Frequently asked questions

Is there any cost to me, at any time, if I'm looking for a job through SEEK?
No. All SEEK services to job seekers are offered free of charge. SEEK earns its income from advertisers, who pay to list their vacancies on the site.

Do I have to register to use SEEK?
No. Job seekers can access some services at SEEK without registering. You can browse articles, search for job vacancies, research companies and recruitment agencies and apply for jobs without registering.

Why should I register?
You should register so you can use extra services. It's free, private and it only takes a minute. All you tell us is your email address and a user name and password. Then you can use all the My SEEK services for registered users, like:

SEEK Job Mail
Job Mail is an email sent to you whenever new vacancies that match the type of job you are seeking are published on the SEEK site.

My Resume
You can create and store an electronic resume at SEEK. You can allow SEEK advertisers to search for and view your resume, or you can mark it private. If you don't allow advertiser access, no-one else can view your resume, but it's still conveniently to hand to attach to online job applications made through SEEK.

Application Tracker
Our Application Tracker records the online job applications you make via SEEK in an easy to read format. The important details about each application are saved, such as the job title, advertiser and which resume and cover letter you used. You can add your own comments to keep track of progress.

My Last Job Search
SEEK saves the details of your last job search. Just login on the home page and when you arrive at "My SEEK", select "My last job search". Your search criteria are already selected. Just select "search" to find the latest results.

eNews
Registered users also receive a free monthly newsletter by email, called SEEK eNews. It has details about new editorial and new services for job seekers.

How do I register?
Choose "My SEEK" from the top navigation bar and complete your details in the "New User Registration" form. It only takes about 30 seconds. Once you've chosen your SEEK username and password, use them to access all services, on all SEEK sites. Easy!

I can't remember my user name or password and now I can't login. What can I do?
Visit our HELP page. We can send your username and password to the email address you have registered with us. Remember, your username and password are important. They are the key to managing all your personal information with SEEK. Write them down in a safe, secure place. Use the same details for SEEK Job Mail and your SEEK resume.

Remember, all these services are only available to job seekers who have registered with SEEK.

I keep getting an error when I try to login.
Double-check that you're entering the login details you have previously registered with SEEK. Your username and password are specific to this website. Your login details for other services (Hotmail, ninemsn, Excite etc) will not work with SEEK.

Note that user login boxes are for job seekers. If you are a registered advertiser, please go to the Advertiser Centre and login in there.

How do I change the email address I've registered with SEEK?
Login from the home page in the "registered user login" box. When you arrive at My SEEK, you have to option to "change my registration details". Click on the link, make your changes and don't forget to save them!

I can't find out my password because my email address has changed.
User privacy is important to us. For this reason, we can only send registration details to the email address registered with SEEK. If you cannot access this email address to find out your forgotten password, you'll have to register again with your new email address, choosing a different username.

How does SEEK's job search work?
There are thousands of jobs published here by recruiters around Australia and New Zealand, in all different industries and levels — for accounts clerks and engineers, graduates and CEOs. Click here for the whole list of more than 55 occupations! Once you select an industry, the choices in the occupation menu automatically change to list occupations relevant to that industry.

To make your search criteria more specific, you can use one or more keywords. To make your search criteria broader, you can select multiple options within a category. Just hold down the "Ctrl" key (PC) or "Apple" key (Mac) while you select with your mouse.

Jobs which match your search are listed in date order, with the most recent jobs first. To view more details about any particular job, just click on its title — this is a link to a more detailed description. Save time by using the check boxes to select all jobs of interest and then click on "view selected jobs". Full descriptions for each job will appear on the next page.

Can I browse jobs by industry?
Yes you can. Visit the industries and professions browse list. Make a selection to see all jobs listed for that industry.

How long have the ads been published for?
New jobs are listed every day for one month, unless they are renewed by the advertiser. Many ads are directly published and removed when filled through automated processes that happen every day. We do ask advertisers to otherwise advise us when a position is filled. We then promptly remove the ad. The detailed view of each ad includes the date the ad was first posted. As always, it is very important to respond quickly to vacancies that you're interested in. If you don't already have Job Mail, it is a very easy way to keep track of new vacancies.

When I do a job search, why is the menu for "occupation" full of unrelated job titles?
Check that JavaScript (Netscape 3 and above) or Active Scripting (Internet Explorer 4 and above) is turned on in your browser. Once you select an industry type, the choices in the occupation menu automatically change to list occupations relevant to that industry. This function requires JavaScript. Look up your browser help menu or ask your technical support person about how to enable JavaScript or Active Scripting on your browser.

