Part One: Empower your resume! A step-by-step guide for a feminist job application.

So you’ve come across the perfect role, and you’re getting started on your application. But somehow, what’s in your head isn’t translating to paper. Getting your application right and efficiently communicating your interest and candidacy for the role will help you stand out from the crowd. So how do you go about it?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve pulled together a four-part series of top tips to guide you in writing an awesome (and feminist) job application!

5 questions to ask yourself before you start your application

1. Why do you want this role?

Thoroughly review the role, responsibilities and selection criteria, and then ask yourself, what is it about this role that attracts you? Do you see it as an opportunity for growth? Could it be the great launching pad for your career? Are you passionate about the organisation’s mission? Or, is it the financial security of a job you’re after?

Asking yourself these questions will give you much-needed clarity on why you want the job and you’ll be able to better communicate that narrative in your cover letter. It will also help you distinguish the ‘must have’ jobs from the ‘nice to haves’ and help you focus your energy.

2. Can you commit the time and energy needed for this role?

Whether it’s a full-time role, a position on a board of directors or a volunteer position for a not-for-profit, ensure that before you apply, you’re confident you can commit the time needed to excel in this role.

Most full-time roles are roughly 76-80 hours a fortnight, and most governance and volunteer positions require a minimum commitment of four hours a fortnight. If you’re already volunteering for three other organisations, and balancing study, family or other commitments, are you certain that you can commit the time to this role?

Remember, the organisation has put out the call for applications because they need someone who is committed and responsive. If you don’t think you can commit the time, it’s better to step aside for someone else.

3. Do the organisation’s values align with yours?

Have you researched and looked up the organisation’s values and vision? Are they something you believe it? For example, YWCA Australia’s values are feminism, inclusion, integrity, excellence and innovation. These values inform everything that we do, and we want to attract staff and volunteers who respect and uphold these same values.

Take one step further and to check out the organisation’s Employee Value Proposition. Do they have feminist policies and procedures? Who is leading the organisation and does the make-up of their board and management reflect the communities they serve?

4. Will this role impact you or your community in a meaningful way?

Before you take on a role, think about whether it will positively impact you or your community. There are a set number of productive hours in the working week, leaving no space for unfulfilling activities. Will the role develop your skills? Will it allow you to meaningfully engage with people in your community? 

5.      Is my resume up to scratch?

Having an incomplete or poorly written resume is a sure-fire way of getting yourself OFF that shortlist. Luckily, we’ve compiled some top tips to polish up your applications! Skip on right to Part Two to learn more about writing a successful resume.

YWCA Australia wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work, live and play and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise First Nations people as the custodians of the lands, seas and skies, with more than 60,000 years of wisdom, connection and relationship in caring for Country.

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