Finding advertised positions
Jobs are advertised both online and through the print media such as newspapers and industry magazines.
Tips to make the most of the advertised job market:
- use a full range of job sites - so you don’t miss opportunities
- become skilled in ‘reading’ job advertisements - to avoid applying for positions which are not suitable or not applying for positions which are suitable!
Use a full range of sources
Develop your own list of job boards. Include all major job sites, and also sites specific to your field and interests. Not all jobs are advertised on all sites. Your list of sources might include:
- Major internet sites,
- Industry-specific sites – identify by asking people in your field, or do an internet search eg jobs + environment. Some examples of industry-specific job sites include: Environmental Jobs Network, Arts Hub (available free of charge through the Baillieu library), Science People,
- Job boards on employer sites,
- Job boards on Professional Association sites (Online Career Tools - Career Research has lists of Professional Associations),
- Specialist recruiter sites – check which recruiters are advertising in your field on job sites,
- Newspapers e.g. The Age - especially the Saturday Age, Weekend Australian.
‘Reading’ job advertisements
Learning to ‘read’ or assess an advertisement will help you make the most of your applications – not wasting time applying for ‘long shots’ (if the advert says ‘substantial experience’ and you have none, then it’s not the job for you!), and not missing opportunities because you don’t value what you have to offer.
It’s easy to miss opportunities by reading advertisements too narrowly. For example:
- Qualifications – don’t be limited by the disciplines or qualifications specified; think about whether your course has provided relevant skills. Employers may not be aware of all relevant courses.
- Experience – where some experience is asked for or preferred, don’t be put off if you have little experience - emphasise your skills and qualities instead
- Selection Criteria – don’t expect to meet every criterion fully. 70-80% is a ballpark figure.