Why can't I get to the next page of results of my job search?
You don't have JavaScript or Active Scripting turned on in your browser. See the answer above.

Why were no results returned when I did a search?
There are thousands of jobs listed with SEEK. However if there are no search results, try repeating your search with broader search criteria. If you searched using a keyword, try your search again without the keyword/s. Also try selecting multiple options within a category to search related industries or occupations. Just hold down the "Ctrl" key (PC) or "Apple" key (Mac) while you select with your mouse.

New jobs get posted every day, so it's worth coming back regularly to repeat your search. If you're registered, your last search is saved on your My SEEK page. Or, save yourself time by setting up Job Mail.

Can I search more than one option within a search box, at the same time?
Simply hold down the "Ctrl" key (PC) or "Apple" key (Mac) while you select with your mouse.

How do keywords work?
Using a keyword in your job search (or Job Mail profile) returns more specific search results. SEEK has a range of keyword search options. The default setting is "OR". It also recognises:

• double quotes " " enclosing a phrase;
• AND
• NOT

All other punctuation (such as commas, brackets and full stops) is ignored.

The search looks for the keyword within the group of jobs that match the options you have chosen in the search boxes (eg location, industry).

Here are some examples to illustrate how keyword searching works.

Keywords: "call centre" NOT telesales

This search will find jobs advertised in the past three days for full-time work in Sydney in customer service roles that include the phrase "call centre" in the text of the ad but not jobs that include the word "telesales".

Keywords (partly obscured): "vb and sql server" NOT Crystal AND delphi AND c++ NOT unix

This search will find any contract jobs in Brisbane for analyst/programmers that include the phrase "vb and sql server", or the words "delphi" or "c++" but not jobs that include the word "Crystal" or "unix".

How does SEEK Job Mail work?
Job Mail is a free service from SEEK that sends you email about new vacancies which match your interests. Hundreds of new jobs are posted every day, so Job Mail is an easy way to keep up to date with new opportunities.

When a vacancy is posted that matches your profile, you will be emailed within 24 hours. You will only be emailed when matching jobs are found. You can edit your Job Mail profile at any time and it’s easy to delete. If you don’t want email about job vacancies arriving to your work email address, you can always sign up for free web-based email (try Yahoo or Excite).

How do I get Job Mail?
It’s easy to sign up. Visit My SEEK and in the Job Mail heading, select "Create". First, if you are already registered, login in on the next page. Or, if you are not registered, complete Step 1. It only takes about 30 seconds. Once you've chosen your SEEK username and password, use them to access all services, on all SEEK sites. Second, choose the search options that best describe the type of job you're looking for.

Tip: Set up Job Mail in seconds by selecting the link at the foot of your job search results page that says "Email me jobs like this". Your Job Mail profile will be pre-selected to match the criteria of the search you just performed.

I signed up for Job Mail a week ago, but I haven't received any email. Is something wrong?
First, check you registered your email correctly. Visit My SEEK and login on the "Registered Users Login" box. Under My SEEK options, choose "Change my registration details" and double check the email address you have provided is correct.

Otherwise, you may have been too specific in your search criteria. In particular, if you included a keyword, you may be missing out on suitable jobs that don't contain this specific word or phrase.

Try making your search criteria less specific — generally, it's better to quickly scan through jobs which aren't exactly what you're looking for, rather than risk missing out on one that might be perfect. Go to your Job Mail profiles on My SEEK and click on the title of the profile to review or edit. Consider making more than one selection within the industry or occupation categories to expand your search. Just hold down the "Ctrl" key (PC) or "Apple" key (Mac) while you select with your mouse.

Help! I'm getting too many jobs in my Job Mail!
You can control the amount of Job Mail you receive by making your search more specific. If you have already specified a location, industry and occupation, try editing your Job Mail profile to include a key word.

Can I get Job Mail sent once a week instead of every day?
No, because this is automated. Job Mail is only sent when matching vacancies have been listed. This may be daily, every few days or less frequently depending on the profile you created. If you were not emailed right away, vacancies may already be filled by the time you receive your Job Mail.

I don't understand the "view more jobs" message in my Job Mail.
You can click on the hyperlinks to view individual jobs listed in your Job Mail. Or, you can view all the jobs that match your Job Mail profile by following this link at the head of your Job Mail:
View all your matching vacancies, here
http://www.seek.com.au/indexframe.asp?loc=search&comefrom=JobMail&UserID=[number]

This link contains all vacancies listed in the past three days, so the list of vacancies you view on the site may be larger than the list of vacancies in your Job Mail.

