Some of the questions you need to ask include:
Is there a training period? Will you be paid while training?
In NSW it is illegal to expect you to be trained without being paid. The employer must also pay for any training courses you are required to attend while you are employed.
If you are asked to do any unpaid training or an unpaid "trial period", you should ask to be paid. If this doesn't work, you can seek confidential information and assistance from the Office of Industrial Relations, Unions NSW or your union.
On-the-job training should not be confused with school-based work experience programs; because work experience programs are part of your school education you are not paid for them.
Trial or Probationary Period
You can be asked to work for a trial or probationary period, but you must be paid for that work. In NSW the trial period is generally three months, but that may vary according to the Award or Agreement you are employed on.
Will you be provided with a uniform?
Do you have to pay for it?
Do you have to return it when you leave?
Are you responsible for washing and maintaining it?
Is there an "induction manual," website or company intranet where you can get the answers to questions you might have?
You aren't going to know everything about either the nature of the job, or the specifics before you start. Many businesses have an Induction manual for you to read, or have policies and procedures on a website, intranet site or in leaflets.
Ask about the existence of anything like this, and make sure you read it. It also ensures that if you do still have questions, the questions you ask will be more informed. If you don't understand something, make sure to ask.
Meals and breaks - are they paid?
Most people do not receive paid breaks, but there are regulations in NSW about having breaks. After 5 hours of work, you must be provided with a minimum half hour break.
Some employers in the hospitality business provide staff discounts on food purchased while at work. Find out how your employer's policy works (i.e. do discounts apply to all food or just some items) so that you can take up this benefit.
In NSW, to find out more about breaks and other work conditions, contact the Office of Industrial Relations (a NSW government department) on 131 628. This number may be called from anywhere in NSW for the cost of a local call.
If you are outside NSW, you could contact the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Helpline and get assistance in working out what your agreement says. Workers Hotline: 1300 362 223
What will I be paid?
How much you are paid will depend very much on what sort of arrangement you are employed under (see section on awards, contracts and agreements).
If you have any questions about what the correct rate of pay is, or any of your other rights, and you are employed in NSW, you might want to phone the Office of Industrial Relations (a NSW government department) on 131 628. This number may be called from anywhere in NSW for the cost of a local call.
If you are outside NSW, you could contact the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Helpline and get assistance in working out what your agreement says.
Workers Hotline: 1300 362 223
On-line Inquiry form: http://www.actu.asn.au/HelpatWork/WorkersHotline/default.aspx
Many young people working in retail or fast food will be members of the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Union (SDA) and could also seek help there. Link: http://www.sda.org.au/
If you want to know if there is a union for you to join, again contact the ACTU Helpline on 1300 362 223
If you are employed under federal Work Choices legislation (if you were employed prior to 2008), you can check here Workplace Authority.
Do I get extra pay for working on holidays, weekends, or late hours, or is it a flat rate?
Again, this depends on the work you do and the sort of contract or agreement you are on. See the contacts above.
How do you know how you are going on the job?
Employers have various ways of letting you know if you are performing according to their expectations.
Coaching When you are first learning your job, you may be asked to shadow a more-experienced employee to learn the various tasks and procedures you need to know. Later on, a supervisor may oversee your work directly. More experienced employees and supervisors will give you on-the-job feedback about how you are doing. This is commonly known as coaching and is a valuable part of the learning experience.
Catch-ups or Feedback Sessions It is good practice for a supervisor to provide you with regular sessions in which you can informally discuss your progress and how you can improve your performance at work. These sessions also allow you to ask questions about general matters that you might not be comfortable asking about while on the job. Be sure to tell your employer or supervisor about your progress at school and about any upcoming major assignments or tests that you may need time to study for.
Performance Reviews happen once or twice each year and are a formal opportunity to give you feedback on how you are performing at work. Performance reviews can give you valuable insights into how you can be more effective on the job. These private interviews will also give you an opportunity to set goals for the year ahead. This is also the time when you might express a desire to take on a position of more responsibility or to secure a holiday job or full-time employment after school.