Here’s Nads back in her SFX days, fresh out of Year 12. Her first job came from the newspaper advert, a hand written application and posted it in. Simple.

Now her daughter has finished school and it’s the opposite problem. Not too little information…too much.

LinkedIn, Seek, online portals and employers you never actually speak to, and they are expected to just know how to do it.

We speak to school leavers and graduates and their parents who are trying to enter the workforce… and most of them aren’t struggling with effort, they’re struggling with where to start.

So we are doing a short series for young people (and parents quietly forwarding it at dinner )

Part 1 | LinkedIn

Yes, even if you’re 17, here’s what actually matters:

1. Have a profile

You don’t need to be impressive. You just need to exist.

Most employers search your name before interviewing you.

2. Photo

Look normal and friendly

No sunglasses

No drink in hand

No couple photos

No suit required

3. Headline

Say what you want to do, not what you were, eg..

“Year 12 graduate seeking Administration role”

“Aspiring Marketing Assistant”

“Graduate Civil Engineer”

4. About section

You are showing attitude, not experience. Include reliability, sport, volunteering and any casual jobs. That’s what employers hire at this stage.

5. Follow companies

Follow businesses you’d actually work for. Connect with a hiring manager and politely ask to send your resume.

A clear profile already puts you ahead of most applicants. Jessy’s LinkedIn profile is in the comments if you want to see a (have a simple normal email address – remember this follows most of you for life.

don’t use AI – people want to see your creativity.

take your CV to where you want to work –  let them see your initiative, confidence )