Starting Your Job Search
- How do I find my first job?
- Where can teenagers find jobs?
- How to avoid job scams as a young worker and what are my rights?
- When should I apply for Christmas casual jobs?
Looking for your first job can feel overwhelming, but there are more ways than ever to find opportunities. This guide will help you navigate the modern job search landscape in Australia, from online platforms to face-to-face networking.
Online Job Search
- Browse online job platforms regularly
- Set up job alerts for new opportunities
- Check company websites directly
The internet makes it easier than ever to find job postings to help you build your career. Here are the main platforms young Australians should use:
Major Job Search Platforms
SEEK – Australia’s largest job board. Perfect for retail, hospitality, and entry-level positions. Set up email alerts for jobs matching your criteria.
Indeed – Aggregates jobs from multiple sources. Great for comparing similar positions across different employers. You can upload your resume and apply quickly.
LinkedIn – Not just for professionals! Create a profile highlighting your skills, education, and any volunteer work or extracurricular activities. Many employers post entry-level jobs here, and you can follow companies you’re interested in to see their openings. LinkedIn is increasingly important even for casual and part-time work.
Jora – Another job aggregator that pulls listings from various sources across Australia.
CareerOne – Good for casual and part-time work, especially in retail and hospitality.
Youth-Specific Platforms
Youth Central (Victoria) – Run by the Victorian Government, offers job listings and career advice specifically for young people.
Student Edge – Lists student-friendly jobs and offers discounts. Good for finding casual work that fits around study.
Sidekicker – Connects workers with casual and temporary shifts, particularly in hospitality, retail, and events. Great for flexible work.
Company Careers Pages
Many employers list jobs on their own websites before posting them elsewhere. Check the careers or jobs section on websites of companies you’d like to work for. Major retailers like Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings, Kmart, and fast-food chains regularly hire young workers and post opportunities on their sites.
Pro tip: Jobs fill quickly! Check these platforms regularly—ideally daily if you’re actively searching. Set up email or app notifications so you don’t miss new listings.
In-Person Job Search
- Visit local shopping centres and businesses
- Look for ‘now hiring’ signs in windows
- Bring printed resumes when you visit
While online searching is essential, don’t underestimate the power of showing up in person. Many small businesses, cafes, and local shops only advertise job postings with a sign in the window or by word of mouth.
Visit your local shopping area and look around. If you see a ‘help wanted’ or ‘we’re hiring’ sign, go in and ask to speak with the manager. Bring a printed copy of your resume to leave with them. Being friendly, polite, and showing initiative can make a great impression.
Best times to visit: Try to go during quieter periods—mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays—rather than busy lunch hours or weekends when managers are less likely to have time to talk.
Networking and Word of Mouth
- Talk to friends, family, and neighbours
- Ask teachers and school staff
- Connect with older students who are already working
‘Networking’ might sound formal, but it simply means talking to people you know and letting them know you’re looking for work. Many jobs are never formally advertised—employers hire through referrals and recommendations.
Let your family, friends, neighbours, teachers, and sports coaches know you’re job hunting. They might know of opportunities where they work or through their own networks. Older students at your school who already have jobs can be especially helpful—ask them how they found their position and if their workplace is hiring.
LinkedIn for networking: Even as a young person, you can use LinkedIn to connect with people in industries you’re interested in. Follow companies, engage with their posts, and build your professional network early.
Seasonal Opportunities
Christmas Casuals
- Start looking in September/October
- Retail stores hire extra staff for the holiday rush
- Casual positions can lead to ongoing work
The Christmas period (November through January) is the busiest time for retailers, and many hire additional casual staff to handle increased customer demand. Start applying in September or October to get ahead of the rush.
Even if you’re only hired as a Christmas casual, performing well can lead to permanent casual or part-time work after the holidays. Many employers use the Christmas period as an extended trial to find good long-term staff.
Other Seasonal Work
Summer: Lifeguarding, ice cream shops, outdoor recreation facilities, tourism operators
Tax Time (June-August): Some administrative and customer service roles increase during tax season
Back to School (January-February): Retail stores selling school supplies and uniforms
Spotting Dodgy Job Ads and Scams
Unfortunately, not all job listings are legitimate. Watch out for warning signs:
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is – Jobs promising huge money for minimal work are almost always scams.
- Vague or inflated job titles – ‘Customer Success Agent’ might really be cold-calling sales. Look for clear, honest job descriptions.
- No employer details – Legitimate ads include the company name and contact information. If you can’t find out who’s hiring, be cautious.
- Requests for money or personal financial information upfront – Real employers never ask you to pay for training, equipment, or background checks before hiring you.
- Unprofessional communication – Poor grammar, generic emails, or pressure to respond immediately are red flags.
- Offers made without an interview – If you’re offered a job without ever speaking to anyone or meeting in person, be suspicious.
- Watch out for AI-generated fake job ads – they are becoming more common. Always verify the employer exists by checking their official website or calling their main number.
Know Your Rights: Discrimination is Illegal
Be suspicious of any job ads indicating that only workers of a certain gender, age, race, or sexual identity need apply. That’s discrimination and it’s unlawful in Australia!
With very limited exceptions (such as acting or modelling roles), what you look like shouldn’t matter for a job. Employers shouldn’t ask for a photo of you in your application, and they can’t discriminate based on:
- Age
- Gender or gender identity
- Race, nationality, or cultural background
- Sexual orientation
- Disability
- Pregnancy or family responsibilities
- Religion
If you experience discrimination during your job search or at work, you can seek help from your union, Fair Work Ombudsman, or the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Do Your Research
Before applying, research what kinds of jobs are available in your area and which ones match your skills, interests, and availability. Here are some ways to gather information:
- Ask older students at school where they work and how they got their jobs
- Talk to your parents or guardians about their first jobs and what they learned
- Research typical wages for young workers in different industries using Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator
- Check company reviews on sites like Indeed or Glassdoor to learn about work culture and employee experiences
- Know your industry – Research what’s typical for hours, shifts, and conditions in sectors like retail, hospitality, or childcare
Understanding what to expect helps you make informed decisions about where to apply and what to look for in a job.
Your Job Search Action Plan
Combine all these approaches for the best results:
- Online: Check job platforms daily, set up alerts, and create profiles on SEEK, Indeed, and LinkedIn
- In Person: Visit local businesses weekly with printed resumes
- Networking: Let everyone know you’re looking—friends, family, teachers, coaches
- Stay Safe: Watch for scams and know your rights
- Be Prepared: Research employers and have your resume ready
Finding your first job takes effort and persistence, but by using multiple search methods and staying informed about your rights, you’ll maximize your chances of success. Good luck!
For more information about your rights at work, pay rates and workplace issues, speak with your union.
Are you already a union member?
When it comes to workplace rights, unions are the experts. Reach out to your union for more specific information about how you and your workmates can make the most about your rights at work.
Not yet a member?
Joining your union is the most powerful decision you can make to protect your rights at work.