Nursing Job Search Toolkit NURJST101

Nursing Job Search Toolkit

RESUMES / CVS, COVER LETTERS,

SELECTION CRITERIA / KEY

REQUIREMENTS, INTERVIEWS AND

USING AI TOOLS RESPONSIBLY

Contents

Graduate RN Programs........................................ 3

How to write: Resumes / CVs........................... 4

Resume / CV checklist..................................... 5

Resume / CV example....................................... 6

How to Address: Selection Criteria............... 8

Selection Criteria example.............................. 9

How to write: Cover letters............................... 10

Cover letter checklist......................................... 11

Cover letter format.............................................. 12

Cover letter example.......................................... 13

Successful Interviews............................................ 14

Using AI tools responsibly................................... 17

Your job application writing and interview skills will be further developed by completing Module 3 Engage in "Boost y our employ ability".

Graduate RN programs

What are they?

Graduate RN Programs are paid entry positions for approx. 12 months, designed to offer additional support to inexperienced nurses - assisting your transition into professional employment as a Level 1 RN. There are fewer Graduate Programs than nursinggraduates each year so a detailed and well written online application in your finalyear is critical, to be in with a chance.Undertaking a Graduate Program is helpful in launching your career but is not a necessary requirement for initial professional employment.

GradConnect is a centralised online recruitment / selection system used by public and (some) private hospitals / healthcare facilities offering RN Graduate Programs. Final year students and recent graduates can apply for a Graduate Program on GradConnect (via W.A. Dept. of Health website) at more than one hospital / healthcare facility with one single application.

This Job Search Tool Kit contains specifically tailored job search information to assist nursing students / recent graduates seeking employment EITHER via a GradConnect application or applying directly to employers. All the best with your future career as a qualified Health professional.

NOTE: If you are suitable but not competitive (i.e. not offered a Graduate Program), ASK for feedback if you got to interview stage. Other options include:

• applying directly to other health services or aged care facilities (who organise their own RN recruitment);


• considering postgraduate study options to increase your employability;


• applying for interstate Graduate Programs, if practical;


• consider registering with Health care temporary recruitment agencies or looking for volunteer opportunities related to nursing;


• staying in-touch with your professional referees and mentioning that you are still looking for work;


• setting up email alerts on jobs boards for related paid


• applying to GradConnect again the following year;

How to write: Resumes / CVs

You do not need to submit a formal resume / CV with your GradConnect application but much of the same information is required in the online application. Employers also expect one when you are applying directly to them. So you need to prepare a good resume / CV that highlights your strengths and sets you apart. When applying directly to an employer tailor your resume / CV to meet the needs of the employer. It is important to identify the key words used in the job advertisement and customise your resume / CV accordingly. Also research the health service organisation in question find out about their facilities and values. Resumes / CV's can vary in format and lay-out (there is no single format) however there are some key components that should be included on any resume / CV.

NAME: State your first and last name clearly at the top of your resume. Include a preferred name if different to your birth name.

CONTACT DETAILS: No heading required, just your mobile contact number and email address. Postal address is optional (include if it is close by).

PROFILE STATEMENT / SUMMARY: Promote, market and endorse yourself! This is your chance to clearly outline what you can deliver (NOT what you are looking for or what your objectives are, so choose your words carefully). Two to three sentences or dot points highlighting your study status, experience /s (e.g. recent placement), strength areas and anything else you have to offer that may set you apart (e.g. EN background).

RELEVANT SKILLS: Use sub-headings to identify specific skills required for the position. DONT simply list all your clinical skills. Select ones most relevant and think about including some general employability skills such as communication (written and verbal taking into account proficiency in languages) and team skills. You need to give a brief description or example to evidence each skill, or highlight these examples in your RELEVANT EXPERIENCE section (which can include your clinical placements).

