered form only
(retaining this notice) for your personal and non-commercial use only.
All rights are reserved apart from use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968.
Contributed work may be the subject to respective copyrights.
Please contact the author for permission to reproduce any materials.
Although the editors and authors have taken every care in preparing and writing the CSA
Online Careers Handbook, they expressly disclaim and accept no liability for any errors,
omissions, misuse or misunderstandings on the part of any person who uses or relies upon it.
The editors, authors, the Commerce Students Association Inc. accept no responsibility for any
damage, injury or loss as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material
included, omitted or implied in this publication.
While we did our best to research and fact-check everything in this guide, there may be some
information that has changed. Please use this information as a guide only and seek expert
advice if you have any welfare issues of major concern. Students should always do their own
research.
Some sections of the guide were written by other office-bearers and they included the
information they considered relevant to their departments. Please contact them or their
departments directly if you have any further questions or concerns.

Presidents Welcome

Parul Gupta
The Commerce Students Association is one of the leading student bodies at La Trobe
University. Since our inception, we have always strived to provide a balanced university
experience, by exposing students to the professional industry and placing them in good stead
when seeking employment, as well as organizing networking opportunities through various
events.
That is why the CSA is proud to present this Careers Handbook 7 Steps to becoming more
Employable as it provides Commerce Students vital information they need about applying for
Graduation and Summer Vacation Positions.
The Commerce Students Association would like to thank all of its Sponsors who are involved
in making this document a success.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the CSA Executive Committee and
Sub Committee who created this document and cant thank them enough for the time and effort
they have put into enhancing the university experience of their peers. Finally, I would like to
thank the Faculty of Business and the staff at the Careers Department for accommodating the
CSA as well as their provision of material towards this release.
We the CSA wish all our members all the best for your future and look forward to seeing you at
our events throughout the year.

A Thank You to Our Sponsors

Table of Contents
Step 1 - Research ....................................................................................................................... 1
TGAs Top Tips for the Recruitment Process .......................................................................... 2
Step 2 - Resume ......................................................................................................................... 3
Resume Example ..................................................................................................................... 4
CPAs Top Tips ........................................................................................................................ 6
FPAs Student Membership ................................................................................................... 11
Step 3 Cover Letter .............................................................................................................. 13
Cover Letter Example ............................................................................................................ 14
CAs Top Tips ........................................................................................................................ 17
Step 4 Online Application Questions ................................................................................. 19
Ernst & Young Tips ................................................................................................................ 20
Step 5 - Psychometric Testing ............................................................................................... 25
Step 6 - Assessment Centres ................................................................................................. 26
Seed Training Group Tips ...................................................................................................... 27
Step 7 Face-to-Face Interviews .......................................................................................... 33
Deloittes Interview Tips ......................................................................................................... 35
Tips and Opportunities ........................................................................................................... 37
Questions and Answers ......................................................................................................... 43

Research

Pg. 01

Step 1 - Research
Description
When beginning the application process it is crucial to thoroughly research the firm in order to
acquire knowledge about the company and vacant positions. Ultimately, allowing you to make
good impression on a potential employer. Not only will it demonstrate your enthusiasm for the
career field but also articulate how your skills, knowledge and values match those of the
organisation. Conducting research on the business will also allow you to assess whether the
organisation is right for you and let you craft answers and questions that are more that are
specific to the firm.

Topics to research before an interview

The company's culture, mission and values

Recent company achievements and news

Organisation history

Company's clients, products and services

The industry

Competitors

Key players within the organisation

Your interviewers

People you know on the inside

Attire to be worn on the day

TGAs Tips

Pg. 02

TGAs Top Tips for the Recruitment Process

Tip 1: Have a plan - before grad recruitment season actually starts do research on companies
in the industry you're interested in and make a ranking list of which ones you prefer. When
applications do open, apply for jobs as early as possible in priority of which companies you
prefer.

Tip 2: Tracking these applications - lodged a zillion and want to keep track? Download TGA
Graduate and use the track feature to stay up to date!

Tip 3: Fun fact - recruiters care very little about your cover letter and barely, if ever, read it.
Keep it short, succinct and to the point. Remember the painfully long questions you keep
getting asked in each job application? Those are the answers recruiters pay close attention to.
Make sure you nail those down.

Need more tips? Download TGA Graduate for access to more infographics. We will also be
sponsoring a series of events with actual grad recruiters to answer all these questions and
more. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/tgagraduate for updates!

Resume

Pg. 03

Step 2 - Resume
A resume is a summary of your background, skills and qualifications that you have acquired
over the years, which is sent to employers upon your application for a job. It should be
considered as your personal marketing brochure, with the goal of gaining the employers
attention and to give them the information they need to progress your application to the next
stage of the hiring process. A well-written and formatted resume tells the employer about your
educational and professional achievements to date in a concise manner.

Resume writing is an on-going process that you will practice throughout your career. Gain
feedback from employment professionals, peers, friends and family and always try to keep
your resume up to date. Lastly, the time you put into producing that perfect resume will not go
to waste so make sure you spend adequate time creating a resume that helps you stand out as
an individual.

Below is an example.

Resume

Pg. 04

Resume Example
John Smith
1234 Main Road, Clayton.
Mobile: 0499 999 999
Email: j.smith@mymail.com
Career Objective
Summarise what your goal is in regards to the position you are applying for. In addition, talk
about your future objectives that you want to achieve and where you see yourself in a few
years down the track.
Education (Most recent at top)
2013 Current

Bachelor of Accounting
Central University

Current Weighted Average Mark: 80.00

2012

Victorian Certificate of Education

World College

Work experience (Most recent at top)

ABC Finance (Dec/2014 - Mar/2015)

Describe your main role and duties.

