108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
The Bundaberg job landscape is as dynamic right now as it has been for many years, says IMPACT's employment expert Paea Ruka.
Yes, some businesses are struggling; mostly companies that employ between two and 12 staff and a portion of our mum and dad operations are having to hang in there, but there’s significant growth in other key areas.
Exciting things are happening with some of our big corporate operations, such as Greensill Farming Group, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and those in the private medical sector.
The care industry, on the back of the NDIS rollout, is another space where jobs will continue to emerge for at least the next five or so years.
And there are some big projects on the horizon, such as Pacific Tug Group’s development at the Port of Bundaberg and other activity in the residential space.
So, what do you need to do to get a job in Bundaberg in 2020?
Here are five tips for jobseekers to position themselves on the pathway to success.
Much of the work in the agricultural and care industry sectors can be either seasonal or sporadic and is often casual.
The best advice for those who don’t have a job is take what’s on offer.
Sometimes you need to be prepared to go with what’s out there, which may not be what you want.
The key aspect is get working and build from there.
Every employer wants someone with a good attitude.
Be reliable and punctual, listen to what the boss wants, grow with the organisation and be a good cultural fit.
It doesn’t matter what stage of life’s journey you’re on – whether it’s a youngster looking to break into your first job, someone who has some life experience but is low on confidence or a mature-aged jobseeker – having a good outlook and motivation to work is crucial.
There might be 300 people applying for any one position.
No employer is going to read through that many resumes and then interview everyone.
It’s crucial to have a resume that’s to industry standard.
Often your resume will not be read by a person. It will go through a computer system which scans for key words.
It doesn’t matter how much design flair you’ve put in to make the resume look great, you’re out of the picture if it doesn’t have what the employer is looking for.
Sometimes these flashy resumes can’t be read by the computer software.
As well, your cover letter needs to show you’ve done your homework.
Use this letter as an opportunity to reflect the values of the business where you are applying.
Put key words in your letter to demonstrate you would be a good cultural fit.
Jobs are advertised in many spaces from word-of-mouth, to Facebook, Gumtree, Seek or an organisation’s website.
Facebook and Gumtree are often starting points for many mum and dad operations, while larger businesses will use Seek.
Some of the biggest operators, such as Bunnings, Woolworths and Blue Care have recruitment spaces on their own websites.
It can be worth signing up to the website and creating your own profile with some of these bigger operations, so you know when their next recruitment drive is underway.
In Bundaberg it is well worth hitting the footpath with your resume and going from businesses to business to promote yourself.
Have your resume in hand and ask if there are any positions coming up.
You need to be motivated to work. If you’re not, it doesn’t really matter what you do.
One of the keys if you’re out of work is to engage and stay active in the community.
Don’t sit there waiting for a job. Join a group like the SES, Rural Fire Service or Surf Lifesaving – any reputable organisation.
A job will come sooner than you think.
Joining a group opens a broad network of people and often that’s the way things work.
All the best with your search.
Paea Ruka is the general manager for employment and training at IMPACT Community Services. She oversees a suite of programs aimed at getting people working in the Bundaberg region. Impact is a member of CoAct and is also a Registered Training Organisation.
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