Review hiring process for graduate jobs in Australia (Round 1&2)
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Hi everyone!
In Part 1 of this series, I shared 4 things you must do before applying for graduate jobs. If you haven’t read it yet, feel free to check it out on the blog!
Now in Part 2, I’ll walk you through each stage of the recruitment process — what to expect and how to prepare effectively. Let’s get into it!
✅ Quy trình tuyển dụng như thế nào?
Most companies typically have four main stages in their recruitment process:CV Screening → Online Test → Video Interview → Assessment Centre (or Final Interview).
For larger companies, response times between each stage can be quite slow - sometimes taking up to a month. If you haven’t heard back yet, don’t panic. Stay calm and keep applying to other opportunities in the meantime. Now, let’s break down each stage and go over how you can best prepare for them.
👉🏻 Round 1: CV & cover letter
I’ve almost always made it past the CV screening round, so I hope these tips can help you do the same!
I started with a CV template provided by my university (Deakin) specifically for graduate students. I edited it in Word and saved it as a PDF before submitting. Deakin also had a tool that scores your CV on structure and grammar, so I kept revising until I scored over 90%.
📌 Tip: Most universities offer similar templates and tools - check your school’s career portal and attend CV workshops or job application events run by student clubs or your careers service.
Keep your CV to one page, especially for graduate roles. Recruiters only skim through, so your goal is to make key information jump out. Here are a few practical formatting tips:
Change the page layout to the longest printable setting.
Use font size 10–11, with minimal but readable line spacing.
Keep it visually clean - no walls of text!
When it comes to language, use strong, active verbs that show leadership and impact. For example, words like manage, lead, deliver, and supervise are much more powerful than support or assist.
✨ How to Make a One-Page CV Stand Out
To make your CV stand out:
Use numbers and results instead of vague descriptions.
Include industry keywords so your CV gets noticed during scans.
For example, instead of writing:
“Processed and visualised data from Yelp reviews using Python, R, and Tableau,” try something like: “Processed 1.5 million Yelp reviews to build a predictive model (84% accuracy) using Python, identifying key factors influencing ratings across 500 restaurants.”
Adding metrics shows the scope and impact of your work. Also, end each role or project with a clear achievement statement so employers can quickly see your value.
If you don’t have much relevant work experience yet, that’s totally fine - you can create a section called Academic Projects. Include real-world assignments or case studies and apply the same writing style.Example:
“Managed a team of 6 to deliver a market entry strategy for [Company X], resulting in a distinction-level project grade.”
Reread your CV multiple times to cut unnecessary words and polish your writing. I personally developed a bit of an obsession with writing the “perfect” CV from my first year of uni 😅 - I’d constantly search tips online, read sample CVs, and borrow strong phrases or layouts I liked. So, don’t be afraid to Google everything. If you’re unsure about a phrase, word choice, or format - search it.
📝 Cover Letter? Keep It Simple
I don’t have much to say here - I just picked a few decent templates online and edited them as needed. For each application, I would change the company name and job title. To be honest, if the job didn’t require a cover letter, I usually skipped it (lazy, I know 😅). Funny enough, the companies where I made it far into the process were mostly the ones that didn’t ask for a cover letter!
📎 What to Attach in the First Round
Make sure to attach any relevant documents when you apply:
Academic transcript
Graduation certificate
Visa or work rights documents
Other relevant certificates
If you pass the CV screening, HR often follows up with a surprise phone call before moving you to the next round. They usually confirm your details and check your visa status or graduation date.
📱 Pro tip: Keep your phone nearby, especially in the mornings. I used to sleep with airplane mode on and missed so many calls because of that 😅
👉🏻 Round 2: Online Test
Before your online test, do some research online using the search phrase: “[Company Name] + online test for graduate jobs.” Read through whatever you can find and take notes on useful tips or sample questions.
For example, the companies I applied to like IBM, Auspost, and Westpac all use the Revelian test. When I took IBM’s test, I didn’t prepare at all because I assumed it was just a basic IQ test - but I was surprised by how challenging it was! So, I recommend searching YouTube for practice tests and games of this type. After a few tries, your score can improve quickly.
The Revelian test usually consists of short games on numbers and human factors. IBM’s version focused only on numbers, while Auspost and Westpac included human factors too. The human factors part tests your ability to recognize facial expressions and emotions based on scenarios. It sounds easy, but some situations involve 3-4 people in a story and 6-7 similar-looking faces to choose from - it can get tricky! 🥲
Some companies like Canva and Thoughtworks give you specialised technical tests (e.g., for data analysts, they might test data analytics skills, Python, SQL queries, etc.). Since these tests are company-specific, your best bet is to be confident with the core skills required for your role.
For the Big 4 firms, they have their own versions of online tests - psychometric test. Again, just search online for reviews and practice questions - there are plenty available. The tests are generally manageable, though some quick math calculations might be required.
