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Candidate

How a Cover Letter Should Compliment Your CV

When it comes to applying for a job, your CV is undoubtedly your most powerful tool a concise summary of your experience, qualifications, and skills. But what about the cover letter? Too often overlooked or hastily written, a well crafted cover letter is your opportunity to add depth to your application and create a compelling narrative. At CBR Recruitment, we believe that the best applications are those where the CV and cover letter work in tandem each playing a distinct but complementary role. Here’s how you can make sure your cover letter enhances your CV rather than repeating it.

1.Tell the Story Behind the CV
Your CV is all about facts — dates, titles, qualifications, and achievements. The cover letter gives you the space to explain why those facts matter. Use it to tell the story behind your career journey, your motivations, and why you’re interested in the role. Think of it as the narrative that links the dots on your CV. If your CV shows a career change or a gap in employment, your cover letter is the place to provide context.

2. Address the Selection Criteria or Role Requirements
One of the most effective ways to tailor your cover letter is to write directly to the selection criteria or key position requirements listed in the job ad. This shows the hiring manager that you understand exactly what the role demands — and that you’ve taken the time to demonstrate how you meet those needs. Candidates who clearly align their cover letters to the selection criteria stand out early in the selection process. It shows professionalism, attention to detail, and strategic thinking.

3. Highlight Relevant Experience
Rather than listing all your experiences again, focus your cover letter on the most relevant aspects of your background for the role at hand. Show the hiring manager you understand what the job requires and explain how your experience makes you a great fit.

4. Demonstrate Your Enthusiasm
A CV is rarely the place for emotion or personal tone — but a cover letter is your chance to express genuine enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Show that you’ve done your research, understand their mission or values, and explain what draws you to the opportunity.

5. Showcase Soft Skills and Personality
Some of your best assets might not fit neatly into a CV. Your communication style, adaptability, leadership qualities, or collaborative mindset can come through more clearly in a letter. Use it to inject some personality and give the employer a sense of who you are beyond the bullet points.

6. Create a Strong First Impression
In many cases, your cover letter is the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager will read. A well-written, tailored cover letter shows professionalism, attention to detail, and effort — all qualities employers value highly. It also provides evidence of your writing skills.

In Summary: Your CV and Cover Letter Are a Team
Think of your cover letter as the voice of your CV — it gives your qualifications meaning, highlights your most relevant experiences, and shows why you’re a standout candidate. When they work together, they make a far more persuasive case than either can alone.

If you’re looking for expert advice on crafting your next application — or seeking your next opportunity — get in touch with CBR Recruitment on 02 6103 7000 or by emailing hello@CBRrecuitment.com.au. We’re here to help you stand out from the crowd!

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Candidate

Shifting Your Focus When Facing Redundancy

Many Australian Public Service (APS) employees are currently considering what a potential change in government might mean for their roles. Historically, changes in government can result in shifts in policy, departmental restructures, and in some cases, job losses. If you’re an APS employee facing redundancy, it’s essential to understand your options, especially if you’re subject to an exclusion period that prevents you from reapplying for APS positions immediately.

Understanding the APS Exclusion Period

When an APS employee takes a voluntary redundancy, they are typically subject to an exclusion period, which prevents them from rejoining the public service for a set period – often between 12 to 18 months (depending on length of service). This can create uncertainty for those who want to continue working but find themselves temporarily locked out of APS roles. However, this does not mean your career needs to be on hold. Several viable pathways are to consider contracting or permanent roles in other sectors, so you can continue using your skills, maintain financial stability, and stay engaged in the workforce.

Why Contracting is a Smart Move

If you’re facing a voluntary redundancy, contracting offers several advantages:

  1. Stay in the Market – Contracting keeps you engaged in meaningful work, helping you maintain and expand your professional network.
  2. Financial Stability – Many contracts, especially in government, offer competitive hourly or daily rates that can be financially rewarding.
  3. Skill Development – Working across different projects and subject matter enhances your expertise, making you more valuable when you’re eligible to return to APS roles.
  4. Flexibility – Contract roles often provide more control over work-life balance, allowing you to choose assignments that fit your lifestyle and career goals.
  5. Pathway Back to APS – While you may be excluded from ongoing and non-ongoing APS roles during the exclusion period, being engaged on a labour hire arrangement is a good solution during your exclusion period.

