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.
The people at the Jobs and Skills Centre are friendly, and very understanding about what he wants to do. They listen to his concerns – Tony feels comfortable there.
At his appointment, Tony tells Rachel about his previous work experience and skills and what he’s hoping to do next. He also mentions that he was told he may need to be willing to work with different machinery and maybe even do some training to skill up for a new job.
Rachel explains all the things they can help him with, including updating his resumé, finding job opportunities and writing job applications.
Rachel shows Tony the Aboriginal services jobs board – a free online job search that lists job vacancies for Aboriginal people all across WA.
Registering on the jobs board lets Tony search for suitable jobs, upload his documents, save and view any applications he sends, and apply for jobs online. It also sends him an email whenever a new job comes up that matches what he's looking for.
Tony registers on the jobs board so he's all set up.
Once he’s got himself organised on the jobs board, Tony shows Rachel his resumé. It’s been a while since he wrote it, so together they work on updating it. Using the computers at the Jobs and Skills Centre, and with Rachel's help, Tony is able to freshen up the layout and content of his resumé so that it looks and sounds professional and includes his most recent work experience.
Once he’s happy with it, Tony uploads his resumé to his new jobs board account so that it’s ready to be used when he goes to apply for a new job.
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.
The job advertisement tells Maya:
- about the job role;
- about the required qualifications and experience;
- how and when to apply; and
- what to include with her application.
After reading the advertisement carefully, Maya is confident she is well suited to the job. She downloads the employment application package, including the position description document, so she can read about the job in more detail.
The advertisement says that a cover letter must be included. So first up Maya begins by drafting her cover letter, where she plans to outline her suitability for the role.
Maya briefly introduces and then describes herself, her skills and experience and outlines why she is applying for the job. She aims to sound confident, capable and professional, but also friendly and keen.
Next Maya needs to compose a written application addressing the work-related requirements of the job, as described in the position description. Noting that the written application is to be no more than two pages long, Maya knows she needs to keep her responses brief and to the point.
Maya ensures that she describes her skills that are relevant to the work-related requirements and includes examples of when when she has used those skills. She uses the STAR model to address some of the work-related requirements, which gives her an opportunity to showcase her skills and experience.
The last piece required for the application is a current resumé. Maya has been keeping hers up to date, so she just needs to check it and adjust any sections that particularly relate to this job opportunity.
Maya's resumé includes a career objective, which expresses her desire to work in local government and contribute to her community – a great match for the job she's applying for. It also details her work history, starting with the most recent then working back. Using dot points throughout her resumé has helped Maya keep it to two pages.
Maya reads through all her documents and checks them against the job advertisement. She makes sure she has included everything that was asked for and that the documents are correct. She also runs a spell check through everything.
The job advert stated, ‘Year 12 standard of education is desirable’, so Maya decides to include her WACE certificate along with her application.
The ad asks applicants to apply by email or mail. Maya chooses email as it's faster and saves having to print all her documents.
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.