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Getting that Job

These sites will help you work out what career suits you, write a resumé, job application or prepare for an interview.

The Australian Public Service Commission is working towards improving the number of Indigenous Australians working in the APS and their prospects for career development. For more information check out their website.

My Future has personalised career tools and information, provides advice on working and information on work, education and training.

JobJuice can help you get that job by assisting you with resumé writing, career and future planning. JobJuice also has information on training and apprenticeships.

The Job Guide has heaps of information about a range of jobs, what skills you need and what jobs suit your interests and abilities.

Making Our Future Work is a series of online publications (PDF) to help Indigenous jobseekers, young people and students find and win a job.

Future Finder provides career advice and course information for students.

The National Skills Shortages Strategy has information on jobs Australia doesn’t have enough trained people for and general career options.

Seek has a virtual job interview (Select 'Career Resources / Job Search Strategies / Ready for a grilling?') and lots of other job search info and tips.

At Australian Jobsearch you can search for jobs online, by location, occupation type or seasonal work. Go to the ‘Sitemap’ at the bottom of the page to build your resume or match your skills to a job.

Under the workplace relations system there are specific protections for young workers in addition to those that apply to employees generally.

JPET, the Job Placement, Employment and Training program, helps students and unemployed young people who are homeless or at risk of heading in that direction.

Do you need money while you look for a job? Try this Centrelink page and our Money page.

The University of NSW has career and general information for graduates.

And when you want to look for a job check out our search for jobs and apprenticeshipspage.

Parents Talking Careers is an online (PDF format) publication for parents who want to help young people choose their career.

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Here are some resume tips to help you streamline your applications.

  • contact your potential employer before you prepare your resume for a position. Ask if a description of the position is available, what the key parts of the job are and what qualities the employer is looking for. Make sure you cover these in your application;
  • ensure your name is at the top or bottom of every page in case pages come loose;
  • use bullet points to draw attention to key skills or outcomes you have achieved;
  • have plenty of white space on your resume and use a clear, easy to read 12 font type;
  • check and check again for spelling and grammatical errors, don't rely on your computer spell check - get a friend or relative to read it for you;
  • make sure you use the same format including layout, bullets, font or type and size;
  • it is not necessary to include details relating to your age, nationality, race, religion, gender or marital status;
  • list your education and training qualifications;
  • list previous jobs or relevant experience you have had starting with the most recent. Include job title or position, company name, dates of employment, a brief description of duties and significant achievements in these roles. For example:

    • Sales Assistant June 2003 to August 2004
    Mary's Jewellery Store
    - Demonstrated high levels of customer service.
    - Handled cash, credit card and EFTPOS transactions.
    - Assisted with deliveries and stock-takes.
    - Increased sales by 18% in stock-take sale by handing out promotional flyer in mall.
    - Top casual sales person in November 2003 and January 2004.

  • include relevant volunteer work, casual work and work experience;
  • promote your skills and qualifications but don't include anything that is not true. The truth will most likely come out in an interview or reference check;
  • include a personal or supporting skills area as an opportunity to list any skills you might not have already included. These could be skills gained from other employment, school, volunteer work, training, sports or clubs, for example public speaking or junior football coach;
  • include 2 people who can be contacted as work and/or character referees. Always ask their permission first and ensure their contact details are correct. Include their name, position, organisation and daytime contact number;
  • attach a cover letter to your resume that addresses the specific requirements provided by the employer;
  • if the employer has provided formal selection criteria for a position, make sure you respond to each point;
  • make it clear that you are the right person for the job; and
  • finally, don't make your resume too long, you need to have some things to discuss when you have an interview!