Find a job

Where to look for jobs

These days most jobs are advertised online. Using the internet to find a job allows you to search for jobs by skill, location, industry and salary. There are a number of job search websites specialising in jobs for Indigenous people including:

• The Aboriginal Employment Strategy is an Indigenous recruitment company that has an online job-seeking service.
• Indigenous Jobs Australia connects you with employers looking for Indigenous employees through their online job-seeking service.
• The Australian Public Service runs Indigenous Pathways programs, recruiting Indigenous people into more than 40 Australian government areas.
• The Australian Indigenous Health Info Net lists jobs across Australia that are related to Indigenous health.
• The Australian Employment Covenant has a nationwide job search service that aims to secure sustainable jobs for Indigenous Australians.
• Australian Government jobs
• Australian JobSearch database
• Defence Jobs
• Indigenous Business Australia employs more than 200 people from different cultural backgrounds. They are focused on creating financial independence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Job Services Australia can help you find a job and prepare for work.
• Queensland Government jobs
• Queensland Police Service  
• Deadly Vibe can help you find Indigenous jobs in Australia.

The Yellow Pages lists recruitment companies that can help you find a job in your area.

If you know where you would like to work contact the employer to see if they have any jobs.

Most major newspapers usually have a job section advertising jobs in the Saturday paper. 

Preparing your application

There are a number of online and face-to-face services to help you prepare for a job.

Online

• Application and interview tips help explain the type of information you need to include in your resume, cover letter, selection criteria and during the job interview.
• How to apply for Queensland government jobs shows you how to apply for Queensland government jobs online.
• Resume builder helps you create your own resume online.

Face-to-face services

• Centrelink has information on the types of payments you can get while you are looking for work. They can help you prepare for a job through their Indigenous employment programs. If you don’t have a job seeker identification number, talk to Centrelink.
• Job Futures SEQ offers free services to help you find a job including skills assessment, writing a resume,how to search for a job,  and job placement.
• A Job Services Australia provider can help you find a job and prepare for work.
• The Kooka Book can help you search for an employment service as well as training and assistance program providers close to where you live.
• Mission Australia can help you overcome barriers that may be preventing you from finding and keeping work. They can give you support and training to help you get ready for a job. 

Applying for jobs if you have a criminal history

Depending on the type of jobs you apply for, having a criminal history shouldn’t stop you from getting a job. Some employers might ask you to have a criminal history check, especially if the job has a high level of security like the Queensland Police Service or working for an airline.

If you don’t know if you have a criminal history your local police station can help you find out.

If you think you have been discriminated against because you have a criminal history, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission. 

Legal Aid can provide you with legal advice about criminal convictions. 

What if I don’t get the job?

If you apply for a job and don’t get it, think of it as a chance to learn something new. Ask the employer, recruiter or person who interviewed you for feedback. They may be able to give you tips on how you can improve your resume or interview skills for next time.