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: These need to be listed in reverse chronological order with your most recent qualification first. Write qualifications in full e.g. Bachelor of Nursing. State the name of the university or institution where you received the qualification and also relevant dates (include any overseas institutions if you have studied abroad). If you are still completing your studies, include an expected completion date. You can also include any academic awards as well as other certificates and professional development you have completed here too (e.g. micro-credentials / certificates) but keep it brief! If you completed an unrelated qualification more than 10 years ago, consider its relevance to the job you are applying for and if it helps to evidence your skill-set or you values include it, otherwise leave it off e.g. went to a Catholic high school and applying to St John of God Health Care may be worth including, otherwise leave off high school if it has been a while!

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Include BOTH paid and unpaid experience here, in reverse chronological order (i.e. most recent practical placement should appear first) e.g. clinical placements, part-time Support Worker / Personal Carer role, or part of a volunteering program at a Hospice.

OTHER EMPLOYMENT / EXPERIENCE: In a similar format to your "relevant experience", this section lists details of unrelated on-the-job experiences such as Team Member / Customer Service at a supermarket. This experience is important to mention as it further demonstrates key employability skills (e.g. communication / interpersonal) but keep it brief and if you have 10+ years of unrelated (other) experience, consider combining, summarising or leaving off.

MEMBERSHIPS and VOLUNTEERING ROLES: Relevant employment skills are developed through active engagement with professional associations (e.g. Australian Nursing Federation) and student clubs / societies (search The Guild Clubs page for options). Include your membership status on your resume / CV, any events or professional development opportunities you have been part of and if you have had a specific volunteer role (e.g. President, Events Coordinator or another committee role).

REFEREES: Make sure you ask permission of your chosen referees and keep them up to date on the positions you are applying for. List the names, job title, healthcare facility / hospital name, phone number(s) and email contact of two referees (you can include a current supervisor if you work in a care support role e.g. Personal Carer or Enrolled Nurse). If no particular job is advertised or referees are not a requirement in the job advert, state Referees are available upon request in this section.

Resume / CV checklist:

DO'S

- Use keywords found in the job advert (i.e. relevant skills and/or language of the employer), but do it naturally, so that it makes sense.

- Keep it short (approx. 2 pages unless length is specified in the job advert). Tip: using the full page and narrowing margins can reduce pages.

- Use a standard, freely available font throughout and go for 10 12 point in size.

- Keep format simple and consistent, making sure dot points and indents line up. Use short statements or bullet points (avoid lengthy paragraphs) and include action words (verbs) when listing job duties / responsibilities/ achievements.

- Ask permission from your referees to include them and keep them up to date if you get shortlisted for an interview for advertised jobs.

- Include residency / citizenship status only if it is a job requirement or if you have a foreign sounding name but have Australian permanent residency / citizenship and are looking for a job in Australia.

- Read your resume / CV aloud to yourself and ask someone you trust to read it for feedback.

DON'TS

- Dont include borders, tables, boxes, pictures and graphics in case Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software is used to pre-filter your resume / CV on online jobs boards. ATS software can accidentally filter out your resume / CV.

- Make sure there are NO spelling or grammatical errors use tools to help you.

- Dont include photo or date of birth. 5

Resume / CV example - do not copy

Claire Spencer

90 South St Murdoch W.A. 6150 | Mob: 0457 457 356 | Email: name@server.com.au (make sure it is professional or use student email)

Final year Nursing student with previous experience working within a laboratory environment. Methodical with strong attention to detail. Demonstrated strengths in renal care, paediatric care and pre-operation compliance through relevant placements. Active contributor towards promotional and fund-raising activities for a Nepalese childrens orphanage and Red Cross. Available for regional and/or city employment.

OR

Confident and accountable graduating Nursing student. I have attained a Distinction average to date and recognised for my commitment to quality patient care on my final practical placement at ???.

Experienced in customer service and working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds, with additional language proficiencies in ?? and ?? . Keen to further develop my competencies in neonatal clinical care and womens health.

