Job Search Tips

When to look for work

Develop your work skills from first year. Employers value customer service, team work and leadership skills gained through part time and casual work.
In second year, apply for internships and vacation work programs which are advertised early each semester.
In 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.
Jobs on Campus
CareerOne
Seek
JobTed
Smart Jobs for Queensland Government vacancies
GradAustralia - download the Business Career Guide - JCU e-book
GradAustralia - download the Law Career Guide - JCU e-book
GradAustralia - download the STEM Career Guide - JCU e-book
GradConnection
Graduate Opportunities – download the JCU e-book
Indeed
Queensland Greater Graduate Portal
Consider registering with employment agencies such as Hays, Signature Staff, Staffing Solution, CBC Staff, Precruitment and Kelly Services.

View our resources including discipline specific resume exemplars and career snapshots for targeted job search tips and information.

Volunteer work

Volunteering can be a good way to gain experience, learn new skills, make new contacts and obtain a reference.

The hidden job market

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.

Applying for work

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 from the CareerHub (see 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.

University Specialist Employment Partnerships (USEP)

USEP is a free, on-campus employment service that supports graduating or graduated students with a disability (including mental health conditions) who are seeking a final year placement or graduate employment.

The service is available to JCU students in their final year or within one year of graduation who have identified as having a disability and/or who access support from the University due to their disability.

See the USEP webpage for benefits and registration information.

Referees

Be sure to request permission of your referees before you nominate them in your job application.
Keep your referees informed – they need to know what you are applying for so that they are prepared when an employer contacts them to find out more about you.
Your current/most recent Supervisor/Manager is preferred. An Academic referee may also be suitable. Avoid personal referees.
If possible, use Australian referees for an Australian based job.
If using an overseas referee we recommend email contact only.

Useful links

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