Getting Ready for Work

Your Rights / Getting Ready for Work

Your First Job Starts Here

Whether you’re looking for a weekend job or planning your first full-time role, knowing what to expect helps you start strong.

And joining your union from day one is smart as you can get: setting yourself up for a lifetime of belonging to a powerful movement.

Can You Work?

Know the age rules. In most states, you need to be at least 13-15 years old to work in regular jobs like retail or hospitality. Some light work (like delivering newspapers) may be allowed from age 11-12 with parental permission. Rules vary by state, so check what applies where you live.

School comes first. If you want to work during school hours, you usually need to have reached the minimum school-leaving age or have completed the minimum year of schooling for your state. Most young people work part-time outside school hours until they finish Year 12.

Special permits for younger workers. If you’re under 15 and want to work in certain industries (like entertainment), you may need a child employment permit. Your employer should help arrange this.

Finding Your First Job

Start your search smart. Think about what interests you, what hours you can work around school or study, and how you’ll get to and from work. Ask family, friends, and teachers if they know of opportunities and search on websites or local Facebook groups.

Your online reputation matters. Employers often check social media before hiring. Review your profiles and remove anything inappropriate. Set your accounts to private if needed. What you post online can affect whether you get the job.

Appearance counts. Visible tattoos, piercings, and facial hair are increasingly accepted, but some workplaces still have strict policies. Research the industry before your interview. You can always ask about dress codes and appearance policies when applying.

Create a simple resume. Even without work experience, you can include your contact details, education, relevant skills, volunteer work, sports or hobbies that show teamwork or responsibility, and referees (like teachers or community leaders who know you well). Check out our template.

Getting the first Job

Ace the interview. Dress neatly, arrive 10 minutes early, bring a copy of your resume, and switch your phone off. Make eye contact, speak clearly, and show genuine interest in the role. It’s okay to be nervous – employers expect that from first-time job seekers.

Ask smart questions. At the end of most interviews, you’ll be asked if you have questions. This is your chance to show you’re serious about the job. Try: “What does a typical day look like?” or “What training will I receive?” or “When would you like me to start?”.

Watch out for unpaid work. Unpaid work trials should be short (a few hours maximum) and only to demonstrate your skills. If you’re doing a full shift or multiple days of “trial work” without pay, that’s probably unlawful. Real work deserves pay.

Join your union before you start. The best time to join your union is before you even start working. Union members get support with pay disputes, unfair treatment, safety issues, and workplace questions. You’ll have someone in your corner from day one who knows your rights and can help if something goes wrong.

Starting your first job Strong

Know what you should be paid. Most young workers are covered by an award that sets minimum pay rates based on age. As a junior worker (under 21), you may be paid a percentage of the full adult rate. Check your award to know what you should earn. Your union can help you understand your correct pay rate.

Get it in writing. Your employer must give you a Fair Work Information Statement when you start. This explains your basic rights. Make sure you also get details about your pay rate, hours, and any workplace policies in writing. Keep copies of everything.

Understand your payslip. Your first payslip might look confusing. It should show: your hours worked, your pay rate, any penalty rates (extra pay for nights/weekends), tax deducted, and superannuation. Check it carefully every time you’re paid. If something looks wrong, ask questions.

Start building good habits. Turn up a few minutes early, so you’re ready when your shift starts. Be polite and respectful to everyone. Ask questions when you’re unsure. Take notes if you need to. Show that you’re reliable and willing to learn. These habits will serve you well throughout your working life.

Know your union delegate. Many workplaces have a union delegate – a fellow worker who’s trained to help with workplace issues. They can answer questions about your rights, help resolve problems, and support you if you need to speak with management. Ask your union who the delegate is at your workplace. And if you need to advice or support and there is no delegate, call your union.

Quick Tips

📋 GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING
Job offers, pay rates, hours, and workplace policies should all be documented. If everything’s in writing, it’s easier to show that something isn’t right.

🤝 JOIN YOUR UNION ON DAY 1
Union members earn more, have safer workplaces, and get expert support when problems arise. Joining costs less than you think (often just a few dollars per week) and the benefits of union membership means it’s definitely worth it!

💰 CHECK YOUR PAYSLIP
Wage theft is a crime, and it’s more common among young workers who don’t know their rights. Compare your payslip to your award rates. If you’re underpaid, your union can help you recover stolen wages – you have six years to claim them back.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS FROM THE START
Understanding the minimum wage, penalty rates, breaks, and safety rights means you can spot problems early. Your union provides free advice to members about any workplace issue