Getting your first job can be an exciting time. When applying for jobs it is important to ensure you have applied for the right documentation needed for employment. This checklist will help make sure you have everything you need along with some other helpful tips to ensure you are job-ready.
Tax File Number
A tax file number (TFN) is your unique number in the government’s tax and superannuation systems. If you do not have a tax file number, you will need to apply for one before you start your job. If you are an Australian resident you can complete an online form, then arrange for an interview at an Australia Post office. You will need to bring proof of identity documents with you to the interview.
You only have one tax file number for your whole life, so it’s important that you keep it safe. Don’t share it with friends.
You can visit www.ato.gov.au for more information
Superannuation choice form
Superannuation is money put aside by your employer over your working life for you to live on when you retire from work.
A superannuation choice form is used to advise your employer of your choice of Super Fund. You can choose to use the Super Fund offered by your employer, or you can choose your own. It is important to research the best Super Fund that suits your needs. You can download a superannuation choice form online.
You can visit www.ato.gov.au for more information
Bank account details
It is vital to open a bank account before you start work to ensure that your employer can pay you. It is important to research which bank and which account will suit you and your needs best.
If you are under the age of 18, to open an account, you will have to visit the branch of your chosen bank. You will have to bring either your birth certificate or passport with you. Some banks will also require a parent or guardian to be present.
Licences or Photo Identification Card
Some jobs will require you to have a valid driver’s licence. Before you apply it is important to check your diver’s licence card expiry. If it is expired or close to expiring, you can renew online or visit a Service Centre.
If you do not have your licence you still may need to provide some form of photo identification. The Photo Identification Card provides proof of age for people aged 15 years or older. It is an ideal form of photo identification for people who are not old enough to get a driver licence or do not hold a driver licence or passport. To apply you will have to visit a Service Centre or apply via mail if you live regionally.
Emergency contact details
When you get your job, your employer should request emergency contact details from you. The form will require the name, home phone, mobile number, home address and the relationship of one or two people to contact in case of an emergency. This information will be kept confidential, shared only on a need-to-know basis and used only in an emergency.
Practice your commute
Feeling anxious or having first-day jitters is completely normal. To reduce stress having a practice commute in the week leading up to your first day is a great idea. Whether you are driving or using public transport, the practice commute will give you a good indication of traffic conditions, parking options, platform layouts and walking distance between your work and the station. It is important to do this practice commute at the time you would start work to ensure that the conditions will be similar.
Uniform
It is important to present yourself in a professional and confident manner, especially on your first day. Prior to starting work, you should contact your boss to see whether there is a uniform or a dress code you must stick to. It is always better to dress more professionally than too casually if you are unsure of the exact dress code. A good tip is to notice what your co-workers are wearing when you come into the workplace during the interview process.
Visit FairWork
It is very helpful to visit the FairWork website to read more thoroughly about your rights at work. The website will have detail information about pay, hours, leave, overtime and other employee entitlements. It is important to know and understand your rights to ensure you are being treated fairly by your employer. If you have any concerns about your employee entitlements, you can also contact FairWork directly.