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Are you looking for a job?
It is not too late to find part time or casual work ready for the upcoming summer break. Many employers are desperate for staff and I would encourage CGS students to make the most of this opportunity. Here are some useful resources and tips for students who are job seeking.
Online
Searching online, registering with a job website and browsing newspaper classifieds is a familiar way to look for work…and it can be effective.
Some good websites include:
CareerOne
Go directly to the source!
Many employers only advertise jobs on their websites. A lot of large retailers and hospitality businesses ask job seekers to submit applications via their job portals. These employers include:
Coles
Woolworths
Aldi
Target
Myer
McDonalds
Hungry Jacks
Bunnings
Kmart
David Jones
Hoyts
Village
KFC
Anaconda
Cotton On/Typo
Use your own networks
Let family and friends know you are looking for a job. Someone might know someone who can help. Once you have any names and contact details, find out if those employers are taking on new staff. Even if they aren’t, they might know someone who is.
Here are some ways to chase down employers:
- When you hear of a potential lead, get their name and contact details.
- Don’t wait. Give them a call.
- Consider offering to do some work experience first.
- Make sure you are paid for any trial work.
Cold Calling
Many jobs are never advertised. Instead, an employer who’s looking for a worker gives the job to a person they know or whom they’ve already met. One way to increase your chances of being in the right place at the right time is to cold call.
Cold calling is when you contact an employer without waiting for a job to be advertised. It’s ‘cold’ because you don’t have a ‘warm’ introduction. The employer isn’t advertising and you don’t know anyone at the business – you’re using your initiative.
You can cold call over the telephone, by email, in person or try a combination of these.
Phone, email or in person?
Although email may seem like a quicker or less stressful option, it is also easier for people to ignore or delete. When you call on the phone, there's more chance you'll end up speaking to someone who makes hiring decisions, and when you're speaking to an actual person, you can find out useful information. You can ask about the best way to get a job with them and ask what they look for in their staff.
Sometimes, just showing up in person is the best approach. You can print copies of your resume and walk around your local shopping complex handing it out. You could approach prospective employers by saying:
'Hi, my name is John. I am currently completing Year 10 at Casey Grammar School and I am looking for a part tim or casual job. Can I please leave my resume with you?’
Who knows what will happen? Good luck!
Job Opportunity – Splash’s Learn to Swim (multiple locations)
Splash’s Learn to Swim are seeking staff. You must be 16 years +, but you don’t need experience and full training will be provided.
For further information, please contact me via SEQTA.
How to use the upcoming holiday break to enhance your employability
Employers are looking for general skills that are transferable across any role. Generally, these skills can be broken into nine categories:
Communication
Critical Thinking
Project Management
Financial Literacy
Technology
Global Enthusiasm/Citizenship
Confidence and Agency
Creativity and innovation
Enthusiasm for ongoing learning
With the holidays fast approaching, it is a good opportunity for students to reflect on these employability skills and to identify opportunities for personal development. Take advantage of the longer Christmas and New Year break to improve your skills, or develop a new skill.
Remember: there are many ways to develop your skills aside from paid employment. Some examples include:
- Volunteer (this can include volunteering at your local Sporting Club or Church).
- Write a blog about an area of interest.
- Offer to assemble Christmas gifts for family members.
- Offer to mow your neighbour’s lawns, wash their car or walk their dog.
- Read!
- Start cooking a weekly meal for your family.
- Start a new sport or commit to developing a particular aspect of your game. If you play cricket you might focus on fielding.
- Establish an exercise routine and commit to it and remember that it takes 21 days to form a new habit.
- Create a study schedule for 2022.
- Learn a new language – there are plenty of online platforms to support this.
- Enrol in a short course like the Responsible Service of Alcohol course or a food preparation course.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. My workdays are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and I am best contacted on the below email.
Sarah Blythman
Head of Careers and Student Pathways
