LEARNHow To Get A Casual/Part Time Job

Sick of asking the rents for spare cash to head to the mall with? Follow these steps to your first casual/part time job!

Hey guys! If you’re on this article, I’m assuming you’re after a job. And I can help you out! I’ve had a few casual jobs now that I kept right from Year 9 when I turned 14 (I’m young for my year – anyone else?) and kept working through HSC! So today I’m going to walk you through the process of getting a new job, and at the end, why you shouldn’t stop working during HSC (or your end of school exams in your state) – and how it can help. Let’s get into it!

Get Yourself A Killer Resume

So, this can be hard when you don’t know where to start! Check out our 5 Steps To A Killer Resume article here, and something I found really helpful was asking my teachers to look over it! Specifically, your business/commerce department teachers. Only because some of the content they’ve learned about is specifics with resumes. Because as much as we love our parents, their advice on this stuff is a little bit… outdated. They’ve probably already got full time jobs, so most parents probably won’t need to think about it a lot. Basically, you’ve got to advertise yourself. Try to find ways you could include experience, like Year 10 work experience, babysitting, dog sitting, house sitting, anything! And you want it to sound professional, so the employer knows you know how to be mature.

Decide Where You Want To Apply

Honestly, I would recommend applying anywhere near you. Like, seriously, anywhere you can. Places you’re almost guaranteed to land are your Coles, Woolies, KFC. Your pretty regular jobs, as they’re such large chains, they’re pretty much always looking to recruit. And if you wanted to land something a little harder to get, like a café or restaurant, your Woolies, Coles, and KFC are great stepping stones. Employers love when people have experience, and you’ll have a pretty good understanding of the interesting range of customer interactions you can expect and how not to go crazy when the going gets rough. Also, get talking to people! Ask them about where they worked, if they liked it, what they would recommend, so you’re not going in with no idea what to expect.

Apply Online AND In-Store

We know it can be really nerve racking to go into a store and hand them your resume. But truth is, everyone there has done it and no one is judging you. And, there’s a really small chance you’ll get rejected. And if you are, it’s probably just because they have too many people at that time. Applying online is important too, if possible. The face to face interaction is very important, but most employers prefer to organise applications online, as bigger stores have questionnaires and the likes in the application process, so they know more about you that you usually wouldn’t need to put in your resume. If they don’t have an online application process, shoot an email to any related address you can find. This way, they’ll know you’re keen and committed.

Keep Moving!

To keep landing better jobs that are more suited to you, get as much experience as you can wherever you can. Getting involved in your communities can really help. Talking to school friends, the parents of the team of girls you umpire, anywhere – you’ll be surprised at what offers you get! Make sure you’re super open and friendly when talking to an employer – be RELIABLE. And, if you can pick up small jobs from parents at your umpiring gig with babysitting or driving kids around, you get brownie points, and you’re thought about more for offers. Get yourself known!

What About School?

This is a great question, and definitely something to think about. In terms of end of school exams like HSC (NSW), I would recommend keeping a job! You can ask for blocks of time off, and employers are usually really flexible with casuals, as long as you GIVE NOTICE! You’ll want the work when you’re done with school, because you’ll find that you need money! I kept just a 3 hour Sunday shift at Coles throughout year 12, and it was super helpful! Another thing I would say is start saving from a young age! Even if it’s just $20 a week! I do $50 a week that automatically transfers from my account to a high interest account and I’ve been doing that for nearly 4 years – its effective, and financial security and having something to lean back on in unexpected times of need is so important!

Is there anything we’re missing from this article? Did you find it helpful, disagree? YOMM wants to know! Share your first job experiences in the comments and let us know what you think of our tips!