Young People

Job Seeking Tips

There are 2 fundamental ways to go about job seeking.

RESPONDING TO JOB ADVERTISEMENTS

OR

ACCESSING THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET. You seek out job opportunities!

Applying online to the various major retail and hospitality employers. These employers provide employment opportunities through their websites. Go to the website and access the career’s or employment section and follow the prompts. You may be asked to provide a resume and/or cover letter or to complete one online. Please note, you need to use correct punctuation and spelling if you are to impress the employer.

If you are successful in this first stage, you will be contacted and invited to attend an interview, or you may be offered to participate in a phone interview. Either way, it is vital you prepare answers to some possible interview questions in advance.

NETWORKING

Using people & acquaintances to link you into work. Most jobs are found through this method. Networks can start with:

  • Family
  • Friends
  • Teachers
  • Parents workplace
  • People in the community/interest groups e.g. sporting clubs

COLD CALLING
When you approach a business in person, by phone or mail & express interest in joining their company.

  • Express interest in the company, tell them the position & experience you are looking for, outline your relevant experience & a strong desire to work in the industry.
  • Always give a resume
  • Make sure you follow up either in person or by phone-frequently.
  • Use local knowledge, the internet, Yellow Pages & local paper for lists of relevant businesses.
    There are some useful cold calling tips at www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au

IDEAS FOR EXPANDING YOUR JOB SEEKING & OPPORTUNITIES
Do voluntary work-get involved: community services, land care, theatre groups, animal welfare etc.

  • Contact local Council for opportunities
  • Do work experience. (The Work This Way programme can help you with this).
  • Check out community notice boards, shop windows.
  • Check out notice boards where industry people get together: clubs, suppliers, associations-put up your own advertisements & talk to the staff.
  • Search for industry websites for leads & insight into the labour market
  • Read special interest magazines & publications-classifieds at the back
  • Call previous employers, including work experience.
  • Speak to people in the industry whenever possible to obtain advice and lea

You will need

  • Application or cover letter
  • A good resume that includes referees that will give you a good reference.
  • To have prepared well for that call from an employer and a possible interview!
  • Very good presentation (both in person and over the phone)
  • To be persistent! It’s a numbers game so be prepared to put in the energy to get the rewards