# Application for Electorate Officer (Electorate Office (Parramatta))

7 November 2010

Dear ██████,

I am writing to apply for the position of electorate officer, advertised in the Sydney Morning Herald, November 6-7. I am originally from the UK and am currently studying for a Masters Degree in Environmental Law at the University of New South Wales. My partner is Australian and my application for a de-facto marriage visa is currently being processed.

As a law student I am interested in systems of governance and have learned about the Australian system both through self-study and through taking classes that have involved discussion of Australian constitutional issues. I arrive in Australia before the recent election and followed it with great interest, learning about the Australian system as the election progressed. My well-developed research skills would help me fill in any gaps in my knowledge should they arise.

I am fortunate to have been able to develop exceptional oral and written communication skills through broad experience in communicating with a diverse range of people. During my undergraduate degree I was employed in customer services roles, which taught me how to effectively address and liaise with customers. Shadowing a Crown Court Judge and completing mini-pupilages with top-tier barristers chambers required decorum and politeness. With the University of Texas Capital Punishment Clinic I liaised with lawyers, jury members, and even death row inmates, while as a research assistant I have learned to communicate information concisely and effectively. As a paralegal at Freehills I regularly liaise with firm Partners, Graduates and administrative staff, and write memos explaining summarising complex legal issues and documents. I also have qualifications in sign language and counselling which helped me to develop confidence in communicating with others, even when there are significant barriers to doing so.

I am able to work both independently and as part of a team, and enjoy both. Studying at university has honed my capacity to work alone, as have my research assistant and paralegal roles, where all work is completed independently. At university I was involved in a number of student societies where all decisions were reached by consensus and teamwork. While initially difficult, I found that I enjoyed working with a number of people with different inputs. I currently volunteer at Amnesty International, where I work with a small team of other volunteers toward the goal of making the organisation more environmentally friendly.

My organisational and time management skills are best illustrated by my balancing of work, tertiary studies and social activities and hobbies. Despite full time study and two part-time jobs, I have been able to volunteer, maintain a website, socialise and travel.

With regards computer skills, computers have long been a hobby of mine and I am a self-taught web-designer and programmer. I am very capable in using all office applications and have a vocational qualification in Information and Communication Technology.

Yours sincerely,

7 November 2010

Dear ██████,

I am writing to apply for the position of electorate officer, advertised in the Sydney Morning Herald, November 6-7. I am originally from the UK and am currently studying for a Masters Degree in Environmental Law at the University of New South Wales. My partner is Australian and my application for a de-facto marriage visa is currently being processed.

As a law student I am interested in systems of governance and have learned about the Australian system both through self-study and through taking classes that have involved discussion of Australian constitutional issues. I arrive in Australia before the recent election and followed it with great interest, learning about the Australian system as the election progressed. My well-developed research skills would help me fill in any gaps in my knowledge should they arise.

I am fortunate to have been able to develop exceptional oral and written communication skills through broad experience in communicating with a diverse range of people. During my undergraduate degree I was employed in customer services roles, which taught me how to effectively address and liaise with customers. Shadowing a Crown Court Judge and completing mini-pupilages with top-tier barristers chambers required decorum and politeness. With the University of Texas Capital Punishment Clinic I liaised with lawyers, jury members, and even death row inmates, while as a research assistant I have learned to communicate information concisely and effectively. As a paralegal at Freehills I regularly liaise with firm Partners, Graduates and administrative staff, and write memos explaining summarising complex legal issues and documents. I also have qualifications in sign language and counselling which helped me to develop confidence in communicating with others, even when there are significant barriers to doing so.

I am able to work both independently and as part of a team, and enjoy both. Studying at university has honed my capacity to work alone, as have my research assistant and paralegal roles, where all work is completed independently. At university I was involved in a number of student societies where all decisions were reached by consensus and teamwork. While initially difficult, I found that I enjoyed working with a number of people with different inputs. I currently volunteer at Amnesty International, where I work with a small team of other volunteers toward the goal of making the organisation more environmentally friendly.

My organisational and time management skills are best illustrated by my balancing of work, tertiary studies and social activities and hobbies. Despite full time study and two part-time jobs, I have been able to volunteer, maintain a website, socialise and travel.

With regards computer skills, computers have long been a hobby of mine and I am a self-taught web- designer and programmer. I am very capable in using all office applications and have a vocational qualification in Information and Communication Technology.

Yours sincerely,