How to get a job

Don’t underestimate the value of personal networking, as many jobs are not advertised. You may like to ask your friends and family if they know anyone in the industries that interest you.

Other sources of job prospects include:
 

• Job Search is the Federal Government's online search engine of available jobs.

Private job search sites include:

• Career one
• My Career
• Now Hiring
• Seek
• JobServe

Recruitment agencies: many jobs are only placed with recruitment agencies, and you may consider registering with one or more who are active in your preferred field. In most cases you don't pay the agency, as it’s generally paid by prospective employers to help them find the right candidates for a position. As recruitment agencies often specialise in specific industries, you may need to find agencies that place people in your industry of interest.

State and territory assistance: the following links are for portals that provide access to the relevant employment information for your state or territory:

• Victoria
• NSW
• ACT
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Western Australia

Your resume will likely be the first contact you have with a prospective employer so it must be professional and easy to read. When writing your resume, keep in mind the job you're applying for. Look at what the company wants and market yourself accordingly, highlighting key strengths and experience, which may be relevant for the role.

Given that employers are likely to receive many applications, it may be a good idea to keep the accompanying cover letter concise and no longer than one A4 page.

Make sure you customise every cover letter you send; the company wants to know you’re interested in their position, not just any job. Use the cover letter to address the qualities required, highlight relevant aspects of your own resume and try to explain why you’re well-suited to the job. And before you send it, make sure you have someone else check your resume and cover letter for errors.  

You can find help designing a professional resume though Centrelink and many of the recruitment agencies.

The interview is to get a feel for who you are as a person. If you haven't been to many interviews before, it may be worth doing an internet search to explore the kinds of questions you might be asked.
Much depends on how you relate with the interviewer. Here are some techniques that you may find useful and which can help limit the risks you take, while allowing you to maximise your strengths:

• Research your target company - Use the web and annuals reports.
• Prepare your own questions - Demonstrate your interest in the company and showcase your understanding of the organisation.
• Make the right first impression - Don't let lateness or your appearance hinder your chances.
• Adapt to the interviewer - Let them set the pace and be careful not to interrupt or ask questions at inappropriate times.
• Demonstrate your potential value - Employers want to be convinced you’ll not only fit in with the culture of the organisation, but that you’ll contribute ideas and skills that will benefit the company.
• Use examples - If you have examples of how you’ve handled a situation relevant to the question then use it, particularly if you can show how it impacted the end result.
• Maintain eye contact - Try not to look to the floor or away from the person you’re speaking with. If you’re being interviewed by a panel, make sure you make eye contact with all of them at different stages and always respond directly to the person who has asked the question.
• Let the interviewer raise the issue of remuneration - If you’ve done your research you may have an idea of the likely pay range, but you don't want to appear motivated only by monetary reward. If you’re asked what sort of package you expect, you may like to try to put the question back to the interviewer and ask them what they had in mind.
• Never speak badly about a former employer - If you don't have anything positive to say about your former employer, keep your answer short and neutral.
• Tell the truth - Don't stretch the truth and don't lie. For example, if you were sacked from a previous job, be honest about it. If it was for reasons of performance say what you have done to rectify the situation.
• Re-establish your enthusiasm before you leave - If you want the job, let the interviewer know! Thank the interviewer for their time and for explaining the company's operations. Invite them to call you if they need any further information.
• Thank the interviewer - A brief thank you email or note after the interview will confirm your interest in the job.
• Ask for feedback - If you don't get the job, ask for honest feedback on how you could improve your chances next time.

Starting a new job is exhilarating. Your qualifications and potential may have landed you the job, but it's your value-adding skills and professional approach that can help determine your ongoing success.

• Get the facts - Understanding your company's strategy should help you focus on the best skills to develop.
• Know the company structure - It can be important to know where the power bases are, who your co-workers are, and who facilitates activities in which you become involved.
• Know your competitors - Understanding the market place can help you help the company respond to any threats.
• Know what's expected - You may like to ask for frequent evaluations, formal or informal, and seek feedback.
• Develop the right skills - If you need further training and education outside your workplace, then you may consider being proactive and signing up for the appropriate courses.
• Find a mentor - A mentor can provide encouragement, discuss your expectations, pass on advice and even introduce you to others who can help you. Having a successful mentor may help you focus on the most valuable skills to develop.
• Constantly check your progress - Monitor your progress against your own professional development goals and don’t rely on your organisation to gauge your progress. It may be up to you to proactively manage and develop your career.

For information about your rights at work:

The Australian Human Rights Commission website or call
1300 656 419.

The ACTU website Your rights at work.

Looking for or landing the right job is an ideal time to review your finances. There may also be areas where you need immediate help.

Some things to consider include:

ANZ Income Protection - getting the most from your pay also means making sure you don’t lose it if you are unable to work. ANZ Income Protection can help cover up to 75% of your monthly pre-claim earnings¹ up to a maximum of $10,000 if you cannot work through illness, injury or involuntary unemployment.

Build your assets - whether you’re accumulating capital through a superannuation plan, savings plan or other investment vehicle, the sooner you start and the longer you can invest the better.  For more information and tips see Investing.

1. The monthly amount payable for a valid claim may be less than the monthly amount insured for the Income Benefit selected at the time of application, depending on your pre-claim earnings and other payments. The monthly amount payable excludes business expenses.

Switching jobs, getting back into the workforce or just starting out, whatever the situation we have the information, products and services to help.

An A-Z Review^® - we have personal bankers that can help you plan to get the most from your new salary. Along with reviewing your situation to see where we can help, our personal bankers can also ensure you have the right accounts to suit your needs and access benefits available to you as a result of the accounts you hold with us. You’ll need an account for your salary and you may want to start thinking about saving for a goal. Request an A-Z Review^® at your nearest ANZ branch.

An ANZ Financial Planner – can help you make the most of your new pay cheque by helping you create wealth, protect your income and plan for the future. Your first appointment is complimentary and without obligation, to discuss your financial situation, needs and goals and explain how the ANZ Financial Planner can assist. Book an appointment with an ANZ Financial Planner.

ANZ Access Advantage – you’ll need an account for your new pay, this is an everyday account that also provides access to a Visa Debit² card so you can shop online, over the phone or overseas with your own money. Find out more about ANZ Access Advantage.

ANZ MoneyManager – a new pay packet probably means new spending. ANZ MoneyManager is a free online budgeting tool that updates and categorises your financial data daily so you can help you keep track of where your money goes. Find out more or register for ANZ MoneyManager.