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Where do I start? Guide to landing your first job after school
Looking for your first job? Starting your career journey can feel exciting and a little intimidating. But don’t worry, we’ve got everything you need to know to land your first job, including tips on apprenticeships, traineeships, and how to join the Transition to Work program with CVGT Employment.
Why getting your first job matters
Your first job is more than just a paycheck. It’s your entry into the workforce, a chance to build confidence, learn new skills, and figure out what kind of work you enjoy. Employers look to hire young people who are eager to learn, and you don’t need a long resume to get started. Check out our article ‘Taking your first steps towards the workforce‘ for more tips on how to get started.
Where to find jobs
If you’re ready to land your first job, there are heaps of places to start your search and you don’t have to do it alone, we have lots of employment programs Here’s a quick guide to the best job-hunting spots in Australia:
Online job boards
These sites are packed with job opportunities across industries like retail, hospitality, customer service, marketing, content creation, trades, and more.
- SEEK – Australia’s number one job board with thousands of listings.
- Indeed –Great for browsing jobs and reading company reviews.
- Jora –Easy to use and full of local job opportunities.
- Workforce Australia – Australian Government site with job listings and career resources.
Social media
Social media isn’t just for scrolling. It’s a powerful tool to help you land your first job. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are full of opportunities if you know where to look.
Local businesses and recruiters often post job openings in community groups. You can search for groups like “Jobs in Australia” or explore curated lists like these top Facebook job groups.
Tip – type keywords like “retail jobs in Melbourne” or “hospitality jobs in Sydney” into the search bar and join active groups.
Believe it or not, Instagram is becoming a hotspot for job leads, especially in creative industries like fashion, content creation, and marketing. Many brands post hiring announcements in their stories or bios. You can browse current listings on platforms like SEEK’s Instagram job board or Jora’s Instagram job listings.
If you’re serious about starting your career, LinkedIn is a must have. It’s the go to platform for professional networking, job searching, and personal branding.
Here’s why LinkedIn is a game changer for young people:
- Create a standout profile that showcases your skills, school projects, volunteer work, and goals. Even if you don’t have much job experience yet.
- Add “Open to Work” to your profile to boost visibility with recruiters.
- Connect with professionals in industries you’re interested in, including alumni, mentors, and hiring managers.
- Get job alerts tailored to your interests and location.
- Explore career paths by checking out how others got into roles you admire.
Tip – You can start building your profile at LinkedIn for Students and learn more about its benefits here . When you’re ready to search for jobs, head to the LinkedIn Jobs Directory.
Walk-ins
Old-school but still effective. Dress neat, bring a resume, and ask if they’re hiring. It shows confidence and initiative. Employers love that.
School career advisors
If you’re still in school, your career advisor is a goldmine of information and local connections. They often know which local employers are hiring and can help with resumes and interview preparation.
Transition to Work can help you get there
Not sure where to begin? That’s where our Transition to Work program comes in.
If you’re aged 15–24, joining Transition to Work means you’ll get support with:
- Specialist advice for work or study
- Help with resumes, applications, and cover letters
- Links to housing and other supports
- Help with getting your driver’s license or other qualifications
- Regular check-ins to help keep you on track
- Personalised plans for your career or study goals
- Guidance to connect with our Apprenticeships and Traineeships team
- Access to local employers and job opportunities
- Ongoing mentoring and support to keep you on track
We’ll work with you to build a personalised plan and link you with the right training and employers, so you’re not doing it alone.
Keen on Apprenticeships or Traineeships?
Get more support with CVGT Employment
gain real-world experience, and walk away with a nationally recognised qualification.
At CVGT Employment, we offer a wide range of Apprenticeship and Traineeship vacancies across industries like:
- Carpentry, plumbing, and electrical
- Hairdressing and automotive
- Business, IT, and hospitality
- Office administration and community services
Whether you’re just out of school, changing careers, or re-entering the workforce, we’ll help you find a pathway that suits your goals.
If you’re more into hands-on learning, an apprenticeship or traineeship could be the perfect way to start your career. You’ll,
Learn more and register your interest or call 132 848 to chat with someone who can help you get started.