FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What do you offer?

Professional resume and selection criteria writing services for all levels of job-seekers across a wide range of industries, specialising in the Australian Public Service. This includes resumes, CVs, cover letters, expressions of interest, statements of suitability and responses to selection criteria.

Because of my high application success rate (near 100%) across many government departments, I now also offer Interview Coaching to clients which covers interview planning and preparation, managing nerves, promoting yourself, possible interview questions and how to answer them, handling negative, tricky or illegal interview questions, questions to ask prospective employers, interview role plays and asking for feedback.

Who are your clients?

I work with all levels of job-seekers, at all stages of their lifespan, including:

• Anyone who wants to get into the public service sector
• Anyone who wants to get promoted in the public service sector
• Anyone re-entering the workforce after a career-break
• Anyone considering a career change
• Anyone who has to address selection criteria in the public or private sectors
• Job-seekers applying for roles in State/Territory governments
• Job-seekers applying for roles in Local governments
• Entry-level through to senior executives
• New graduates
• School-leavers with limited work experience
• Mature-aged applicants
• Migrants
• Human Resource Professionals
• Recruiters/Hiring Managers
• Any job-seeker who is time-poor, confused and frustrated by lengthy and complicated recruitment and selection processes

My services can be used by any level of job-seeker looking to break into, or get ahead within the Australian Public Service sector.

What is Interview Telecoaching?

Interview telecoaching is a coaching session that takes place via the telephone at a time and location that is convenient to YOU! Evening and weekend telecoaching sessions are available at your request.

Interview coaching sessions are completely customised and bespoke affording you the best possible opportunity for interview success. Prior to your interview coaching session I will ask you what you want to get out of the interview skills training and tailor the session accordingly.

Interview skills covered include: managing your nerves, overcoming your interview fears, selling yourself, communicating effectively, acing panel interviews, highlighting your unique selling points, answering common interview questions, responding to tough questions and overcoming gaps in employment.

Why use a Master Resume Writer or Qualified Expert Selection Criteria Writer?

If you are serious about your job search and committed to your personal career development then using a Certified Master Resume Writer and Expert Selection Criteria Writer is the only way to go. There are literally hundreds of resume writers out there offering a range of services including writing selection criteria to suit all budgets. But not all writers are the same and it pays to validate their credentials, testimonials, experience and background.

Certified Master Resume Writers have been globally recognised as the "best of the best" within their field and are able to offer their clients access to cutting edge industry expertise and modern career writing trends and innovation. They are committed to professional resume writing excellence as evidenced through their submission of a professional portfolio reviewed and judged by global leaders within the industry and an ongoing commitment to professional development.

Certified Selection Criteria Specialists have demonstrated a commitment to selection criteria writing through a proven understanding and application of internationally recognised standards in the industry. Some selection criteria writers call themselves selection criteria specialists however when you engage a qualified selection criteria specialist and credentialed selection criteria writer you can be sure that you get what you are paying for - knowledge, experience, skill, access to further resources and a forum for support through their credentials and membership of professional associations. Because of this, they deliver on their promises - getting results, saving you time and effort, minimising your job-search rejections, attracting interviews and job opportunities and positioning you as the most suitable person for the position by communicating your unique selling points.

Don't risk your future job or opportunity for promotion with anything less than a Certified Selection Criteria Specialist.

I have to write selection criteria for my application, can you help?

Yes! As a qualified Master Resume and Selection Criteria Writer, with specialist qualifications within the Australian Public Service Sector (writing for the Federal, State/Territory and Local Government), with over 10 years of experience as a Recruiter and Human Resources professional, I'd be happy to assist you with this.

Selection criteria responses need to be specific, targeted and relevant to the position that you are applying for. In most cases you need to substantiate your abilities, qualifications, knowledge, skills and experiences through providing evidence-based examples of your capabilities and capacity to perform the role.

This can be difficult, overwhelming and time-consuming regardless of your background, knowledge, experience, level and ability. In fact many clients who come to me are either looking to break into the Australian Public Service sector or are already working within government (Federal, State/Territory, Local) and are now looking for help and support in securing a promotion, higher duties or better pay.

As a qualified selection criteria writer, I am able to objectively and professionally develop selection criteria responses that will clearly give you the competitive edge and improve the quality of your written applications, helping you to secure more interviews and prospective job offers as well as providing you with a framework for future applications.

As a career expert, I am committed to educating and informing you (my client) and sharing with you my knowledge, experience, skills and understanding when it comes to public service recruitment and selection processes.

How much does it cost?

Investments for resumes range from $210 to $420 and are loosely based on your level of experience, knowledge and skill set as well as the types/levels of roles you are targeting. This usually directly translates to how much time the project will take to complete.

Investments for selection criteria statements vary widely depending on the application requirements and can range from as little as $160 to well over $800 for a Senior/Executive application.

Generally, selection criteria investments reflect the time required to complete the project, number and complexity of selection criteria, word limits (if any) and particular application requirements.