Permanent Roles in Other Sectors

In a time of change it can also be a great opportunity to explore roles outside of Federal government. In the ACT we are in a unique position where there are opportunities in the private sector, within tertiary education, and also in ACT government. Skills in particular areas such as project management, policy development, procurement, HR, and finance are highly transferable to these sectors.

Speak to an HR Specialist

While facing redundancy can be worrying, it can also be an opportunity to explore new career paths and build a more flexible and rewarding career, to develop new skills and to maintain financial security while navigating the APS exclusion period. If you’re facing redundancy and need guidance on transitioning into contract work, CBR Recruitment is here to help. Get in touch with us today on 02 6103 7000 or by emailing hello@CBRrecruitment.com.au to explore your options and take the next step in your career.

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Candidate

Understanding the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) – without the jargon!

The Integrated Leadership System (ILS) is the framework used in the Australian Public Service (APS) to assess a candidate’s ability across five different areas. In short, the higher the level of the position, the greater the expectation in each of these areas. It’s important to know that the ILS is not only used for APS recruitment but also for promotions and performance discussions, so in each of those scenarios, you need to be able to demonstrate your competence against each aspect of the ILS at the appropriate classification.

Let’s break down what each aspect of the ILS actually means in simple terms:

1 – Supports Strategic Direction / Shapes Strategic Thinking
This capability is all about your ability to demonstrate how you align your work with the broader organisational goals, along with your ability to make informed decisions, anticipate future challenges, and guide others towards a shared vision and government priorities. For lower-level classifications, it’s important to think ahead, anticipate future challenges and opportunities, incorporate long-term strategic planning into decision-making, and solve problems creatively by applying innovative thinking to complex policy and operational issues. In higher level leadership focussed classifications, this can be expanded to understanding the broader context, where you might be required to interpret the government’s priorities and departmental objectives, contribute to national outcomes and public value, and drive innovation where you champion new approaches, encourage continuous improvement, foster a culture of learning and adaptability, and provide frank and fearless advice.

2 – Achieves Results
When we look at the need to achieve results, it’s really about delivering high-quality outcomes by being proactive, accountable, and focused on achieving the department’s and / or the government’s broader priorities. Regardless of your classification, as a public servant you need to be able to show that you deliver on commitments, maintain focus and drive, manage time and resources and take ownership where you accept responsibility for decisions and actions, following through to ensure the job is completed successfully. In leadership roles, this responsibility also covers the outcomes of your team or section, and it’s all about achieving tangible outcomes for the Australian public.

3 – Supports / Cultivates Productive Working Relationships
In any role, it’s important to be able to work collaboratively with others and foster a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful workplace that supports teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and shared success. You need to be able to demonstrate that you can build strong relationships, where you engage effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and the community to achieve organisational goals, work collaboratively where you contribute to or lead team efforts, support colleagues, and value diverse perspectives. In leadership roles, there is generally some additional complexity that can involve managing conflict constructively, where you navigate disagreements and underperformance professionally, foster solutions that maintain positive working relationships, and demonstrate reliability, integrity, and a commitment to supporting others in a shared mission.

4 – Displays / Exemplifies Personal Drive and Integrity
This is a key requirement for public servants due to being accountable to the Australian public. It’s important to be highly ethical, and act with integrity, where is it expected that you uphold the APS values at all times, follow ethical guidelines, and make fair, transparent decisions. This also covers taking responsibility for your work and the work of your team, learning from your mistakes and remaining accountable at all times. Often in leadership roles, your self-reflection ability will be of vital importance, as this is a key expectation of contemporary leaders within the APS.

5 – Communicates with Influence
All APS employees are expected to be able to communicate effectively and ensure that both written and verbal communications are clear, persuasive, and tailored to influence decision-making and achieve policy or operational outcomes. Think about delivering clear and concise messaging, ensuring it is engaging and persuading to present ideas and policy recommendations effectively to gain support from stakeholders, actively listening where you seek input, considering different perspectives, and adapt to the audience where you tailor your communication style and approach depending on senior leaders, colleagues, or the public. In leadership roles, the complexity obviously increases, where you may need to provide concise briefings to a Minister, use your judgement to deliver specific messaging with limited time and resources, and effectively represent your department or the government to complex external stakeholders.

