Looking for a summer or longer-term job? How to find one and avoid being exploited

Getting casual work over the summer, or a part-time job that you might continue during your tertiary course, can be a great way to get workplace experience and earn some extra money.

- Grozdana Manalo

But it's important to be cautious and to ensure you don't get caught up with an unscrupulous employer who might take advantage of a young, inexperienced job-seeker.

The most common red flags to be aware of are unpaid or underpaid wages, unsafe working conditions or unfair treatment.

But, before we get into that, where do you start?

How to find a casual or summer job

Recruitment agencies

Register with recruitment agencies that specialise in temporary or seasonal work—they can match you with employers looking for short-term staff, ideal for summer jobs.

It's free to join, and all you need to do is submit your resume and contact details.

A quick tip: A recruitment agent makes their income by matching prospective job seekers to roles, so make sure your resume is tailored to the industry you're interested in.

Local papers and community boards

Despite the rise of social media, many summer jobs can be found in local newspapers or newsletters, or your community bulletin boards, especially for smaller companies and in regional areas.

Check your local libraries, supermarkets and shopping centres.

Social media