Tips for Finding Casual Work

Lcheapsuit on 20/12/2014 - 09:20

Hi OzBargain!

I'm in a little of a predicament, I only just finished my exams a few days ago and have been trying to find a casual job to fill my time - except a lot of places have already hired for the holiday period!

So my question is, are there any places I should pop my resume in around the Adelaide area that you think would have vacancies? I'm 21, and I've had prior experience as a catering assistant and a order picker at a warehouse, and will be completing my final year in a nutrition related degree next year.

Education & Work

Comments

Steptoe on 20/12/2014 - 10:09

+1

Don't wear a Cheap Suit… and pull your pants up.
iridiumstem on 20/12/2014 - 10:10

+2

Check with your lecturers whether they need a research assitant?

I know it's fairly a long shot, but it's worth a shot.
- cheapsuit on 22/12/2014 - 10:20
  
  I've been working on some research projects with them throughout this last semester and they are ongoing so it is a very good possibility, I'll give it a shot. Thanks!
  - iridiumstem on 22/12/2014 - 20:21
    
    Yeah, the best part about casual works as research assistant is that they actually care about your acadamic works as well :) At least my lecturer goes, yeah, don't work on my work if you have assignments.
2jzzzz on 20/12/2014 - 10:28

+1

Be willing to take anything, keep applying and go talk to shops. I still see signs up asking for Xmas casuals in Melbourne.
- rambutann on 20/12/2014 - 10:35
  
  +2
  
  My suggestion is like this, dont be selective on what you do.
  In my experience retail is quite hard to get a job in because they don't hire many people.
  Also, as you said your timing isnt great to get a new job. Maybe get a job at a catering agency of some sort.
  Just think, where are people going to hire bulk people.
  
  Even maccas wouldnt be a horrible option.
scrimshaw on 20/12/2014 - 10:39

+2
At this time of the year, most places will be already jam packed with casuals working and wouldn't be interested in hiring.

I have to work 12 days in a row…:S good money but it's so tiring to work without a break.

My advice:

Give up on retail and food service — they won't be hiring now. Look in other places

Focus on other niche and specialty areas. Office junior, janitor / cleaning, car wash, warehousing, and jobs at university (as a research assistant, or as some kind of student officer or even an admin).

If you cannot find work, then UPGRADE your skills! Pick up some kind of certification that could be useful. It could even be a forklift license, anything that employers want out of you.

A common newbie mistake is not targeting a resume for a specific job! Always tailor your resume according to what you're applying to. Employees are less likely to be interested if they see a generic resume. Read up on resume guides that your uni provides.

Networking is still the best way of landing a job. You'll need to utilize your friends and family ; ask around and see if someone can help.

If you can't find a job, consider volunteering as an unpaid intern as a way of filling up your resume and earning exp.
- cheapsuit on 20/12/2014 - 17:13
  
  Thanks, great tips!
- Sweetnsour on 23/12/2014 - 10:40
  
  Its not legal working 12 days in a row on retail awards. Even if staff agree to it. Unless of course its with different employers
MITM on 20/12/2014 - 12:50

+1

www.airtasker.com
Think outside the (xmas) box
MITM on 20/12/2014 - 12:55

+2

House Moving companies have high turnover of "muscle". Hard work but people are always moving house.
Take it you're into nutrition and are fit ?
- cheapsuit on 20/12/2014 - 17:09
  
  That's a great idea! Yes, you're spot on!
  - MITM on 21/12/2014 - 11:02
    
    +1
    
    They may pay you an hourly rate (+ 12% super, weekend rates, holiday pay, sick pay) and other "perks" which may not work for some companies,
    some may pay you a flat rate per move (which could work out more than than wages - the faster you work, the more you earn) But leave you to do the administration of your own pay. i.e. declare your income on your tax return.
    
    In which case look into getting an Australian Business Number (ABN) which means you can be on call with multiple companies and might allow you some tax "perks" you can claim on your tax return.
    For example, they may ring your mobile to advise your workload. So you can now claim a portion of your phone AND the phone plan as a business expense.
    
    (cough) You'll probably need to buy a new laptop - to record your income, job addresses, receive emails etc. Depending on the price it may be fully tax deductible in the year you bought it. Then there's your car etc.
    You may know this stuff already - if not, welcome to the world of small business where you can earn your worth and more.
    
    Another thing - house moving is international - so if you decide to travel, you'll always get a job.
    - cheapsuit on 22/12/2014 - 10:19
      
      Wow, that's some very great insight. I'll keep it in mind, thank you.
JediJan on 21/12/2014 - 12:41

+1

Try the stationery companies that sell these items for students; perhaps an order picker job may be available soon.

Select a likely looking block of premises and do the hard yards by walking in, resume in hand, and ask to see who is hiring. Make sure that you leave a resume behind … just in case. This is on the presumption (i was told by hiring company) that most jobs are not advertised. Try to look fresh and keen at every door knock too. Also, every good luck with this; I realise it is a difficult time for looking.
r2160 on 21/12/2014 - 21:56

+1

Best thing I can suggest is this:

You are not too good to do anything. There is no job beneath you.

Good luck
MITM on 10/01/2015 - 12:59

How did you go finding a job ?

Check this website out for when/if you get to London
http://www.manandvan.biz/
Channel 9 did a story last week. It's on this website.

Good luck.

Tips for Finding Casual Work

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