Step 4: Reviewing your progress
What if you do not get the job?
If you do not get an interview after sending in an application, or do not get a job after attending an interview, think about whether you need to improve your cover letter, your résumé or your performance at the interview.
Some of the questions you might ask yourself are:
- Did I present my qualifications well and try to relate them to the job?
- Was my appearance too casual or untidy?
- Was I too forward or too timid?
- Did I appear enthusiastic and committed?
- Did I know enough about the company?
- Did I speak clearly when answering questions?
- Were my references suitable?
- Was I late for the interview?
Despite all your efforts, there may be times when you cannot find a job. Do not despair. Your job search may take time and require patience. The more applications you write and the more interviews you have, the better you will perform. Be persistent and stay positive.
While you are looking for full-time work, you may wish to consider part-time, casual or voluntary work. Being in the workforce helps your selfesteem and adds to your skills and employment record. It also means you are out in the workforce being noticed.
You should register through your local Centrelink office and start looking for a job as soon as you leave school. You can ask your local Centrelink office about income support and/or other assistance that you may be eligible for. See the Study, work and career support section for further details.
What if you do get the job?
Information about wages, employment conditions and contracts
Before starting any sort of work it is very important to find out about and understand the employment conditions. Your employment conditions are governed by laws, and the way in which these laws affect you depends on whether you are working as an employee or as a subcontractor. You need to be clear about which arrangement applies to you because they have different terms and conditions.
To find out more, call the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations on 1300 363 079 (national office), your state or territory office on 13 33 97, or visit the website, www.deewr.gov.au .
The following organisations can also give you information about your employment or prospective employment.
Fair Work Ombudsman: For information about employment issues including wage rates, working conditions, employment contracts, recruitment and dismissal, visit the website at www.fairwork.gov.au.
National Association of Community Legal Centres: For legal rights information. Visit the website at www.naclc.org.au or (02) 9264 9595 to find the closest Community Legal Centre to you.
Australian Human Rights Commission: An independent body that investigates and conciliates complaints of discrimination and breaches of human rights affecting employment. Visit the website at www.hreoc.gov.au or phone the Complaints Infoline on 1300 656 419.