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Finding a job guide

Get step-by-step information on how to find, apply for and start a job and where the government can help. Open all

  1. 1Before you start

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.

  1. 2Get prepared

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.

Find free TAFE 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.

  1. 3Apply for jobs

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.

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.

  1. 4Start your job

Make sure you can get paid

When you start, your employer should ask you to:

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:

Updated 7 April 2026

Find a job in Victorian Government

This page is a general guide on finding a job. For information on how to find, apply for and start a job in the Victorian Government, visit Careers Victoria.

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