Focus on the relevant tasks and accomplishments that you have achieved that relate to
the position you are applying for.

Be as specific as possible and try to use bullet points.

ABC Supermarket - 10 months (2014)

List all the jobs that are relevant to the opportunity that you are applying for to ensure
that you can relate to the skills and qualities needed for the position

Resume

Pg. 05

Volunteer Experience (Optional- If completed)

Help Organisation - Current

List any volunteer work that you are doing or have done on your resume as it will
enhance your work experience section and will be highly valuable towards gaining the
position that you are applying for.

Be specific about role and duties.

Make sure that you make a connection between the skills and qualities needed for the
position to the tasks that you have performed during this experience and list any
achievements.

Skills

In this section list the skills that you have attained and developed throughout your work
experience and give a short description.

Only use the ones that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

Write in present tense and don't go into too much detail.

Examples include communication, team work etc.

Languages (Optional)

List any languages (other than English) that you can speak and are fluent in.

Professional Membership/ Participation

List the name of professional bodies that you are a member of e.g. Commerce Student's
Association.

Hobbies & Interests

List the things that you enjoy doing in your free time as your hobby.

Make sure to keep this professional and don't list any inappropriate related activities

CPAs Tips

Pg. 06

CPAs Top Tips

What are five common mistakes or red flags that people put in their resume?

1.

Formatting and fonts -You should also avoid long paragraphs and long blocks of text. Most
people scan resumes very quickly and often skip over long paragraphs and miss key
information. Use white space and bullets to make your resume format easy on the eye.
Use of bullets can also ensure better reader comprehension when visually scanned. Also,
avoid using weird colours, weird formats or weird paper stock. Your resume should be
simple and elegant. Go minimalist and let the words speak for themselves.

2.

Accomplishments - Focus on accomplishments, not responsibilities. When you are writing

your current or former job description, focus on your accomplishments, not what you had to
do. As an alternative to duties or responsibilities, flip your tasks into achievements.

3. Spelling and grammatical errors - Take the extra time to re-read your resume several times
or have an English major friend look it over for you. Its easy to miss even big,
embarrassing mistakes when youve been looking at your resume for too long
4. Incorrect Information Do not lie in your resume
5. Unprofessional E-mail Address - In a world where e-mail is free, and most of us have
multiple addresses, make the effort to have a professional e-mail address. Keep it simple
using your name is best. Just make sure you leave the sweetbaby@helloworld.com for
personal use
What are some questions that every candidate should ask in an interview?
1. How would you describe the general culture of the company and the workplace?
2. Will there be any form of training provided?
3. What is the usual time frame for making the hiring decision?

CPAs Tips

Pg. 07

4. What are some of the biggest challenges/successes facing the department currently?
5. Who will be my direct manager
What is the most efficient way a candidate can utilise the research they have conducted
in the interview?
If you want to point to research you've done, say something like 'I saw this and I love it.' But,
you don't ever want to say 'I would do this differently.' Learning about the company is also
great for tailoring your interview examples and highlighting things that you see in the company
that are commonalities with you and areas where your expertise could be useful.
The best way to convince your interviewer that you know the company well is to be able to
articulate what makes it special compared to competitors.
While you dont necessarily want to spout off stock prices or funding history, being able to
speak insightfully about where you think the company will go in the future, backed up with
facts, is hugely impressive in an interview.
For example, search company profiles, and watch interviews with current employees and hear
what makes each workplace so different. Or, see what positive and negative things people
have to say about the company youre interviewing. You wont bring up all this information
during the interview, but it will at least help you come up with reasons why the company is
special and help you to know what topics to avoid during the interview.

CPAs Tips

Pg. 08

What are some things or activities that students can do or get involved in to make
themselves better candidates?

Volunteer for NGOs or other organisations.

Attend industry events.

Find opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds and interests through
university or student societies.

Be involved in extracurricular activity, be it in sport, music drama, or another field.

Does appearance actually count?

Its really about professionalism and first impressions. Theres a lot of trust involved in
appointing staff employers need to know that youll represent their organisation and/or their
brand in a positive, appropriate way and be professional in engaging with colleagues,
stakeholders and clients. Looking overly casual or sloppy in any work-related situation
suggests a lack of effort and seriousness. This applies to networking events, volunteering,
internships and workplaces. That said, its not about spending a fortune on clothes. Its about
looking clean, well-groomed, credible and appropriate. (If youre a vet youre probably not
going to wear a suit to work!) And of course, you also need to know what you are doing the
best appearance in the world wont make up for a lack of key skills or knowledge, or a slack
attitude.

CPAs Tips

Pg. 09
How do we find out about internships?

Begin where you are right here at uni. Ask lecturers, tutors and other students if they know of
any opportunities. Youll also find a range of opportunities listed on line at gradopportunities
and grad connection (which also includes a blog and forums).
http://www.graduateopportunities.com/
https://au.gradconnection.com/
State and Federal government websites list internships, cadetships and work experience in the
public sector.
http://www.australia.gov.au/topics/employment-and-workplace/australian-governmentjobs/cadetships-scholarships-work-experience
https://graduates.vic.gov.au/opportunities-for-graduates/internships-and-work-experience
Dont forget to look further, at the websites for states other than Victoria, and the territories.
Use your critical thinking skills in analysing your findings. For instance, youll find some
internship opportunities are fee-based and you will need to think carefully about whether these
match your aims and resources, and what other options you might have through volunteering,
unpaid work experience or other organisations. Look closely at the terms and conditions for
different opportunities. Always read the fine print - if something looks too good to be true, it
probably is.
Find out more about opening the door to future work through internships and other work
experience on the Career Ready blog.

