Job search tips | Jobseeker tips

Practical tips and resources to help you explore career options, find jobs and improve your chances of finding work.

Finding Jobs Get job Ready online presence

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Finding the right job for you

Before you start applying for jobs, it can help to think about the type of work that suits your interests, strengths and lifestyle.

Everyone is different. Some people enjoy hands-on work, while others prefer creative, analytical or customer-facing roles.

It's also important to consider things like study, caring responsibilities, transport options, preferred working hours and the income you'd like to earn.

Taking the time to explore your options can help you focus on your job search and find opportunities that are a good fit for you.

As yourself:

What tasks do you enjoy? Practical, physical, analytical, creative or hands-on?
What type of work environment suits you? Indoors or outdoors, quiet or busy, independent or team-based?
How do you like working with other people? Helping, organising, collaborating, leading or supporting others?
What are your strengths and interests? Think about things you enjoy, are good at or would like to learn more about.

What jobs are available in your area?
How much would you like to work? Full-time, part-time, casual or around study commitments?
Do you have any commitments to consider? Study, caring responsibilities, transport needs or preferred working hours.
What would you like to earn?

Not sure what career is right for you?

A career quiz can help you explore jobs and industries that mathc your interests, strengths and preferences.

Take the Quiz

Want to build new skills?

Looking to upskill or prepare for a new career path?

If you're aged 17-24 or looking for work, you may be eligible to study a free or low-fee course through JobTrainer.

Job trainer

Finding jobs

Job websites are one of the most popular ways to search for work. Many platforms allow you to search job vacancies, create a profile, upload your resume and set up job alerts so you can be notified when new oppotunities become available.

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Look beyond job websites

Job websites are a great place to start, but they're not the only way to find work. Some opportunities are filled through personal connections, direct enquiries or by employers advertising through their own channels.

Consider:

Become a yourtown member (it’s FREE!) so our Job Coaches and Youth Workers can provide you with comprehensive job help* before, during and after the job hunt
Signing up with a recruitment agency
Visiting company websites and checking their careers pages
Seting up job alerts so you're notified when new jobs matching your interests are posted
Following employers on social media and looking out for job advertisements
Letting friends, family and other contacts know you're looking for work
Attending job expos, community events and networking opportunities
Contacting local businesses to ask about potential opportunities
Joining local community groups and looking out for job opportunities
Check out community noticeboards
Join professional and trade associations

^{*subject to eligibility}

Get job ready

Create or update your resume

A resume is a document that highlights your skills, experience, qualifications and achievements. It's often the first thing an employer sees, so it's important to keep it clear, professional and up to date.

When applying for jobs, you'll usually need to provide a resume. Employers may also ask for a cover letter explaining why you're interested in the role and how your skills and experience make you a suitable candidate.

Whether you're creating your first resume or updating an existing one, a strong resume can help you showcase your strengths and improve your chances of getting an interview.

Resume guide and templates

Explore our practical resume writing guide and free resume templates to help you create a professional resume and stand out to employers.

Explore resume tips

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Set up the essentials

While you're searching and applying for jobs, it's a good idea to get a few important things organised ahead of time. Having these ready can make starting work much smoother.

Apply for a Tax File Number
Create a myGov account
Check out the Job Seeker User Guides (for jobseekers receiving Centrelink payments)

Check your online presence

What would an employer find if they Googled you?

Before applying for jobs, take a moment to think about the impression an employer might get if they search for your name online or view your social media profiles.

While privacy settings can help, some parts of your online presence may still be visible to employers. Taking a few minutes to review your accounts can help ensure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

Before you apply, check:

your profile photo, bio and username are appropriate (Might be a good time to swap the party pic!)
your privacy settings are up to date
your public content reflects the image you want to present to employers
you haven't shared personal information you'd prefer to keep private
there isn't any content that could make you appear unprofessional.

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You can still be yourself on socials… just be the best version of yourself!

📱 Be ready for a phone call

Employers may contact you unexpectedly to discuss your application or conduct a quick phone screening interview.

Before you start applying for jobs:

make sure your voicemail is set up and has a professional greeting
answer calls politely, even if you don't recognise the number
check your voicemail and missed calls regularly
use a professional email address when applying for jobs
find a quiet place if an employer calls and asks to talk

Tip: If you miss a call from an employer, listen to any voicemail and return it as soon as possible.

Remember: Employers may call from a mobile number or an unknown number, so don't ignore every call while you're job hunting.

Ready to prepare?

Interviews can feel nerve-wracking, but preparation can help you feel more confident and make a great impression.

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Staying motivated

Sometimes it takes a while to find work.

You might apply for lots of jobs, get shortlisted or attend a few interviews, and still not receive an offer straight away.

It can be tough to stay motivated when you don't hear back from applications or things take longer than expected. Remember that finding work often takes time, and setbacks are a normal part of the process.

Here are some ideas to help keep you on track:

Talk to your Job Coach or Youth Worker about training, development opportunities and next steps

Reflect on what you've learned from job applications, interviews or employer feedback, and use it to improve your approach
Remember that setbacks are normal. Many people experience challenges during their job search before finding the right opportunity
Explore our resources on Coping strategies and Dealing with anxiety for practical tips to support your wellbeing during your job search
Celebrate small wins. Completing your resume, applying for a job or attending an interview are all positive steps forward
Be kind to yourself. Finding work can take time, and every application is helping you build experience and confidence