Welcome to the JobSearch blog for job seekers!

We will use this page to keep you up to date with any changes to the website, as well as keep you informed about all things employment related.

 

2 March 2010

Launch of new Disability Employment Services (DES)

Minister for Employment Participation Mark Arbib launched the Government’s new $1.2 billion Disability Employment Services (DES) yesterday. 

The new arrangements mean more jobs for people with disability and improved choice for job seekers, who will have access to better and more individually tailored employment services.

The new Disability Employment Services operate under two programs:

Disability Management Service
For job seekers with disability, injury or health condition who require the assistance of a disability employment service and are not expected to need regular, long-term support to maintain their job.

Employment Support Service
For job seekers with permanent disability and an assessed need for more long-term, ongoing support in the workplace.
More information about DES is available at deewr.gov.au.

To find your local DES provider, go to our find a provider page.

 

29 January 2010

Transition to Disability Employment Services (DES) 2010

From 1 March 2010 new employment services for job seekers with disability, injury or health condition will be introduced. They will be known as Disability Employment Services (DES).

Job seekers currently participating in Disability Employment Network (DEN) or Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) will be automatically transitioned into DES.

All DES participants are able to choose which provider they work with. If you wish to change your DES provider, you can submit a request for contact before 1 March 2010 via an online form.

To choose your DES provider fill out the DES Contact Form on the DEEWR website.

 

19 January 2010

National Green Jobs Corps

National Green Jobs Corps is the Australian Government’s environmentally focused work experience and accredited training program for 17-24 year olds. The program provides young job seekers with opportunities to develop skills in emerging green industries. National Green Jobs Corps participants are offered a combination of work experience, skill development and accredited training.

What sort of work is involved?

Participants will complete 26 week long projects focussing on the conservation, protection and rejuvenation of the local environment or cultural heritage. Types of projects that participants will be involved in include:

• bush regeneration
• beach and dune rehabilitation
• wildlife and fish habitat protection
• flora, fauna and land surveys and audits
• community consultation and surveys relating to the environment
• training and hands-on experience in the installation of energy efficiencies designed to reduce carbon emissions
• developing community information and education products.

These projects will make environmental improvements now and help participants develop green skills that will increasingly be needed in the labour market of the future. 

More information

National Green Jobs Corps providers will be able to offer more information on the types of projects available in your local area. You can find your local providers using the JobSearch find a provider page.

Find a National Green Jobs Corps provider.

Or for more information, call 13 17 64 or visit www.deewr.gov.au/ngjc.

 

16 December 2009

Australian JobSearch at Townsville, Cairns and Whittlesea ‘Keep Australia Working’ Jobs Expos

As part of the Keep Australia Working initiative, Australian JobSearch attended the latest Centrelink Jobs Expos in Townsville and Cairns in Queensland and Whittlesea in Victoria.

The Expos are about providing access to local jobs and job pathways for job seekers in each of the 20 Local Priority Areas. The Expos are designed to create a ‘jobs marketplace’, bringing together employment service providers, Centrelink, employers and job seekers. 

The Townsville Expo was held on Tuesday 8 December at the Riverway Arts Centre in Thuringowa Central and the Cairns Expo on Wednesday 9 December at the Cairns Showgrounds. Both Expos were considered a resounding success with over 5,000 job seekers attending each event, many bringing their resumes to apply for the jobs on offer. The Expo in Whittlesea attracted over 700 job seekers from the surrounding areas of Kinglake, Flowerdale and Marysville, of which many had properties lost or damaged in the February bush fires.

Members of the Australian JobSearch team promoted jobsearch.gov.au to hundreds of interested people and many were shown how to use the site to search for jobs and career opportunities. Job seekers also had the opportunity to talk with other exhibitors about career, education and training opportunities available in a wide range of industries.

Centrelink offered free Financial Information Service Seminars throughout the duration of the expos.

A highlight of the Cairns expo was a visit by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, accompanied by Senator Mark Arbib, Minister for Employment Participation and Jason Clare, Parliamentary Secretary for Employment. Jason Clare made a special effort to visit the JobSearch stand and talk with JobSearch staff.

For more information about the Centrelink Keep Australia Working Jobs Expos or to find out when an expo might be in an area near you, visit the Centrelink website.