CPAs Tips

Pg. 10
Is honesty really the best policy in an interview?

Its worth thinking through what you might be dishonest about, and why you think you might
need to be. How might the issue relate to your capacity to do the job? Trust and integrity are
incredibly important aspects of most jobs thats why professions will have codes of practice
and codes of ethics. At the same time, the context of information is very important and
sometimes disclosure may not be appropriate. Disclosure is particularly relevant issue for
people who affected by a disability or other health matter, and theres a complex discussion
out there about this. Theres no hard and fast rule so if you are grappling with issues of
disclosure its best to seek advice from a qualified Careers Counsellor or other professional.

How do you successfully network?

Begin by understanding that networking is a two-way, reciprocal process its not about
fronting up to ask others for favours. Networking is basically about engaging with your
profession, putting yourself out there and getting to know people, the work they do (or want to
do) and the organisations they work for or know about. Increasingly, workplaces depend on
multi-disciplinary teams so connecting with others, being a lifelong learner, and finding ways to
participate and collaborate are vital career skills. Networking is a great way to develop these
skills, and confidence. You can find out more about networking by looking at the La Trobe
University Career Ready info on tapping into networks at http://careerready.blogs.latrobe.edu.au/finding-a-job/using-networks-to-find-a-job/

FPA

Pg. 11

FPAs Student Membership

The FPA is the largest and peak professional body that represents financial planners across
Australia. We have a growing membership of more than 11,000 members and affiliates, of
whom 7,500 are practising financial planners. The FPA is the only Australian body licensed to
administer and deliver the CFP designation, the international gold standard and highest
certification available to financial planners worldwide. CFP professionals belong to a growing
community of over 5,500 CFP professionals in Australia and 150,000 globally. Recognised in
24 countries, CFP certification opens up career opportunities across the globe.
The FPA is committed to helping full-time students develop a clear pathway to becoming a
professional financial planner. FPA Student membership is free of charge and is open to fulltime students. Student membership lets you connect with other students and give you
opportunities to network with members already working in financial planning.
Student membership will open doors to new learning experiences and provide you with
opportunities to advance your future career in financial planning, such as access to the globally
recognised CFP Certification. You will be invited to Member events and Young Planner events,
where you can interact with your future profession and potential employers, and make valuable
connections along the way.
Importantly, you will have access to information that will add currency and practitioner focus to
your studies. Youll receive regular updates from the FPA, including all news on legislative and
regulatory changes, and have access to member only sections of the FPA website, for all

FPA

Pg. 12

current and relevant information. Through Student Membership, you will gain first-hand insight
into your future profession, and begin your journey towards a career in financial planning.

What youll get as a Student member of the FPA:

A monthly edition of Financial Planning magazine

The opportunity to attend Young Planner events

The opportunity to learn about careers in financial planning

A pathway to the globally recognised CFP Certification Program

Access to the members-only LinkedIn forum

Our weekly FPA Express e-newsletter for bite-sized updates

Regular industry updates, including news on legislative & regulatory changes

FPA members are part of the leading community of financial planners in Australia, committed
to standing with Australians for a better financial future

Cover Letter

Pg. 13

Step 3 Cover Letter

Along with your resume, a cover letter is another great tool in allowing you to stand out in the
job application. Your cover letter is your first personal introduction to the employer. Craft your
cover letter in accordance with the research youve done on the firm and the firms values. This
will allow you to highlight that you are the ideal candidate for the position. It is crucial that you
craft a separate cover letter for each job you apply for.
A general structure to follow is in your opening where you should address the person you are
writing to (do some research into who this is) and explain why you are passionate about the
views of the organisation. In your second paragraph, you should summarise the skills you
have developed through your professional and educational experiences that make you the
ideal candidate for that particular position. In your conclusion, you should take the opportunity
to thank the firm for considering your application, include instructions on how they can contact
you and continue to show enthusiasm as you wrap up your cover letter.

Below is an example.

Cover Letter

Pg. 14

Cover Letter Example

John Smith
1234 Main Road
Clayton VIC 3000
0499 999 999
j.smith@mymail.com

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to apply for the position of Tax accountant at [Company Name], as advertised on
the companys website. I have recently completed the Bachelor of Accounting degree at
Central University. I have a strong interest in tax and financial accounting, where I hope to put
my interests and learning into practice.
[Company Name] is a company of particular interest to me. From my research I am aware of
the organisations prominence on working proactively as a team to solve complex problems for
a range of clients. This philosophy resonates with me as it creates trust and long-term client
relationships and would allow me to apply the communication, teamwork and problem solving
skills that I have developed through both my studies and employment experience.
I have an ability to grow with a job, handle responsibility and build positive relationships with
work colleagues at all levels. My present employer is very satisfied with my work rate, and I am
confident that I can bring the same level of high performance to your company.

Beyond that which is already mentioned in my attached resume, I am someone who knows
how to set goals and achieve them, and have a proven track record of being able to conceive,
develop & execute strategies. I feel certain that my strong .......... skills coupled with my ability
to ............ will be of immediate value to your company.

To support my application, I have enclosed a copy of my resume and academic transcripts. I

believe that I share the values very closely that [Company Name] operates by and have the
potential to be a valuable member of the organisation and would welcome the opportunity to
discuss my application in further detail. Thank you for your consideration.

