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What you should wear to a job interview

What you should wear to a job interview

You’ve just got the call; you beat out tonnes of other applicants with your resume and you landed an interview. You’re probably so excited, (and you should be- this is huge) but maybe there’s a tiny hint of worry setting in about what to wear to put your best foot forward.

Formal, semi-formal, business casual- huh? Dress codes may as well be in a different language. Don’t sweat it! We’ve broken down what to wear depending on the type of job you’re going for with handy pictures and some simple guides to follow.

Finding the right fit

Just like clothes, this isn’t a one size fits all approach- the fit matters. Choose well-fitting clothing that has been sized to your body. It not only looks neat and tidy, but if you’re comfortable you’ll be able to focus on nailing the interviewer’s questions, not adjusting your top every 5 minutes.

Take some time to think about the organisation (and the position) you’re interviewing for. This will give you a hint for how you should dress and show the interviewer you’ll fit in with the company, and their approved dress code.

So, what’s the right outfit for your industry?

Administration or customer service

Wear a collared shirt or blouse and dress pants or skirt, or opt for a simple, well-fitting dress. Add a blazer to really elevate your look.

Warehousing and trades

Go for something slightly more relaxed, but polished. A nice polo shirt and chinos are perfect.

Chinos are like the fancy cousin of jeans. Super comfy, but a bit better looking. They come in a bunch of colours too!

Retail

If you’re going for a job in retail, you can never go wrong with a nice blouse or collared shirt and dress pants or a skirt.

Fashion retail

If you’ve landed an interview in fashion retail, show off your style and understanding of current trends, just don’t go overboard.

  • Opt for something fun and fashion forward, but not too over the top
  • Keep the crazy couture to the runway when it comes to dressing for fashion retail.

Cleaning

A simple polo or nice blouse and tailored pants will look tidy. What better impression for a cleaning position right?

Community care (like child minding or aged care)

Choose something neat and fuss free such as comfortable tailored pants, a blouse or sweater top. Don’t be afraid to add some pops of colour.

Image: Target Australia

Steer Clear

While it’s great to show off a bit of your personality in your interview outfit, it’s most appropriate to err on the side of caution and opt for something more conservative. Here’s some things to avoid:

  • Low necklines and short skirts or shorts. Keep these items for after hours.
  • Big logos, wild patterns and printed t-shirts. These pieces can look messy or give off the wrong impression
  • Avoid wearing activewear like leggings, it’s good to be comfortable, but this is getting a little too comfortable.
  • Don’t overdo jewellery, accessories or perfume.
  • Clothing with rips, holes or stains. Turning up looking a little worse for wear doesn’t exactly fill an interviewer with confidence.
The interviewer may not find your t-shirt as funny as you do.

Don’t forget about your feet

Shoes are an important step for finishing off an outfit. Opt for a style that’s closed toe, in a neutral colour and that’s mud and scuff free. Heels are always optional, and they don’t have to be sky high. If you can’t walk in them, don’t wear them.

Paying for your professional look

If you’re reading along and thinking “how am I going to pay for this!” it’s all good. Chances are you aren’t interviewing at the same place or with the same people every time, so it’s totally ok if you recycle the same outfit to save a bit of money. 

Kate Middleton- Duchess of Cambridge, Queen of recycling her outfits.

You can also pick up a range of great button down and polo shirts, blazers and slacks at your local op shop or business wear section at department stores like Kmart and Target for affordable prices. If you don’t have the money to splurge on a new look and you don’t think you’ve got an outfit in your closet that’ll work, don’t panic. We can help with this too, just let our team know.

So that’s it! You’re now ready to dazzle in your new interview get up and can we just say- WOW. You’re one FINE looking applicant. They’d be fools not to hire you.

READY TO FIND WORK?

Got your look nailed but need more support to hone your interview skills? We’re here to help. Send us a message and we’ll will be in touch shortly, or better yet, call us now on 1300 139 920

Images: Harpers Bazaar, Pinterest, Target Australia, Shutterstock.

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How to Nail a Job Interview

How to nail a job interview

Um congrats! You’ve been asked to interview for a job. THIS IS HUGE!!!

Chances are you’re pretty excited to have made it this far (and you should be) but those nerves probably started kicking in the minute you hung up the phone right?

internal scream intensifies

Take a deep breath. You’re going to nail your job interview thanks to these tips.