 

                                           

Pic 1 - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, addressing the Cairns Centrelink Jobs Expo
Pic 2 - The Hon Jason Clare MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Employment

 

10 December 2009

What do Employers look for in Job Applicants?

A recent survey of employers in a Victorian regional centre has revealed some information that job seekers might find useful when applying for work.

The survey found 18 per cent of employers placed importance on technical skills only, 43 per cent on personal traits and qualities only, and 39 per cent found both equally important.

The personal traits and qualities employers wanted in employees included positivity, communication, motivation and enthusiasm, teamwork skills and reliability.

Employers stated that the main reasons applicants were considered unsuitable for positions included insufficient experience, insufficient qualifications or training to perform job duties, a limited interest in the job, and a lack of basic employability skills.

It was also reported that employers were having difficulty filling vacancies in the following occupations:

• Bachelor degree or higher VET qualifications, including accountants, carpenters and joiners, motor mechanics and registered nurses
• Cooks, kitchen hands, salespersons and sales assistants, and waiters.

Job seekers who wish to make the most of these opportunities need to be job ready with work experience, training and employability skills.

 

25 November 2009

Ideas for school leavers

Year 12 has just about finished in most parts of Australia, and once the partying is over some school leavers will be left still wondering what they will do as they start making their way in the world.

A great website that offers lots of ideas and practical help is the Government’s ‘Year 12 – what next?’. The site is easy to navigate and full of a broad range of ideas and information presented in a practical, easy to understand, helpful manner. Amongst the types of things you can find out about are how to do volunteer work, how to organise a gap year or how to start to run your own business. There are links to a huge variety of interesting topics such as the ADF Gap Year, the Enterprise Network for Young Australians, unusual occupations, Medicare and more.

Have a look at  www.year12whatnext.gov.au.

 

27 October 2009

Australian Apprenticeships

Did you know Australian Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age with or without a secondary school certificate or other qualification? You can be a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or an adult worker simply wishing to change careers.

Australian Apprenticeships are available in a variety of qualifications levels in more than 500 occupations across Australia, in traditional trades, as well as a diverse range of emerging careers in most sectors of business and industry.

They combine time at work with training and can be full-time, part-time or school-based to give you a nationally recognised qualification and the experience you need to get the job you want.

For more information contact your local Australian Apprenticeships Centre.

 

12 October 2009

Indigenous employment and business

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is committed to the Australian Government’s goal of reducing Indigenous disadvantage including halving the employment gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade.

The reformed Indigenous Employment Program will make employment and training services more responsive to the specific needs of Indigenous job seekers, Indigenous businesses and employers.

It aims to:

• create jobs in areas that have previously been part of the CDEP program
• increase public sector employment to reflect Indigenous working age population share by 2015
• build strategies that will contribute to the closing the gap targets
• strengthen government procurement policies to maximise Indigenous employment.

For more information browse through the reformed Indigenous Employment Program.

28 September 2009

Careers

A career is the sum total of paid and unpaid work, learning and life roles you undertake throughout your life.

The term 'career' was traditionally associated with paid employment and referred to a single occupation. In today's world of work the term 'career' is seen as a continuous process of learning and development. Contributions to a career can include:

• Work experience
• Community involvement
• Employment
• Life roles
• Enterprise activities
• Cultural activities
• Training
• Education
• Interests
• Sport
• Volunteer work.

As you gain more experience in the world of work and undertake a variety of life experiences, you are building your unique career path. All life experiences, including paid work, sporting interests and managing a household should be drawn upon as evidence to a potential employer that you are the right person for the job.

See Career Development and Career: more than just a job. 

 

15 September 2009

Job Seeker ID (JSID)

Job seekers often ask about Job Seeker Identification (JSID) and Job Services Australia cards. These terms are sometimes included in our vacancy descriptions.

A JSID is a job seeker identification number. You are not required to hold a JSID or Job Services Australia card to apply for positions on JobSearch. They are preferred, but not required, for some positions. If the agency or employer indicates that you require a JSID or Job Services Australia card to apply for a job, they are in breach of their contractual obligations. You should call the Customer Service hotline 1800 805 260 and register your concerns, which will be investigated.

A JSID and Job  Services Australia card are issued to job seekers who are eligible for Job Services Australia (JSA) assistance. They are issued to job seekers by JSA providers or Centrelink after their eligibility for JSA assistance has been confirmed.

