READY FOR YOUR NEW JOB?
Starting your first job is exciting, but it can also be a lot to get your head around. Use this checklist to make sure you have everything ready for your first shift.
READ YOUR LETTER OF OFFER / CONTRACT
You should receive a letter of offer or employment contract before starting a new job. If you don’t, try to get something in writing from your employer stating what your duties will be, what your work hours are, and how you will be paid.
Make sure you keep a copy.
KNOW YOUR EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Whether you are a casual or permanent worker determines when you work, how much you get paid, and what your rights are at work.
Casual workers don’t have guaranteed hours, can be rostered on or off depending on the employer’s needs, and are free to refuse shifts they don’t want. They usually get a 25% higher hourly pay rate (called casual loading) instead of paid sick or annual leave.
Permanent workers can be full-time or part-time and have regular, ongoing work. They get paid sick and annual leave, and their job can’t be terminated without proper notice.
FIND YOUR AWARD / AGREEMENT
Your job will be covered by an Award or an Enterprise Agreement. This is the “rulebook” that sets your minimum pay, breaks, and other rights and conditions.
When you start a new job, you should be told which Award or Enterprise Agreement applies to you.
CHOOSE A SUPER FUND
If you don’t already have one, you will need to open a superannuation account. You get to choose which super fund manages your account, so it’s worth doing some research. Check out Industry Super Australia’s website for information on how to choose a fund and open an account.
Make sure to check whether you have an existing super account from a previous job, and if you do, consolidate your funds so you’re not paying extra fees.
CALCULATE YOUR PAY RATE
Your contract should state your rate of pay, but it’s always a good idea to check this against your Award or Enterprise Agreement to make sure you aren’t being ripped off. Your rate of pay may be different depending on your duties, age, experience, qualifications, and working hours, but this should be explained in your Award or Agreement.
JOIN YOUR UNION
Joining your union means becoming part of a group of workers who support each other to make sure everyone is treated fairly at work. Your union can help you understand your rights, support you if something goes wrong at work, and campaign to win better pay and workplaces!
There are different unions for different industries, and you can find and join yours online at saunions.org.au.
COMPLETE THE PAPERWORK
Before you start work, there will be paperwork to fill out or sign:
- Letter of offer / employment contract
- TFN declaration form – Important to avoid an unexpected tax bill. If this is your only job, check the box to claim the
- tax free threshold.
- Superannuation nomination form – This is where you say which superfund you want to manage your account
- Employer’s policies / code of conduct – Remember to keep a copy
Your employer is required by law to give you a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement. If they don’t, that might be a red flag that they are not following all the rules when it comes to your rights at work.
Make sure to use a personal email address, not your school email, on forms so you do not lose access to important records like payslips when you graduate.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR EMPLOYER
When will you be working?
If you’re a casual worker and don’t have set hours, you can ask your employer how many and what hours to expect to work, how often the roster will be published, and how much notice you will get of changes.
Make sure you always have a record of what hours you’ve worked – saving a copy of your rosters is a good way to do this.
How and when will you get paid?
You should be paid regularly on a predictable date and you must receive a pay slip within one day of being paid. Remember to check your pay slip to make sure you’re being paid correctly.
You can be paid in cash, cheque or by bank transfer. Even if you are paid in cash, your employer must deduct tax and pay superannuation.
When will your meal and rest breaks be?
Your shifts should include rest breaks for you to recharge and longer meal breaks if you’re working more than five hours. The length and timing of these breaks can be found in your Award or Agreement.
Do you need to wear a uniform?
If you’re required to wear a specific uniform (e.g. shirt with the company logo on it, store-branded clothing) or personal protective equipment at work, then your employer must pay for the uniform, as well as a uniform allowance.
Any extra clothing you may need to meet a company dress code, you will likely need to purchase yourself.
What do you do if you can’t attend a shift?
It’s important to know who to contact if you’re not able to go to work during your scheduled working hours.
You have the right to take time off if you’re sick or there’s an emergency. Your employer can ask for evidence (like a medical certificate or statutory declaration.), but can’t punish you for being genuinely unable to work.
What training will you receive?
Your employer must provide proper training and induction to make sure you understand any workplace hazards, safety procedures, and how to operate any equipment safely.
You should be paid for all training and meetings you attend outside of regular work hours..