To meet with a CBR Recruitment Consultant to discuss the intricacies of the ILS, please give us a call on 02 6103 7000 or email hello@cbrrecruitment.com.au

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Candidate

Charting Your Career Path: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating your career can feel overwhelming, but a structured approach can help you make informed decisions and set a clear path for growth. By identifying your values, assessing your skills, and setting targeted goals, you can build a career that aligns with your aspirations. Here’s how to get started.

1. Define Your Core Values

Understanding what truly drives you is essential to making career choices that lead to satisfaction and success. Reflect on these key questions:

  • What activities energize and motivate me?
  • What qualities and priorities shape my ideal lifestyle?
  • What are my non-negotiables in a job?

By answering these, you can determine whether you’re on the right path or if it’s time for a change.

2. Assess Your Skills and Experience

Beyond personal preferences, your skill set plays a crucial role in determining viable career options. Take stock of your abilities by considering:

  • Your qualifications and relevant experience
  • Strengths and transferable skills
  • Major career achievements
  • Areas that need improvement or further development

A clear understanding of your skills will help you identify opportunities where you can excel and areas where further training might be beneficial.

3. Establish Your Career Direction

With your values and skills in mind, start exploring industries and roles that align with your interests. Consider:

  • The types of organisations or sectors that appeal to you
  • Positions that excite and challenge you
  • How these choices align with your personal goals
  • Any gaps in skills that may need to be addressed

 

4. Seek Constructive Feedback

We don’t always see our strengths and weaknesses clearly, so gathering input from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors is invaluable. Ask questions such as:

  • What behaviours should I refine to advance my career?
  • If you were in my position, what would you focus on improving?
  • What abilities are essential for transitioning to my desired role or industry?

Their insights can uncover new opportunities and highlight areas for growth that you may have overlooked.

By taking charge of your career path, you position yourself for meaningful growth and long-term success. Every step you take should bring you closer to a fulfilling career where you thrive and make a lasting impact. If you’re looking for one-on-one career or development advice, please contact us at hello@cbrrecruitment.com.au or call 02 6103 7000.

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Client

6 Key Tips to Prepare Your Team for the New Year

The new year offers a key opportunity to refocus your team, learn from past experiences, and create a clear path for success. Here’s a practical approach to guide your team in setting the tone for a productive and inspiring year ahead:

  1. Start with Clear Goals
    Set a strong foundation by defining clear, actionable goals. Hosting a team retreat or workshop away from daily distractions can help everyone contribute to the planning process. Ensure each goal aligns with the SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound—while incorporating some stretch objectives to keep the team motivated.
  1. Reflect and Learn from the Past
    Before planning ahead, take time to review the previous year as a team. Celebrate wins, acknowledge challenges, and extract lessons learned. Honest conversations about past performance pave the way for aligned priorities and improved strategies.
  1. Streamline Processes for Efficiency
    The new year is an ideal time to adopt systems that enhance productivity. Whether it’s a new project management tool, improved communication channels, or updated workflows, involve the team in brainstorming and selecting approaches that address pain points and make daily tasks more efficient.
  1. Create a Unified Team Vision
    Collaboratively crafting a team vision statement establishes a shared sense of purpose. This vision will act as a guide for decision-making and serve as a motivational anchor throughout the year. Regularly revisit the vision to measure progress and ensure everyone remains aligned with the overarching goals.
  1. Invest in Team Building
    Trust and camaraderie are the cornerstones of high-performing teams. Strengthen these bonds through meaningful team-building activities—whether it’s as simple as a team lunch or as structured as a team-building exercise.
  1. Identify and Fill Skills Gaps
    As part of your annual planning process it’s important to identify any skills gaps within your team in conjunction with planned business growth over the year ahead. The start of the year is an ideal time to identify high calibre candidates who may be looking for an interesting opportunity within a progressive organisation.

