How to find a job

We can help you develop a job search plan to increase your chances of successfully locating suitable employment opportunities in both the unadvertised and advertised job markets. We encourage you to use multiple job search methods to make your search more effective.

Resources

8 keys to a successful job search

Set goals (for example, you could aim to send out a certain number of job applications per week), put time aside to research employers, set targets to approach companies directly about work, and identify personal contacts to add to your job search network.

Make sure you allow sufficient time for the job search and your other commitments (including study!) and keep records of all your applications and their progress.

Target both advertised jobs and the hidden job market to ensure you maximise your opportunities for employment.

Attend our job search skills workshop and develop the employability skills you need to tap into the job market, grow your networks, and market yourself to employers by:

targeting your job search
applying different job search strategies
uncovering the hidden job market.

Networking in the job search process is about building relationships with people, and using these relationships to find new career opportunities. It’s never too early to start developing your networking skills to build professional networks for both current and future job opportunities. Networking is a key strategy for tapping into the hidden job market. Here are some networking tips:

Building rapport takes time and effort. To be effective, do your research into your target industry and have clear networking objectives. Prepare relevant questions or discussion topics, and build rapport by encouraging the other person to talk about themselves.
One way to build your professional network is to start with people you already know and ask them to introduce you to their relevant contacts. You can add to this network by becoming a student member of your relevant professional association. You can approach other members, organisations of interest, business councils, relevant conferences, previous places of employment and through academics. Careers Fairs and Employer Presentations and other career events on campus and volunteering for relevant organisations also offer opportunities for networking. You can even network when you join and actively participate in relevant online forums or discussion lists.
If you’re from another culture or country, ensure you’re aware of the culturally acceptable ways of networking in Australia. Observe others or seek out a mentor who can provide feedback.
Always follow up with a thank you note or email, and consider sharing an article of interest that could benefit the other person to thank them for their time.
As a graduate, you can connect with other alumni via University of Sydney Alumni networks.
Attend a networking career skills workshop. Develop contacts, connect with other people, practice your opening lines and make a positive impression by learning how to tap into and expand your current networks, identify opportunities to connect with professionals in your industry, network online, at events and in one-to-one situations.

This will allow you to make informed decisions about employers to approach regarding work. Find out everything you can about any organisations and potential roles with them before you approach employers. Sources of information include industry publications, professional associations, the University Library's resource guide for researching organisations and industries, organisations' websites and annual reports, as well as information from the press using databases such as Factiva.

Many people seek to align themselves with an organisation that is committed to values common to their own. Indexes that rate organisational performance against a range of measures include Kincentrics Best Employers in the Asia Pacific and the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

Hidden vs advertised job markets

Not all jobs are advertised. You can increase your chances of finding a job when you learn about the hidden job market.

Apply multiple job search strategies and proactively build your networks by approaching and speaking to employers, recruiters and people working within the industry.

Three people sitting in front of laptop speaking casually

You can be proactive and approach employers directly, even when they aren't advertising a vacancy.

Have a well-developed idea: be clear about what kind of industry you would like to work in, the sort of jobs you are seeking and what you seek in an employer to help you target your job search in the hidden job market.
Choose your method of contact: whether to approach via phone, email, or in-person will depend on the size and type of organisation, the culture of the industry and your comfort level with different communication options.
Write a speculative application: prepare a resume and cover letter and tailor both of these to each organisation, demonstrating your research and awareness of how you could fit. Find out to whom you should address your enquiry. Follow up with a phone call a week or two afterwards if you haven’t heard anything from the organisation. This will also show you are serious and motivated.

Remember to do your research.

Information interviews

Learn about jobs and industries directly from the experts. The purpose of an information interview is to talk to an individual working in an occupation or career area you are interested in and would like to learn more about to get an insider’s perspective. They can be conducted in person or on the telephone.

Start with your personal networks and find out if your tutors, colleagues, friends or family know anyone in your field of interest. You can also look at the websites of professional associations, LinkedIn, Chambers of Commerce, or the websites of companies that interest you. Look for people who are a few years ahead of you in their career progression.

