How to apply for a job

A well-written job application, including a polished resume, can give you the edge in a competitive job market. Making sure you are prepared when you meet an employer face-to-face at an interview or networking opportunity can help you persuade them that you have the right skills for their organization and role.

Before you apply for any job, make sure your research helps you understand the employer’s needs and how your experience and skills relate to this. You should also check out our tips for resumes, job applications, and interviews so that your contact with them is polished and professional.

Resumes

The best resumes are written to the specific needs of your industry and employer. A successful resume is targeted, succinct, and well presented.

Creating a resume that will gain an employer’s attention takes time and effort. Research the industry or employer that you are applying to and then work on tailoring your resume so that it meets their needs. Many students find it useful to have a master resume that they use to store all of their experiences, skills, and achievements and then choose from that document to create a targeted application.

Job applications

Job applications usually require documents written directly to the employer to accompany your resume. These can include cover letters and selection criteria statements or maybe in the form of brief expressions of interest or on-line applications.

Interviews

The fact that you have been called for an interview means you have convinced the selection panel that you can meet their requirements for the job, which is a big plus.

Jobs on Campus

Interested in a student job on campus?

Working at the Uni is a great way to earn money and develop your employability skills in a professional workplace.

Jobs on Campus (JOC) recruits for a range of roles including the Enquiry Centre, Library, Student Ambassadors, and the PASS program.

To get a competitive edge in landing a campus role, attend a JOC job application writing workshop.

Python Programmer - Jobs on Campus
Employer: The University of Newcastle
Application closing date: 10 May 2020
Location: Callaghan NSW Australia
Do you have coding skills and experience with python? This job could be for you!

AskUON Customer Service Assistant
Employer: The University of Newcastle
Application closing date: 10 May 2020
Location: Callaghan, Ourimbah, NewSpace Australia
The University of Newcastle (UON) is seeking current students for casual positions to provide assistance in our Student Hubs and Enquiries team within Student Central.

Lab Assistant - Jobs on Campus
Employer: The University of Newcastle
Application closing date: 25 May 2020
Location: Callaghan NSW Australia
Are you a current Ph.D. student or recent graduate of a postgraduate program in Science or Biomedical Sciences? Then this might be the job for you.

Sessional Student Tutor
Employer: The University of Newcastle
Application closing date: 31 Dec 2020
Location: Callaghan, Ourimbah, Port Macquarie, Newcastle NSW Australia
The Wollotuka Institute is seeking expressions of interest for the role of Sessional Student Tutor for 2020.

Successful Applicants are placed in the recruitment pool for 12 months and will be considered for roles as they become available.

Build your employability

The most employable students and graduates have built a collection of experiences that demonstrate those essential workplace skills that build on the knowledge and skills of their degree. Employers look for key skills and personal attributes as an indicator that you are work-ready and will thrive in their organization.

Employability skills are transferable and can be taken from one work situation to another, which means you gain them through a range of experiences – both inside and outside the classroom.

You can also build your employability through existing life experiences and part-time work that is not directly related to your study. Gaining workplace experience, volunteering, and spending time to plan your career is a great way to build your employability.

Career planning

Career planning is not just about finding a job, it helps you determine your career direction and the steps you need to take. It is a journey that you will repeat several times throughout your life, so it’s a good idea to start planning from your first year of university.

Spend time building awareness of your strengths and weaknesses, and consider the range of jobs to which this would suit you. Spend time setting goals – these can be short term or far-reaching – then put a plan of action into place.

A model for career planning

Self-awareness

Self-awareness is about working out what motivates you and understanding your personal style.  Consider the range of interests, values, and skills that you already have – they are part of your personal style and are an important indicator of the type of career that will allow you to feel satisfied and engaged with work.

Opportunity awareness

Opportunity awareness is about researching the employment market available to you. Your personal circumstances influence where and how you are able to work, as will trends in the labor market, typical degree-related career options, and the requirements of graduate recruiters. Time spent considering the world of work will help you make better plans.

Decision making and planning for career action

Decision making and planning for career action will happen regularly throughout your career. Contemplate and compare your options, write a priorities list, discuss your plans with family, friends, or Careers, then consider the best course of action. Remember, you don’t have to have your entire future mapped, you are deciding what is right for you now and how to achieve that goal.

