Just like writing a job application, the key to writing an application for the WA Training Awards is to sell yourself.
Sometimes it can be hard to sell yourself in an application or an interview – you may feel like you are boasting about yourself. Don’t think of it as boasting – what you’re doing is providing the panel with the evidence they need to select you as a semi-finalist.
This is your story. You can’t get your story wrong. Answer honestly and confidently – this is definitely the time to talk yourself up.
The most important thing you can do is talk about your skills, abilities and achievements in relation to the selection criteria and back it up with examples of when you’ve used those skills in your training and work.
Your written application is the deciding factor for whether you get an interview or not, so you need to ensure you’ve given the panel every reason to shortlist you.
Show… don’t tell
Your application must include examples from your training and work. To really sell yourself, you need to show the panel through an example of when you’ve used those skills, don’t just tell them that you have the skills. Use the considerations listed under each criterion to help write a competitive response. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can be useful when addressing criterion as it helps outline the whole story behind your examples. Alternatively, brainstorm with your employer, lecturer, VET Coordinator or a colleague.
What’s your message?
Be clear on what your message is. Why is your VET qualification and your career pathway important to you? What difference has it made in your life and therefore, what difference could a VET pathway make in anyone’s life? Once you are clear on this, weave your experiences around this message into your application.
For example, WA Trainee of the Year, Brittany-Leigh Wragg wanted to convey a message of self-belief and how pursuing a career pathway in Defence through the VET sector helped her to achieve this. Entering into a male-dominated industry was initially daunting for Brittany-Leigh but she cites the support from her training providers, and encouragement she received, as one of the main reasons she pursued her dream career. She mentioned in her application that she wanted to represent the Defence industry and become an ambassador for others considering a career pathway into the sector.
Understand the end goal
The judging panels are looking for ambassadors for the VET sector. People whose stories inspire others to follow in their footsteps. People who are passionate about what they do and know the value of the skills they’ve learnt to work in their field and have a successful career. When you apply for a WA Training Award, you are applying to become an ambassador, so show the panel why your knowledge, experience, journey and message sets a positive example for others.
Selling yourself might not come naturally to you. For most people, it is not easy to self-promote and might not be appropriate in any other social interaction. But when it comes to writing an application and preparing for an interview, put the time into considering your strengths and what sets you apart from others. Ensure that is what you put into your application.
Applications for this year’s WA Training Awards close at 5pm on Friday 28 April. Sell yourself to our judging panels this year and submit your application today. Visit dtwd.wa.gov.au/trainingawards for further information.
WA Training Awards 2024 