Yours sincerely,
John Smith

CAs Top Tips

Pg. 17

CAs Top Tips

What are your five top tips for writing a cover letter?

Ensure you address the key selection criteria stated in the job description

State why you specifically want to work for the firm

Highlight how you would be a good cultural fit at that organisation

Highlight how you can deliver on the specified job description. You can demonstrate
such capabilities by drawing upon past experiences

Familiarise yourself with the firms values and/or mission statement and reference how
these values align with your own personal values.

What do you believe is the most important aspect or the most standout element of a
cover letter?

It is essential to address why you want to work for that firm and what you can specifically
offer the firm. Be sure to highlight how you can add value and contribute to the firm. Give
them a reason to call you in for an interview.

CAs Top Tips

Pg. 18

What are some things or activities that students can do or get involved in to make
themselves better or more employable candidates?

I would highly recommend getting involved in extra circular activities including a sports
team, performing arts or being an active member of society. This will show your potential
employer your willingness to get involved in both work and non-related work activities. It
also demonstrates your ability to be a team player and have good communication skills.
Employers sought after multi-dimensional candidates so its important to diversify your
CV with a combination of good academic grades, extra circular activities and work
experience. If possible, work experience in the relevant field is always preferred,
however, you can demonstrate many skills necessary for employment including time
management and communication skills through casual retail and hospitality roles

Online Application Questions

Pg. 19

Step 4 Online Application Questions

Online Applications are an integral part of the recruitment process as large firms use them as a
tool to filter through candidates and at times utilize application questions in place of a resume.
Therefore, it is extremely important to get it right, and remember that a good first impression
counts. As well as the basic biographical information that you will provide in the application,
you may also be asked a series of behavioural questions related to specific skills that are being
sought or are highly valued by the employer.
Examples of behavioural/ Application questions are:

Give an example when you have demonstrated outstanding communication skills

Describe what appeals to you about our organisation and why you would like to work
here

Outline a situation that best demonstrates your ability to lead a team towards achieving
a goal

Describe your most outstanding achievement

The reason many employers use behavioural questions in their application process is because
your past behaviours are good indicators of how you will behave in particular situations in the
future. So make sure you put a lot of time and effort into your answers and ensure you are
tailoring them to the specific organisations you are applying for and the qualities that they seem
to value. When answering the questions it is recommended that you use the STAR method,
which will be looked at in more detail later in the handbook.

Ernst & Young Tips

Pg. 20

Ernst & Young Tips

1. What are the most important qualities you are looking for in responses to behavioural
questions?
Behavioural questions require specific examples of situations that you have been in and how
you have acted. There are no set qualities all behavioural questions seek to uncover, theyre
aim is to probe for competencies of the role that are most important for success. The question
that is asked will determine what type of qualities the interviewers are seeking you to
demonstrate you have displayed. For example, you may be asked to describe a time that you
have had to manage conflicting priorities. The interviewers here may be looking to
understand qualities like your ability to prioritise, manage your time or seek help from your
team.
We recommend that before any interview you practice by preparing responses to behavioural
questions. Resources such as your careers centre or even the internet can be used to find
samples of behavioural questions commonly used in interviews. The best way to respond to
behavioural questions is to use the STAR technique. This technique ensures your response is
clear and concise whilst still providing the interviewer with enough detail to answer the question
fully. Answers should be structured by first describing the Situation you were in and the Tasks
required of you. You will then explain the Actions you took in response to this situation and
the Result of said actions.

Ernst & Young Tips

Pg. 21

2. Do you have any tips for responding to application questions, or any common mistakes
that you frequently encounter that would cause applicants to not progress any further in the
process?
Do your homework. Ensure that you research the job/area and the company that you are
applying to. It is worthwhile taking note of the companys values and what they state they are
looking for. Fully understanding the role and the firm you are applying to will ensure that you
can articulate your motivation for applying, and how you feel your skills and values match the
needs of the firm and position.
Draft and review. Drafting all of your answers and reviewing at a later date before you submit,
will afford you the time to review responses thoroughly for simple things like spelling and
grammar. You can then also take the time to develop the responses and think about some
unique examples to questions. Asking a friend or family member to review your answers can
also help in identifying any small errors.
Be creative. Online applications can often use behavioural style questions which should be
answered in a creative and original way. Think broadly about your experience and try to use
examples beyond university group work or graduating from high school. You could draw on
examples from work, volunteering, sports, travel, hobbies, clubs or societies to respond. It is
important to use a new example for each question to show the breadth of your
experience. Similarly, dont just write about what you have done, but explain how well you
have done it and the outcomes you achieved.

Ernst & Young Tips

Pg. 22

3. How do you assess whether a candidate will be a good fit for your firm?
Application processes can be lengthy, but the goal is to ensure that firms are securing the right
candidates and matching candidates to a role that is right for them. The process in its entirety
help us to assess how well a candidate will fit the role they have applied for.
In addition to an online application, EY use two types of online testing- situational and aptitudeto provide a fair and consistent method in comparing candidates. When reviewing your
application, the EY Campus Recruitment team will be looking to ensure your studies and
experiences suit EY and the role you have applied for. Importantly they will also be looking to
determine whether you possess EY values such as integrity, respect and teaming. A strong
online application will follow the tips outlined above to ensure it stands out above others.
If you are invited to attend a Recruitment Day, you would have the opportunity to meet many
different people from the area you applied to. The conversations that you have with these team
members, both in interviews and informally, will help to ascertain if you have an understanding
and a passion for the work that they do, if you are the right cultural fit for the team and whether
you have the right skill set to do the work.