Education & Training

Bachelor of Nursing Murdoch University

Notable Achievements:

- 20?? Vice Chancellor Award for Academic Excellence

- Gained Distinction in most recent Clinical Practice unit

- Completed additional training in Aboriginal Cultural Awareness and Workplace Inclusion"

- Participated in an exchange to Thailand where I was involved in providing ...

Certificate IV in Laboratory Practice

South Metropolitan TAFE (Rockingham Campus) 20??

Skills

- Wound care (skilled in prevention of infection and dressing).

- Demonstrated ability to adhere to clinical care procedures and ensure that the objectives of the health care facility are met during placements.

- Communication: proven ability to build rapport quickly with all ages and deal effectively with emotionally difficult situations; multilingual (English / Spanish / conversational Italian)

- Collaborative team work: developed through Laboratory Assistant work

- IT Skills: Proficient user of the full MS Office suite and can adapt quickly to customised databases/systems

(tailor this list relevant to the job role or preferred area of specialistion)

Relevant Experience/Placements

Clinical Placement (list most recent first) Year/ Duration

Hospital/Healthcare Facility

Description of the hospital / healthcare facility or ward / section in no more than one line).

- Three or four key experiences (specialties covered, case mix, patient/nurse ratio, hours)

- Do not write a job description

- Use action words (e.g. developed, initiated, prepared)

E.g. Final Year Student Placement 17 Nov - 17 Dec 20??

St John of God Hospital, Murdoch

Private hospital with over 500 beds, emergency dept., 16 room operating suite and a wide range of specialty services.

- Assisted RN in the Renal Unit with the care of seven patients per shift.

- Monitored liquid intake of patients and collected/labeled urine samples ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

- Observed and worked with specialists caring for patients with Diabetes, Hepatitis, Asthma and Bronchitis. Took patients blood pressure, blood samples and liaised with Pathology.

- Achievement: Applied dressing of wounds on aged patients with leg ulcerations and helped de-scale / re-dress wounds. Three patients wounds showed marked improvements, formally noted by supervising RN.

Other Experience

Laboratory Assistant Jan20??-June20??

Safety Bay Senior High School

- Worked collaboratively with a wide range of professional teaching staff, providing science laboratory support. (Team Skills)

Team member

Coles, Mandurah Forum July 20?? - Dec20??

- Developed excellent skills in quality customer service in a in busy and demanding work environment. (Communication Service/Interpersonal skills)

Memberships and Volunteering

Red Cross Appeal - Fund raising committee member 20??

Referees

David Smith Brenda Davis

RN Level 2 Nurse Senior Lecturer and Academic Chair: Bachelor of Nursing

Fiona Stanley Hospital Murdoch University

Tel: (08) 6588 3444 Tel: (08) 9360 3456

Email: D.Smith@fsh.gov.au

Email:B.Davis@murdoch.edu.au

How to address: Selection criteria/Key requirements

For final year Nursing students applying for a Graduate Program through GradConnect, addressing the selection criteria is the most important aspect of your application. Your ability to successfully understand and respond in full to each criterion will affect your chances of progressing to interview stage.

There are several components to keep in mind when addressing the selection criteria outlined below.

- Address each criterion separately and use the full word limit (e.g. 300 words).

- Refer to your portfolio of clinical experiences throughout your degree for specific examples that demonstrate relevant skills, knowledge and experience.

- When outlining specific examples to demonstrate your skills, knowledge, experience, provide a brief introduction of your understanding and application of the specific criterion (e.g. communication skills) in your practice, followed by a specific example using::

STAR (SITUATION, TASK, ACTION, RESULT)

SITUATION and TASK Provide a brief outline of the setting (e.g. Whilst on placement at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital ) and then outline what you did or the challenge you faced.

ACTION Describe (using verbs or action words) e.g. how you went about completing the task or dealing with the challenge (e.g. I listened with empathy, I complied with ... , I consulted my )

RESULT What was the result? How was it measured / acknowledged? What did you learn from the experience? What would you do differently next time?