1. Don’t despair, prepare!

Do not, and we can’t stress this enough, wing it! Before your interview (like a day or two before- not as you’re waiting to go in) read up a bit on the organisation you’re interviewing with and the job you’ve applied for.

  • Do you know what they do?
  • What do they stand for?
  • Have you clearly understood the job you’ve applied for?
  • Are there specific skills required?

You want to show your future employer you’re interested, self motivated and organised.

shaq rubbing hands together

2. Plan your look

A sure fire way to stress yourself out on the day of your interview is not to have anything to wear. Plan your look ahead of time to avoid the extra stress. Choose something well fitting, nothing too tight or too loose and make sure it’s neat. It doesn’t have to be expensive but it should be stain, hole, wrinkle and stink free. Oh yeah, and also avoid wearing anything with big slogans or “funny” sayings on them.

3. Rehearse your responses

In every interview you’ll ever have you’re bound to get some standard questions. These include things like:

  • Tell us a bit about yourself?
  • Why do you want to work here?
  • What are your strengths?
  • What are your weaknesses?
  • Can you tell me about a time you came up against a challenge? How did you overcome it?
  • What experience do you have in [insert program or industry here]?

You don’t have to remember your rehearsed responses word for word (that could be weird and robotic) but going in with some specific examples in your mind will really help under pressure.

Bonus tip: Does your mind go blank once you get into that interview? Before you even start to answer these take a deep breath and give yourself a second to gather your thoughts.

Really listen to the question the interviewer is asking!

4. Practice makes perfect

The more interviews you do and the more you practice your responses to standard questions, the more prepared you’ll feel. You’re not going to win them all, so try and look at interviews as a way to get more experience. Every one you do brings you closer to landing a job that’s right for you.

Go get ’em tiger!

READY TO FIND WORK?

Need more support to hone your interview skills? Our team can help with that! Get in touch with us to get started today.

Images: Boredpanda.com, imgflip, Memegenerator

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How to talk to an employer about your disability

How to talk to your employer about your disability

First of all, let’s just make one thing very clear – this is your private information which means only you can decide when and who you want to share it with. There may come a time though where you need to chat to your current or potential employer about your disability. Here are our top tips for having this conversation.

There are a bunch of reasons why you might talk to your employer about your disability. It could be that you need some additional support in your job or physical modifications to your workspace.

At different stages of the recruitment process you may also be asked the question “Do you have any health problems that may impact your ability to do this job?”

Don’t panic. Here’s how to answer the question no matter what phase of the process you’re at.

1. On a job application

If there’s the option to leave it blank and explain your situation at an interview- take it. It’s much easier to have this discussion in person, and the employer can ask any relevant follow up questions.

If you have to write something here are some options:

  • Not that would affect my ability to do the job
  • I have a health condition, but feel I will be able to do what’s required in the job
  • In the past I had <insert condition> which I’ve recovered from and I don’t feel is going to impact on my ability to perform well this job

Whatever you do, don’t lie. Honesty is the best policy and being up front about things means you can get the right support.

2. At a job interview

If you’re asked this question at an interview, here’s a good response:

“I have a good understanding of my health condition and know what the signs are for my illness. I’ve worked on strategies to manage it and don’t feel it will impact my ability to do my job”.

Prepare some examples to back up your statement such as “I wear a knee brace when I feel fatigue and this helps me to feel more secure and supported”.

3. After the job is offered/ accepted

Find a good time to talk with your new employer in private. Let them know that you may need some extra support or time off for regular appointments to manage your condition.

You may want to explain how you would make up the time and assure them it won’t affect your work. Feel free to tell them you’d appreciate regular feedback on your performance and leave it at that.

Some final tips

Keep it short

Focus on the positive points including your experience, abilities and skills that are relevant to the job. They don’t need to know all the details about your condition, just that you can perform the job. You’re more than your disability. You know it, we know it. Show them that.

Keep it simple

Talk about your injury, illness or condition in basic terms and without using medical jargon. Instead of saying “I have a rotator cuff injury” try “I have a shoulder injury”.

Practice makes perfect

Practice talking about your condition as much as you can so you’re comfortable with how you’d explain it to an employer. If you’re comfortable, it’ll show.

Provide Solutions

Show them you’re all about making it work by suggesting some options and strategies for workplace adjustments to support you, and make it easier for your employer.