Psychometric Testing

Pg. 25

Step 5 - Psychometric Testing

Employers utilize psychometric testing as a way to assess an individuals intelligence,
behavioural traits and skill. Recruiters utilize this information to determine whether you would
be a suitable match for the position. The tests are designed to evaluate your capacity to work
in a team environment, process information and perform through stress.
Keep in mind that Psychometric tests seek to assess your abstract, verbal and numerical
reasoning. These are not the type of tests we deal with daily and for this reason practice is
crucial to your success. Practicing these questions will teach you to identify frameworks for
dealing with these problems and significantly improve your results.
Before you take the test make sure you are in a good state both mentally and physically.
Ensure you get a good night sleep and are well rested before the test, taking the test while
tired can be damaging to your performance. If you are required to do multiple tests, try and
take a small break between them in order to regain energy and concentration.
Planning your time throughout your test is also crucial to your success, so manage your time
wisely. It is worth keeping in mind that not every aptitude test is possible to finish within the
prescribed time frame. It is also not always necessary to finish your aptitude test in order to
obtain a perfect score.

Assessment Centres

Pg. 26

Step 6 - Assessment Centres

If you are successful in getting passed the first few steps in the application process you may
then be invited to go along to an assessment centre. These are commonly used in large
organisations like the Big Four throughout Australia. An assessment centre is usually
conducted in the office of the organisation and usually takes from a couple of hours to half a
day. It is a collection of tests and exercises designed to see how applicants behave in the
employers business environment.
The organisation is specifically looking for applicants with suitable personal attributes (how well
you interact and communicate with other people), as well as problem solving and teamwork
skills. They may also try and determine applicants who they believe would fit in and succeed
within the organisations structure and culture.
Some activities you can expect at an Assessment centre are:

Work-typical exercises

Group discussions

Case studies

Role- plays

Presentations

Seed Training Tips

Pg. 27

Seed Training Group Tips

Important things about a company that every candidate should know going into an
interview
Looking for employment is a long and tedious process which requires a great deal of
preparation. An essential part of a job interview is doing your homework on the company itself
so you can make a good impression on a potential employer.
Here are the five most significant things to learn about a potential employer:

1. Company Mission Statement and basic facts

Make sure you jot down some notes from the companys website to familiarise yourself with the
companys history, mission statement, vision, company structure and company culture. It is
imperative that you know this information, as it reflects your enthusiasm for the company.

2.

Companys products and services

Make sure to research details on the companys products and services as this will help you in
answering questions like Why should we employ you? where you will be able to emphasise
how the products and services interest you and how you can add value to them.

Seed Training Tips

Pg. 28
3. Companys Competitors

Understanding how a company is doing things differently to set itself apart from its competition
is a great point of emphasis in your interview. Impress the interviewer by talking about their
competitors and how it fits into the big picture.

4. News and Social Networks

Research what is being said in the news and in social networks like LinkedIn, Twitter and
Facebook. Large corporations are often reported by local and national news media while
smaller companies will have press releases on blogs, online newsletters and social networking
sites. Furthermore, following the company on social media is another great way to get a sense
of the company culture.

5. The skills and experience the company values

To position yourself as the best candidate for the position, you should know what the company
is looking for in a qualified candidate. Make sure you read in between the lines of a job posting
to get an idea of the type of employees they want.

What can students do or become involved in to make themselves more employable?

In a highly competitive job market, you will need to make yourself stand out by pre-planning
your career before you complete your university studies.

Seed Training Tips

Pg. 29
Here are 5 tips to help you become more employable:
1. Build on your Resume

A well-presented resume can often make the difference as to whether or not you get to the
next step in your job application. Remember the saying First impressions count. Make sure
you update your resume regularly, especially when you finish a job or complete a training
course.

2. New skills
Today, employers are looking for more than just a degree. Employers are mainly looking to hire
candidates who already have the experience or basic practical skills as they would rather not
waste time and resources training new employees from scratch.
To be more employable and have a competitive advantage over the other potential candidates,
you need to possess hands-on experience, computer skills and practical work-ready skills.

3. Strong Network
To be a successful professional, you must be well connected and have strong networking
relationships with people in your field. Make sure you make a list of people you know in your
field as the best job referrals often come from professional contacts and networks. Having a
good network and being active on social networking sites like LinkedIn will be useful as well.
Furthermore, frequently attend career and networking events where you can meet potential
employers.

Seed Training Tips

Pg. 30
4. Get involved in Student Clubs

Student clubs and societies provide valuable opportunities to develop personal skills that
employers look for in candidates, such as communication, leadership and teamwork skills.
They also have the added benefit of providing experience and networking possibilities that
could be useful in your future job search.

5. Practical Training Experience and Internship

The best way to learn and develop professional competence is by combining theoretical
knowledge with practical experience. A Practical Training Experience program or an Internship
will definitely enable you to apply and demonstrate the skills you have gained at university and
add practical accounting experience to your resume. To assist you, Seed Training Group offers
various Practical and Professional Training Programs aimed at complementing your tertiary
studies to make you job-ready and more employable. For more information on our Programs,
visit our website: www.seedtraining.com.au

Seed Training Tips

Pg. 31

What are some effective ways for candidates to demonstrate a strong interest in the
field?
1. Ask questions about the position you applied for.

Asking questions about the role you applied for demonstrates interest in the role and a
willingness to learn more about how you fit into the organisation. Questions that you can ask
your interviewer include: What is the job scope of this role? What duties will I be responsible
for? How and what will my performance be judged on? What are the financial/performance
targets that I have to meet?