If there are more than 100 matching vacancies, Job Mail sends you the details of the first 100 jobs and a hyperlink which displays all matching search results. This only happens if you have a very broad profile and/or a profile in an area where many vacancies are advertised (such as IT). If this case, this message appears underneath the 100th job listed in your Job Mail:

*************************************
VIEW MORE JOBS
There are still more jobs that match your Job Mail profile. You can view all your matching vacancies, here:
http://www.seek.com.au/if.asp?loc=search&comefrom=JobMail&UserID=[number]

I just found a great job through SEEK. Now how do I turn Job Mail off?
Easy. Go to My SEEK and login on the "Registered Users Login" box. Then, go to My SEEK options and select "Delete a My SEEK service" and tick the services you’d like to disable.

I deleted my SEEK Job Mail profile, but I'm still getting Job Mail!
You probably have more than one user registration. This happens when you have more than one username and password associated with the same email address. Just visit our HELP page and enter the email address you have registered with SEEK. You will automatically be sent details of all registrations associated with that address. Once you know your username and password, you can delete the Job Mail profile/s for each registration.

Do I have to be registered or logged in in order to apply online?
You don't have to be a registered user in order to apply online via SEEK. If you are a registered user, it's easier to apply online after you've logged in, but it's not essential. To login, follow the link on the Online Job Application page that says "ALREADY REGISTERED? Click here." Login in using your SEEK username and password. You will be returned to the Online Job Application page, with your most recent information already displayed.

If you are not registered, or you are registered but haven't logged in, applications you make via SEEK cannot be recorded in Application Tracker.

Do I have to have a resume saved at SEEK to apply online?
No. You can choose to attach your SEEK resume, or attach a file of your own from your hard drive or a floppy disk. We strongly recommend that you always send a resume with any job application. However it is possible to apply online through SEEK without attaching a resume by selecting "Option A: No resume".

How do cover letters work?
As with your resume, you have three options. You can write a cover letter in the field provided on the Online Job Application page. As long as you are logged in, this text will be saved and the same text displayed when you next return to the Online Job Application page and login.

You also have the option to attach a cover letter file from your hard drive or a floppy disk. We recommend that you always send a cover letter with any job application. However it is possible to apply online through SEEK without one by selecting "Option A: No cover letter".

What kind of files can I attach?
Please take note of any messages in each ad about which file formats might be preferred by individual advertisers. In general, we recommend saving word documents in Rich Text Format (.rtf) format. This is easily accessed and opened by most word processing programs. It is not a good idea to send very large files (more than 1 Mb) or image files. Some advertisers may have slow email connections and receiving and opening large files may cause difficulty.

I can't work out how to attach my resume from my hard drive.
You must use a browser that supports "file upload" in order to be able to attach a file from your hard drive or a floppy disk. Internet Explorer 3 and Netscape Navigator 2 don't support file upload. If you wish to use this feature, you need to upgrade to a more recent browser.

Why should I apply online?
Applying online delivers your application to the employer right away. The person who can hire you could be reading your application minutes after you send it. Plus, many recruitment agencies now keep all candidate details in electronic files. If you send in a hard-copy resume, they will scan it and keep an electronic copy anyway. Save them the work by applying online.

Why do many jobs advertised with SEEK restrict applications to Australian or New Zealand residents only?
Restricting applications to people who already have the papers to legally work in either country is a decision made by the individual advertisers. Qualified applicants are readily available in most employment sectors in Australia and New Zealand. This leaves little incentive for employers to recruit internationally.

If the ad includes a message "Only people with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position," you can apply for the job if you:

• are an Australian citizen or resident with the right to work;
• are a New Zealand citizen;
• have an Australian student visa which permits part-time work; or
• live outside Australia but have a valid work visa.

Detailed information about obtaining work visas is available from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.

If the ad includes a message "Only people with the right to work in New Zealand may apply for this position," you can apply for the job if you:

• are a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident of New Zealand;
• hold a valid work permit;
• have applied for refugee status in New Zealand; or
• are an Australian citizen or were born in the Cook Island, Niue or Tokelau.

Detailed information about obtaining work visas is available from the New Zealand Immigration Service.

How long will it take to get a reply once I send in an application?
Your application goes directly to the advertiser. The response to your application depends on the employer or recruitment agent.

