Starting work: Practical tips for your first job search

Each year across Australia, many young people move from school into work, whether that is an apprenticeship, traineeship, casual role or a first full time job.

In some states, surveys show roughly half of school leavers go straight into further study while the rest look for work, which means a lot of entry level candidates hit the market at the same time. When several people apply for the same role, the way you present yourself on paper and in person can make a real difference.​

Rather than focusing only on formal experience, employers often look closely at personal qualities, everyday skills and your attitude to learning. The good news is that these are all things you can develop and showcase deliberately from your very first applications.​

1. Highlight everyday experience as soft skills

Even if you have not held a formal job, you probably have more experience than you realise. Volunteering, team sport, music or drama, helping in a family business or caring for younger siblings all say something about how you show up and contribute.​

Employers value qualities such as reliability, willingness to learn, problem solving and the ability to work with others. On your resume and in interviews, explain what you did and what it shows about you: turning up to early training sessions, coordinating a school event, or managing a regular commitment like pet sitting or tutoring. These examples help hiring managers picture how you might behave in their workplace.​

2. Demonstrate resilience and emotional intelligence

Workplaces look for people who can handle feedback, adapt to change and get along with a range of colleagues and customers. Emotional intelligence includes things like listening well, noticing how others might be feeling, staying calm under pressure and resolving disagreements respectfully.​

Resilience shows when you keep going after a setback, adjust plans when circumstances change, or look for solutions rather than getting stuck on what went wrong. When preparing for interviews, think of one or two examples where you handled a difficult situation constructively, whether that was missing out on a team, managing exam stress or dealing with a challenging group project. Sharing these stories in a straightforward way can give employers confidence that you will cope with the ups and downs of working life.​

3. Build digital literacy and show willingness to learn

Most roles now involve at least some technology, from point of sale systems and booking tools to spreadsheets, email and industry specific software. Reading position descriptions before you apply can give you clues about the digital tools valued in your preferred field.​

You do not need to be an expert in everything, but demonstrating that you have made an effort to upskill can set you apart. Many libraries and community centres offer free access to online learning platforms that cover software basics and productivity tools. Completing a short course and noting it on your resume signals that you take initiative and are comfortable with ongoing learning, which is attractive to employers in any location, from city offices to coastal hospitality venues.​

4. Shape a professional personal brand

Your online presence often forms part of an employer’s first impression. A quick search or social media check may sit alongside your resume when decisions are made about who to shortlist.​

It is worth taking time to review privacy settings, remove posts that do not match the image you want to present and ensure profile photos are appropriate. Creating or updating a basic LinkedIn profile can also be valuable: include your education, any work or volunteering experience, and the types of roles you are interested in. Following organisations in your areas of interest and commenting thoughtfully on industry content helps show that you are engaged and curious.​

5. Present a clear, accurate resume

For many employers, your resume is the first sample of your written communication. A clear layout, accurate spelling and sensible structure all matter, even for casual and entry level roles.​

Government resources such as Job Jumpstart offer templates and practical guidance on what to include, from contact details and education through to skills and referees. Take the time to proofread carefully and ask someone you trust to review your resume before you send it. Simple errors in word choice or punctuation can distract from your strengths, while a polished document signals care and attention to detail.​

6. Prepare thoughtfully for interviews

Interviews are an opportunity to talk about your strengths and experiences in more depth. Reviewing the job advertisement and researching the organisation beforehand helps you understand what matters most to the employer.​

You can then practise answering common questions aloud, ideally with someone who can give you feedback. Focus on speaking clearly, giving specific examples and explaining what you learned from past experiences. If you do not get the job, a brief, polite email asking for feedback can provide insights for next time and shows maturity.​

Entering the workforce and applying for roles can feel challenging, especially at the beginning. With each application and interview you refine your approach, build confidence and move closer to the opportunities that fit you best.​

If you would like to discuss how early work and income choices connect with your longer term financial goals, please reach out to our friendly team at Stream Financial.