How to find a job
Finding a job is a job in itself. The people who find work fastest treat it like one - a clear target, a weekly routine, tailored applications and a lot of conversations. Here's a plan you can start this week.
In short
- Be specific about the roles you're targeting. A focused search beats applying for everything.
- Use job boards, but don't rely on them - many jobs are filled through networks and direct approaches.
- Tailor every application to the job ad. Quality beats quantity.
- Keep a weekly routine and track your applications.
- Watch for job scams - real employers never ask you to pay to get a job.
1. Know what you’re looking for
Write down:
- Two or three job titles you’re targeting (and the other titles they’re advertised under),
- Industries and employers you’d like to work for,
- Location and how far you’ll travel, or whether you want remote or hybrid work,
- Must-haves: hours, pay range, conditions.
A clear target makes every other step faster, from searching to telling people what you’re after.
2. Get your materials ready
- A strong master resume you can tailor for each application. See Writing a resume that gets interviews.
- A cover letter template with room to personalise.
- An up-to-date LinkedIn profile with a clear headline (“Qualified electrician, commercial and solar”), a photo and a short summary.
- Referees who’ve agreed to speak for you.
3. Where to look
Job boards
Search the major job boards, industry-specific boards and the government’s Workforce Australia jobs board. Set up email alerts for your target titles and locations, so you see new roles quickly.
Employers directly
Check the careers pages of employers you’d like to work for. Many roles appear there first or only there.
The hidden job market
Many jobs are filled without ever being advertised, through referrals, internal moves and direct approaches. To reach them:
- Tell people what you’re looking for: friends, former colleagues, your industry contacts.
- Ask for conversations, not jobs: “I’m looking to move into project coordination; could I ask you a few questions about your team?”
- Approach employers directly with a short, specific email about how you could help.
- Join industry associations and attend events.
Recruitment agencies
Agencies fill many roles in areas such as administration, accounting, IT, trades and labour hire. Register with one or two that specialise in your field, and keep in touch.
4. Apply well
- Read the ad carefully and note the key requirements.
- Tailor your resume so your most relevant experience is near the top, using the same terms as the ad where they’re true for you.
- Write a short cover letter that answers: why this job, why this employer, and why you.
- Answer selection criteria directly, with specific examples.
- Follow the instructions exactly: format, documents, deadline.
Ten tailored applications usually achieve more than fifty generic ones.
5. A weekly routine
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Monday | Review new jobs and alerts; shortlist the best |
| Tuesday–Thursday | Tailor and send applications; one or two networking conversations |
| Friday | Follow up applications; update your tracker; learn something new for your field |
Keep a simple tracker: role, employer, date applied, contact, status and next step.
6. Avoid job scams
Scammers target job seekers. Warning signs:
- you’re asked to pay for training, equipment, a “starter kit” or a background check to get the job,
- too-good-to-be-true pay for little work, or offers without an interview,
- requests to receive and transfer money for someone else,
- contact only through messaging apps, and pressure to act fast,
- requests for your tax file number, bank details or ID before a genuine offer.
Check the employer independently, and report scams to Scamwatch.
7. Stay motivated
Job searching is hard on confidence. Set weekly goals for actions you control (applications, conversations, skills) rather than outcomes you don’t. Keep learning, stay connected, and take breaks. If you’re receiving income support, government employment services can also help with training and job matching.