NOTE: When-ever possible, refer / map to relevant standards i.e. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) RN Standards and the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) standards (Health Facility / Service standards) and/or healthcare facility policies and assessment procedures e.g. COLDSPA (Illness Assessment) to support your response.

Things to avoid when writing your GradConnect application:

- Not checking for spelling/grammatical errors (tip: use tools such as Grammarly).

- Not addressing all parts of each question (eg. "written" AND "verbal" communication).

- Not providing succinct responses i.e. going off on a tangent or being vague / general (not outlining your own practice)

- Not using the STAR method to properly structure your answers.

- Producing answers which are significantly below word limit e.g. 300 words.

- Not referring to relevant standards, policies, procedures etc..

Selection Criteria example - do not copy

(THROUGH GRADCONNECT)

Selection Criteria (These will be similar from year to year for Graduate Nurse recruitment through GradConnect, but may change slightly). EXAMPLES:

Question 1. Demonstrates clinical knowledge in the delivery and improvement of safe, evidence-based nursing and/or midwifery care within a clinical setting.

Question 2. Demonstrated ability to work within a team in a clinical setting and practice in accordance with the NMBA RN professional standards.

Question 3. Demonstrated effective communication skills and interpersonal skills within a clinical setting.

Question 4. Demonstrates understanding of and the commitment to the principles of quality improvement and risk management within practice.

EXAMPLE:

DO NOT COPY (you need to draw from your own personal experiences) and DO NOT INCLUDE the words in BOLD below in your responses.

Question 3. Demonstrated effective communication skills and interpersonal skills within a clinical setting.

INTRODUCTION: Throughout my work history to-date, including various administration and customer service roles, I have developed strong communication and interpersonal skills. As a student nurse, I have extended this to include the ability to develop therapeutic and professional relationships with patients and their families (NMBA 2). Fostering mutual respect as well as understanding and acknowledging emotional vulnerabilities helps with trust, harmony and cooperation to ultimately achieve better outcomes. For example (SITUATION) and (TASK) whilst on placement at Perth Childrens Hospital (PCH), an 18-month-old patient had been taken to the Emergency Department following a Febrile convulsion. He was admitted to my ward accompanied by his parents. The parents were understandably very anxious. I was assigned to take patient observations. Every time I entered the room the father would verbalise his concerns to me aggressively whereas the mother was quiet. (ACTION) I understood that the reason for the fathers aggressiveness was lack of knowledge and communication. I helped diffuse the anger and anxiety by accessing the hospitals website and printed an information sheet on Febrile Convulsions. I sat down with both the parents and suggested we go through the information sheet together, I also made extra notes for clarification, answering all their questions related to their sons nursing care and his current medical condition, in a clear and calm manner (RNBA 2.1 2.2, 2.4). (RESULT) The fathers aggressive behaviour ceased and the mother appeared much more relaxed. I included this extra information in my clinical handover to evidence family centred care and both parents thanked me for taking the time to speak with them, providing information about a medical condition they did not know about. I feel confident in dealing with patients and their families during stressful times at the Peel Health campus (my preferred location) (WORD COUNT: 298) 9

How to write: Cover letters

You do not need to submit a cover letter when applying for a Graduate Program through GradConnect. However, if you are applying directly to a healthcare facility in response to a job advert, you need one that creates a good first impression (your cover letter is the first thing they will read). Expressing yourself enthusiastically, highlighting what you know about the health service organisation and detailing how you would add value are key!

Start by researching the healthcare facility, its areas of specialisation that interests you and their mission / values. You then need to find out what the employer is looking for in the ideal candidate and customise or tailor your cover letter, showcasing your capabilities to meet the employers needs. Your cover letter should:

- express your motivation and excitement at the prospect of working for the healthcare facility;

- communicate that you have done your research and know the healthcare facilitys areas of specialisation, overall mission and values they consider important in employees, then relate them back to you (to convey you would fit in well with the team)

- highlight relevant knowledge, skills (and supporting experiences) required to be successful (tailor this to the job).

