LOOKING FOR WORK

Being well prepared when looking for work improves your chances of finding a job. It is important to set yourself realistic career goals and plan how you are to go about achieving these goals.

Here are some important steps:

• Register with Centrelink (see Where to Get Help when Looking for Work);
• Find out about opportunities that exist for people in your occupation in Australia;
• Decide on the type of work you want to do now and in the future;
• Prepare documents that give information about your personal, educational and work history
• Determine what skills and knowledge you already have to do this type of work and if you need to gain additional skills and knowledge; for example, do you need to:
  - Improve your English?
  - Do more training or refresher courses?
  - Get some Australian work experience?

If you need care for your children in order to work, study or look for work, remember that most children's services have long waiting periods. Place your child's name on waiting lists for child care centres as part of this preparation stage. Contact your Local Council about the services available in your area. Councils are listed in the Telstra white pages, under individual Council names. Also, some education and training agencies have childcare facilities and a few employers provide child care in the workplace.