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Graduate Toolbox
1. Writing an application
Writing an effective application is one of the keys to getting the job you want, think of it as a marketing tool rather than a report. It needs to grab the reader’s attention by demonstrating that you are qualified to do that particular job. There are many important considerations to be made, just as there are different application processes. It is vital that you tailor your résumé to the particular position you are applying for, and include all relevant experience and training.
Below are useful links to help you prepare a great application:
Questions?
We advise that you use the resources available to you through your university Careers Service, or publications and websites such as Graduate Careers or Graduate Opportunities.
2. Abilities Tests
Ability testing measures your verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning ability. These tests are timed and last for about one hour. Downer EDI Works uses Chandler & Macleod consultants to facilitate the testing administration. We also use psychometric assessments.
To become more familiar with abilities testing have a look at some practice tests on the following website: http://www.shl.com/SHL/en-int/CandidateHelpline/ for useful information on this process.
3. Interview Tips
At Downer EDI Works we conduct behavioural interviews. This is the most common form of candidate selection used worldwide because past performance is the best predictor of future performance. The interviewer will be assessing you on your competencies. You will be required to answer specific questions about your past experience and how you handled situations that relate to the requirements of the job.
How to prepare:
- Understand the role your are applying for
- Understand the company you are applying to
- Think about work/university examples you could use in the interview
- Compose yourself and relax
What are the competencies/behaviours are we looking for?
We will be assessing you on your communication skills, teamwork, commitment to safety, quality and environment, leadership and organisational skills. We'll be looking for signs of your ability to use your initiative and to be a problem solver. We are definitely looking for evidence of past work, but we won't mind what sort of work you've done.
What examples do you have to match these competencies?
You may have more than one interview so you'll need to think of several examples for each competency. From our point of view, there's nothing worse than hearing the same example trotted out at each round of interview!
To assist you in answering these sorts of questions use the STAR principle.
You need to explain the situation or task that you faced, to provide context and motives for your actions.
- Situation – state the situation you were faced with
- Task – describe the specific task you were given
- Action – describe the steps you took, how you resolved issue and/or influenced an outcome
- Result - tell us how effective or ineffective your behaviours were
Behavioural Questions
We are looking for evidence of behaviour/competency. The types of questions you could be asked follow along these lines:
- What did you do...?
- Describe a time...?
- Have you had a situation where you...?
- Did you initiate or recommend any changes…?
- How did it make you feel…?
Research Downer EDI Works
It’s important that you research about the company prior to the interview. You can obtain information about Works Infrastructure from:
- Works Infrastructure’s website
- From the recruiter
- Other people/employees
- News and media
- What do you know about Downer EDI Works?
- Why do you want to work for Downer EDI Works?
- More information