Make sure you know who to address your application to. If you are applying for an advertised vacancy and the job advert doesnt mention who the application should be sent to, do your best to find out try to get a name and the position of the person you are communicating with.

Avoid repeating too much information that is already detailed in your resume / CV as your cover letter is really your introduction to you as an individual highlighting the key points you want to communicate about yourself tailored to the requirements of the advertised job.

Use dot points if there are a number of selection criteria / key requirements to address in the cover letter (this is sometimes the case follow all instructions carefully). See "How to address: Selection Criteria / Key Requirements" above for further details.

Cover letter checklist:

- Read all job application instructions carefully and follow them!

- Use professional business format (left justified).

- Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors (tip: use tools like Grammarly). A cover letter is an example of your written communication skills so make sure it reads well!

- Keep the letter to one page in length or to the length specified in the job advert (often it can be longer when the Selection Criteria / Work Related Requirements need to be addressed within the letter).

- Use a standard font type / a size that is easy to read.

- Get the persons name and title to whom you are writing to.

- Sign the letter Yours Sincerely or Warm regards.

- Clearly identify the position you are applying for.

- Be creative with the opening of each paragraph so that you are not always beginning with I.

- Investigate the healthcare facility you are applying to focus on their services, specialisations, values and any new initiatives / staff awards etc.. Do your research and mention why you would like to work for them.

- Be sure to address the skills and experience outlined in the job advert but dont make any unsupported statements about yourself (be truthful).

- Take the time and initiative to be creative and tailor or customise your cover letter to the job you are applying for. A standard template will often be overlooked and is NOT recommended.

Cover letter format

Full name of person to whom letter is addressed (Mr/Ms/Mrs/Professor, Surname) (NOTE: You may need to do some research to get a contact name)

Job title

Health Service Organisation

Postal Address

Date (in full)

Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs/Dr, Surname

Re: Position title and quote reference number if there is one (in bold)

Paragraph 1: Why are you writing? How did you find out about the position? If an unsolicited letter (no job advertisement), what kind of position you are seeking and why?

Paragraph 2: Why are you interested in the advertised position or the particular healthcare facility? What attracts you to the job role? Research what the healthcare facility does / its areas of specialisation, overall mission and values, and describe how the position appeals or suits you.

E.g. Values: Quality Care and Responsibility, Collaboration, Promoting Aging Well with Dignity. (relate these back to you).

Paragraph 3: How do you match the requirements of the job with regard to skills, education or experience? Highlight any relevant successes or experiences that may set you apart from other candidates or students. Try not to make any unsubstantiated claims i.e. provide concrete evidence and examples where you can.

NOTE: You may be required to address specific Selection Criteria in this section. List each one separately and see "How to Address: Selection Criteria" above for further details.

Paragraph 4: Mention you would be appreciative for the opportunity to discuss your application further. If applying for an advertised vacancy, Clarify how you can be contacted for further information (include your contact number / email address). If you are submitting an unsolicited letter (no job advertised), specify a time period when you will follow up (say 1-2 weeks).

Close with Yours sincerely or Warm regards Your first and last name

Cover letter example - do not copy

Dr David Hansei

Practice Manager

Acme Medical Centre

29 Smart Street

PERTH WA 6000

4 May [Year] Dear Dr. Hansei

Re: Graduate Nurse | BBBH4_155

I write to express interest in joining Acme Medical Centre as a Graduate Nurse, a position that you advertised through the recruitment agency FlexiStaff.

As I am about to graduate with a Bachelor of Nursing at Murdoch University, I am particularly interested in working in a regional hospital where I can actively engage in community life. I am keen to work in a medical facility that values excellence in patient care and would bring to the role a keen sense of achievement, good nursing practice, and experience in applying my skills in a multi-disciplinary work environment.