You can contact your potential interviewee via email or phone. Let them know who referred you to them or briefly explain how you obtained their details. Be very clear about the purpose of your call/email and emphasise that you are only asking for information and advice.

Prepare for the meeting by researching the organisation and the person you’ll be speaking with. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to prepare relevant questions.

Prepare a list of questions in advance. These should be well-thought-out, open-ended questions based on the information you are hoping to gain. Some examples include:

How did you get into this career?
What skills and qualities do you need to be successful in this field?
What are the best and worst aspects of your work?
What is the workplace culture like in your company?
What would be involved in a typical day?
What advice would you have for a new graduate wishing to enter this industry?
What are the typical entry-level jobs in this field?
Is there a particular type of experience I should gain while studying?
What do you wish you had known when you were a student or new graduate?
(If appropriate) Could we keep in touch/connect on LinkedIn?

It is good practice to send a thank you email after the interview has taken place, ideally the same day as the interview. Record any useful information you received and follow up promptly if your interviewee has suggested any further action such as contacting one of their colleagues or sending a copy of your resume. It may also be appropriate to contact them when you have found a job and thank them for their assistance.

Are you prepared to be Googled by a prospective employer? It’s never too early to start building your professional presence online. Present a positive image to your future employer by curating your social media accounts to showcase your strengths.

Harness social media to aid your job search, research career options and make connections.

LinkedIn is a social networking platform designed specifically for professional purposes. Signing up allows you to join industry discussion groups, research career options, and make connections to grow your professional network.

Employers don’t expect you to have lots of relevant industry experience while you’re still studying – but they do expect you to have LinkedIn. Employers use the professional social network to search for potential employees and to research and vet applicants.

It’s never too early to start building your professional presence online. From your first year of university, your LinkedIn profile can include extracurricular activities, volunteer work, casual work and study related projects. This shows employers that you have transferable professional competencies, like communication skills, a collaborative approach and the ability to take initiative.

Complete your profile and use keywords relevant to your industry. Profiles which are marked as ‘complete’ and contain industry relevant keywords are more likely to show up in a search.
Include a photo and make sure the picture is clear, appropriate for your industry and recognisable as you. You’d never create a Facebook, Instagram or Tinder profile without a photo or with a rushed bio – but these steps are often missed on LinkedIn. Ask a friend to take a professional-looking headshot for you. LinkedIn users with a photo receive up to 21 times more profile views and up to 36 times more messages.
Write your own headline. LinkedIn’s default settings will display your current job or course of study below your name as your ‘headline’ (eg, Jane Citizen: Customer service at UniCafé). Customise your headline to be relevant to your future career (eg, Jane Citizen: Analytical & innovative science student at the University of Sydney).
Write a concise summary. Your summary tells the reader who you are and what you have to offer. Draw attention to your best assets and define your career direction.
Ask for recommendations. A LinkedIn recommendation is a short reference that offers evidence of your employability. Suitable referees include former managers, academic supervisors, clients or collaborators.
Your profile should not contradict your resume. Your resume and profile are not expected to be identical, however, they should not contradict each other. Keep dates and job titles consistent.

Learn more about how to build a great student profile on LinkedIn.

View your social media presence from an employer’s perspective

Type your name into Google and find out what information about you is publicly available. Adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts to ensure that you project a professional image. Keep in mind that any comments you make in an open forum will be visible to the public so make sure you think before you post.

Research career paths

Not quite sure where your degree could lead you? You can use LinkedIn’s search function to research the career paths of alumni from your faculty or school, or of people in your targeted industry. Just remember that LinkedIn notifies users when you view their profile, although you can browse in private mode.

Join discussion groups and forums

Keep you up-to-date with industry news and show employers that you’re engaged and interested, by participating in LinkedIn groups and forums.

