How to Use SEEK to Find Jobs in Australia: Filters, Alerts and Applying

SEEK is the job site many Australians open first, whether they want a casual weekend shift, a truck driving role or a full-time office job. Because so many employers and recruiters advertise there, the trick is not finding jobs but narrowing them down. This guide shows how to search SEEK well, set up alerts that do the work for you, and apply with confidence. We are an independent guide and are not connected with SEEK.

What SEEK is

SEEK is an Australian online jobs marketplace where employers and recruitment agencies post job ads and job seekers search and apply for free. You can search without an account, but signing in lets you save jobs, save searches, store your resumé and track what you have applied for. SEEK also has apps for Android and iPhone if you prefer to search on your phone.

Who it suits

SEEK suits almost everyone looking for work in Australia, but it is especially useful if you:

• want casual, part-time or contract work and need to filter out full-time roles
• are looking in a trade, logistics, hospitality, retail, care or office field where most local employers advertise
• want a profile that recruiters can find, as well as ads you can apply to

If you live in a regional area, SEEK is still worth checking, but also look at Workforce Australia and local employers directly.

How to search well

Start with a short job title, such as "forklift" or "aged care", and a suburb, city or region. Then open More options under the search bar. SEEK's own advice points to three filters that make the biggest difference:

• Work type: choose full time, part time, contract or temp, or casual.
• Salary range: hide ads outside the pay you are looking for. Many ads do not show pay, so do not set this too tightly at first.
• Location: choose where you want to work, including remote or work-from-home options.

Put a phrase in quotation marks (for example "pick packer") if you want that exact wording. Try a couple of different job titles, because employers describe the same job in different ways: "storeperson", "warehouse operator" and "picker packer" often overlap.

Saved searches and Job Alerts

Once a search looks right, sign in and select Save this search at the bottom of the results. SEEK lets you keep up to 10 saved searches, and each one can send you an email Job Alert when new matching jobs are posted. Alerts are on by default; you can switch them off from the Saved searches page in your account. To change a search, run it again with new settings, save it, then delete the old one.

If alerts stop arriving, check your spam folder and make sure your search is not too narrow.

How to apply

Many ads use SEEK's Quick Apply, which uses your stored details and lets you pick which saved resumé and cover letter to send. Other ads send you to the employer's own website. Either way:

• read the whole ad and answer any screening questions honestly
• tailor the first lines of your resumé to the job, especially licences and tickets (forklift, RSA, security licence, NDIS screening)
• keep a note of where and when you applied

Your SEEK Profile is always sent with your applications. Under the visibility settings you can choose who else can find it; Hidden means employers only see it when you apply.

Staying safe

Most ads on SEEK are genuine, but scammers target every job site. Never pay a fee to apply, to "secure" a role, or to buy a starter kit. Scamwatch warns about recruiters who contact you out of the blue on WhatsApp or Telegram, offers of high pay for little effort, and jobs that hire you with no interview. Keep conversations on SEEK or the employer's official email, and never share bank logins or move money for anyone.

Frequently asked questions

Is SEEK free for job seekers?

Yes. Searching, saving jobs, setting alerts and applying through SEEK cost you nothing. Employers pay to advertise. If anyone asks you to pay to be considered for a role, treat it as a warning sign.

How many saved searches can I have on SEEK?

SEEK's help centre says you can save up to 10 searches in your account, and the top results can be emailed to you as Job Alerts. You can switch the email alert off for any saved search.

Why have my SEEK Job Alerts stopped?

Check your spam folder first. SEEK also says a very narrow search or a spelling mistake can return no matches, and alerts may come less often if you have not opened them or signed in for a while.

Can I hide my SEEK Profile from employers?

You can set it to Hidden, which SEEK describes as applications only. Employers then see your profile only when you apply to them.

Related searches

caregiver jobscleaning jobscustomer service jobs from homedata entry jobsdelivery jobsdriver jobsentry level jobs, no experienceforklift operator jobsrestaurant and fast food jobsretail and supermarket jobssecurity guard jobswarehouse jobs

Sources

• SEEK Help: How do I save a search?
• SEEK Help: What are SEEK Job Alerts?
• SEEK Help: Who can view my profile?
• SEEK career advice: How to make the most of your job search
• Scamwatch: Jobs and employment scams

Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and may not fit your situation or country. Rules, prices and requirements change, so check the details with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Read our full disclaimer.