I understand that Acme Medical Centre is setting up a mobile medical service. In June [Year] I volunteered at the Fremantle Mobile Health Service attending to members of the public who sought assistance for substance abuse. As a result of this initiative, I developed key contacts in industry and subsequently secured a clinical placement at the Alma Street Clinic. I believe that my passion for the profession, sound academic achievement in my course, and flexibility to work on weekends as outlined in your job advert are key to suiting your requirements.

A current resume is attached, providing full details regarding my relevant qualification and experiences to date. I would very much like to meet with you to discuss my application further and can be contacted on 0412 345 678 or at H.Spandrell@murdoch.edu.au.

Warm regards,

Harriet Spandrell

Successful Interviews

Interviews are a competitive business. If you have been shortlisted, congratulations on a well written application. The task now is to impress the employer face to face.

Preparation prevents poor performance! Interview settings can vary from the number of people on the panel to the circumstances in which an interview is conducted, such as face to face, online (e.g. over MS Teams or Zoom), or even automated questions using software that records your responses - known as a video interview). Typically, an interview comprises of the following stages.

Introduction / Icebreaker questions to try and relax you.

Interviewer questions - e.g. behavioural (evidence based) , career / professional practice oriented and self-awareness / opportunity awareness questions.

Interviewee questions your opportunity to ask the employer questions make sure you have some questions ready.

Interview outcome - the successful candidate is offered the position after referee checks.

PREPARATION TIPS

Know the employer and know the job. Re-visit the job advert (if there is one - focus on the personal qualities, knowledge and skills required to perform the role). Also familiarise yourself with the overall mission and values of the healthcare facility you are applying to. This will help you anticipate some possible questions. See example below.

St John of God Health Care | Core Values

The core Values reflect our heritage and guide our behaviours:

Hospitality - A welcoming openness to all; to the familiar and the mystery of self, people, ideals, experience, nature and to God.

Compassion - Feeling with another in their discomfort or suffering and striving to understand the other's experience with a willingness to reach out.

Respect - An attitude treasuring the unique dignity of every person and recognising the sacredness of all creation.

Justice - A balanced and fair relationship with, ourself, neighbour, all of creation and God.

Excellence - Giving the optimum standard of care and service within available resources.

Know yourself - Your strengths and weaknesses, career aspirations (and how these relate to the job and their specific health facility).

Confirm the interview details and ask for the names of the interviewer(s) this will make it easier to remember names on the day.

Practice your responses to possible questions use a mirror, friend or family member,

Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end this shows that you have thought about the role and would like some more information. For example: How will my performance be measured? What professional development is typically available to Graduate Nurses within public hospitals? What are some of the key challenges faced by Graduate Nurses at your hospital?

ON THE DAY

- Plan your route and parking to arrive early (if in-person). Turn your phone to silent, remove sunglasses and take some deep breaths whilst you wait. Self-talk strategies such as I am as qualified as everyone else and have prepared well for this interview can also be useful. Be polite to the administrative support staff or anyone you encounter before the interview (you dont know what influence they may have!)

- If it is online, check the technology beforehand, have a clean background (or a virtual one), make sure lighting suits your face and turn off noises such as fans that can be picked up by the microphone.

- Dress for success clean, comfortable, neat and tidy with a professional/conservative appearance will indicate that you are an organised person and keen for the position. Avoid too much jewellery, perfume/aftershave.

- Be mindful of your body language - keep it open and positive by:

• Smiling and nodding in agreement when


• Being polite (e.g. waiting to be invited to sit down in the interview room).


• Looking the interviewer(s) in the eye when responding to questions (unless this is difficult for you and you are willing to share that information) and using their name


• Not slouching or fidgeting and keep your hands away from your


• Trying to appear confident, knowing that youve already been selected as a strong candidate on Tip: If you are aware you are showing nerves, it is okay to call it out by saying that you are nervous because you are really excited about the opportunity .

- Consider what you say:

• Speak clearly and be specific (avoid umms, university abbreviations and unprofessional language).