You are may be eligible for JSA assistance so long as you are not:

• working in paid employment for 15 hours or more each week
• a full-time student (unless you are only looking for an apprenticeship or traineeship)
• an overseas visitor on a working holiday visa
• prohibited by law from working in Australia

Check your eligibility at your nearest Centrelink office.

If you meet the above criteria but do not currently receive, or you wish to apply for, a Centrelink benefit or payment, you can register for JSA assistance by going directly to a JSA provider in your area. Find your local JSA provider

If you wish to reactivate your Job Seeker ID (JSID), you will need to contact Centrelink 13 28 50.

 

7 September 2009

Adult Learners’ Week

The first week in September is International Adult Learners’ Week. It began in America in the late 1980’s with a move to celebrate, promote and encourage lifelong learning. Since then, organisers in more than forty countries prepare learning festivals every year that not only raise awareness of the need to create more opportunities for adults to learn, but celebrate the efforts and achievements of the thousands who find the courage to 'take that first step back'.

In Australia this year, as well as the many celebratory events and workshops taking place around the country during Adult Learners’ Week, adult learning activities are planned throughout the year.

Many of the most successful events take place in venues that adults find accessible, friendly, and familiar, such as cafes, bars, community centres, on public transport, sports grounds or town halls.

To find out what’s on in your local area, go to the Adult Learners’ Week Online Calendar.

 

1 September 2009

Indigenous jobs site

The federal Minister for Employment Participation, Senator Mark Arbib, launched Australia’s first national Indigenous employment website yesterday. The site, called Indigenous Jobs Australia, aims to make it simple for government, businesses and Indigenous Australians to access information resources as well as optimise employment opportunities.

The website brings key Aboriginal employment organisations such as the Australian Employment Covenant and Aboriginal Employment Strategy together with employers who actively seek to hire Indigenous people. Job seekers using the site will find it easy to search for full-time, sustainable employment.

Click on this link to browse through the new website indigenousjobsaustralia.com.au.

 

20 August 2009 

How to contact JobSearch

If you need help using JobSearch or need some advice about Job Services Australia, you can phone the Job Seeker Hotline 13 62 68. Hotline staff are available to help you search for jobs, upload your resume, locate your local Job Services Australia provider, or provide advice about Government-funded employment services.

If you need to contact an employer who has advertised their job on JobSearch, we recommend you use the contact method included in the employer’s job advertisement.

To contact employment service providers, including Job Services Australia providers, you can find their contact details in our find a provider pages.

If you have a question or comment about the JobSearch website, you can email us using the form on the contact JobSearch page. We’re genuinely interested in hearing from you about your experiences using JobSearch, and use your feedback to update the website.

 

30 July 2009

Fair Work Australia

Australia’s new national workplace relations system, Fair Work Australia, was launched on 1 July 2009.  As an independent body with power to carry out a range of functions relating to wages and employment, enterprise bargaining, and other workplace matters, Fair Work Australia covers the majority of workplaces in Australia.

Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman gives advice and helps people understand their workplace rights and responsibilities. If you have a question relating to your workplace, the Fair Work Ombudsman website is a good place to start. The Fair Work Ombudsman works with employees, employers, contractors and the community to promote harmonious, productive and cooperative workplaces.

Fair Work Online

The Fair Work Online website provides an easy way to get the up-to-date information you’ll need on the new system. Use the link below to find information and advice about Australia’s new national relations system.

Fair Work Online - www.fairwork.gov.au
Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94 (Mon – Fri 8.00am – 6.00pm local time)

 

3 July 2009

Job Services Australia

Job Services Australia was launched on 1 July 2009 and has replaced the previous employment service, Job Network. Job Services Australia offers personalised help and tailored services to job seekers - targeting their individual needs. 

While you are looking for work, you will get access to more training opportunities and work experience to help you find and keep a job.

Job Services Australia providers

Job Services Australia providers are organisations contracted by the Australian Government to provide employment services and are located in more than 2000 towns, cities and rural sites around the country.

Your local Job Services Australia provider will be your first port of call for all your employment and job search needs. They will work with you one-on-one to help develop and enhance your skills — for the job or training that’s right for you.