READY TO FIND WORK?

Not sure where to start? Talk to your Employment Consultant today – or send us a message and our team will be in touch shortly.

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Preparing for your first day of work

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The first day of a new job can bring out so many thoughts and emotions. You might be feeling pretty chuffed you’ve landed the role, and excited about what’s to come. Chances are, you’re probably also experiencing some nervousness and fear of the unknown.

Fear not! Keep reading to find out our top tips to get you set up for a great first day of work.

Plan your Morning

Having a routine in place that you can go over in your head can help calm those first day jitters and it helps you avoid any nasty mix ups. (like catching the wrong bus) Take some time leading up to your first day to plan out your transport, morning routine and food for the day. Ask yourself some questions like:

  • Will you walk, ride, drive or commute?
  • How long will the trip take?
  • Do you know which line or connections will get you to your new job?
  • What time will you need to wake up in the morning?
  • How long will it take you to get ready before you can leave?
  • What will I eat for breakfast and lunch?
  • Are there food options close to my job?

Try and build in a bit of extra time in your routine. That way you’ve got a little wiggle room if anything goes wrong (hello peak minute traffic). If everything goes smoothly then hey, it never hurts to be early!

If something does go wrong, call your employer immediately and let them know so they’re aware of the situation or reach out to your In Work Support Consultant.

Get Enough Beauty Sleep

We know, we know- you’re obviously already GORGEOUS! But a good nights sleep isn’t just about looking refreshed. Getting enough sleep the night before your first day will keep you alert and engaged in the workplace throughout the day – you don’t want to be dozing off on the job or missing out on important info because you’re too tired to focus.

Too nervous or excited to sleep? Try some relaxation techniques like guided meditation, relaxing music, aromatherapy or a warm bath before bed. Check out some more ways to chill out and relax here.

Dress for Success

What you wear on your first day depends on your new job. You might have a new uniform already, maybe they’ll give you one when you arrive, or perhaps, there’s a dress code you’ll follow that your employer has told you about.

Take the same approach as you did for choosing an outfit for your interview. Choose something before the day and make sure it’s clean, wrinkle, hole and slogan free. It’s always a good bet to look a little fancier on your first day and then adjust your clothing choices later than to rock up totally under dressed.

You can always check in with your In Work Support Consultant for advice and to plan your first day outfit or work wardrobe. If you need additional support to buy clothing or uniform items for your job, we might be able to help with that too!

Bring your Paperwork

When you first start a job, there’s a lot of paperwork that needs to be completed so you can get paid and your work has the right details to keep you safe. You may have started some of this ahead of your first day, but chances are the bulk of it will be done when you start.

Be prepared to bring along things like:

  • Your bank details
  • Proof of ID (i.e. drivers license, passport, medicare card)
  • Qualifications or tickets
  • Emergency contact details (you might want to chat to a friend or family member to ask them if it’s ok)
  • Your Tax File Number
It may take a little time to complete it all but it’s SO WORTH IT!

Expect to be Inducted

You should receive an induction in to your new workplace. This is where someone (usually your boss or a senior colleague) will show you the ropes of your new workplace and bring you up to speed on what’s required of you. It could include things like:

  • A tour of your office or worksite so you know where to find things
  • Training and compliance
  • Introductions to your team members
  • Making sure all your equipment is in order and ready to go

If you don’t have an induction, or you feel uncomfortable with anything you’ve been shown or asked to do, talk to your In Work Support Consultant immediately.

If in doubt, ask.

You only get to be the newbie at a workplace once. Take this induction time over the next few weeks and months to learn as much as you can and clarify as much as you can. It’ll save you a lot of heart ache in the long run to just ask.

Don’t understand something? Ask.

Forgotten where the toilet is from your workplace tour? Ask.

Think you’ve missed something? Ask.

Asking questions and checking your understanding is how you’ll learn and get more confident. It’s ok not to know it all right away.

Chances are, if you have to ask the question, someone else has too.

Stay positive and have fun!

While the first day can be fraught with nerves and you can often feel self conscious, don’t let those feelings rob you of enjoying it too. You’ve come such a long way to land this job. You’re going to meet so many great people, learn some new things and come pay day- have a whole lot more money in your pocket to do the things you want to do. So enjoy it and stay positive through any hurdles you come up against. You’ve got this and we’ve got you!

