Your guide to getting a job

Looking for a job can be tough. Between figuring out what you want to do, writing resumes and facing rejection, it’s easy to feel stressed out and overwhelmed. It’s a lot to handle, and it’s completely normal to feel that way.

This practical guide will show you how to break the job hunt down into small, manageable steps. We’ll walk you through everything from looking after your wellbeing, to finding job opportunities, to nailing the interview.

First things first: Look after yourself

Before you even start scrolling through job ads, it’s important to acknowledge the emotional side of job hunting. It can be a real hit to your self-confidence and motivation, so putting a plan in place to look after your mental health is a great first step.

Here are a few things that can help:

• Try to stick to a routine. It doesn’t have to be rigid, but having some structure in your day can help you stay focused and feel more in control.

• Set small, achievable goals. Instead of ‘find a job today’, try something like ‘update one section of my resume’ or ‘research one company I’m interested in’.

• Celebrate the small wins. Did you send off an application? Or make a connection over email? Acknowledge your effort – you’re making progress.

• Talk about it. Share how you’re feeling with a friend, family member or mental health professional. Getting it off your chest can make a huge difference, and you can get some great tips for building your self-confidence.

What kind of job are you looking for?

Employers are often looking for people with a mix of skills, experience and enthusiasm. But it’s also important to think about what you are looking for. Ask yourself: What am I good at? What do I enjoy? What kind of work fits my life right now?

Your first job doesn’t have to be your forever job. There are heaps of ways to get started and build experience, such as:

• part-time or casual work

• remote or work-from-home roles

• gig work or freelancing

• internships and apprenticeships

• volunteering.

Each of these options can be a great way to build skills, earn money and figure out what you like, without the pressure of a full-time commitment. 

Get your resume and cover letter ready

Your resume (sometimes called a CV) and cover letter are your chance to make a great first impression. The goal is to show an employer, quickly and clearly, why you’re the right person for the job.

Here are a few tried-and-true tips for making your application stand out:

• Since more and more people are using AI to write this stuff these days, the best way to stand out is to write your cover letter clearly and in your own style.

• Get directly to the point – rambling corporate-speak won’t work.

• Don’t brag, but pick your strongest sentence and make it sound even more confident.

• Reuse what works, but tailor it. It’s fine to borrow bits from other resumes or cover letters. But if your cover letter could be sent to a completely different company and still make sense, it’s not specific enough. Make it personal.

• Instead of just listing how you tick every box that’s required for the job, highlight what sets you apart. What’s something unique that you would bring to the role that others might not? 

What if I have no experience?

That’s okay! Everyone has to start somewhere. You can focus on the skills you’ve gained from other areas of your life, such as school projects, sports teams, hobbies or helping out at home. 

Think about times you’ve demonstrated excellent teamwork, communication, problem-solving skills, or reliability. You can also learn how to write a great cover letter that helps to explain why you’re a great fit, even without having a long list of previous jobs.

Where to look for jobs

Now that your resume is ready, it’s time to start the search.

Online job boards

These sites are a great place to start and allow you to filter by location, industry and work type. Some popular ones include:

• general boards like Seek, Indeed and LinkedIn Jobs

• the government's Workforce Australia site

• specialised boards like EthicalJobs for work that makes a positive impact

• ATSIJobs for First Nations employment opportunities.

The hidden job market

Many jobs are never advertised publicly. Instead, they’re filled through networking and direct approaches. 

This might sound intimidating, but it can be as simple as telling people you’re looking for a position. Let friends, family, and past teachers or colleagues know what you’re searching for. You never know who might have a connection.

You can also reach out directly. If there’s a company you’d love to work for, send them a polite email with your resume. It shows you’re enthusiastic and proactive.

Nailing the interview

Getting an interview is a huge achievement, so give yourself a pat on the back. To feel as prepared as possible, spend some time getting ready. Practise answering common questions and think of some examples that show off your skills.

It's also a two-way street. Prepare a few questions to ask them about the team, the company culture or what success looks like in the role. This shows you’re genuinely interested. For more tips, check out our complete guide to acing interviews.

Finding the right job is a process, and it's okay if it takes time. Be patient with yourself, keep learning as you go, and remember that every application and interview is valuable career experience. 

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