How to make a great first impression on employers |
Employers are impressed by job seekers who:
Are punctual
This means turning up on time (or even better five minutes early) with everything you need to wow them - such as your résumé, application and at least two references. This will show them that you are both reliable and organised - two traits all employers value!
Dress appropriately for the job
This can feel like a tricky one to get right. What is ‘appropriate’ for one workplace can be a big miss for another. So how do you know what to wear?
Firstly think about the work environment. If it’s a formal office job, business attire is a must. For less formal workplaces, like retail, hospitality or construction, ‘smart casual’ should be okay.
If in doubt, check what people are wearing in the workplace, then dress a bit better. Make sure whatever you wear is neat, clean and ironed.
Offer a firm handshake
No one likes a limpy handshake! A firm handshake shows confidence and respect for the other person. And by ‘firm’ we don’t mean ‘death grip’. Hint: if your knuckles are turning white, you are doing it wrong!
Also if you tend towards sweaty palms when you are stressed, use a hanky or small cloth to wipe your hands before meeting the employer.
Smile and are friendly
It’s amazing how something as simple as a smile can make a big difference to how others perceive you. And don’t just reserve your pearly whites for the interviewer or manager. Be friendly and polite to everyone you meet – whether it’s the CEO, the receptionist or the guy watering the pot plants.
Are well presented
This covers everything from wearing clean and neat clothes, making sure your hair is tidy and having a positive attitude.
Making eye contact and watching your posture are also good ways to display confidence (even if you are nervous!).
Other tips: Try to control your fidgeting as this can be distracting for the employer. Holding a pen and notepad to take notes may help keep the fidgets under control. And remember to turn off your phone!
|
The article provided by Job Jumpstart. Job Jumpstart is a one-stop-shop self-help website that offers practical information in the form of articles, workbooks and videos. The website aims to empower young people to take charge of their own employment journey and design the right career pathway for them. Go to the Job Jumpstart website to find more information (opens in a new window) Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
The steps |
Finding a job is not as easy as it seems. All employers prefer to employ a person who already has experience. Where can a student get work experience if he has just started looking for a job? It is a vicious circle. No work experience - no job; no job - no work experience. Ok, let's look at some options to start your working path.
Write a resume and cover letter.
Put all your best qualities in your resume. The cover letter should refer to each particular job.
Prepare for an interview.
Write down the questions that you expect, will be asked in an interview, and the answers that you can use. Even if you don't use them, then at least you will understand how to correctly answer the question asked.
Visit various organisation and give out your resume and cover letter.
Don't afraid to ask for a job.
- Hi Sir/ Madam, I am a student and I am looking for a job. Do you need someone who is reliable, punctual and eager to work?
This method works well when you are looking for a first job because the employer can immediately evaluate your ability. The employer is interested in an active employee who does not just sit in front of a computer and send out a resume, in the hope that someone will respond. This gives you an opportunity to find a job in a cafe, a restaurant, or take away places.
You can look for a job on the most famous websites that provide a lot of options. Let's look at some of them.
Job Outlook provides a lot of information about labour market trends, Australian careers, and employment projections. It is created by the Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business. Visit Job Outlook website to find more information (opens in a new window).
OzDial is a leading job portal in Australia. This is a free platform which allows you to join professional network and get hired. Visit OzDial website to find more information (opens in a new window).
(Screenshot: OzDial)
SEEK is the global leader in online employment markets, which provides employment opportunities. Visit the SEEK website to find more information (opens in a new window).
(Screenshot: SEEK)
Student Job Australia is dedicated employability portal for International Students and Recent Graduates. They provide employers with an opportunity to connect with the right international students and graduates. Visit the Student Job Australia website to find more information (opens in a new window).
Student Job Australia (Job search)
(Screenshot: Student Job Australia)
They help people all over the world hire and get hired. Visit the Indeed website to find more information (opens in a new window).
(Screenshot: Indeed)
Jobactive is the Australian Government's way to help people to get a job. Visit the Jobactive website to find more information (opens in a new window).
Jobactive (powered by JobSearch)- about
(Screenshot: Jobactive)
JobNet offers help to find a new IT or Telecommunications jobs. Visit the JobNet website to find more information (opens in a new window).
(Screenshot: JobNet)
CareerOne offers a full recruitment service. Visit the CareerOne website to find more information (opens in a new window).
(Screenshot: CareerOne)
HAYS is the leading global specialist who provides opportunities for getting a job. Visit the HAYS website to find more information (opens in a new window).
(Screenshot: HAYS)
Salon Staff is the perfect job board for you if you’re looking for work hairdressing and apprenticeship jobs in the hair and beauty industry. Visit the Salon Staff website to find more information (opens in a new window).
(Screenshot: Salon Staff)
Looking for internships, graduate positions, part-time student jobs, casual positions? Go to GrandConnection to find the most suitable job for you (opens in a new window).
(Screenshot: GradConnection)
APS Jobs is a government website which offers temporary, part time, full time or non-ongoing roles across Australia. Visit the APS Jobs website to find the best option (opens in a new window).
(Screenshot: APS Jobs)
Backpacker Job Board is Australia's famous recruitment website for backpackers and travellers. Visit the Backpacker website to find more information (opens in a new window).
(Screenshot: Backpacker)
Vet & Pet Jobs help to get a job in Vet & Pet Care area. Visit the Vet & Pet Jobs website to find more information (opens in a new window).
(Screenshot: Vet & Pet Jobs)
They are one of Australia's major employers. Visit the Defence Jobs website to find more information (opens in a new window).
(Screenshot: Defence Jobs)
When you start to work, you have to know many important things. Let's look at them in the table below.
Types of Employees |
|
Casual / Full -time / Part-time / Probation / Fixed term / Outworkers / Shift workers / Daily hire and weekly hire Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website to find more information (opens in a new window) |
What does it mean to work as an employee? |
|
It means that employees have both rights and obligations. Visit the ATO website to find more information (opens in a new window) |
Am I entitled to super? |
|
If you are an employee, your super contributions must be no less 9.5% of your ordinary earnings. Visit the ATO website to find more information (opens in a new window) |
Do I need a TFN to apply for a job? |
|
You must have a TFN to work in Australia. Visit the ATO website to find more information (opens in a new window) |
Fair Pay |
|
All employees are entitled to fair pay. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website to find more information (opens in a new window) |
What the minimum wages an employee is entitled to? |
|
The Fair Work website provides a full list of awards. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website to find more information (opens in a new window) |
What are the minimum wages? |
|
You can calculate a minimum pay rate on a Calculator that Fair Work provides. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website to find more information (opens in a new window) |
What is a registered agreement in the workplace? |
|
The working relationship should be specified in the registered agreement between an employer and an employee. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website to find more information (opens in a new window) |
Penalty rates & allowances |
|
The penalty rate is a higher rate in case of working overtime. Allowances are extra payments in some special working conditions. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website to find more information (opens in a new window) |
Breaks |
|
All employees have the rights to get a rest break and meal break. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website to find more information (opens in a new window) |
Leave |
|
Every employee has the right to take leave for many reasons:
Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website to find more information (opens in a new window) |
|
|
Did you find mistakes? Please feel free to relay your comments, suggestions or corrections, in case of omission or mistake.
|