Visit the Job Services Australia website for more information

Find a Job Services Australia provider

 

1 July 2009

Drafting that cover letter

Ready to put in your job application and stuck on the cover letter? Don’t forget the cover letter is just as important as your application or resume. Here are some tips to help you write a good cover letter.

• Customise every cover letter. Ensure it is relevant to the employer and position your are applying for.
• Before starting your letter, clearly identify what skills and experience the employer is looking for. Check the job description and highlight the qualities that make you the perfect match for the position.
• Focus on what the employer wants to know. Try to convince them that you can do the job and that you’ll fit in and be an asset to the organisation.
• Make sure you include your contact details.
• In the opening paragraph, explain the purpose of your letter. Mention the position you are applying for and where it was advertised.
• In the closing paragraph thank the employer for taking the time to review your application. Also mention any attachments including your resume and any work examples.
• Keep your letter to no more than one page – the employer should be reading your resume in detail, not your cover letter.

18 May 2009

Job matches

Do you sometimes wonder why you are not getting any job matches, even ‘though you have completed all the fields in your job match profile? Its worth reviewing the information you originally entered into your profile and checking your keywords, to ensure that you give yourself the best possible chance of being matched to a great job.

1. Log in to your personal profile.
2. Select Job match profile in the left hand menu.
3. Select the Keywords tab and ensure your keywords match your skills.
4. Select the Occupations tab and nominate the occupation to which you wish to be matched.

A good idea for finding the right words to define your skills is to check out the Job Outlook website. Select your occupation from the alphabetical search, read the overview and tasks description, then click on ‘Browse Skills’. You will then have found a description of tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities that you can use for your keywords.

You can find a link to Job Outlook under Career information in the left hand menu, or go to www.joboutlook.gov.au.

 

21 April 2009

Sending applications to employers

Looking for a new job is rarely easy and can be one of the hardest things you will have to do in your working life. It is easy to get discouraged, and many job seekers find one of the most discouraging aspects is when they don't hear from the employers that they have applied to.

We have a few suggestions that may help with your job hunting:

• Contact the employer or agency directly to see how your application is progressing.
• Register with as many employment agencies as possible, including a JNM and Job Placement Licensed Organisations - the more people you have working on your behalf the better.
• A large number of jobs are never advertised - they are filled through word of mouth. Make sure you are sending your resumé to companies and building up networks of people.
• Check out as many employment websites as possible. Go to Key links from the left hand menu, and then select Job board links. This will display links to a number of other employment sites. 

To keep a record of the jobs you have applied for we suggest that you create a spreadsheet or table and record the position title, Job ID and the date of application. When you send off an application, assume it has been received by the employer and don’t expect to be notified. That way, you’ll avoid any disappointment.

 

6 March 2009

Immediate employment services to support retrenched workers

To support Australian workers during a global recession the Government announced a $298.5 million additional investment in employment services in Australia.

Under this initiative all workers who obtain a letter of redundancy from their employer and present it to Centrelink will be eligible for immediate employment assistance.

To read about the types of assistance available, go to the

 Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website.

 

27 February 2009

Creating a stand out resume

Your resume communicates your education, work history, training and skills.

Here are some tips for having a stand out resume:

• Keep your resume up to date and customise it to suit individual employers and positions. JobSearch makes this easy, by allowing you to keep up to three resumes in your profile
• Keep your resume to one or two pages
• Dot points and headings are great to let employers scan the key points quickly
• Provide your contact details, including your name, email address and phone number
• Ensure your career objective matches the job you have applied for
• Provide relevant work history, including volunteering and work experience. Include the job title, employer, and the period of employment
• If you haven’t had any previous employment, focus on the skills and experience you have gained through school, study, work experience, life experience and hobbies
• Include your demonstrated skills, learnt through previous work experience, training or volunteering
• Provide all relevant education and training qualifications. Include the name of the institution, course title and the date you completed the course
• Include the name, position and contact details for referees. It’s a good idea to let your referees know that you are including them in your resume
• Run the spell check over your resume, and get someone to proof read it
• Use our resume builder in your JobSearch profile to help you build your resume and have it handy to email employers

For help uploading your resume to JobSearch, please contact the Job Seeker Hotline 13 62 68.

For comments and suggestions for the job seeker blog, please email us at ajs@deewr.gov.au.