2. Having previous work experience or qualified training in the relevant fields.

Having previous work experience in the Accounting field demonstrates passion and eagerness
to get a head start in the industry. Whether it be a full time, part time or internship position, any
sort of previous work experience shows that you are interested in the industry. Other than that,
you can demonstrate interest and commitment by undergoing training to gain practical skills
and knowledge. At Seed Training group, we offer a variety of professional training programs
designed to equip you with advanced practical skills in various accounting software like MYOB,
Reckon Accounts and HandiTax. For more information, please visit our website:
www.seedtraining.com.

Seed Training Tips

Pg. 32
3.

Become a member of an Accounting Body and achieve Professional Qualification.

For many aspiring accountants and business leaders, the logical next step after completing
your undergraduate studies is to sit for your professional papers. The three top accounting
bodies in Australia are CPA, CA and IPA. Becoming professionally qualified demonstrates a
level of expertise and proficiency beyond that of a standard accountant. Having these
qualifications demonstrates a commitment to the profession and often highlights candidates for
leadership and management positions. Having professional qualifications or showing that you
are currently pursuing professional qualifications enables you to stand out from the crowd to
potential employers as well.

4. Demonstrate up-to-date knowledge in the field.

This skill can be enhanced by frequently reading the news, subscribing to daily updates in
relation to the industry and networking through professional events and online social networks.
This shows a deep interest in the profession and willingness for continued learning and
growing.

Face-to-Face Interviews

Pg.33

Step 7 Face-to-Face Interviews

A face-to-face interview is usually a critical stage in any recruitment process. This can be a
nerve-racking experience for candidates as it is often with a partner or manager in the firm.
However, the key to keeping your nerves under control and ensuring you perform to the best of
your ability lies in the preparation you do.

Most interview processes now involve the use of behavioural-based questions a topic we
touched on a little earlier. Candidates are asked about scenarios where they have portrayed
certain skills or competencies in the past. The theory behind these questions is that your past
responses to certain situations are likely to be the best indicator of how you will respond to a
similar scenario in the future. Employees generally prefer for candidates to rely on the STAR
method in their answers to these questions.

Face-to-Face Interviews

Pg.34

The STAR method will provide you with a solid structure to build your answer upon and will
ensure that your interviewer is able to understand your response from start to finish. STAR is
an acronym standing for:

Situation In this step you should aim to describe the situation you were in, include any
background facts that are relevant. Ensure that your interviewer understands the context
in which the task you are required to perform has arisen.

Task You should then follow on to describe the task that was required of you. Ensure
that you highlight why this task was important and why it was challenging.

Action Move on to describe how you handled the situation. Describe what actions YOU
took to resolve the issue at hand.

Result Finally, describe what the results of your actions were. Was it a positive result?
Was it a negative result? If so, how could you have handled it better?

What did you learn from it? How was this an experience that will benefit you in the
future?

Approach behavioural-based questions in this way and practice them thoroughly before your
interview. This way youll have answers that you have already developed to draw upon in your
interview.

Deloittes Interview Tips

Pg. 35

Deloittes Interview Tips

1. Could you please describe a common mistake you see candidates make in their responses
to behavioural based questions?
One of the biggest mistakes a candidate can make is answering the question with answers
they think the interviewer wants to hear. Be yourself interviewers, especially Partners can tell
when a candidate is not being genuine. Take a few seconds to think about your answers; dont
just say the first thing that pops into your head. If you need some time, take a sip of water to
relax and think about the best way to answer.

2. What are some essential characteristics you look for in a successful candidate during the
face-to-face interview?
Soft skills are very important. This means being able to keep eye contact, speak with
confidence, the ability to build rapport quickly. These skills are much more difficult to teach that
technical skills.

3. Could you provide an insight into the best way for a candidate to prepare for partnerinterview?
Firstly, google behavioural questions and come prepared with answers. This doesnt mean
you should write page long answers and memorise them have a think about genuine times
that this has happened to you and how you handled it. You can use the STAR technique as a
guide Situation, Task, Action & Result. If you can answer questions in this order, it will sound
logical and well thought out to an interviewer. Come prepared with more examples under your

Deloittes Interview Tips

Pg. 35

belt other than university group projects. This will allow you to show you are a well-rounded
individual with a variety of life experiences. Ensure you have done your research on the firm
and service line you have applied for.

4. How do you assess whether a candidate will be a good fit for your firm?

This often comes down to personality and characteristics at Deloitte, candidates pass
through initial application screening, online testing and an assessment centre before they
attend a Partner interview. A Partner often will then determine whether the candidate will be a
good fit for their team. Once again, this comes down to being yourself as you are also
assessing the firm to determine whether you will like working with there.

5. What are some questions that every candidate should ask in an interview?
Ask questions that you are genuinely interested in hearing the answers, not just for the sake of
it. If you are interested in corporate responsibility, ask about the firms stance on this. If you
enjoy social activities, ask about their social club or activities you could get involved in. Come
prepared with 2-3 questions, as you may find the interviewer answers some of them during the
interview. You could ask the interviewer about their career pathway and experiences by actively
developing your knowledge, skills, strengths & interests within your studies and in different
jobs, and also beyond them.

6. Its essential to... draw on current information, seek out experiences, contribute what you
can and collaborate with other people along the way.

Tips and Opportunities

Pg. 38

How to cultivate your own unique careerstarting now!

Barbara Wels, College Careers Consultant, La Trobe University.

