The term 'career' refers to a continuous process of learning and development, which can involve a range of jobs and different types of employment.
To achieve your career goals, you need to take an active role in your career planning:
- Identify your interests, likes, experiences, strengths and ambitions.
- Think about the areas in which you need to work, and try to make connections between what you know and the life and career goals you want to set for yourself.
- Research the industries and occupations you are interested in, including educational requirements, salary, working conditions, future outlook, and anything else that may help narrow your focus.
- Compare your skills, interests, likes and dislikes with the occupations you are attracted to and look at the school subjects, qualifications and results you'll need to undertake further education and training or secure a job in that area.
- Remember to consider the costs involved in further education and training and investigate training and work experience opportunities in your community that will enhance your employment potential.
Use myfuture's interactive career bullseyes to explore how occupations relate to school learning areas.
| Use myfuture's Industries to explore different industries in which you can make an impact. Read industry overviews to learn more about each industry, including top occupations and growth prospects.
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Finding a job
Whether you are looking for a part-time job while studying or your first 'real' job, job hunting can be challenging but also very exciting.
Before you start looking for a job, think about your skills and experience and your future career pathway.
Once you've decided on the kind of job you'd like to do, you need to find out who's hiring.
Where to start
- speak to your friends and family
- contact potential employers directly
- sign up with a recruitment agency
- look for advertised positions on employment websites
- use social media networks
- attend a careers expo
Applying for a job
Most employers will ask you to send or email them your resumé/curriculum vitae and a cover letter. They may also ask you to complete some selection criteria.
If your job application is successful, you will be asked to attend an interview.
| Your resumé/curriculum vitae is a document outlining your education, qualifications, employment history (if relevant) and any other past achievements. A good resumé will make your job application stand out and motivate an employer to invite you for an interview.
You’ll find helpful tips on writing an entry level resume as well as examples on the myFuture website.
A cover letter introduces you to a potential employer and focuses on why you're suited to the job. A good cover letter will help to ensure your resumé gets read, so it's important to give it as much attention as your resumé.
You’ll find useful advice and sample cover letters on the myFuture website. Further resume templates can be found below:
Resume Template 1 Resume Template 2 Resume Template 3 Resume Template 4
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Selection criteria are statements that describe the qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities and experience that are required in a job. If you are asked to respond to selection criteria, you need to prepare examples and written responses to each of the selection criteria showing that you have the skills, qualities, qualifications and demonstrated experience that the employer is looking for.
Tips and examples to help you address selection criteria are available on the myFuture website.
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If your job application is successful, you may be shortlisted for an interview. This is your chance to find out more about the job and an opportunity for you to explain in person why you're the right person for the job. It’s important to prepare for your interview so you’re confident talking about your skills and what you have to offer. Tips to help you prepare for interviews are available on the myFuture website.
Videos to help you prepare for interviews across a range of industries are also available on the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment’s jobactive website.
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| A career portfolio is a personal collection of information about you that you can use to apply for jobs, further education and training, or scholarships. It may include:
- your school certificates and statements (QCE, Senior Statement or Statement of Results)
- licences
- training certificates
- written references
- work experience or placement reports
- work samples or photographs of samples of your work
- copies of your resumé/curriculum vitae.
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Useful websites
Gold Coast Student Jobs is your one-stop-shop if you’re a Gold Coast student or graduate looking for a job, work experience, or opportunities to launch your career.
Apprenticeship Central helps you find apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities
Australian JobSearch helps job seekers find jobs and career information.
CareerOne provides job listings, career advice, job hunting tips and company profiles designed to help job seekers.
myfuture is a comprehensive career information and exploration service, helping people to make career decisions and plan their career pathways. It contains some handy tips on job applications.
Air Force defence jobs allows lets you to browse jobs that suit you, including gap year jobs and reserves.
Queensland Police Recruiting gives you information about entry pathways for police officers and operational staff.
Good Universities Guide helps you find courses, explore careers, and search for scholarships at Australian universities, TAFEs and training colleges.