Follow organisations and public figures of interest on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter

This is another way to research your industry and your target organisations. Opportunities such as competitions, open days or even live job vacancies are often posted on social media.

Choose the appropriate platform to connect

Consider whether the relationship you are looking to develop is primarily professional or personal. LinkedIn is usually the best option for connecting with recruiters and people employed in your industry of choice.

Making connections

When it comes to making connections on LinkedIn, start with people you already know - fellow students, employers, colleagues, volunteer and extracurricular contacts. Gradually add more contacts as you meet them. Your current connections can introduce you to their relevant networks. Remember your classmates are your future professional network.

If you attend a careers fair, employer information session or networking event, be sure to follow-up by sending a personalised invitation to the people you met, reminding them who you are and why you’d like to connect. Don’t send copy/paste messages asking for jobs; instead, take the time to talk to each person and ask them questions.

Create your personal brand and portfolio

Use LinkedIn to share blog posts, photo essays, assignments and links to your work online. This is one of the best ways to build your network. It keeps you fresh in the minds of your connections and allows second and third-degree connections to see your posts in their newsfeeds.

If reposting articles, ensure you choose posts from trusted sources that demonstrate your professional interest and knowledge of your target industry. Choose quality over quantity – don’t post for the sake of posting.

Not sure where to find quality content? Browse through LinkedIn for inspiration from the influencers and leaders.

Showcase your creative skills

Are you studying in a creative field? Why not write a blog, create your own YouTube channel or design a themed Instagram account? There are numerous platforms available, do your research to find out which are commonly used in your industry.

Attend a social media career skills workshop

Learn to develop and maintain an effective LinkedIn profile and harness multiple social media platforms to support your job search including:

Building a profile and networks on LinkedIn
Considering your existing social media presence in the context of job search
Using social media for industry research and to identify job opportunities
Determining the appropriate platform for your industry

Bring your laptop or device along to create or edit your LinkedIn profile as we work through a live demonstration of the top LinkedIn features.

Register on CareerHub

Where jobs are advertised

Identify advertised jobs via the Sydney CareerHub job database, online job boards, recruiters, company websites and professional associations.

There are numerous other websites that list job vacancies advertised by employers and employment agencies. Familiarise yourself with the full range of job search sites which are available and check that the site is reputable and authentic.

General job search websites

Sites where you can look for work in any industry, e.g. SEEK and LinkedIn.

Graduate job search websites

Sites with a graduate employment focus, e.g. GradConnection and Prosple

Specialised job search websites

Sites that recruit for specific industries. These may be linked to professional associations or industry websites and publications.

Assessing job search websites

Before you use a job search website you should check out the following to ensure they are authentic and reputable.

What does the site offer?

Some sites offer only job listings, while others also offer additional things such as networking opportunities, discussion groups, and articles with job search tips.

How frequently are the listings updated?

If you see a lot of listings that are at least 30 days old, or only a few from the current week, then consider if that site is worth using.

Who runs the site?

Check the 'About Us' link that's on every major job website. If you don't recognise the company running the site, Google them to check if they are legitimate.

What does their privacy policy say?

Check out each site's privacy policy to make sure your information won't be shared with any third parties.

Is there a fee?

Many job search sites are free, but some charge a fee for advanced services.

Recruitment agencies are often useful when looking for temporary, contract or permanent work, so you may consider registering with a recruitment agency. They are independent organisations engaged by employers to source and screen prospective candidates for job vacancies. They advertise job vacancies, and screen and interview candidates on behalf of employers.

There is no cost to candidates for using the services of a recruitment agency. A good recruitment agent will serve the needs of both their client (the employer) as well as the job seeker.

Temporary and contract jobs

If you accept an offer for a temporary or contract job, you will sign a contract with the recruitment agency. It is important to note that when a temporary or contract job is secured through an agency, you are an employee of the agency, not the employer. The agency pays your salary and manages the relationship between you and the employer.

Permanent jobs

If you accept the offer of a permanent job then you will be employed directly by the organisation, not the recruitment agency. The agency is paid a commission for successfully finding an appropriate candidate for the role.

