Careers News 

Are you job interview ready?

The Year 10s are in the midst of preparing for their first experience as a potential employee while the Year 12 VCE VM students are preparing for job interviews for their first chosen career. While both groups could just go to the internet and AI for help, they’ve been fortunate to have dedicated class time to develop job application and interview skills in a supportive environment that hopefully will increase the likelihood of success.

Year 10s found out that while AI can be helpful when writing a cover letter or resume, reliance on it could remove them from the candidate pile very quickly (The risk of using generative AI when applying for jobs by Daniel Johnson, ABC News, July 4 2025). Class time has been devoted to writing a cover letter that introduces the student to a prospective employer that shows their suitability to the role; identifying unique skills or attributes that will enhance their job prospects. They are now updating the resume they completed in Term 1 to include their work experience and other skills developed as the year has progressed. By the end of the term, students will have gone over the do's and don'ts for job interviews and participate in mock interviews to try and eliminate interview anxiety and put their best foot forward when applying for jobs.

Year 12 VCE VM students final Work Related Skills assessment is an e-Portfolio presentation including a cover letter and resume as well as digital artefacts that are presented in front of a panel for a job interview. Some students found the experience daunting whilst others were so impressive and job ready. 

The main take-away from these experiences that students may have a greater appreciation for include:

• Use AI to augment your cover letter and resume, not to write it unchecked
• First impressions count
• Proof reading is still an important step in the process before applying for a position
• Make cover letters and resumes job specific, not generic, referring to requirements listed in the advertisement
• The best way to counter nerves before a job application is to practice
• Use one of the many techniques recommended that allow you to demonstrate a skill. The easiest being SAO – refer to a situation, action and outcome. 

Any student needing some help with resumes, cover letters or job interviews are welcome to make an appointment with the one of the Careers Team at any time.

Mrs Elena Flodstrom & Ms Theresa Lochery

Careers Team