If you are unsure which category you fall into and would like to learn more about your potential investment please feel free to touch base with me directly Nikky@CareerPro.net.au and I'll provide you with an obligation free quote.

OK, I want to go ahead, so what happens now?

Fantastic! Once you confirm that you are interested in going ahead contact me Nikky@CareerPro.net.au and I'll send you some detailed, specific, online informational interview questions. These questions are designed to get you thinking about your unique accomplishments over the course of your career and within the context of the role you are applying for. It is your responses to these questions that will form the content to your resume or selection criteria statement and set you apart from other job-seekers.

It is this informational interviewing stage that sets CareerPro apart from other resume and selection writing services. Instead of being asked to provide examples of your ability to meet the selection criteria, I'll help you to uncover your achievements and then position these in the most appropriate way (based on my knowledge and experience) in order to demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria. Other resume and selection criteria writers may only ask for your examples which they then reword and reframe based on the application requirements and role description.

I'll also send through some payment request information that outlines payment terms and details with "housekeeping" issues. Once I receive your completed questions and supplementary information, I will start writing your resume and/or selection criteria statement keeping you informed of my progress throughout, including giving you an indication of when you are likely to receive a first draft resume and/or selection criteria statement for review.

How long will it take before I can review my resume and/or selection criteria statement?

Usual turnaround times are 5-7 business days, from receipt of all relevant information from you. I can advise you of my current turnaround time at the time of your enquiry.

If you have a deadline that you need to meet, please let me know before we start the resume or selection criteria writing process. This allows me to confirm that I am able to meet your deadline!

I'll send you a first draft version of your resume and/or selection criteria statement which provides you with an opportunity to review, edit and modify the draft. I'll be honest......most of my clients are blown away at this stage and we usually finalise the job application at this point.

Can you guarantee results? If I engage your services, can you guarantee that I will be short-listed for interview?

I wish I could...but I'll be really honest with you, there is no way that I can guarantee results unless I'm the only person on the selection panel and managing the recruitment process.

Your selection criteria application will be benchmarked and assessed against other applicants who also write and address selection criteria. Each selection panel member will then assess your selection criteria application and rate it on your capacity to provide evidence of your knowledge, experience, skills and abilities. Based on your result, you may or may not be invited for interview.

Therefore, attracting interviews will be based on your written application, the number, level and quality of other applications as well as the ratings of at least 3+ selection panel members.

What I can guarantee though is that the quality and integrity of your application will be radically improved if you decide to use a qualified resume and selection criteria writer. You will also be in a position to use the material that I provide to you as part of future applications if you choose to apply for multiple roles or want to capitalise on the opportunity to learn more about the public service sector recruitment and selection process and how to write winning selection criteria that get results.

What are the payment options?

CareerPro accepts payment via Direct Bank Transfer or PayPal. Credit card payments can be made via PayPal. Payment must be made in Australian dollars only and unfortunately we are not able to accept payment via cheque or money order.

What kind of information/input do you need from me?

To ensure that you stand out from other job-seekers, I will spend time getting to know you through extensive online questioning. This process will help me to highlight your unique achievements and key experiences as well as enhance your interview performance and competence within the context of your career history, education, training, knowledge, skills and abilities.

Will all of my information be kept private and confidential?

I am committed to the highest levels of personal and professional ethics and am able to ensure absolute confidentiality and privacy to all clients who engage my services or request a quote or advice.

Are you able to help me with editing and proof-reading of my selection criteria and/or resume?

Unfortunately, I do not provide an editing and review service for selection criteria. What I've come to realise is that this will really only highlight spelling and grammatical errors and will not necessarily ensure that you are selecting the most appropriate examples pitched at the right level and related back to the duties and responsibilities outlined as part of the position description.

I write selection criteria and resumes from scratch by considering all of the information that you provide to me and determining the best examples to use as part of your evidence-based response within the context of the role/s that you are applying for.

What is the difference between a CV and a Resume?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a comprehensive profile of your entire working life, usually several pages long and reserved only for positions requiring an in-depth investigation of your personal history such as those in academia. A resume should be more succinct, well presented, easy to read and understand, and should summarise your relevant skills, achievements, experience, and qualifications focused on your specific career objective.

Do I need a Cover Letter?

Most definitely! It accompanies any resume/curriculum vitae and selection criteria statement you send; and is a way of introducing yourself and demonstrating your capabilities for the position.

When do I make payment?

Payment is required in FULL prior to the start of any project. Our services include up to two drafts of the resume and statement of selection criteria, advice from a professional resume and selection criteria writer, and the final resume and statement addressing key selection criteria in word or pdf. format.

Concerned about needing to visit our offices - don't be !

As an online business, I conduct client consultations via telephone (if appropriate) and email. This provides you with an opportunity to manage the information gathering process for your resume and selection criteria statement via email, from your home or office, at a time that is convenient to you.

Imagine......being able to coordinate this process and fit it into your normal life, family and leisure commitments without having to find time out of your busy schedule for lengthy, time-consuming and unproductive face-to-face consultations.