Annual planning isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about contextualizing them within the team’s unique dynamics and broader business objectives. From analysing past performance to identifying focus areas, the planning process should include actionable steps, measurable outcomes, and clear timelines.

For assistance with your recruitment, business planning or strategic HR needs, please give us a call on 02 6103 7000, or email hello@CBRrecruitment.com.au.

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Candidate

The Do’s and Don’ts of Australian Public Service Interviews

Interviews are a pivotal step in landing a new role, and the key is to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the job, the team, and the organisation. Here are essential do’s and don’ts to help you make the best impression.

The Do’s:

  1. Do Your Research – Before the interview, research your audience. Learn about the organisation’s culture, the reason behind the vacancy, and what they expect from the role. This will help you tailor your responses and show you’ve done your homework.
  2. Prepare Targeted Responses – Tailor your answer specifically to the job, department, and selection criteria. Highlight the aspects of your background that directly relate to the role and make sure the panel understand why you provided your example.
  3. Answer Behavioural Questions with “I” – In behavioural or situational questions, interviewers want to know what you’ve personally achieved. Avoid saying “we” when describing actions—focus on what you did.
  4. Give Detailed Answers, But Be Concise – Avoid one-word answers; they won’t give the panel enough information to assess your abilities. On the flip side, don’t ramble. Introduce your response, elaborate, and then wrap it up, preferably using a structure such as the “STAR” (situation, task, action, result) method.
  5. Ask Thoughtful Questions – At the end of the interview, you’ll likely be asked if you have any questions. Avoid asking questions about things you should already know, like the duties of the role or general information about the company. Instead, ask about the team, the goals of the team or section, or opportunities for professional development.

The Don’ts:

  1. Don’t Be Too Vague – Failing to provide specific details when discussing your experience or abilities can leave interviewers unsure about your competence. Always back up your statements with concrete examples.
  2. Don’t Oversell Yourself – Embellishing the truth or overselling your abilities can backfire. Be honest about your experience and what you can bring to the table.
  3. Don’t Criticize Past Employers – Never speak negatively about former employers, managers, or colleagues. It can make you seem difficult to work with and raise red flags for the panel.
  4. Don’t Focus on Personal Benefits – It’s best not to ask about benefits such as salary, leave entitlements, or other perks unless the panel raises these topics first. Asking about these too early can make you seem more interested in the benefits than the job itself.

Interviews are a balance of preparation, self-awareness, and communication. By understanding what interviewers are looking for, preparing thoroughly, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can approach your next interview with confidence and increase your chances of success. Navigating your next career move can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you have worked in the same position or organization for a significant period of time. If you’re looking for interview training or a better understanding of the interview process, please contact us at hello@cbrrecruitment.com.au.

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Candidate

5 Benefits of Working as a Contractor: Why More Professionals are Embracing Contract Roles

In today’s evolving job market, working as a contractor has become a highly appealing option for professionals across industries. Whether you’re seeking more control over your schedule or looking to expand your skill set, contract work offers numerous benefits. From higher pay to flexibility, many are finding that short-term projects can provide the career advantages they’ve been searching for. Contracting might be the perfect fit for you for a range of reasons:

1. Higher Pay

One of the most attractive aspects of working as a contractor is the potential for higher pay. Contractors are often compensated at a higher hourly or daily rate compared to permanent employees. This is because contractors typically don’t receive the same benefits permanent staff do, such as annual leave, personal leave and public holiday pay. In addition, many contractors can negotiate their rates based on their expertise and the complexity of the work. If you bring unique value to the table, contracting can be a financially rewarding option that enables you to maximize your earning potential.

2. Diverse Experience

Contracting allows professionals to work on a wide range of projects, often in different departments or with varied responsibilities. This diversity of experience can be a major career booster, as you’re constantly exposed to new challenges, technologies, and workflows. Not only does this keep your work life interesting, but it also helps you build a robust portfolio and enhances your adaptability. Over time, contracting can make you a versatile expert, which can also position you for consulting roles or even leadership positions, as you develop a broad understanding of different sectors.