Implementing plans

Implementing plans by taking action can include enrolling in courses, joining in extra-curricular activities, applying for work, or simply asking for support. If you would like to discuss your career plan, drop in to see Careers and Student Development.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way of giving back to your community, meeting new people, following your passions, and enjoying new experiences. It has been found to improve health and happiness by encouraging a sense of belonging and is an excellent opportunity to build employability skills.

Volunteering on campus

The University has an active community of volunteers on campus that contribute to a range of activities, including lunchtime BBQs, English language courses for overseas students, campus festivals, our community gardens, and so much more. The program is a great place to make friends, become involved with your University, and learn new skills.

Clubs and societies

Clubs and societies are a chance to be part of something fun, social, and rewarding, where you can make new friends, and stay active and social, all while you study.

Being a part of a club or society can also help enhance employability skills while you build a better campus experience for everyone. Get involved in the executive, or simply join up and contribute where you can.

The University has a large number of clubs and societies focused on interests that include, academic, sporting, cultural, and artistic pursuits.

iLEAD Plus

The iLEAD Plus Program is an experiential three-stage program designed to connect students with local, national, and international networks. The aim of iLEAD Plus is to accelerate professional development and future career readiness.

Open to all students, it combines practical workshops, interactive online learning, personal mentorship, professional placement, and a range of global opportunities. Each stage has been designed to equip, test, and demonstrate the skills and experiences that students will need to be effective and globally aware leaders of tomorrow.

International development opportunities

Want to experience learning and working in another culture and gain insight into the world around you? The University offers a range of international development opportunities that are designed to add a global perspective to your career plan, as well as equip you with a unique skill set that can differentiate you in the world of work.

Study abroad

Studying overseas is an excellent opportunity to experience another culture and develop a global outlook on the position and future of your profession. The University facilitates international academic short courses, internships and placements, and semester exchanges within programs. 

New Colombo Plan

The New Colombo Plan is an initiative of the Australian Government which aims to enhance understanding of the Indo Pacific. Scholarships are awarded that support Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.

Ma & Morley Scholarships

Want to change the world? Apply for the University of Newcastle’s Ma & Morley Scholarship program, which is aimed at educating and inspiring the next generation of globally aware and socially conscious Australian leaders. This unique program offers a range of scholarship opportunities for both new and continuing students.

Internships and industry experience

An internship is a work opportunity with an organization that is focused on developing your professional skills. Gaining workplace experience within your industry can help with your career decision-making, as well as develop relevant skills and contacts.

You might also choose to organize your own unpaid work placement by identifying an employer that is willing to offer you experience relevant to your academic program. Careers can discuss the correct process with you to ensure that your experience complies with the requirements for this.

Workshops and events

We coordinate a calendar of industry events on campus each year designed to introduce you to employers in your sector and help you explore career possibilities.

Our annual Career Expos bring recruiters on campus to discuss graduate programs, vacation work, and other employment opportunities. Attending employers share information about successful applications, recruitment timetables, and organization identity.

Expos are designed to help you explore your career options and successfully transition to the professional world of work.
Make sure you put our upcoming employer events and expos into your diary.

• 3 Years

SECTION 17 - ADMISSION - REQUIREMENTS  
(1)To be considered for admission to the University, Higher Degree by Research applicants will be required to:

have met the relevant English language proficiency requirements as described in the English Proficiency Policy.
have satisfied the minimum academic requirements described in the relevant Award and Program Schedules;
have met any other additional admission requirements that may be prescribed  by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation);
be a minimum of 16 years of age at 1 March of the year of admission. Applicants under the age of 16 years may apply directly to the Vice-Chancellor for consideration.

(2) The Assistant Dean (Research Training) is authorised to prescribe additional admission requirements when considering an admission to candidature. This may include a requirement for the applicant to undertake an examination(s) or carry out such work as prescribed.

(3) The Assistant Dean (Research Training) is authorised to refuse admission to candidature when appropriate supervision and resources are not available. Whether appropriate supervision and resources are available will be determined by the Assistant Dean (Research Training) on recommendation from the School.

For More Information Please Connect To Our PSA Counselor.