Whether you are applying for a CEED project, vacation work or your first full-time graduate position – aim to make a great first impression. This means compiling a comprehensive, well-formatted resume (3-4 pages is fine) that gives the reader the information they need in an easy-to-read layout. It sounds basic, but remember to create your resume in MS Word (or convert your resume to a .pdf file), so that anyone can open/read it.
Tip: Initially, CEED clients/companies can only judge your suitability for their project...by what you put in your resume. Therefore, to maximise your chances of being selected for an interview (and project), ensure that your resume gives the company a good impression of you, your skills and experience, and why you are suited to/interested in their project. CEED clients/companies review all of the applicants’ resumes, then they choose which student/s they would like to interview. Need help with developing/improving your resume? Email Clare at CEED (ceed@corptech.com.au)
Application letters are optional for CEED projects, but essential for any job applications - and the links below will help you create an effective application letter to send with your resume.
If you choose to develop an application letter for a CEED project/s, please email the letter/s to us at ceed@corptech.com.au advising which project the application letter/s relates to (name each document something like ‘xyz company.applicltr.your name.doc’). We will then forward your application letter, along with your resume, to the relevant company/ies. The reason that we suggest this process for providing an application letter (i.e. emailing the letter to us instead of including it with your resume on the CEED website) is that students often apply for multiple projects that ask for different criteria/requirements. So, this process ensures that you provide an application letter that is relevant and tailored for each project ... and CEED ensures that the letters are sent to the right companies.
Below you’ll find some information on how to stand out from the 'crowd' when putting together your resume and (if you wish) an application letter. This is the starting point for getting a CEED project or great job to start your career.
You'll also find tips on Interview Skills, which will maximise your chances of getting the CEED project or job that you want. Note that Clare Neal, CEED's Recruitment & Administration Officer is very experienced with helping develop/improve resumes and preparing for interviews. Email Clare (ceed@corptech.com.au) if you'd like her to help you.
Web Links - Resume help:
Queensland University of Technology run weekly workshops for current QUT students and recent QUT graduates on career planning, written applications, interview skills and job search strategies.
Information for University of Queensland students and recent graduates about resources available from UQ's Student Services Centre (St. Lucia campus). Follow the links for job seeking strategies, resume/application writing, etc.
The University of Southern Queensland's online resource centre, to help students with career planning and advice.
Useful information for getting a CEED project or a job. Constructive information on application letters, the interview process (including psychometric testing) and typical interview questions...even what to wear! Also included on this site is information for International students seeking work in Australia and back home, as well as for Australian students and graduates seeking employment, as well as reports on the latest Graduate outcomes (eg. starting salaries).
Online recruitment services. Their Career Resources area provides info on career management (your rights as an employee and tips on career management, writing a great application letter and resume, and the interview process. You’ll also be able to find a link to ‘Graduate / Entry Level Jobs’ (via their homepage).
Interview Tips
To be selected for a CEED project (or a job), you may need to attend one or many interviews (with different companies), before being offered a project - it's all good experience. To improve your interview skills, view the information on these useful sites. If you find another site with further useful information related to improving your resume and interview skills, please send us the link so that we can share the information with other students. In addition to the Careers section of the QUT, UQ and USQ websites and SEEK, the following websites provide useful information:
Web Links - Interview tips:
Tips for all students (not just Engineers!) on writing application letters, compiling a resume and how to do well at interviews, including common interview questions (some information is for members only – note: Students are eligible for free membership). Also have a look at their Young Engineers Australia website for more information - click here to view.
Useful information for getting a CEED project or a job. Constructive information on the interview process (including psychometric testing) and typical interview questions ... even what to wear! Also included on this site is information for International students seeking work in Australia and back home, as well as for Australian students and graduates seeking employment, as well as reports on the latest Graduate starting salaries, and more.
