Top 5 Pathways To Employment

Let’s face it - putting yourself out there to find, maintain or progress in a career can feel more than a little intimidating - but there are some great hacks, tips and services you can get around to make it a little less painful. 

Thoughts along the lines of “What job do I even want?” ”How do I get it?” “Will I do well in my interview? How the heck do I change careers?” are some common freak-outs, and that’s totally normal.

But you don’t have to suffer in silence, ruminating over the finer deets. 

Did you know, for example, that Careers NSW offers people like you access to their dedicated Careers Practitioners, who offer tailored career advice, as well as linking you up with their experienced Industry Experts for industry insights?

With that in mind, we’re sharing our best kept secrets to make your life easier, transitioning into that confident go-getter and landing the career you deserve.

1. Break it down into more manageable tasks

The first thing to think about when diving into the world of employment, whether you’re just entering the workforce or needing ongoing support, is breaking the process down into achievable tasks. 

There’s actually a lot of help out there to make sure you get where you want to be, on your terms. Did you know, for example, that Careers NSW offers people just like you free, tailored career advice, no matter the stage you’re at in your journey? From invaluable info on how to land a job to resume writing and killer interview techniques, you don’t need to go it alone.

In fact, NSW Careers offers free advice from their Industry Experts who share their knowledge, experience and insights gained through their career journeys, which could definitely help you get a better idea of what a career in that industry actually involves. There are Industry Experts from 8 priority industries at the moment - with more industries to be added in the near future. The 8 current industries are:

• Agriculture
• Construction
• Disability and aged care services
• Energy and utilities
• Hospitality, tourism and recreation
• Information technology
• Manufacturing
• Public service

Appointments with Industry Experts are available to all NSW residents aged 18+, to suss how to get your start or to gain some perspective, you can make an appointment right here. 

After chatting to one of the dedicated Industry Experts at Careers NSW, you might feel empowered to decide which industries and roles you’d be interested in, then create a resume or two tailored to those industries. Once you’ve sorted your resume, the next step is to start applying for jobs that align.

2. Know your worth

One of the biggest mistakes we can make going into the workforce is not knowing what your skills and experience are worth or how to navigate salaries and future roles.

Of course, when you’re just starting out, you can’t always expect high wages - but sometimes it helps to check what other companies are paying their employees for the same responsibilities to see if you’re getting a fair salary. 

It's always worth keeping an eye on the current job market to see what’s out there - and Careers NSW can give you a hand in understanding the current and even future job market. 

Not only that, but they can also keep you in the loop about any employment opportunities in emerging industries that might suit your skills and interests, giving you a massive advantage over competition. Pretty cool right?

3. Use your transferable skills

You might not think that your bartending skills could help you start a career in engineering or construction, but in fact any skills you’ve learned throughout your life are transferable and beneficial in the workplace, and it’s important to highlight them when you want to set yourself apart. 

Our mates over at Careers NSW actually offer expert guidance on pathways to employment after school - including education and training options and ways to use your existing skills to your advantage.

Take for example interpersonal skills - that includes good communication, being professional and relating to others well - these are invaluable skills that are extremely valuable to employers. Lifelong learning is an invaluable skill to master by elevating your existing skills and learning new ones, putting you in prime position with future employers.

4. Determine your USP

Your Unique Selling Point, or USP, is a term businesses and entrepreneurs use to describe who they are, what they offer and why it’s unique. 

It’s super important to think about what you can offer that no one else can - like, for example, knowledge from connections with Careers NSW’s Industry Experts, who can guide you by providing advice on the industry you’re going for - and that can make all the difference. 

Careers NSW has Industry Experts with heaps of helpful insights in eight in-demand industries, which will give you a massive edge when it comes to your career. There are always personal experiences that add to your USP that set you apart, which Careers NSW will support you with all the way.

5. Believe in yourself 

Last but certainly not least - believe in yourself. It’s not always easy to hunt for the right job, face rejection or do 3 interviews only for them to go with someone else.

Job-hunting can be cut-throat, demotivating and confusing - but the main thing is to remember, is that everyone has been in your position and everyone has gotten through it - and there is help available to guide you through every stage of your career.

Landing the job you want is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have, and you’ll absolutely get there whether it takes days, weeks or months - and the right job will welcome you with open arms. Hang in there, know your worth, keep hunting and know you will get where you want to be.

For more relevant and practical career info from the experts over at Careers NSW, as well as career hacks and success stories, head to our free careers expo - you won't regret it. 

To make an appointment with one of Career NSW’s Industry Experts, who are available to all NSW residents aged 18+, head to Service NSW. For additional info, or to get in contact with Careers NSW, head here.