Types of employment

Casual and part-time jobs

Casual and part-time work provides the opportunity to build on your employability skills while studying. Whether or not you need the income, casual and part-time work is beneficial because employers prefer to hire students who have had experience in the workplace. Developing transferable communication, teamwork, problem-solving and organisation skills, makes you more employable.

Internships and vacation work

The semester break is a perfect time to take on an internship or vacation work. Working within a company gives you the chance to learn the inner workings of the organisation and helps develop your professional skills.

What is an internship?

An internship is structured work experience, providing you with practical experience that complements your academic studies and sets you up for the graduate workforce. These are paid work opportunities that are directly related to your degree, and offered to penultimate-year students.

There are many benefits to taking on an internship or vacation work. Internships:

help you apply your skills and gain on-the-ground experience
build your networks and boost your chances of being offered a graduate position at the end of your degree
boost your income
are compulsory for some degrees like Engineering.

Occasionally, students seek unpaid work in order to develop degree-related skills. According to the Fair Work Act, some unpaid work arrangements are lawful and others are not. It is important you are aware of what constitutes a lawful unpaid work arrangement under the Fair Work Act.

Positions are generally advertised early to mid-year. Here’s how to find an internship:

Check job vacancies on Sydney CareerHub and sign up for the automated newsletter under 'Communication Settings'.
Search for Undergraduate Programs on the Graduate Opportunities website.
Attend the Graduate Jobs and Internships Fairs held in Autumn and Spring.
Target the organisations you’d like to work for by visiting the employment section of their websites. To apply, you will need to send potential employers a targeted cover letter and resume. Attend our career skills workshops for key advice on writing an effective application.
Don’t be afraid to be proactive and approach employers directly, asking them about vacation/internship opportunities.

We connect with organisations daily to increase career opportunities for USYD students. We want to know more about your dream internship, to help us find the most relevant opportunities.*

Fill in the following form to submit your ‘Internship Expressions of Interest (EOI)'. All paid internships will be advertised on the University of Sydney’s Careers Centre CareerHub when available.

*Please note that submitting this form does not mean the Careers Centre will source an internship specifically for you, nor can we guarantee finding your ideal internship. If you need to arrange an unpaid placement for course credit, please contact your faculty for further assistance here.

Volunteer work and extracurricular activity

Volunteering provides the opportunity to contribute to the community and build the skills employers value while studying.

What is volunteer work?

Volunteering is unpaid work, generally with not-for-profit or community-based organisations both in Australia and overseas. Volunteer roles can also be positions of responsibility within clubs and societies, many of which can be found on campus, and they can be related to either personal or professional interests and goals.

What are extra-curricular activities?

Extracurricular activities are any activities you engage in outside of your studies, such as sporting, public speaking, special interest groups, the arts, political, educational, environmental, community or cultural activities.

Graduate employers prefer to hire 'well-rounded' graduates. This means they look for graduates who have not just performed well academically, but have engaged in a variety of activities other than their studies. Volunteering gives you the chance to:

gain valuable experience and put your skills to work in a field related to your studies
develop your employability skills
develop contacts and networks in a field relevant to your career goals
make a contribution to society in accordance with your personal values
help your resume stand out from the crowd.

Discover 8 great reasons why you should be a volunteer.

To find volunteering roles, you can either search within a specific cause, sector or organisation, or use your networks to create opportunities. For example, if you are a member of a sporting club you could volunteer to create a newsletter for members or assist them with their bookkeeping.

When looking for volunteer work, search for a role and a cause that you feel passionate about. You should do your research and consider the following questions:

What does the organisation do and what does it stand for? Think about whether it is somewhere that you would like to volunteer. Look at their website, previous projects or annual reports, and read their vision and mission statements to find out more about them.
What types of opportunities are available? Is there something that matches your interests? Is there an opportunity to gain skills and experience related to your degree? Or can you explore future career options?
How much supervision, support and training is provided to volunteers?
Does the organisation have adequate insurance for volunteers? Do they have appropriate policies in place?
How much time are you able to or willing to commit to volunteering? Are you looking for a position that is long-term or short-term? Will it be a continuing obligation or just a one-off involvement? Make sure you can balance your studies, volunteering, work and social commitments.

