Get help to pay the bills
Often when you are looking for support finding a job, it means you have been out of work for a while. The first thing we can help with is paying the bills.
If you're struggling with debts, talk to the National Debt Helpline. They offer free, independent and confidential advice.
If you want help to budget better, use MoneySmart.
You may also be eligible for Centrelink Job seeker benefits and some Victorian Government concessions and benefits.
Regain confidence
When you have been unemployed for a while it can be very stressful. Use the Better Health Channel's Stress busters for support.
The Better Health Channel also offers help on retrenchment and financial loss and how to cope with the feelings that result from it.
Unemployment can also make existing mental health conditions worse or cause new ones to form. For support with a range of mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety, visit The Better Health Channel’s Mental Health Services page.
Preparing correctly can help build confidence and increase the chances of success when applying for jobs. Here’s how.
Understand your strengths
Take a career quiz, such as this one on the Your Career website to see which jobs you'll thrive in.
Explore job options
Knowing there are jobs available is an important first step in narrowing down your options. Look at job listings, try different search terms and see what your skills or background might be suited to. You can also learn about what jobs have a shortage of workers, such as a skills priority list.
If you want to make a difference, consider a Job that matters to support women fleeing family violence, children needing care or Victorians with disability wanting support.
You may also be considering starting a business. Visit Business Victoria to see if starting a business is right for you.
Learn new skills
Skills and Job Centres offer free, personalised career planning support. There is one at every TAFE in Victoria.
Find your closest Skills and Jobs Centre
If you're thinking about a different job, Job Switch can give you other options based on your current job.
We're also currently offering Free TAFE for in demand courses.
You may be able to get financial assistance for training and other expenses - check your eligibility for Skills First funding
You may also need a check or a licence such as a Working with children check. You can get these through Service Victoria.
Get support that suits your needs
Help applying for jobs can be different depending on where you are in your jobs journey. Find the journey that matches yours below to learn how we can help.
- Visit a skills and job centre for free qualified, independent advice and support on training, career planning and finding a job in your local area
- Learn about high-demand industries
- Learn about apprenticeships and traineeships
- Under 25: Youth Central includes how to create a resume, job application letter, get work experience and nail an interview
- Moving from overseas: Live in Melbourne includes information on visas, qualification transfers and understanding the Australian job market
Interested in a career in government?
If you're interested in a government job visit Careers Victoria. Anyone can apply, and we offer additional pathways to jobs in government for young people, Aboriginal people and people with a disability.
Make sure you can get paid
When you start, your employer should ask you to:
- fill in a Tax File Number declaration
- give them details of your preferred superannuation fund
- provide your bank account details (you can get this information from your bank)
Know your rights at work
To understand your rights in detail, find out whether you are classified as an employee or a contractor.
To know the basic rights for every employee in Australia, including the minimum wage and safety requirements, find out more about:
- your pay and conditions from the Fair Work Commission
- workers’ rights from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
- work and your health from from the Better Health Channel
- workplace safety claims from WorkSafe Victoria
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