3. Flexibility

For many, the flexibility of contract work is one of its greatest attractions. As a contractor, you have more control over your schedule, and you can often choose when and where you work, allowing you to achieve a better work-life balance. This flexibility is ideal for those who want to travel, pursue personal projects, or simply enjoy a non-traditional career path. If you enjoy the freedom of taking time off between assignments or working remotely, contract work is perfectly suited to this lifestyle.

4. Networking Opportunities

Each new contract introduces you to different teams, and departments. As a contractor, you’re constantly building a professional network, and these relationships can be incredibly valuable, leading to future projects, partnerships, or full-time job offers. Contractors who consistently deliver quality results can quickly develop a reputation as go-to experts, further enhancing their career prospects.

5. Quicker Recruitment Processes

In many cases, the hiring process for contract roles is a lot faster and less structured than for permanent positions. This means contractors can often start a new role within days or weeks, as opposed to going through lengthy interview processes typically associated with permanent or ongoing roles.

If you are interested in learning more about a contract roles available through CBR Recruitment, please contact us on 02 6103 7000 or email hello@CBRrecruitment.com.au.

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Candidate

Transitioning Across the Different Levels of Government

As a specialist government recruiter, one of the questions we are frequently asked is “how does my role and level translate to a role within the Federal public service?”

Transitioning from state or local government to Federal government can be a worthwhile career move, offering new challenges and opportunities. To make this transition smoothly, it’s important to understand the distinct roles and responsibilities at each level of government and how your skills and experiences can align with Federal government roles.

Federal Government

The Federal government handles issues of national significance. Key areas include:

  • Defence and Foreign Affairs: Managing national security and international relationships.
  • Trade, Commerce, and Currency: Regulating economic transactions and financial systems.
  • Immigration and Social Services: Overseeing the entry of people into Australia and providing welfare services.
  • Postal Services, Telecommunications, and Broadcasting: Managing, developing and regulating communication.
  • Transport: Regulating safety, investing in infrastructure and operations.
  • Health, Education, Environmental Issues, and Industrial Relations: Often funded federally but administered by states.

Understanding these areas may help to pinpoint where your skills might fit within the Federal structure.

State / Local Government

State governments manage a wide range of services not covered by the Federal government. These include:

  • Schools and Hospitals: Administering public education and healthcare systems.
  • Conservation and Environment: Protecting natural resources and managing environmental policies.
  • Infrastructure: Maintaining roads, railways, and public transport systems.
  • Public Works and Agriculture: Overseeing public projects and agricultural policies.
  • Emergency Services and Police: Providing public safety and emergency response services.

If your experience lies in any of these areas, identifying roles within the Federal public service with overlapping responsibilities can be helpful when you’re looking for a change. Common expectations across all levels of government is the desire to serve the public, to act with integrity and to uphold public service values.

How to Transition into Federal Government

Transitioning to a Federal government role requires a strategic approach:

  1. Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant work experience, skills, and achievements that align with the job description. Emphasize how your past roles align with the requirements of the position.
  2. Use Keywords: Pay attention to the keywords and phrases in the job posting. Incorporate these into your resume and application to demonstrate your understanding of the role and its demands. Provide concrete examples of your accomplishments and their impact.
  3. Showcase Qualifications: Clearly articulate your qualifications, focusing on their relevance to the advertised role. Sometimes having highly relevant tertiary qualifications can compensate for not having prior direct Federal government experience.
  4. Translate Your Role to the Australian Public Service (APS): Understanding how your current role translates to the APS can help you target appropriate positions. The table below outlines equivalent levels between across state and Federal government. By understanding these equivalents, you can better position yourself for appropriate level roles.
APS Level ACT Gov NSW Gov QLD Gov SA Gov WA Gov
APS1 ASO1 General Scale L1 ASO1 Level 1
APS2 ASO2 Level 1 L2 ASO2 Level 2
APS3 ASO3 Level 2 L3 ASO3 Level 3
APS4 ASO4 Level 3 L4 ASO4 Level 4
APS5 ASO5 Level 4 L5 ASO5 Level 5
APS6 ASO6 Level 5 L6 ASO6 Level 6
EL1 SOG C Level 6 L7 ASO7 / MAS1 Level 6
EL2 SOG B Level 7 L8 ASO8 / MAS2 / MAS3 Level 7/8
SES Band 1 Executive Level 1 / SOG A Class 1 SES1 SAES1 Class 1
SES Band 2 Executive Level 2 Class 2 SES2 SAES1/2 Class 2
SES Band 3 Executive Level 3 Class 3/4 SES3/4 SAES2 Class 3/4

For more information or to speak to a CBR Recruitment Consultant please call us on 02 6103 7000 or email hello@CBRrecruitment.com.au.