Employers love to see extracurricular activities on your resume. Graduate employment application forms often ask for details of extracurricular activity, and involvement in extracurricular activity can demonstrate highly sought-after skills such as initiative, drive, leadership, teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills. Extracurricular activities also provide valuable networking opportunities,

Overseas jobs

Gain key information and resources to find work overseas, whether looking for graduate work, an internship, or jobs while travelling or on a gap year.

Gaining international work experience can offer a number of benefits:

Australian employers often value this on a resume as it can indicate high levels of motivation, independence, self-management and communication skills;
Experiencing other cultures can contribute to personal growth and development;
Expanded opportunities for personal travel can be enjoyed.

Check out GoinGlobal, accessible via Sydney CareerHub, which offers valuable country information on local culture, recruitment practices and applications. Research the resume style that is most accepted in the country in which you are seeking work. A resume that successfully won you a job in one country may not meet the conventions of resumes in another country.
Identify local professional associations and industry bodies relevant to your job search. These organisations can provide important information including accreditation and qualifications required to work in their industry, employer directories, industry information, job vacancies and networking opportunities. Some Australian professional associations may have connections with related international associations.
Use online country-based business and phone directories to identify potential employers.
Refer to careers and recruitment information on local university and college websites, where you may find information on graduate recruitment and internships, as well as local application and job search advice.
Connect with your personal and professional networks for local recruitment advice and job contacts. University of Sydney Alumni Chapters based overseas are a good way to do this. Attend Sydney-based events related to international opportunities. These include Employer Information Sessions on campus, as well as careers fairs promoting international graduate recruitment opportunities.
Learn the etiquette of job searching and working in your target country via your networks or online. Visit an international careers fair or employer event here in Australia or in your target country to have your questions answered directly by international employers. Subscribe to Sydney CareerHub to receive the latest news on international events.
Explore other external resources:

International students can apply for graduate recruitment programs in their home country, as well as internships during their study. Organisations offer jobs to Australian university graduates vary each year.

It’s important to start planning your graduate job search early – identify the graduate recruitment closing dates for your country and industry, and research the skills and experience sought by employers.

Graduate jobs

The graduate job market after completing your degree includes tailored graduate programs, public sector jobs and overseas opportunities.

Each year a number of employers across a range of industries offer graduate programs. Students recruited into a graduate program are targeted for development and supported by mentoring, leadership development, training and work rotations throughout the organisation.

The graduate recruitment season starts early, commencing in March each year for jobs starting the following year, so don’t miss out. Keep an eye on Sydney CareerHub for graduate jobs and employers on campus at our careers fairs and employer information sessions. You should also regularly check industry and employer websites.

Graduate public sector jobs

Graduates from all disciplines are employed in the public service across a range of roles. Many public service departments in both the New South Wales and Federal government run graduate programs. To see which agencies are currently recruiting for their graduate programs, visit APS Graduate Programs and I work for NSW. To view all employment opportunities available at the local government level, see Council Jobs.

You might also consider applying for a regular entry level position in the Public Service (usually an APS level 3, 4 or 5). To see the full list of Public Service positions, go to APS Jobs.

Public service job applications

The job application process in the public service can be very different to the process in private sectors. The guide 'Cracking the Code: How to apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service' can help you write your application, including addressing the selection criteria.

Entrepreneurial careers

Gain experience and build the entrepreneurial skills valued by industry, whether you have a business idea to develop or are seeking employment with a startup.

What is a startup?

A startup is not a small version of a larger company. Startups are defined by INCUBATE* as "a fledgling business that is creating a completely new product or service based on technological innovation". They are often doing something completely new and thus are searching for a repeatable and scalable business model, often with the potential for global impact.

