Now that you've chosen your path, and you're all skilled up, you're ready to go get that deadly job!
Getting a job can be challenging, but be confident in yourself - you can do this. But there's a few simple things that can really help — being organised with a good CV/resumé, and knowing how to write a good job application are all really important. And of course... nailing the job interview. Remember, your local Jobs and Skills Centre can help!
You can also find some great information in Finding a job in the Jobs and careers section of this website, but here you'll find stories of people from your mob and find out how they went about getting a job.
Get organised, be prepared
Sometimes in a job ad, you'll see it asks you to provide a CV. Other ads may ask for a resumé. You might also be asked to include a cover letter or portfolio with your application, or to respond to "selection criteria" or "work requirements".
It's important to know what these things mean, so that you can get your documents organised and prepare your job application correctly.
You can also find some great information in Finding a job in the Jobs and careers section of this website.
Tony gets organised
Tony has been told that it might not be easy for him to make the move into working on different machinery and equipment, so he really needs some expert assistance to update his resumé and get organised.
Tony's decided to get some help from the local Jobs and Skills Centre with his job hunt. He gives them a call and makes a time to go in for a chat with Rachel the following week.
To take a look at how things turned out for Tony, use the buttons to move through the slideshow.
Aboriginal services jobs board
We offer a free Aboriginal services jobs board, where we post the best job opportunities we can find for Aboriginal jobseekers.
Once you're registered on the jobs board, you can set up a profile to receive emails about job opportunities that match what you are looking for. The jobs board also gives you an online space where you can save all your jobseeking documents, such as your CV/resumé and cover letters. If you haven't checked it out already, have a look now!
Job search websites
Some jobsearch websites specialise in opportunities for Aboriginal people. Check out the following information to find out more about where you could be looking in your search for a job.
Aboriginal services jobs board – Our free jobs board with vacancies for Aboriginal jobseekers.
Deadly Jobs Facebook page – The Deadly Jobs Facebook page has employment opportunities plus tips and useful information to help Aboriginal jobseekers.
Indigenous Employment Australia — This jobs board has a range of jobs advertised for Aboriginal people.
GenerationOne – The GenerationOne website offers information and support for Aboriginal jobseekers, and a list of available jobs.
Jobactive — The Australian Government's jobactive jobs board advertises 'Indigenous Identified Positions'.
Applying for a job
When you find a job you’re interested in, it’s time to go for it!
Always read the job ad carefully to find out what you need to do to apply, and look for what you need to include with your application.
Also check the closing date, to make sure you get your application in on time.
You can also find some great information in Finding a job in the Jobs and careers section of this website,.
Maya's job application
Maya is applying for a job as a trainee customer service officer at Stones River Council. She found the job advertised online. Maya has had a good read through the job advertisement, and now she's going to start getting an application together.
Take a look at the job advertisement
Have a look at the steps Maya takes to complete her application. Some of the documents are available for you to download if you want a closer look. Use the buttons to move through the slideshow.
We can help!
Got job applications to write? Get into your local Jobs and Skills Centre — they can help. Going through the job application process can take a bit of time and effort, but there's plenty of help available along the way. Take one step at a time – you can do it!
Job interviews
Once a job ad closes, the employer will read through all the applications they receive and choose the applicants they think are most suitable. These chosen applicants will then often be invited to an interview. Employers use interviews to meet the person behind the application, confirm you really are as good as you say in your application, and determine if you will be a good fit for their organisation.
You can also find some great information in Finding a job in the Jobs and careers section of this website.
Top interview tips
Be yourself. Relax and let your personality shine. Remember, the employer likes you already — otherwise you wouldn't have been offered an interview.
Look your best. Wear something you feel comfortable in – you don't have to get all dressed up, but get on some smart clothing that looks suitable for work. Clean, tidy hair always looks good.
Be polite and respectful. Be friendly, smile, and try not to be shy. Shake the person's hand, if a handshake is offered.
Be confident. You wouldn't have been asked to come in for an interview if they didn't already think you sound good for the job, so be proud and feel good about yourself.
Getting a job doesn't have to be scary
Applying for jobs, and going for interviews, aren't such scary things when you're well prepared, well organised, you know a few tips, and you feel confident about yourself.
There's no shame in looking for work — doing your best is all anyone asks of you.
Don't be afraid to ask for help because it's out there.
Before you know it, you'll be doing the "I got the job" victory dance!
Get into your local Jobs and Skills Centre — they can help with applications and other documents you might need in the hunt for a job
Jobs and Skills Centres also run free workshops on job applications, writing a deadly CV/resume, and dealing with job interviews. Check the Aboriginal services Events, workshops and forums page for details, or you can contact your local JSC to find out when the next ones are running.
Work and wander out yonder in regional WA!
How would you like to get out and work on country around Western Australia’s beautiful regional areas? Right now in regional WA there’s thousands of jobs usually taken by international backpackers and interstate travellers, that are currently vacant due to travel restrictions for COVID-19.
But these are not just any ordinary jobs – they're in some of WA’s best spots, from beautiful Broome and Exmouth up north down to Margaret River and Albany in the South West.
Job opportunities are available in:
- agriculture and farming — including production at vineyards and fruit orchards;
- hospitality and tourism — for hotels and resorts, vineyards and breweries, restaurants, hotels, cafes, pubs and clubs as well as at local tourist attractions; and
- small businesses, and customer service roles such as retail and food service.
Ready to work and wander out yonder in WA?
If you're 18—30 years of age, and ready for deadly new experiences working in regional WA, go to wa.gov.au/government/work-and-wander-out-yonder and follow the instructions to register your details so that employers can find you — it's that easy! Financial support to assist with travel and accommodation costs is available for eligible jobseekers.