Are you ready to take on the responsibility of your first part-time job, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back with lots of tips to get your foot in the door and most importantly, start getting paid! Landing your first job can be tough, especially if you have no prior experience. After reading this we hope you feel motivated and equiped with the knowledge you need to start your job search.
Legal age to work in Australia:
Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to know that the legal age to work in Australia is 14 years and nine months. However, there are some legal restrictions for young workers, and employers have specific obligations to ensure their safety and well-being. For example, kids and teens can’t work during school hours or work more than a set number of hours per day or week. If you are still a teenager and don’t yet have a drivers license you may need your parents to help you get to work, so keep this in mind when giving your availability.
Companies that offer entry level roles in Australia:
First things first, let’s talk about some of the top retailers in Australia that offer entry-level job opportunities. Retail is a great industry for teenagers as they provide flexible work, training on the job and ongoing development opportunities. Retail sales work is an exciting opportunity for young people, as you will find a lot of likeminded people in a similar life stage which makes for a fun work environment. Whether you’re looking to work at Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Bunnings, Chemist Warehouse, or McDonald’s, these companies have a variety of positions in every city that are perfect for beginners. So why not start your job search by exploring what these retailers have to offer?
1. Woolworths:
Woolworths is one of the largest employers in Australia, and they offer entry-level positions across various departments such as customer service, deli, bakery, making coffee and checkout. To apply for a job at Woolworths, you first need to search for available jobs at Woolworths, and it is a good idea to set up an alert for this search. You can then browse available job openings and submit an application. You’ll need to provide your personal information, work experience (if any), and answer some questions about your availability and eligibility to work in Australia. You can also often find Christmas casual roles at Woolworths, and the hiring process starts in September/October.
2. Coles:
Coles is another major employer in Australia, and they offer entry-level positions in departments such as customer service, checkout, deli, bakery, and replenishment. To apply for a job at Coles, you will first need to search for available jobs at Coles. You can then browse available job openings and submit an application. You’ll need to provide your personal information, work experience (if any), and answer some questions about your availability and eligibility to work in Australia. You can also often find Christmas casual roles at Coles, and the hiring process starts in September/October.
3. Aldi:
Aldi is a discount supermarket chain that’s rapidly expanding in Australia. They offer entry-level positions in departments such as customer service, checkout, and replenishment. To apply for a job at Aldi, you first need to search for available jobs at Aldi. You can then browse available job openings and submit an application. You’ll need to provide your personal information, work experience (if any), and answer some questions about your availability and eligibility to work in Australia.
4. Bunnings:
Bunnings is a popular hardware store chain in Australia, and they offer entry-level positions in departments such as customer service, checkout, and replenishment. If you have an interest in home improvement or DIY this would be a great job for you. To apply for a job at Bunnings, you first need to search for current jobs at Bunnings. You can then browse available job openings and submit an application. You’ll need to provide your personal information, work experience (if any), and answer some questions about your availability and eligibility to work in Australia.
Chemist Warehouse is a popular pharmacy chain in Australia, and they offer entry-level positions in departments such as customer service, checkout, and dispensary. To apply for a job at Chemist Warehouse, you first need to search for current jobs at Chemist Warehouse. You can then browse available job openings and submit an application. You’ll need to provide your personal information, work experience (if any), and answer some questions about your availability and eligibility to work in Australia. Chemist Warehouse values candidates who are high in empathy as you will be helping people with a wide range of health needs.
6. McDonald’s:
McDonald’s is a popular fast food chain in Australia that offers entry-level positions. Once you find a suitable job by searching for jobs at McDonald’s, submit an online application. You will need to provide your personal details, work experience (if any), and education. You may also be required to complete an online assessment. McDonald’s values candidates who have a positive attitude, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn. You don’t need prior work experience to apply for an entry-level role at McDonald’s.
Tips on how to find a first job using Australian job boards:
Australian job boards are a great place to start when looking for entry-level job opportunities. Here are some tips on how to find job opportunities using Australian job boards, including SEEK and Jora, and others like Indeed, CareerOne or Linkedin:
- Sign up for alerts:
Now, let’s talk about job boards. One of the best ways to find job opportunities is by using Australian job boards. Did you know that Jora has the most job listings of any job board in Australia? Jora finds all the available jobs and puts them in one place making it easier for you to search for the latest opportunities. On Jora and other job boards you can search for jobs, set up alerts for new opportunities, and customise your search based on your preferences. So why not sign up for alerts and get notified when a new job matching your criteria becomes available? You might even be the first to apply for the job if you act quickly when the job alert pops up.
2. Customise your resume and cover letter:
When applying for jobs, it’s important to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description and highlight any relevant skills or experience you have that match the requirements of the job. This will increase your chances of getting noticed by the employer and receiving an invitation for an interview. For an entry level position, your cover letter is particularly important. In the cover letter you can give your potential employer all the reasons that they should consider you for the job. You might be interested in our free resume templates and free cover letter templates to get you started.
3. Network:
But wait, there’s more! Networking is another great way to find job opportunities, especially in smaller businesses that may not advertise their job openings. So don’t be afraid to let your friends, family, and acquaintances know that you’re on the lookout for a job. You never know who might have a lead for you. Don’t forget though, if the job is advertised in Australia chances are you will find it on Jora.
4. Apply for multiple jobs:
Now, when it comes to applying for jobs, don’t just settle for one. Apply for as many as you can, even if they’re not your dream job. Every job you apply for is a learning opportunity, and you never know what skills you might pick up along the way.
5. Prepare for interviews:
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with some preparation and practice, you can nail them like a pro. Research the company and the position you’re applying for, practice answering common interview questions, and make sure to dress to impress. And don’t forget to send a thank-you email after the interview to show your appreciation for the opportunity.
So there you have it. Congratulations on taking the first steps to start your career in Australia. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to landing your first job in no time!
Don’t forget, you can see all the latest job opportunities on Jora. Set up an alert for your search so you never miss a relevant job opportunity.