Finding your first job

Finding your first job Finding your first jobPosted June 18, 2013, by Jo Messer When youre a student looking for your very first job it can be hard to know where to start but getting a part-time job while youre at school is a great thing to do. Youll be able to earn some pocket money while developing your skills and building your experience, and youll have to learn time management to organise your time between work and study something that will come in really handy in future. Here are some tips to help you get started Prepare a resume This doesnt need to be fancy, just a straightforward Word document will suffice. You need to include your name and contact details, an objective so the employer knows what youre looking for, and list your relevant skills (computer, communication, team work), achievements/awards, and extracurricular activities such as sport or volunteer work. Employers wont be expecting a long work history, so a simple one-page document would be fine. Know where to loo k A customer service position in the retail or hospitality industry is a common first job, and theres nothing better than working in an area that youre actually interested in. Think about the types of things you like, like sport, music, art or fashion. If you love sport, then a job at a sports store or as a sports umpire/referee could be something you would enjoy. If youre really into music, then why not go for a job in a music shop? Network Talk to your friends to find out if there are any positions available where they work. Get the name of the manager and find out the best time to contact them, and whether you should email, phone or drop in. Make sure you mention your friends name when you make contact. Also talk to your parents and ask them if they know anyone who would be good to speak to. Explore your neighbourhood Take a walk to your local shops or shopping centre, as shops often put signs up in their windows advertising vacancies. Make sure youre dressed appropriately and br ing a few copies of your resume so if you do come across something of interest, youll be able to speak to the manager and give them your resume straight away. Speak to the right rolle Its important you speak to the person who makes the hiring decisions. Always ask for the manager as the first point of contact. If theyre not available, find out when would be a good time to come back or call. Be considerate about the time of day you drop in dont rock up to a caf or shop during peak time. Also, dont interrupt a staff member if theyre talking to a customer politely wait your turn and then explain why you are there. Application forms Some organisations, like Coles, Woolworths or Big W, will expect you to fill out an application form. Have a look on their websites to see if this is something best done online or in person. If youre completing an application form in person, make sure you write neatly and that your application is free from spelling mistakes. Transportation You need to think about how youre going to get to work. Can you walk there or will you need to catch the bus or train? Theres no point finding a great part-time job but then realising that it will take you hours to get there Some final tips Dress neatly and make sure youre clean and tidy and be conservative, unless youre applying for a job in a funky clothing store. Speak clearly and be enthusiastic about why you want the job. Its also a good idea to check in on a monthly basis to see if any new positions have opened up. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchescareers advisor onlinetips for surviving university lifecareer finder high school studentstips for first year university studentsuni tips and tricks CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJo MesserRelated ArticlesBrowse moreGenerations in the workforceMature-age workerAge diversity in the workplace is key for innovation and bridging knowledge gaps. Every age counts.Online studyUniversityThe end of the university as we know itAustralian universities are facing a time of unprecedented change due to cultural and technological shifts and the introduction of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Marni Williams asks is this the end of the university as we know it?Which jobs will benefit from the carbon taxThe proposed carbon tax is proving controversial on many fronts, but when it comes to jobs one thing is clear certain sectors will benefit enormously.