Yes - its a competitive job market. Yes - when you graduate, other people will be graduating
with similar qualifications from La Trobe and from other Victorian, Australian and overseas
universities. Yes - someone will get that graduate job you are aiming for. Yes it could be you
and why not you? The truth is some factors are out of your control and others are not. Do
you know what can you do, where you are, right now, to cultivate your career prospects?

If you are serious about your career, youll need to have current information, realistic
expectations and take responsibility for your own direction. Here are 5 key career ideas that
might help, followed by some career tips and information.

1. You have a unique career path that you need to drive and manage for yourself.

2. Your career is a life-long journey that will involve lots of change and many decisions,
not just one.

3. Having a degree or higher qualification is only one indicator of your capacity to do

professional work.

Tips and Opportunities

Pg. 38

4. You can expand your career options and employability by actively developing your
knowledge, skills, strengths & interests within your studies and in different jobs, and
also beyond them.

5. Its essential to... draw on current information, seek out experiences, contribute what
you can and collaborate with other people along the way.

TIP 1: Get on track at Uni!

University is the place to create a strong foundation for yourself, and not only in terms of the
academic know-how and technical expertise required for the work you want to do. Optimise the
value of your qualification by really engaging with the subjects youve enrolled in and getting
the best marks you can. Actively develop your experience, motivations, and career goals.
Make the most of opportunities to develop your interests, skills and networks within your
course, around campus and in your community. Try things out, take responsibility for your
learning and cultivate your strengths and selling points.

4 key activities to work on before you graduate

1. Choosing a career path
2. Getting experience and skills
3. Learning how to find a job (well beyond looking on Seek)
4. Knowing how to apply for jobs (and developing a strong resume)

Tips and Opportunities

Pg. 39

TIP 2: Know what employers want

Employers want to attract and appoint the best person for the job. Thats what the recruitment
process is basically about. Employers will (generally) assess you through your resume, cover
letters, key selection criteria and performance in job interviews.
Employers want to know three things.
1. Can you do the job?
2. Will you do the job?
3. Will you fit in?
By the way, not all jobs are advertised and you can also explore work opportunities by getting
to know employers though cold calling, canvassing, networking and so on. (Youll find more out
about this in our Career Ready Finding a job module listed at the end of this piece.

TIP 3: Identify and develop skills for the work you want to do
Employers need to know about the transferable skills & qualities you have, as well as your
university degree and academic results. What youve done in the past suggests what you can
do for their organisation now and in the future.
You probably already know about the two types of skills hard skills and soft skills. (Hard skills
are industry specific, specialist, technical, expert skills. Soft skills are transferable general,
practical, employability skills.) Organisations also need to know about the type of person you
are, the attributes you can bring to a workplace which will contribute to the quality of services
or products youll be paid to deliver. Certain skills and attributes are highly regarded.

Tips and Opportunities

Pg.40

Heres the 2015 Graduate Careers Australia list of the top 10 employee skills and attributes.
1. Interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral)
2. Drive and commitment/industry knowledge
3. Critical reasoning and analytical skills/technical skills
4. Calibre of academic results
5. Cultural alignment/values fit
6. Work experience
7. Teamwork skills
8. Emotional intelligence (including self-awareness, confidence, motivation)
9. Leadership skill
10. Activities (including intra and extracurricular)
Active involvement in a student club or association, like the Commerce Students Association,
is a fantastic way to develop these kinds of skills and attributes. You can get a real sense of
achievement and confidence by stepping forward to attend events, meet people in your
industry, and expand your knowledge. And how about making things happen in collaboration
with others? Perhaps you can even apply key knowledge from your course, for instance
financial management, marketing or project planning to CSA (or other associations) activities
and membership. Its all about teamwork. Develop what it takes to join the profession you are
aiming for, and think about what you can contribute here and now.

TIP4: Draw on quality career resources

Get the most from your university experience by actively seeking out career information,
opportunities and services throughout your time at La Trobe.

Career Development Centre information, ideas, links and workshop info

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/careers
Career Ready modules

Tips and Opportunities

Pg. 41
Key concepts, readings and activities on:
Creating a career path

Finding a job

Applying for jobs

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/careers/career-planning/career-ready-program

Career Hub
Look for jobs and career events here. You can also book appointments with Career
Consultants to discuss your career plans, strategies and dilemmas.
https://latrobe.careerhub.com.au/students/login?ReturnUrl=%2f%3freturnUrl%3d%252FDefault
.chpx%253Fpath%253Dstudent_tools
The internet offers unprecedented access to information about all kinds of occupations,
employers and career strategies. As a uni student, you should have well-developed research
and critical thinking skills - use them to locate current, authoritative information and ideas that
will help cultivate your ongoing learning and career goals.

Here are some examples

Creating a career path based on your values and interests

http://career-ready.blogs.latrobe.edu.au/creating-a-career-path/

Networking

http://career-ready.blogs.latrobe.edu.au/finding-a-job/using-networks-to-find-a-job/

Ways to meet people and develop your skills on campus

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/get-involved

Industry and professional associations

Tips and Opportunities

Pg. 42

http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/CareerPlanningandResources/IndustryContacts/index.htm

Researching employers

http://career-ready.blogs.latrobe.edu.au/2013/09/26/9-websites-that-can-help-you-find-a-jobwhen-you-finish-uni/
http://online.goinglobal.com/guides.aspx?context=Global
http://online.goinglobal.com/profiles.aspx?tab=browsecountry

Why passionate curiosity trumps talent

http://www.cuinsight.com/passionate-curiosity-trumps-iq.html\

Remember, theres a lot you can do to create career opportunities for yourself, here and now,
and you dont have to do it all alone. Involvement in a student group like the La Trobe
University Commerce Students Association is a fantastic opportunity so make the most of it.
Do some research, think strategically about the knowledge, skills and experiences you want to
develop, and step up to make things happen. The question is what do you know and what do
you need to find out? What can you do, where you are, right now, to cultivate your career
prospects?