• Be prepared to talk about your learning experiences from previous successes and failures this indicates your commitment to self-improvement.


• If you get stuck or freeze up, ask for the question to be repeated / re-phrased, or revisited later in the interview when answering, try to provide a response that reflects your ability to learn if you are lacking relevant knowledge or experience.

TYPICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Behavioural Based Questions require you to provide examples of past behaviour with the aim of predicting future behaviours.

Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult patient or calm someone down to avoid potential conflict? What did you do and how did it turn out? (Demonstrating interpersonal skills).

Provide an example of when you had to communicate and work collaboratively with medical staff, other health professionals and/or administration staff in order to provide a coordinated approach to the care of a patient? (Demonstrating communication and teamwork skills).

NOTE: It can be useful to use STAR when answering Behavioural questions (See "How to Address Selection Criteria" above for details).

Career Orientated / Professional Practice related Questions these are asking you to look to the future.

What areas of care would you like to gain more experience in and why? Why did you choose to study Nursing?

How might you respond to the following emergency situation........ (senario given)

Self-Awareness / Opportunity Awareness Questions these will get you to reflect upon your strengths / weaknesses, relevant experiences and values, as well as assess your understanding of the healthcare facility.

What do you consider to be your strength areas in nursing?

Describe an area you feel you need to develop in your nursing practice and identify how you would go about addressing this?

Why would we employ you over other nursing graduates, what makes you a good fit for the RN role at our hospital?

Respect is one of our values. What does Respect mean to you and how might that look like in your nursing practice?

FINAL TIPS

Thank the interviewer or interview panel for their time.

If unsuccessful, request feedback on your performance post interview. Try and obtain specific feedback on areas for improvement. (Interviewers may or may not have time to give you this information in detail but you can always ask!)

You can also reflect on your own performance to help you prepare better next time. Remember that failure is not a permanent condition. Be kind to yourself but keep at it!

Using AI tools responsibly

Generative AI tools can be tempting to use to refine or tailor your written job application documents and online GradConnect application but it is important to be responsible with any AI use. This means following university policy (being ethical), staying legal and thinking critically about the accuracy of the output. Important steps in doing so include ...

- checking with your Unit Coordinator if AI tools can be used (and if so, how) for job application documents that are submitted for assessment (e.g. part of a portfolio) as you are responsible for following all university policy and any unauthorised use of AI tools is academic misconduct

- managing the data controls / settings on each Generative AI tool you personally use so that the history of your conversations is not used for purposes you do not authorise or control (e.g. training) TIP: Using Microsoft Co-pilot with your university login credentials provides an automatic layer of protection against this

- ensuring you do not enter information into a Generative AI tool that is protected by law (e.g. copyright and privacy laws such as information that could identify a patient / staff member whilst on placement) or otherwise confidential (e.g. your personal details from a Resume / CV)

- reviewing all output critically and removing any hallucinations or false / untrue information that has been made up, especially achievements or experiences that are NOT your own - employers or recruiters can spot well written fake news about you in job applications and if you cant convincingly talk about your claims in an interview, you will not be offered a position.

If you do meet the employers needs in your job application and get short-listed / selected for an interview you might want to use Generative AI tools to help you prepare for some possible interview questions. See the following example prompt.

1. Provide Context and Role: I am a final year Registered Nursing student at university who has applied for a position at a local Aged Care I have an interview next week. You are an expert Career Coach and I need your help to prepare.

2. Detail the task: Provide a list of likely interview questions based on the skills required for the position, the services provided by the facility and their values.

3. Include clear instructions: I need 15 numbered questions listed from most likely to least I am going to give you the skills required for the position from the job advert and the employer information from their website now

NOTE: There are also AI tools available to provide you with mock interview practice. It may be worth exploring these too e.g. LinkedIn Interview Prep (found under Jobs tab) and for international students, Interview360 found in Study Perth - Careers Connect Portal