What does Application Tracker do?
Application Tracker is your personal job search organiser. It records online job applications you send via SEEK and presents them in an easy to use format. The important details about each application are saved, such as the job title, advertiser and which resume and cover letter you used. You can add your own comments to keep track of your progress.

Application Tracker is an automatic service — you can't enter details (apart from comments) yourself. You have to be registered for Application Tracker to work and you must login every time you make a job application via SEEK.

Why isn't the job I applied for in my Application Tracker?
For your online application to be recorded in Application Tracker, you must be a registered user and have logged in before you apply. This is easy — when you arrive at the online application page, login in using your username and password. This also makes applying faster because some of your details are remembered and will already appear in the fields to be completed. If you're not logged in, our site doesn't know who you are or where to save your application information.

If you haven't already registered, it's easy. Choose "My SEEK" from the top navigation bar and complete your details in the "New User Registration" form. It only takes about 30 seconds. Once you've chosen your SEEK username and password, use them to access all services, on all SEEK sites.

Why should I create a resume with SEEK?
If you don’t already have a resume, our simple resume builder makes it easy to organise your details and breaks down the chore of writing a resume into easy steps. If you already have a resume, you can cut and paste most of the information into our resume form. You can choose whether to keep your resume private, so that only you can view it. That way, it’s ready to hand if you want to make an application online. You can also choose to publish your resume online, allowing selected SEEK clients to search for and view your resume.

(Note: you don’t have to save your resume with SEEK in order to apply online — you also have the option to attach a resume from your computer’s hard drive or a floppy disk).

How do I create a SEEK resume?

It’s easy to sign up. Visit My SEEK and in the Resume heading, select "Add". First, if you are already registered with SEEK, follow the link on the next page to login. If you are not registered, complete the fields under the "My SEEK Registration" heading. It only takes about 30 seconds and once you've chosen your SEEK username and password, use them to access all services, on all SEEK sites.

On this page, you can choose to preview a sample resume, to see what your resume will look like when you're finished. You can preview your own resume as you go, but note that you can only preview details you have already saved.

The list on the right hand side of your screen shows the different sections of your resume. Only the first three sections are required. As you complete each section, select "save and continue". If you need to come back to finish your resume later, the completed sections will be saved and ready for you to start where you left off.

Can I edit my SEEK resume?

Yes. Visit My SEEK and login with your SEEK username and password. In the section headed "My Resumes" will be a list of the resumes you have saved with SEEK. Click on the title of the resume you wish to edit. Make your changes and then be sure to select "Save and continue".

What's this SEEK resume bridge? Where did my old resume go?
SEEK completely redesigned its online resume based on feedback from site users. If you saved a resume at SEEK before 6 January 2000, you need to convert it to the new format. You need to enter some information again, but we've made the process as easy and streamlined as possible by designing a "bridge" that will help you convert your old resume.

The bridge will only be available the first time you edit your old resume. Make sure you have enough time to finish converting your resume before you visit. To update your old SEEK resume:

• Visit My SEEK and login with your SEEK username and password.
• Under the resume heading, click on the title of the resume you wish to edit.
• On each screen, where available, text from your old resume will appear in a special box at the top of the page. This box will only appear the FIRST time you edit your old resume.
• Copy and paste the existing text into the most suitable fields of the new form.
• Add any new information you wish to include.
• Then select "Save & Continue" at the foot of each page. This will automatically take you to the next screen.
• At the "Final Step" screen, choose to keep your resume private or to make it available for clients to search. You can also preview your resume or print it out.

How do I change my resume from public to private (or vice versa)?

Visit My SEEK and login with your SEEK username and password. In the section headed "My Resumes" will be a list of the resumes you have saved with SEEK. Click on the title of the resume you wish to edit. On the next page, from the checklist box, select the "Final Step" option. On the next page, you will be asked "Do you want SEEK clients to be able to search for your resume?"

To make your resume private, so that only you can access it, select the button next to the "No, keep private" option.

To make your resume available to SEEK clients to view, select the button next to "Yes". Then, make a selection from the job search criteria fields below to indicate the types of positions you are interested in. Your resume will be viewable by SEEK clients who are seeking to fill a vacancy that matches your interests.

How do I print out my resume?

Easy. Visit My SEEK and login with your SEEK username and password. In the section headed "My Resumes" will be a list of the resumes you have saved with SEEK. Click on the title of the resume you wish to print. On the next page, select "Preview my resume" from the box in the top right-hand corner. Your resume will open in a new browser window. Use your browser print function. (Most browsers allow you to change the information printed in your header and footer. You will want to print your resume with blank headers and footers.)