Summary of Career Planning and Job Search

## Introduction Work and jobs shape daily life: they provide income, structure, and opportunities to learn new skills. This guide covers common job vocabulary, types of jobs, working hours and contracts, job search steps, interview tips, and useful personal qualities to help you succeed on the labour market. ## Key Job Vocabulary > **Definition:** A job is an activity people do to earn money or contribute to society. - Examples of occupations: **hairdresser**, **carpenter**, **mechanic**, **nurse**, **teacher**, **programmer**, **postman**, **baker**, **surgeon**, **paramedic**, **accountant**, **electrician**. - Employer / employee / self-employed: an **employer** hires and pays people; an **employee** works for an employer; **self-employed** people run their own business. ## Jobs According to Qualifications > **Definition:** Job classification by the skill or training required. - **Unskilled job**: anyone may do it (e.g., cleaner). - **Skilled job**: requires training (e.g., electrician). - **Highly qualified job**: needs university degree (e.g., pilot, surgeon). Practical example: An electrician needs vocational training while a pilot needs a university-level or professional qualification plus licenses. Did you know that many people retrain later in life to keep up with changing job requirements? ## Jobs According to Length of Time > **Definition:** Job types based on contract duration. | Job type | Description | Example | |---|---:|---| | Permanent / steady job | Unlimited length, permanent contract | Office manager with permanent contract | | Temporary / short-term job | Fixed time period | Maternity leave replacement | | Seasonal / summer job | Limited to busy season | Fruit picking, summer tourism work | Fun fact: Seasonal jobs often give students practical experience and flexible schedules. ## Jobs According to Working Hours > **Definition:** Job types based on how many hours and when you work. - **Full-time job**: regular full working hours. - **Part-time job**: work only part of the day or week. - **Flexible working hours**: you can vary start and end times. - **Shift work**: you work different shifts (day, night, rotating). Shift work is typical for doctors, nurses, police, firefighters, pilots, bus drivers, and security guards. Working night shifts can be physically and socially challenging. Did you know that shift work can disrupt sleep patterns and requires careful scheduling to maintain health? ## Contracts, Income and Work Terms > **Definition:** A work contract is a legal agreement defining duties, hours and pay. - **Permanent contract** (contract for indefinite period). - **Temporary contract** (contract for fixed time). - **Salary**: monthly pay. **Wage**: often hourly pay. **Hourly wage**: pay per hour. - **Income**: total money received (yearly). **Income tax**: part of income paid to government. - **Payday**: day salary is paid. - **Starting salary**, **savings**, **pension**, **interest**, **sickness benefit**, **child benefit**. Practical example: A shop assistant on hourly wage may earn an hourly wage and have varying weekly income depending on hours worked. ## Hiring, Firing and Unemployment > **Definition:** Key actions and statuses at work. - **Hire / take on / employ**: to give someone a job. - **Employer / employee**: roles in employment relationship. - **Dismiss / be dismissed / be sacked / be fired / get the sack / be made redundant**: terms meaning someone loses their job for different reasons. - **Quit / hand in your notice / letter of resignation**: when an employee leaves voluntarily. - **Layoff / the dole / unemployment benefit / be on the dole**: temporary or permanent job loss and social support. - **Job hunting / look for a job / recruitment / recruiter**. Did you know that recruitment often uses both online job portals and social networks like LinkedIn? ## Where to Look for a Job > **Definition:** Common channels to find vacancies. - Internet job advertisements and