Finding a job or searching for your place in the workforce is just like any other search. It is more likely to be successful if it is planned, well organised, and carried out systematically. If you are searching for something, you need to know what you are looking for, where you need to look to find it, and how you are going to go about it.

Be organised and start your job search early. As a young person, you do not have to wait until you leave school. If you are already in work, you can be searching while you maintain your present employment. If you have lost your job, you will need to get into your search straight away.

If you are feeling stressed or down about being out of work, it is even more important you take the time to clearly work out your job search, and utilise all the help you can get.

What kind of work are you looking for?

Given the changes taking place in the world of work, you may find it helpful to think outside the kind of work you have done previously. Think also about what kind of work pattern would best suit your personality and lifestyle.

Where do you look to find the work that suits you?

Narrowing the search area is helpful. Think in terms of geographical areas, transport and locations. Think also about the different ways of accessing information about work opportunities. Don't forget to use your network of contacts.

How are you going to undertake your search?

You will need to put together a plan of how you are going to approach your search for work. Get your paperwork organised, identify the employers and areas you want to search. Meanwhile, make sure you are recording everything on paper so you can remember names and addresses, people you have spoken to, and information people have given you. The Job Search Contact List should be helpful here.

Your chances of success are greatly increased if you are organised and prepared.

The next sections of this booklet should be very helpful.

OK, let's get on with the search!

Preparing Your Resume...it's time to advertise yourself

Your resume is an important document. It is your advertising brochure and needs to be "targeted" to particular employers. That is why you should have more than one version of your resume. When approaching one employer, you may need to emphasise particular skills and experience that you would perhaps not emphasise to another employer.

Even the way we put our resumes together is changing. They used to focus more on education and employment history. Today resumes tend to be more focused on skills and abilities - regardless of where those skills and abilities were developed.

There are many different styles of resume, and no one way to write a resume correctly.

However there are a few principles that should be followed:

1. Keep it brief and to the point.
2. Don't let it be too cluttered. Keep the paragraphs short and space them out, make the headings clear, and leave plenty of visible space on each page.
3. Try not to just talk about what you've done in the past - talk about what you can do now, what you aspire to do in the future, and use positive action words. Modern resume styles often focus more on skills and accomplishments than just past responsibilities and tasks.
4. Focus on the skills and abilities you offer to the potential employer. Emphasise the aspects of your background and abilities that are likely to be attractive to the employer.
5. Get another person who knows you well to check over your resume, looking for errors in spelling and grammar, checking its readability and the content.
6. When your are writing your resume, try to look through the employer's eyes.
7. Unless you are seeking a job as calligrapher, never hand write a resume! (Unless requested). It should always be typed and printed on A4 size paper, normally white.
8. Your resume must be clearly readable. If you are going to submit your resume electronically by email, or if it going to be scanned, make sure it is in a basic font, like Times New Roman. If you don't have access to a computer and a good printer at home, talk to your local Employment Directions Network Career Centre or other agency which can offer assistance.

These days, written references are nice to have, but are not worth much. Most potential employers would rather speak to a referee on the telephone to get an honest idea of how you conduct yourself at work. Your resume should include 2 to 3 referees at the end. Include their full name, business name and position, address and phone numbers.

Here are some sample resumes to help you out...

• Kim Lee
• Gwen Chilcott
• Steven Fogarty

Personal Presentation...it's not just how you dress!

We usually make an assessment about a person's character within the first few seconds of meeting them. Therefore, that first impression we make with a potential employer is crucial, and often underestimated by job seekers. There is often no second chance.

Your character will be judged on a number of things including how you look, the language you use, the way you greet the person, the way you talk, and the way you dress.

Let's look at some of the issues:

How you speak

Do you come across as confident or arrogant? Are you surly or too quiet and timid? Do you speak clearly or do you mumble? Most employers are looking for a person who speaks politely and confidently. If your first contact with an employer is via the telephone, the way you address them and the way you make your enquiry and carry on a conversation is absolutely critical.

What you say

Your choice of words is vital. Do not use words the employer may consider to be swearing. Answer questions clearly and honestly, and don't waffle on. It may help to practise what you want to say.

Body language

What messages are you communicating by the way you stand, greet a person, and generally hold yourself? The outside of our body is like a window to the inside. Be prepared to shake the hand of the employer you are meeting and make it a firm, positive handshake.

Cultural Sensitivities

When you are dealing with most employers, it is important you look them in the eye and maintain eye contact while you talk with them. This shows confidence and respect. However, this is not always appropriate for all cultures. Bowing your head slightly while shaking hands will often be appropriate with employers of an Asian background. Many people of indigenous cultures do not make direct eye contact. Just be aware of these sensitivities and they will be greatly appreciated as a mark of respect for that person.

What we wear

Think carefully about what clothing to wear. If it is a gardening job you are applying for, don't go dressed in a tuxedo! On the other hand, if the job is with an upmarket clothing boutique, your favourite knock-around tracksuit won't be the best choice!

If you have body piercings, just be aware that a more conservative employer may not like that stud through your tongue or brow. It may be advisable to take out visible body piercings that can create a problem for you.

The basic rule is to be smart and dress appropriately for the position for which you are applying. Try to look through the eyes of the employer.

[ Welcome | Getting started | Recognise your skills and abilities | Be open to new possibilities | Be prepared and be organised | Applying for work | Surviving the job interview | Staying positive | Where to go for help and information ]