TYPES OF JOBS & EMPLOYMENT

• Casual
• Part Time
• Full Time
• ABN/Sole Trader (see www.ato.gov.au)

Types of Employment

GETTING YOURSELF READY TO APPLY FOR A JOB

You will need to prepare yourself for starting to apply for jobs, there are some key things you need to consider:

• Prepare a Cover Letter Template
• Prepare your CV/Resume
• Organise References
• Collate your Skills and Certificates (and RPL if needed)
• Ask people to be References
• Think of Volunteering Experiences to add to your skills
• Other Interests and Hobbies to add to your CV/Resume

Cover Letter Example

Resume Templates

Top Tips for Finding A Job

Volunteering Experience

Best Skills to put on Resume

Other interests

Skills and Certificates

RPL – Recognition of Overseas Qualifications

DEFINING EXPERIENCE

Adding in other experience to your CV/Resume can add value to your application. Do think through these areas in detail and see what could be included to show other experience:

• Professional
• Personal
• Education
• Leadership Roles (Professional, Community, Sport)
• Voluntary Experience

Use all of the above to mould your experience to the role you are going for! Often we have the skills in other areas of our life.

REFERENCES

Check with past Employers, Managers, Leaders whether they are willing to be a reference for you. Some people you will ask as a professional reference and some as a character reference. Don’t forget to use people you have worked with within Community!

Tips for References:

• Ask first
• Check each time they might be called
• Tell them about the role
• Forward the details of the role
• Pick the best ones for the role
• Select a few References in different categories: Professional, Character or Community References

Searching for Jobs:

There are various places to look for jobs in Australia including:

• Internet
• Facebook
• Linkedin
• Shops (windows or asking)
• Local Paper (Normally in the back of the paper)
• Networks and Networking

Government Jobs: Job Search

Seek.com.au

Career One

Applying for Jobs:

There are various methods you can use when applying for jobs and it is important to think of the type of role you want and how urgently you need to earn an income. This will determine the frequency and types of roles you apply for. If you have secure job already, you will likely be more specific in the types of jobs or industry you are seeking work, where if you don’t have a job, you may need to apply for anything your skills match with or you can do.

• Dream Job vs Real Job vs Experience?

We all have a dream job, and you shall still apply for them, however you may seek out a job that is more realistic to your experience so you can get your first job – get experience in local market is a huge asset!

• Apply for everything or not?

The market for jobs can fluctuate during the year, and depending on your experience, you may wish to apply for almost every job you see. It is recommended you pick an area of skills you wish to work and apply for those jobs.

• Apply only for what you can do?

It is important to apply for jobs that you can do and have skills and experience in, unless the advert says other applicants can apply. However, do match your skills in all areas of your life to the role and see if those match the criteria.

• Email, Call, Drop-in, Apply on-line?

If the job is an application for online, using an online tool, you must use this tool and complete all the steps. If an email application has been requested, you must also follow the instructions. However, it is always worthwhile to call to check it has been received and if you can dropping in a copy can be an advantage to your application in some organisations.

• Following Up?

It is a great idea to follow up your application if you haven’t heard anything after 7 days from the closing date (unless they have given instructions otherwise or sent emails with further instructions or updates), it shows the employer you are interested and waiting to find out more.

Immigration SA: Finding Skilled Work – Tips & Services

 Interviews

Preparation for an Interview is a key part of getting the job, making the right impression is your best chance at getting the job. Being prepared also helps you to be confident and your best self. There are lots of ways to be as prepared as you can for the job interview, we explore them here:

• First 30 seconds – the impression you give in the first 30 seconds can have a lasting effect. Be ready and practice how you will present yourself. Confident, Professional, Happy, Calm. Whatever it is that best represents yourself, make sure you are ready.
• Dress to Impress – Having the right outfit for the interview, clean, tidy, professional will make an impact. Dress for the role you want, not necessarily the one you are interviewing for. Even if you are going for a job as a mechanic, wearing more formal attire (such as suit jacket, shirt, pants, skirt or dress) will show you are serious about the role. And ask a friend to borrow clothes or shoes if you need for the day.
• Be Prepared for Questions – Being prepared for questions about the role, what interests you in working for the organisation, what inspired you to apply, what you can bring to the organisation, why you think you would be good at the job, your relevant experience, what your strengths and weakness are. These are all important things to think about and have thought through answers. And make sure you know the strategy and vision of the organisation, do you research online.
• Practice your answers – Before the interview, think of questions you might be asked, write them down and then think of your answers. It is great to practice these questions and answers with someone else – so they can support you in clarifying and getting your answers just right.
• Time-liness – Being on time for the Interview (or a bit early) is so important. Allow enough time to be half an hour early, just in case something goes wrong that is unexpected. And if you are running late, call the employer to let them know what happened as early as possible.
• Know where you are going and how to get there – Plan your trip a few days before, know what transport you will use, where parking is or what public transport is needed. Use google maps or similar to calculate time needed. Save the route and directions in your phone and look on websites to check for traffic works or expected delays on public transport.
• Mock Interviews with a Mentor – Having someone help do a practice interview with you is a great way to get rid of the nerves and practice what you want to say and how you want to say it and it helps with confidence on the day. Be confident that you can do the job!

In summary:

• Dress well
• Well thought out answers
• Be friendly on arrival
• Be on time
• Be sure of how you will get there
• Get to know the organisation before you arrive, research online.
• Be confident that you can do the job!

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

• Are you a team player or Individual
• Self Directed or Do you require instruction?
• What are your Strengths and Weaknesses
• When can you start?
• What Leadership Experience have you had?
• Can we contact your references?
• What is your experience in this XXXX area?

Top 10 Interview Questions

Questions for the Employer

What to wear to an interview

Job Interview Tips

Common Interview Questions

What to research before your interview

GETTING THE JOBS

Some really important parts to getting a job is creating connections in various ways, receiving support and making sure employers are aware about your work rights (if applicable). Some key areas of success are:

• Networking
• Volunteering
• Support Services (such as Immigration SA)
• Mentor
• Visa Status (VEVO)
• Local References
• Confidence

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

• Skills & RPL – Get your Certificates Professionally Translated and complete RPL
• Australian Experience vs Overseas Experience – Get some of both! Even if voluntarily.
• Rights & Responsibilities in Australia (see links below)
• Unions and Legislation (see links below)
• Workplace Culture –  immerse yourself somewhere, anywhere, to get experience in Australia
• Finding work in Australia and Adelaide can be hard, keep at it! Don’t give up.

LINKS TO IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/

https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/

https://www.rtwsa.com/

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/

https://www.australianunions.org.au/

https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/employers/quick-guide-australian-discrimination-laws