* INCUBATE is the startup accelerator and entrepreneur event program developed by the University of Sydney Union.

What is a social enterprise?

A social enterprise is a business that trades to tackle social problems, improve communities, people’s life chances, or the environment. They are usually started by a person or group with a particular passion and sense of purpose to address an identified problem.

Each year a number of employers across a range of industries offer graduate programs. Students recruited into a graduate program are targeted for development and supported by mentoring, leadership development, training and work rotations throughout the organisation.

The graduate recruitment season starts early, commencing in March each year for jobs starting the following year, so don’t miss out. Keep an eye on Sydney CareerHub for graduate jobs and employers on campus at our careers fairs and employer information sessions. You should also regularly check industry and employer websites.

Graduate public sector jobs

Graduates from all disciplines are employed in the public service across a range of roles. Many public service departments in both the New South Wales and Federal government run graduate programs. To see which agencies are currently recruiting for their graduate programs, visit APS Graduate Programs and I work for NSW. To view all employment opportunities available at the local government level, see Council Jobs.

You might also consider applying for a regular entry level position in the Public Service (usually an APS level 3, 4 or 5). To see the full list of Public Service positions, go to APS Jobs.

Public service job applications

The job application process in the public service can be very different to the process in private sectors. The guide 'Cracking the Code: How to apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service' can help you write your application, including addressing the selection criteria.

Many startups do not advertise positions, preferring to hire by word of mouth or referral. Networking within the startup community is absolutely essential, as this is often the best route to find ‘hidden’ positions. Facebook is definitely your friend – so is Twitter and LinkedIn! Follow organisations you are interested in on social media to get their news and openings in your news feed. Other opportunities to network with the entrepreneurial community in Sydney and beyond include meet-ups, startup weekends, workshops and hackathons.
Monitor startups on campus at events like Career Fairs and Employer Information Sessions. Check for advertised vacancies on Sydney CareerHub and on startup-specific job search websites.
If you have a particular startup in mind that you would like to work for, you could approach them directly after doing your research about the organisation.
If you don’t have a business idea but would like to join a startup team and gain work experience in a startup, you can register your skills and interest with INCUBATE.
Keep up with the latest news and insights in the startup space by checking out some of the many online magazines that are on offer. These can help you identify which start ups might be reaching a stage where they are seeking to recruit more employees. You can find links to a selection of these via Sydney Genesis resources.
Explore external resources:

How to find a job

How to find a job

On this page

Resources

8 keys to a successful job search

1. Make a job search plan

2. Use a range of job search strategies

3. Network

4. Know your elevator pitch

5. Research your target industry

6. Have a social media presence

7. Tailor each application

8. Stay confident and remain persistant

Hidden vs advertised job markets

Directly approaching employers

Information interviewing

Information interviews

Benefits

Identifying contacts and organising

Questions to ask

After the interview

Social media and your job search

Building a profile on LinkedIn

Career planning and job search

Make smart connections

Active and selective posting

Attend a social media career skills workshop

Where jobs are advertised

Sydney CareerHub

Job search websites

Organisation and industry-related websites

Recruitment agencies

Professional associations

Types of employment

Casual and part-time jobs

Casual vs part-time

Tips for finding work

Attend a workshop

Internships and vacation work

What is an internship?

Benefits

Tips for finding an internship or vacation work

What's your ideal internship?

Volunteer work and extracurricular activity

What is volunteer work?

What are extra-curricular activities?

Benefits of volunteer work

How to choose a volunteer role

Tips for finding an internship or vacation work

Benefits of extra-curricular activities

Tips for finding extra-curricular activities

Overseas jobs

Benefits of working overseas

Researching jobs and recruitment processes

Essential information

International students

Graduate jobs

Tips for finding graduate jobs

Entrepreneurial careers

What is a startup?

What is a social enterprise?

Working in startups

Tips for finding work in startups