Working at Officeworks Australia
Officeworks is Australia's leading workplace and education supplies retailer, with over 167 stores across the country. It's a great option for teenagers who are interested in technology, stationery, and helping customers find what they need. Part of the Wesfarmers group, Officeworks offers flexible hours that work around school and solid training programs for young workers.
Quick Facts
- Minimum age:
- 15 years
- Average pay (under 18):
- $13-$18/hour (varies by age)
- How to apply:
- Online at officeworks.com.au/careers
- Common teen roles:
- Customer service, checkout, stockroom, tech support
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Officeworks?
Officeworks hires team members from 15 years old. This is slightly older than some supermarket chains because the role involves technology products and services that require additional training. You'll also need to meet your state's child employment laws if applicable.
Here's what you need to know about working at Officeworks in each state:
| State | Officeworks Min Age | State Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 15 years | Work permit required if under 15 (not applicable) |
| New South Wales | 15 years | No permit required |
| Queensland | 15 years | No permit required |
| Western Australia | 15 years | No permit required |
| South Australia | 15 years | No permit required |
| Tasmania | 15 years | No permit required |
| ACT | 15 years | No permit required |
| Northern Territory | 15 years | No permit required |
Officeworks is part of the Wesfarmers group, which also owns Bunnings, Kmart, and Target. This means they have well-established training and support systems for young workers entering the workforce.
What Jobs Can Teens Do at Officeworks?
As a teenager at Officeworks, you'll start in one of the entry-level roles. The specific position depends on what's available at your local store and your interests. Here are the most common roles for teen workers:
Customer Service Team Member
This is the most common starting role. You'll help customers find products, answer questions about stationery and office supplies, and keep shelves tidy. You'll learn about a wide range of products from pens and notebooks to furniture and technology. Good communication skills are important for this role.
Checkout Operator
Working on the registers involves scanning items, handling cash and card payments, and helping customers with their purchases. You'll also help customers with loyalty cards and special offers. This role is good if you're comfortable with numbers and enjoy interacting with people.
Stockroom Team Member
This role involves receiving deliveries, unpacking stock, and replenishing shelves. During Back to School periods, this can be busy work with lots of heavy lifting. It's a good role if you prefer working behind the scenes rather than directly with customers.
Technology Support
If you're interested in tech, you might help customers with computers, printers, and other technology products. You'll need to learn about the different products and help customers choose what's right for them. This role often requires you to be at least 16.
Print & Copy Centre (16+)
The Print & Copy Centre handles printing, photocopying, binding, and laminating services. This role usually requires you to be at least 16 due to the complexity of the equipment. It's a great option if you're detail-oriented and can work independently.
Once you gain experience, you can move into more specialised roles or work towards team leader positions. Many Officeworks store managers started as casual team members.
How Much Does Officeworks Pay?
Officeworks pays according to the General Retail Industry Award. For workers under 21, pay is calculated as a percentage of the adult rate based on your age. The rates below are approximate and may vary slightly:
| Age | Weekday Rate (approx) | Weekend Rate (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 years | $11-$12/hour | $14-$18/hour |
| 16 years | $13-$14/hour | $16-$21/hour |
| 17 years | $15-$16/hour | $19-$24/hour |
| 18 years | $18-$19/hour | $23-$29/hour |
| 19 years | $20-$21/hour | $25-$32/hour |
| 20 years | $22-$23/hour | $28-$35/hour |
Weekend rates are higher due to penalty rates. Saturdays typically pay 125% of the base rate, and Sundays pay 150% or more. Public holidays pay even higher. If you can work weekends, you'll earn significantly more per hour.
These rates increase on 1 July each year when the minimum wage is reviewed. As a Wesfarmers employee, you may also have access to team member discounts at Officeworks and other Wesfarmers stores.
How to Apply for a Job at Officeworks
Officeworks uses an online application system for all positions. Here's how to apply step by step:
- Visit the Officeworks careers website - Go to officeworks.com.au/careers or careers.wesfarmers.com.au and look for store team member positions.
- Search for jobs near you - Enter your suburb or postcode to find stores that are currently hiring. Hiring is busiest during Back to School periods (December-February, June-July).
