Jobs & Education

Finding a job

Finding a job can be challenging – especially when every job you come across is all like, “must have experience” “must have these skills”. Fortunately, there is support out there to help you get your foot in the door. Whether it's your first job, you’ve been out of work for a while, or you know what you want to do but just need a hand getting there.

Here are a few different ways to help young jobseekers land a gig:

1. If you’re connected to Centrelink (and aged 15 – 24years) you may be eligible for the Transition to Work program.
2. If you’re living with a disability (visible or hidden) you may be eligible for Disability Employment Services.
3. You can also ask your Workforce Australia consultant to get you involved in Youth Projects’ Employability Skills Training – helping to build job readiness skills and be prepared for work.

How to apply for a job

To apply for a job you will need the following:

1. A resume (a summary of your work experience and background that is relevant to the position you are applying for)
2. Usually… a Cover letter (a way to show the employer the value you bring, how the skills you've outlined in your resume match to the job, and why you would be a good fit for the job!)

If you progress to the next step, you will most likely need to have an interview. It’s important to be prepared for an interview. Think about what questions they might ask, and what responses you may have (preparation is key!)

The top 3 most asked interview questions are:

1. Why do you want this job?
2. Tell us something about yourself.
3. What’s your experience with working in a team

Education, Apprenticeship & Study Options

If you know what you want to do (or are keen on earning + learning) maybe consider what education/study apprenticeship options are available to you. In Victoria, there are also a wide range of free TAFE courses for in-demand jobs.

If you are really unsure – check out our Upskilling Pathways to Employment Handbook. It’s jam-packed full upskilling pathways available to you.

Not everyone thrives in a traditional classroom setting, and that's totally okay - we get it. That's why we're all about flexible learning options to suit your unique style. Whether you prefer hands-on experiences, online courses, or a mix of both, Youth Projects can help you find your perfect fit.
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You’ve got the job! Now what?

After landing a job you’ll need to setup a few (very) important things.

1. Tax file number: this is free to apply for and must be applied through the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Your tax file number can be linked to your MyGov account, and you only need to apply for ONE tax file number (you can use it for all other future jobs too).
2. Superannuation: this is an account your employer pays money into for you to access when you retire (like a long, long-term savings account). If you don't have an existing superannuation account (especially if its your first job), you will be assigned one by your Employer. You are well within your right to look for your own superannuation fund. The Money Smart website has some good tips on how to choose a fund that’s right for you – click here to read more.