Finished your training?
Finding employment can be intimidating — but taking a few practical steps can bring a feeling of control.
Prepare your resume / CV
An employer uses your resume / CV to decide if you are the right person for the job.
If you've never written a resume, start with creating a one-page snapshot setting out your contact details, skills, qualifications, relevant achievements, any work history and referees.
You won't need to start from scratch to create a resume that works — there are lots of free templates available online. Choose a template that matches the type of jobs you’re going to be applying for. If you aren’t sure, stick with a standard template.
Customise for each job
Think about the kind of job you’d like to get. There will be particular skills an employer will want to see — include those skills where you have them. There will also be key words that will be relevant to that job — try to include those words on your resume where they fit.
You might need to tweak your resume for each job you’re applying for.
Useful resources
For general job-search information, visit Job Jumpstart.
For tips and resources to help you prepare your resume, including templates, visit the building your resume page on the Australian Government’s Job Jumpstart site.
Keep your referees in the loop
Before adding the details of any referees to your resume, contact each of them and ask if they’re happy to assist. Let them know about the jobs you’re applying for.
How to choose your referees
Choose someone who knows you well, who can speak about your strengths and talents and who is willing to share that knowledge with potential employers. If you know anyone working in the industry you’d like to work in who can speak about these things, they could be a good choice.
Manage your digital identity
Employers are likely to research your name online.
Employers may look up your profile to:
- confirm what you’ve said on your application
- understand your interests, abilities and attitudes and
- seek to learn more about your professional contacts
It can be a good idea to check what’s publicly online about you and consider adding appropriate information and removing any inappropriate information. This is the time to make your social media work for you.
Impress employers with your online profile using the tip-sheets and other resources on the Job Jumpstart site.
Do your research
Knowledge is power — so find out about the jobs that interest you.
Look at job descriptions to understand:
- what you can expect from the role
- the day-to-day tasks and
- any training requirements or industry licences you might need
Be proactive
You could consider:
- reading online about employers in your target industry
- attending networking events and
- doing work experience
Apply to the right places
Understand what employers want
When applying for a job, work out what skills an employer will be looking for and how your skills meet these needs.
Identify any gaps in your skills and think of ways you can show you are addressing them. You can make a note of this in your application, at the interview, or both.
Useful resources
- Learn about jobs in high-demand.
- Use the services of the Australian Government’s Workforce Australia.
- Search advertised jobs across all industries on popular employment search engine Seek.
- Search advertised South Australian Government jobs on iWorkforSA
- Visit the Australian Government's Department of Employee and Workplace Relations information on finding a job.
