We interviewed 400 local employers asking them about jobs for young people. We go into schools sharing this message and tips on how you can meet the employers' expectations, but in case you missed out this is a super short summary...

Employers expect you to:

• Have a desire to learn
• Be reliable and on time
• Show initiative
• Know its OK to ask questions
• Take responsibility for your actions, or inactions
• Have appropriate personal presentation standards
• Show an understanding of the special requirements of your workplace and industry
• Have basic computer skills
• Have communication skills-written and spoken
• Use a tone of voice, facial expression and generally act in a way that enhances workplace communication and understanding (Body Language)
• Have a positive attitude

Identifying Work Ethic

• Teachers' comments on school reports
• Workplacement Reports and Host Employers' comments
• Part-time job references
• Academic, Sporting or Other achievements
• Attendance records

Three common types of Employees

• What could be called: 2 Star, 3 Star and 5 Star
• 2 Star is the minimum to keep a job
• 3 Star ask for the next task or job
• 5 Star Show initiative, are observant, offer to help out, recognise odd jobs that need doing and use them to fill in between jobs and are organised with a “To Do” list

Communication Tips           

•  Paraphrase instructions back to the boss so you confirm you understand
• Always pick up a pen before you pick up the phone. Plan dot points before you call, or take scratch notes during calls, and flesh out the story after the call
• Read back messages to ensure you have it fully correct
• How you act and sound means more than the literal words you use.

Benefits of 'To Do' Lists

• Turns a mental bombardment into an orderly queue
• Helps ensure important tasks are not overlooked
• Provides proof of your accomplishments
• Helps the team see if anyone is overloaded
• Lets you review your work and see how it fits into the bigger picture.

Control the Sickies

• Try going to the doctor before or after work.
• Do you really need the whole day off?
• Get a doctor's certificate even if they say you don’t need one. It proves you are fair dinkum, and not just slacking off.
•  There is little “benefit of the doubt” to you as a newcomer.
• Phone in super early  every day if sick as this avoids worry that you have had an accident and allows your boss to reorganise the day, reschedule customers, call in casual help etc.
• Keep them genuinely informed of your pending return.
• Be fair to your workmates.