Ideas for looking for jobs

[burty85]

My partner has now got all the kids at school and is now looking for a job, we have looked for the last month applying to many jobs and placing expressions of intrest. She is looking a job in retail. However is proving hard to get any work at them moment.

She has been out of the work force for long time, approx 8yrs, has no trade or cert's.... Still young at 26 and keen to get into the workforce asap.

Fast food is not an option.

There is not many jobs going in our current location (Townsville)....

Any ideas would be welcome,

Cheers,

Luke

 

[Olly]

I don't really know the Townsville area but they say retail is hurting everywhere so wouldn't hold much hope out for a retail job unless she has a certain 'look' that would suit certain shops. (I'm thinking fashion/trendy/surf etc.)

What's her past experience in? Can she do a/some short course(s) to pad her resume and update her skills?

Is she 'into' a particular sport or hobby so she could target those type of shops?

I don't suppose she wants to do childminding?

Walk into the shops and have a chat. You never know - she could be in the right place at the right time.

 

[pennyk]

Hi,
Is she applying in person, or in writing?
For retail, particularly in a local area, I think its better to apply in person, and just walk around giving out her resume.
Although not traditional retail, I would also look at industrial zones and again, just wander around and see if anyone has jobs going.

If she cant find anything soon, then its probably worthwhile getting some qualifications, so its a bit easier.

 

[burty85]

She did a lot of both, in person and online as most of the bigger shops this is now the only way...

She would love to get into photography or work in a florist store, we have looked at the idea of doing some short courses in these areas. This may be the way to go to get that edge.

Once upon a time she would have loved to work in childcare, however I opened my big mouth about how crap it would be to be cleaning up other kids dirty nappies, no chance there now

 

[james start]

i was in a doctors surgery today and spoke to young girl (about 28) that was working as a doctors assistant/receptionist, she had just come from working in hospitality with no prior experience in the health field, maybe you could email your cv off to all the local surgeries?

check also local surfclubs, large pubs and taverns for maybe a inhouse office/reception/hr/data entry/tab person,

email local real estate offices for receptionist vancancies

do you have a casino in townsville? most casinos will train up dealers and the money and hours is quite good (my good friend did this and loved it lol)

just some ideas

 

[Sheryn]

we have looked at the idea of doing some short courses in these areas. This may be the way to go to get that edge.

Certificate III courses have a work experience component in them which is a good way to get a job. Ring your local TAFE this week and see if there are any vacancies in any courses.

If she has not worked for a long time - attending a face to face class is good rather than online.


Cheers
Sheryn

 

[womble66]

not for everyone but my partner was in the same situation but found domestic home cleaning an area that seemed to be in high demand and was relatively easy to get into either as an employee or as self employment.

she enjoys it and only works 4 days a week and only the hours that suit her which is about 5-6hrs a day.

only draw back is she doesn't get paid for the travel time between clients.

she is going to set herself up to be a sub-contractor (self-employed) to the same company after july so she can get paid a bit more and also take on private clients as she always gets asked to do more just through word of mouth referals but she is not in the position to do cash jobs (theres a reason) and they dont want to book via the company.

 

[weg]

I spoke with a friend the other day who left her job in RE a few month ago to do a short course in disabilities and youth work - not sure which, but it wasn't TAFE.

She's in Bundaberg and says there is quite a bit of work available in that area, and she herself has scored a job with Endeavour Foundation.

Endeavour are across QLD so if she's interested it might be worth ringing them and enquiring about courses and work available.

 

[Olly]

There seems to be a lot of jobs in the care industry if this interests her at all. Needs some quals of course - TAFE.

My friend has done aged care - big demand there.
Another care job included car and phone and involved going to peoples places and could have meant doing anything that was needed. Cleaning, shopping, playing cards, showering them, minding someone while the carer went out shopping etc. (Aged & disability)
She currently works in a respite place and once again does whatever they want. If they want to watch TV - OK. If they want to play games - she plays games. (Disability)

 

[Spades]

Dental assistant,front desk?

http://jobview.careerone.com.au/DEN...ESK-TEAM-Job-TOWNSVILLE-QLD-AU-101664908.aspx

To succeed in the role you should have:



• Certificate III in Dental Assisting

• Minimum 3 years experience in a Dental Assisting Role.​

• High Level of Infection Control techniques.​

• Demonstrates a high level of Empathy.​

• Ability to multi-task and work well within a team

• Professional and friendly Communication Skills.​

• Front office experience.​

• Administration background including computer skills.​



Ideally, you will also have:


• Experience in Exact software

However, we are prepared to train you should you not have any formal dental qualifications.​
All we require is that the candidate is highly motivated, has a positive attitude to work and is prepared to work in a fun environment while delivering the highest standards of dental care .​
Additional to your salary, you will be very well rewarded

 

[Macca]

My wife works in a day program for adults with disabilities, down syndrome, autism type problems.

She takes them on outings and they have simple lessons on life skills etc.

Your wife could volunteer for a day or two to see if she likes it, Google disability services to locate the organisations in your area.

Pay is around the $21.00 p/hr permanent part time with average program 10.00 to 2.00 each day. Some staff do 3 days others 5 a week.

I would think aged caring would also be available but my wife tends to get attached to people so feels that she would be too depressed when the old folk die.

The government has a lot of programs in the "caring" field these days, maybe a visit to an employment agency would provide a list of potential employers.

