Careers and Employability Find a job Job Search Tips
Job Search Tips
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When to look for work
- First year: develop your work skills. Employers value customer service, team work and leadership skills gained through part time and casual work.
- Second year: apply for internships and vacation work programs which are advertised early each semester.
- Final year: students can apply for graduate programs, which are open from March each year for employment in the following year.
Where to look for work
- JCU CareerHub - exclusive to JCU students and graduates. Search for job listings ranging from part-time, vacation work, internships, graduate and volunteering. Use your JCU username and password to log in.
- Volunteering can be a good way to gain experience, learn new skills, make new contacts and obtain a reference. There are often volunteer roles available for students on campus.
- CareerOne
- Seek
- JobTed
- Smart Jobs for Queensland Government vacancies
- GradAustralia
- GradConnection
- Indeed
- Queensland Greater Graduate Portal
- Consider registering with employment agencies such as Hays, Signature Staff, Staffing Solution, CBC Staff , Precruitment and Kelly Services.
In regional areas of Australia many job opportunities may not be advertised. We recommend you use all available networks to seek employment. Talk with fellow students, JCU staff, roommates and sporting teams. You could also join a club; there are several at JCU. Check them out at Market Day or contact the JCU Student Association.
- Prepare a resume and cover letter. Handouts with information and examples are available from our office on the first floor of the Library in Cairns and Townsville or download them here Resources.
- Meet with the Careers and Employability team for feedback on your application.
- Always follow employers' instructions when applying for an advertised job.
- If you are taking your resume to local businesses in person, be sure to dress appropriately. Your personal presentation is important.
- Find out about pay rates
- Get a Tax File Number
- Fairwork for award pay rates, flexible working arrangements, leave, terminations and complaints
- Myfuture has information on unpaid work, trials and skills demonstrations.
International students on study visas have different work limitations. Please check the work conditions for your own visa before applying for work.
JCU's International Students website provides relevant visa information.
For more information on visa working conditions, visit the Department of Home Affairs
View our resources including discipline specific resume exemplars and career snapshots for targeted job search tips and information.