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Application tips

Find out how to prepare your resume, cover letter and interview for jobs at Western Health. Get practical application tips, learn how to address selection criteria and understand the recruitment process.

Applying for a job at Western Health? Here’s how to make your application stand out and give yourself the best chance of success.

 

Preparing your resume 

Your resume helps us understand your experience and strengths. Here’s how to make it clear and effective:

  • Keep it up to date with your latest jobs, education and qualifications.
  • Be specific – include your key responsibilities, areas of expertise and notable achievements.
  • Use a simple format that’s easy to read (avoid complicated designs or fonts).
  • Tailor your resume to match the Position Description.
  • Proofread carefully – check for spelling and grammar, and ask a friend to review it.
  • You can also upload your resume to an online tool such as Adzuna for automated feedback.

 

Writing a cover letter

Your cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you’re a good fit for the role. Tips for writing a strong cover letter:

  • Include your name and contact details (email and phone number).
  • Explain why you’re interested in the role and in working at Western Health.
  • Highlight your skills, experience and achievements that match the role.
  • Keep it brief – aim for one page.
  • Proofread carefully, and consider asking a friend to review it.

 

Addressing selection criteria

If the job ad asks you to address selection criteria, you’ll find these listed in the Position Description. This is your chance to show how your experience matches the key requirements of the role.

 

We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers:

  • Situation – describe the context
  • Task – explain your role
  • Action – share what you did
  • Result – show the outcome or what you achieved.

 

Be sure to include examples that show your skills in action.

 

Preparing for the interview

Interviews at Western Health are designed not only to help us get to know you better, but to help you get to know us better. This is an opportunity to see if we’re a good match.

 

Tips to help you prepare:

  • Research the role, team and organisation.
  • Give yourself plenty of time to arrive early and settle in.
  • Review your application and think of examples that address the selection criteria.
  • Use the STAR method to answer questions clearly.
  • Come prepared with the details of at least two referees.
  • Bring a few questions of your own work to ask the panel.

 

Reference checks

When providing your referee details to the hiring manager, be sure to include their:

  • full name
  • title
  • relationship to you
  • phone number and email.

 

Please note: It is part of our policy that one of your referees be your current line manager. Be sure to let your referees know they may be contacted.

 

What happens next

You’ll be notified of the outcome of your application by email or phone.

If you’re unsuccessful, you’re welcome to:

 

 

Related resources

Registering for eRecruit and email notifications

 

 

Related external websites

ValueMyCV (Adzuna)

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all the lands and waterways on which Western Health staff, volunteers, consumers and caregivers come together. As we work, learn and grow, we pay our deep respects to the Elders and Traditional Custodians past, present and emerging of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung, Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wadawurrung Countries of the greater Kulin Nation. We are committed to the healing of country, working towards equity in health outcomes, and the ongoing journey of reconciliation. Western Health is committed to respectfully listening and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we are truly guided by the values of relationship, responsibility and respect.