You can be brilliant with money. Satisfy your shopping impulse and save for your first car, holiday, or whatever.
Earning money is most likely why you’re thinking about your first job.
Yes, it’s possible to get your first job without experience – we all have to start somewhere!
When planning to find your first job, consider what you like, where you can start looking and how to use your networks (people you know).
Also, think about your work experience and holiday work. Above all, be persistent and confident with your approach.
Let's get first job ready
When can I get my first job?
This can vary depending on where you live and the type of job you are wishing to start in.
The Fair Work website confirms this important information for each state - pick your state, find your answer. Easy!
The Fair Work website confirms this important information for each state - pick your state, find your answer. Easy!
What to consider when getting job ready
To successfully get job ready, you need to consider the following;
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Reasons why you want a job ie. work experience, earn your own money, to meet new people
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When and where you can work – considering your location and other commitments like school and sport
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Developing a resume
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Searching for a suitable job
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Preparing for an interview
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Arranging the required bank accounts
Preparing for an interview
Before the interview
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Study up - know as much as possible about the company
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Think about how your skills and experience are relevant
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Identify 3 or 4 things that will set you apart from others
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Arrive on time – punctuality is important & dress appropriately
During the interview
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Be positive & confident - Believe you are the right person for the job.
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Listen carefully to questions. Avoid 'yes' or 'no' responses
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Try to give some examples in your answers
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Ask 2 or 3 questions at the end of the interview - you want this!
After the interview
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Ask for feedback on how you can improve for next time
Developing a resume
Your resume is the first time an employer will get to know you, so it’s important to make a good first impression. It’s all about you, your experiences and interests. Here are some tips to make your resume stand out from the rest.
Make sure its relevant
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The employer wants to know if you’re the right person for the job.
So tell them all the things that make you the best person for the job ie. school grades, software skills, sporting interests and other groups you belong to. -
Get someone who can talk about how great you are, a referee - Do you know a teacher or someone at a group you belong to that can talk about you (in a good way)? You can list them as a referee or get a referee letter to attach to your resume to increase your WOW factor.
Keep it short and sweet
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There are usually lots of people applying for jobs, so keep it short and sweet.
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You’re the best for the job - so make sure you tell them about why you are so good!
Searching for a suitable job
Before you start looking for a job, be sure to discuss it with your parents or guardian as they will likely need to help you and possibly get you there!
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Talk with friends and family - those are often jobs available for students that don't get advertised. They may know of some suitable opportunities for you
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Job hunt in person - this is visiting local businesses you have an interest in working for. Have a copy of your resume on hand to provide them on the spot should they have opportunities now or in the future
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Casual roles over Christmas - this is a great opportunity to get into the workforce with many businesses recruiting extra staff during the busy Christmas period. There roles are often 'casual' and students are ideal candidates for these roles.
Other things to consider
When being considered for a job, there are many other things you can do, apart from submitting a resume, that can help your potential employer really get to know you.
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A Cover Letter is crucial. Not only does it introduce your resume, it allows you to customise your application to the position advertised. It gives you a mechanism to address any key criteria for the role.
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Social Channels - clean up your pages. Check your privacy settings and use them to show your interests and how they relate to the job. There's a good chance they'll get looked at.
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Interview Tips - Two sides of the coin. Firstly, dress for the job you want and dress to impress. The other side to this is - don't "fake it till you make it". Be yourself, be honest, genuine and enthusiastic. You may not think so, but employers have seen it all before and can spot a fake CV easily.
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Finally, know your rights and know the business. Everything from what age you can start work, through to wage requirements and working conditions. Never go into an interview blind as to what you should be offered and what the business is all about.
What you need to ensure you can get paid
You can be brilliant with money. Satisfy your shopping impulse and save for your first car, holiday, or whatever!
There are a number of ‘must haves’ you need to arrange, to ensure you can be paid.
Tax File Number
You'll need this to keep track of the tax you pay in Australia. You can visit http://www.ato.gov.au/tfn with support of your parent &/or guardian to find out how to apply.
Money for now
Student Account – so your pay can be transferred by your employer each week/fortnight. Visit our Student Account page for account details.
Money for later
Savings Account – so you can save your hard earned cash for something important that you set a goal for. Visit our Savings Account page for account details.
Money for much later
Super Account – Superannuation may not seem important right now as you generally can't access it until you're older. But it's super important. Visit https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/advice-for-life/finances/superannuation with support from your parent &/or guardian to find out more about understanding Superannuation and getting a Super account set up in readiness for your first job.