Q&A

Pg. 43

Questions and Answers

What are some things or other activities that students can do, or get involved in, to make
themselves stand out?
Genuine commitment, interest, enthusiasm, and being willing to learn and make a
contribution will help you stand out for the right reasons. Think about the profession or
occupation you are aiming for and get actively involved however you can through student
clubs and societies, and relevant industry or professional associations or networks.
Importantly, find out about the experience, skills and qualities that employers in your field
will value and look for opportunities to develop them within your course, on campus, in the
community, and within the sector that interests you.

What skills do employers look for?

This is a great question and in fact you will need to research the answer to this independently,
for yourself, before tailoring your resume and cover letter to match the requirements of each
and every job you apply for.
In general, employers need to know you have the specific technical or industry-specific (hard)
skills to do a job as well as general employability (soft) skills) to work with others,

Q&A

Pg. 44

communicate, take initiative and learn on the job. Each time you apply for a specific job, the
employers requirements will be detailed in the job advertisement, position description
and/or key selection criteria. Read this information closely. Identify key words that capture
the skills, qualities and other attributes the employer is looking for. The job applications that
stand out will clearly address these requirements not only by using similar language but by
providing evidence of how and where the candidate has developed and used these attributes.
Anyone can say they have the required skill set and attributes so employers need to see
evidence of related volunteer work, part-time work, placements, internships or other work
experience.

If youre thinking about optimising your employability well in advance of applying for
graduate roles, you can use a similar process. Start with online research for info on the
industries, occupations or jobs that interest you.
If you are stuck for ideas:

Use job titles or industry names as starting points.

My future has a useful A-Z of job titles at http://myfuture.edu.au/explore-careers/browseoccupations/browseoccupationalphabetically

Research requirements for graduate roles specific government department for instance

http://www.finance.gov.au/about-the-department/working-atfinance/recruitment/graduates/Becoming-a-graduate.html

Q&A

Pg. 45

(For more info about skills, see Tip 3 in the article How to cultivate your own unique career
on page no. 37)
Are there opportunities to work overseas?
As you know, globalisation and rapid changes in communication technology are two key
issues shaping our lives. Global career possibilities will vary, depending on your area of
expertise and your particular career goals and interests. You might look at overseas work as a
one-off, short-term or long-term possibility.

Begin by thinking about what type of work you want to do, and who you want to work with,
and for. How long would you like to spend working overseas? Do you have a particular
country or region in mind? England? Japan? Canada? South America? Keep an open mind and
research all your options. For instance, some countries have reciprocal arrangements with
others, so investigate any doors that might open via your current citizenship and language
skills.

Some great places to start include

Going Global which lists opportunities and includes country career guides
https://latrobe.careerhub.com.au/students/news/detail/188

Q&A

Pg. 47
CIA World Factbook - country profiles are excellent for research

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/profileguide.html
Doing part of your studies overseas, or doing some volunteering during a semester break
while you travel or spend time in your home country, are other options to consider before
you complete your degree or other qualification. These experiences may well sow the seeds
for future work.
In additional to google and the company website, where else should an applicant look to
conduct company research?
These websites might be useful:
La Trobe University Librarythe company libguide has a number of resources such as annual
reports, newspapers and magazines.
IbisWorldsearch for companies by industry here
Australian Stock Exchangeyou can download a list of all listed companies.

Q&A

Pg. 47

How do you conduct research on a smaller business with no significant web presence?
This really depends on your purpose and the type of business. What do you want to find out?
How do you plan to use the information? The websites listed above may be helpful; company
brochures and annual reports are good starting points. Talking to people who know about the
business or work there by conducting informational interviews is another helpful strategy.
You need to make sure you do this in a way that works for you not against you. (Find out
more about informational interviews in the Career Ready blog http://careerready.blogs.latrobe.edu.au/category/job-search/informational-interviewing/ ) Some
organisations hold events such an annual general meeting or other events that you might
enquire about - would it be okay to attend? Putting yourself forward as a keen student can
open doors but always be mindful and appreciative of other peoples time and commitments.
Is there such a thing as too much research on a company?
Research can be a task without end so make sure you set some limits. Its important to have
an aim in mind, and specific questions you want to pursue. Sometimes general background
knowledge has inherent value, at other times you might seek out specific information about a
companys products, clients and future growth that you could draw on in conversations with
an employer or in an interview. Its not about being a know-all, just showing that you are
genuinely interested in working for a specific organisation and considering how you might
contribute.

Q&A

Pg. 48

Dont limit your research to individual companies. Think big and expand your professional
know-how by researching bigger picture industry information.
Ibis world website includes a range of industry research reports - it is a fantastic resource.
http://www.ibisworld.com.au/industry/home.aspx.

Youll find an overview of industries in Victoria including details aimed specifically at workers
exploring visa options at Live in Victoria.
http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/working-and-employment/victorianindustries#.VWvN2Lcw_Zw

We hope you have found the 7 Steps to Becoming More Employable, to be a helpful
publication. Follow the Commerce Students Association page on Facebook for details about
future publications and events. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Yours Sincerely,

Careers Development Team, Commerce Students Association, La Trobe University.