 

[gottabespotless]

My partner has now got all the kids at school and is now looking for a job, we have looked for the last month applying to many jobs and placing expressions of intrest. She is looking a job in retail. However is proving hard to get any work at them moment.

Unfortunately, this time of the year is not a good time to be searching for a job in retail - the best time to apply is in September/October as employers look to hire staff and have them fully trained and competent in their positions for the busy Christmas period. She would most likely be hired as a casual at first and her hours will drop off come February, but if she proves herself to be a good worker, they may offer permanent part-time work with regular hours.

I hope that your partner's lack of work experience in recent years hasn't dented her confidence in finding work again, because it shouldn't - with a positive attitude; well groomed appearance; a desire to learn and determination, she'll find work. However, the most important asset in getting a job in retail is availability - she needs to make it known that she will be prepared to work any day, nights, weekends, public holidays, etc, if required -it's vital and just the way it is with retail these days. I assume the same would apply to positions in the aged/child care industry. Any employer, large or small, is not going to be interested in someone who (perhaps through necessity due to child care) is fussy about when they can work. In my experience, this seems to be the biggest hindrence to less-skilled/qualified mums returning to the workforce.

I have recently returned to the workforce after being at home with the kids and it has provided a massive boost to every facet of my life - the extra money is simply a bonus!

 

[spridget]

I was in your partners position. I tried putting down all of the wonderful skills I had gathered in child rearing on my resume but no one took them seriously. I applied for everythig including base level public service. It took months but a job came up with the Commonwealth, they gave me heaps of training and I moved on from what was a yuk job to things I enjoyed doing. You can always move within the public service.

 

[wylie]

Does your partner know anybody working in retail well enough to ask them to keep an ear to the ground about any jobs coming up.

I hadn't "worked" for 18 years when last year, aged 50 I scored a casual retail job through someone who worked there already. The latest casual is a young man my son went to school with, and when his resume came in soon after someone else resigned, the timing was right. We get resumes most weeks, but this particular time I knew they would be hiring and of those who put in a resume once we knew there would be a job going, this chap impressed me and when I noticed he went to school with my son, I called my son to ask what he was like.

I believe many jobs happen this way. If she can let a few people know you are keen to find a job, you might be surprised what turns up.

And, tell her to make sure she presents well. I know my boss takes notice of what someone wears to the shop to hand in a resume.

 

[lizzie]

Does your partner know anybody working in retail well enough to ask them to keep an ear to the ground about any jobs coming up.

Yes - as much as we might hate it, the "old boys" network is still the best way to get a job. It seems to be very much who, rather than what, in unskilled positions (and even highly skilled professional ones, as we're finding out).

Retail is hard to get the work too ... my stepdaughter is currently working as a casual (they don't put on permanents) in a gaming store. 6 days a week over Christmas, one day a week currently.

Personally - if I (as an unskilled person) was looking for work - I'd either start my own lawnmowing business, as I've mowed the home lawns for decades now, or apply to Bunnings with my chirpy personality and reno experience.

As it is - I'm in the process of getting my own business off the ground ... supposed to be making prototypes today for my CAD designer but seem to be slacking off during cuppa time.

 

[jclegg]

Just a thought but find some places she would really like to work and approach the owner offering to work for free during a "training" period - a week or two, to sweeten the deal. Then they can see how great she will be.

Another suggestion is start doing volunteer work so she can add to her CV.

 

[Deltaberry]

Honestly, retail is a tough industry.

The businesses are struggling at the moment and the employees are grossly overpaid (ie overpaid relative to what the business makes, hence it doens't make money).

Perhaps do a training course in education - something brief - and then look at that industry. I know someone who's doing a brief government-funded course in interpretation and she thinks it'll be easy to find a decent job after.

 

[Jake D]

Hospitality!!!

This is how I earnt buckets of casual money while at Uni.

1. They will usually train you. (May have to get your own RSA online before applying for some)
2. Many prefer mature staff (Mid-20s wins over the 15 year olds that retail like to hire for their cheap wages)
3. Pay rates are pretty good for unskilled positions. Retail still try to get away with paying $16/hr while most jobs in hotels or pubs start above $20.
4. Working in a hotel? tax-free tips! I used to bank my paycheck as my tips would cover all food and petrol expenses. (I lived with my folks at the time)
5. Uniform provided.
6. Discount holdiays/drinks/retaurant meals. Room service would always make me a club sandwich when I was on the graveyard shift, too.

easiest way to apply is to spend 30 minutes polishing an online resume on seek.com and then bomb every job you think you remotely want. I used to apply for 20 at a time, get 3-5 interviews, 1 or 2 offers.

There is heaps of roles in hotels. Concierge/porter, housekeeping, front desk, room service.

I'm assuming there is some sort of tourist industry in townsville.

 

[RumpledElf]

I should really get myself a casual job that is REGULAR to supplement income. Banks like that kind of stuff. Would also get me out of the house - I pretty much never go out. So this thread is interesting

We don't have hotels out this way that are the hotels most people think of, they're basically pubs, and they are incredibly busy after knockoff time, full of big muscly sweaty farming types. Don't you need a 'responsible serving of alcohol' certificate of triviality to get a bar staff type job?

 

[Jake D]

I did mention that after point 1.
I never got one, personally, but I haven't done any bar work for over 5 years now. I believe they are asked for more often now though. However I also understand you can get them online quite easily for a reasonable (tax deductible) fee. (and that costs and requirements vary state to state)