Getting a job

[ugatha]

I have done the training and now I'm trying to get a job. It's much harder than I thought it would be. What are the tricks for getting interviews??

[Lorina]

Hi Ugatha,

I know what you mean... its always hard in the beginning especially when you are trying to get started.. This is mainly because, a lot of centers are always looking for Diploma trained, ECT or people with experience. In other words, the more experience you have, the more easier it will be to find a job..So sometimes this could put the newbies in a bad edge..

But its not all bad...there are a lot of people looking for any staffs since there are always people leaving a job and there are always vacancies somewhere...When I got started, I enrolled with a recruitment agency first and was doing casual works for about 3 months. Though sometimes doing casual work is a pain since you dont have a fixed shift and you have to wait for the call, it was working fine for me. It helped me in piling up a few experiences along the way since I worked in different centres and with different staffs. Later I applied for a full-time job and I was lucky since the recruitment agency I worked for had one available. Thats how it started..

So yeah..it really depends on many factors but it has to start somewhere...Remember, Just keep trying...you will eventually find one..so dont give up.

,
L.A

[Lorina]

Forgot to mention in my previous post, the only problem that I find, you have to go to 2 or 3 interviews to get the one job your applying too. In saying this, the people who work in the agency give you ideas and feedback on what you can talk about during your interview...so it's a win win situation...

If you prefer, try ringing around centers where you live. Even though they may have not advertised for a job, they may be interested in hiring you, based on your qualification. Are you looking for a private centre or company owned?

,
L.A

[ugatha]

Now I've got 2 jobs! Started one as a playgroup leader, now I've just got paperwork for a centre!!

[ugatha]

I am working as a playgroup leader and it is pretty full on. The playgroup work is invaluable in terms of experience, because I'm the 'boss'. Everything depends on me and so I am learning fast! Room set-up; observations - (though not compulsory - are useful for planning); planning; supervision (children and helpers) and thinking about how the session should be arranged. Not to mention getting to know the children and connecting with them, and their parents.

[Lorina]

Hey Jillian,

Congratulations on your position as a playgroup room leader I definitely feel as if I been on a journey with you, with your first post being about how you started an 18 week cert 3 course, to the director at your work placement being a dragon and now a playgroup room leader…That centre you work for are very lucky to have you and you’re another great asset within this industry…

I hope you are doing well and I’m so glad to hear of your exciting opportunities ahead and its awesome you are updating your experiences too,

I wish you the best of luck

,
L.A

[ugatha]

Hi L.A,
Thanks for your comments.
Cheers,
- Ugatha.