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Client

5 Traits of an Effective Leader

Effective leadership is crucial in setting the mission, vision and strategic direction of every organization and is also a way of attracting the best staff. Leaders who can define clear outcomes and help their team members leverage their strengths are invaluable, and can foster a high performing culture within your organization. Here are five key tips to enhance your leadership skills to achieve the perfect team:

1. Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is the foundation of good leadership. As a leader, it’s crucial to articulate expectations, goals, and feedback effectively. When your team knows exactly what is expected of them, they are more likely to perform at their best. Misunderstandings and uncertainties can lead to confusion and decreased productivity. Always strive to be clear, concise, consistent and open in your communication.

2. Engage and Know Your Team

Great leaders understand their team members’ strengths and weaknesses. They engage with their followers, building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Having regular, non-work-related conversations can help build this connection and can also give you a better understanding of anything which is potentially impacting the lives of your team members. When people feel valued and understood, they are more motivated and committed to their roles.

3. Focus on Strengths, Not Weaknesses

While it’s important to be aware of weaknesses, the best leaders focus on leveraging strengths. They help individuals put their talents to use to achieve the desired outcomes. This approach not only enhances performance but also boosts morale and job satisfaction. By concentrating on what team members do best, leaders can foster a more productive and positive work environment.

4. Keep an Open Mind

Effective leaders are open-minded and receptive to new ideas and perspectives. They understand that innovation often comes from different points of view. Encouraging team members to share their ideas and provide constructive criticism, within an environment of psychological safety, can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving. An open-minded leader is also resilient, adaptable, able to navigate changes and challenges.

5. Never Stop Learning

Leaders should always seek to improve their skills and knowledge, particularly in the areas of leadership and management; whether through formal education, professional development programs, or staying informed about industry trends. This commitment to learning not only enhances their own capabilities but also sets an example for their team.

To find out more about CBR Recruitment leadership coaching services please call 02 6103 7000 or email hello@cbrrecruitment.com.au.

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Client

Scribing for the Australian Public Service: A Gateway to Public Sector Insight

What is Scribing?

Scribing in the context of the Australian Public Service (APS) involves assisting with the recruitment process by taking detailed notes during interviews, summarizing candidates’ responses, and the preparation of selection reports. Scribing is an essential part of ensuring a fair, transparent, and efficient recruitment process, maintaining high standards in public service recruitment processes.

The Role of a Scribe

A scribe’s main responsibilities include accurately recording candidates’ responses during interviews, creating concise and clear summaries of candidate performances, undertaking high quality reference reports to support the recommendations of the Selection Panel, and to compile and organise information to develop high quality selection reports which provide defensible outcomes and useful feedback for applicants.

Why Consider Scribing?

Scribing offers unique advantages for those interested in understanding or advancing within the public service sector.

 1. Insight into Public Service Operations

As a scribe, you get a behind-the-scenes look at the recruitment process, gaining insights into what skills and attributes are valued in the APS. This experience is invaluable for anyone considering a career in public service, and also for those experienced public servants looking to step away from a substantive role.

2. Skill Development

Scribing hones several key skills, including your attention to detail, time management, communication skills, and also develops your persuasive writing ability.

3. Flexible Work Opportunities

Scribing often offers flexible working conditions, making it a suitable role for part-time workers, those looking to transition into a public service career, and those who are semi-retired.

4. Diverse and Interesting Work

Scribing gives you a unique insight into the different roles, subject areas, and departments, and can be a great way to get an in-depth understanding of different professions and subject matter.

To find out more, or to express your interest in scribing work with CBR Recruitment please get in touch by telephoning 02 6103 7000 or emailing hello@CBRrecruitment.com.au