- Create an account - You'll need to set up a candidate profile with your email address. Use an email you check regularly, as this is how they'll contact you.
- Complete the application form - Fill in your personal details, availability, and answer any screening questions. Be honest about your availability and include school hours and any regular commitments.
- Upload your resume (optional but recommended) - Even if it's your first job, having a basic resume shows initiative. Mention any interest in technology or customer service experience from school activities.
- Submit and wait - After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation email. If selected, the store will contact you within 1-2 weeks to arrange an interview.
If you haven't heard back after two weeks, it's fine to visit the store and politely ask about your application. This shows genuine interest and can help your application get noticed.
Interview Tips for Officeworks
If your application is successful, you'll be invited for an interview at the store. Officeworks interviews are usually relaxed and focus on your customer service skills and availability. Here's how to prepare:
What to Wear
Dress neatly and presentably. Business casual works well - think neat jeans or pants with a collared shirt or smart top. Avoid ripped clothing, thongs, or anything too casual. The Officeworks uniform is quite smart, so looking tidy makes a good impression.
Common Interview Questions
Officeworks interviews typically include questions like:
- Tell me about yourself and why you want to work at Officeworks
- What do you know about what we sell at Officeworks?
- Describe a time you helped someone solve a problem
- How would you handle a customer who couldn't find what they needed?
- What's your availability like? Can you work during Back to School periods?
- Do you have any interest in technology or office products?
What to Bring
Bring a copy of your resume if you have one, photo ID, and something to take notes with. Having your TFN ready (or at least applied for) is also helpful, as they'll need it when you start.
Tips for Standing Out
Officeworks values team members who are helpful and knowledgeable. Before your interview, visit the store and browse around so you're familiar with what they sell. If you're interested in technology, mention any experience you have with computers, printers, or other tech. If you've helped organise school events or assisted teachers, these are good examples of customer service skills.
The interview usually takes about 15-30 minutes. If successful, they'll offer you the job on the spot or call you within a few days. You'll then complete paperwork and start your training before your first shift.
Getting Started Checklist
Ready to apply for a job at Officeworks? Make sure you've got everything sorted:
- 1.Check your age - You need to be at least 15 years old to apply. If you're still 14, you'll need to wait a bit longer.
- 2.Apply for your TFN - Do this before you get a job. It takes about a week to arrive and you'll need it when you start work.
- 3.Create a basic resume - Even without work experience, include your school, any volunteer work, and your skills and interests. Mention any tech skills or customer service experience.
- 4.Work out your availability - Think about when you can work around school and other commitments. Being available during Back to School periods (January-February, July) is a big plus.
- 5.Apply online - Visit officeworks.com.au/careers and search for store team member positions near you.
- 6.Set up a bank account - If you don't have one already, open a bank account so Officeworks can pay you. Most banks offer free accounts for under-18s.
- 7.Visit a store - Before your interview, visit your local Officeworks to get familiar with the products and layout. This will help you answer interview questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Officeworks hires team members from 15 years old. This is slightly older than some supermarkets because the retail environment includes technology products and print services that require more training.
No, Officeworks requires team members to be at least 15 years old. If you're 14, you'll need to wait until your 15th birthday before you can apply. In the meantime, consider other retailers that hire from 14 years 9 months.
Teenagers at Officeworks typically work in customer service, checkout, stockroom, and basic technology support. The Print & Copy Centre usually requires you to be 16+ due to the complexity of the equipment. As you gain experience, you can move into more specialised roles.
Pay at Officeworks is based on the General Retail Industry Award. A 16 year old earns around 47.3% of the adult rate, which works out to approximately $13-$14 per hour on weekdays. Weekend and public holiday rates are higher due to penalty rates.
No, Officeworks hires people with no prior work experience for entry-level positions. They provide training on their systems and products. However, if you're interested in technology or have good customer service skills from school activities, mention this in your application.
The best times to apply are during Back to School periods (December-February and June-July) when stores need extra staff for the rush. End of financial year (May-June) is also busy. Applying a few weeks before these peak periods gives you the best chance.
Last updated: December 2025. Information sourced from Information sourced from Officeworks Careers and the Fair Work Commission.. Pay rates are approximate and subject to annual reviews. Check with your local store for current openings and exact pay rates.