Need some extra support for your first day of work?

Call us now on 1300 139 920 or speak to your in Work Support Consultant directly.

Images: Suckmykicks, memegenerator, Frinkiac.

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Introducing EcoCrews

Introducing EcoCrews

We’re thrilled to announce that we have been awarded $2.1m from the NSW Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) Fund to launch our new EcoCrews™ program in Southern NSW.

EcoCrews is an exciting new program which will offer quality pre-employment training creating 45 well- paying, eco-friendly jobs for young people whilst completing much needed bushfire recovery work through environmental EcoProjects.

In collaboration with the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire Councils, as well as the Stepping Stone Farm we’ll be creating six EcoCrews over the coming year, who will undergo 6-months of paid training and employment to deliver vital land-based works.

Whilst on the program, EcoCrew Members will undertake accredited units in Conservation and Land Management, complemented by mentoring and supervision. We’ll also be adding value to EcoCrew Members’ experience through innovations such as our package of social enterprise support.

We’re excited to share more with you in the coming weeks and months.

Questions?

Let’s chat. Send us a message using the below form or call our friendly team on 1300 139 920.

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Top tips to finding a job in your 50s

Find a job in your 50s

Changing careers or finding a job in your 50s (and beyond) can feel really scary, overwhelming and sometimes downright disheartening. Your age, disability, injury, illness or health condition doesn’t have to stand in the way of your next job. Working in our industry we often hear our customers say things like:

“I’ve been raising kids for 20 years – who’d hire me now!”

“Employers only want young, healthy workers. It’s nearly impossible to get a job over 50, how do I get help?”

“I’ve worked for the past 7 years then COVID came along. I’ve tried getting back to work again and just can’t get anywhere.”

“I’m 54 and have over 30 years experience, but I can’t get an interview anywhere”

While it is true, finding a job later in life IS different to being fresh out of school, you’ve got more of a chance of being a standout candidate and landing a job than you realise. Here are our top tips to finding a job in your 50s.

1: You’ve got more skills than we can poke a stick at…

Yep really! Even if you don’t believe us, it’s true.

Chances are, you’ve held a bunch of different jobs over the years that have helped you hone your skills. If you have a long work history try to focus less on your age, or the year attached to your qualifications and more on showcasing that you have the relevant qualifications or better yet, that you’re willing and able to learn!

If you feel like you need to catch up on current trends or brush up on some skills you haven’t used in a while, consider some upskilling opportunities. Find out more about upskilling here.   

If you’ve been out of work for a while, there’s no need to panic. You’ve got something young applicants don’t have – life experience.  Raising kids, volunteering, caring for family members or being involved in the local community are all commitments that have helped build transferrable skills that are desirable in the workplace.

Use this lived experience to highlight your time management, finance & budgeting, problem solving & organisation skills on your resume instead. You can back them up with solid examples from your life and how this would add value to the workplace.

2: Update your resume

A well organised, professional resume is worth its weight in gold.  You could have all the skills in the world, but if you’re not selling it well on paper, you’re unlikely to catch the eye of an employer. If you can’t remember the last time you wrote a resume, then it’s definitely time to breathe some life into it!

Be sure to tailor your resume for the position you’re applying for, ensuring you highlight the relevant skills and experience you have that would make you the ideal candidate for the position. Not sure where to start? Check out our advice on writing a resume.

3: Make your network work!

Ever heard the saying it’s not what you know, it’s who you know? This does hold a bit of truth to it. Having someone introduce you to an employer directly is much more valuable than unsolicited job applications.

Your network of friends, family, former colleagues, bosses and community members are your biggest cheerleaders and between them all, they’re bound to know an employer who is eager to meet you.

Reach out to your network and ask if they know of any available positions or have any contacts, recommendations or introductions they can make for you to help you get your foot in the door. While asking for their help might feel daunting at first, remember, these people care about you and want to see you succeed. You’d do the exact same for them.

4: Prioritize your goals for this next job

Before you go in and apply for every job under the sun, think about what you’re actually after with this job. If it’s to ensure retirement savings, then earning potential is key. If you’re looking to find something that works around your family, then flexibility is important. Perhaps, you’re looking to re-enter the workforce after an extended period of time off, so an understanding employer and training is vital to your success in the role.

Identifying what your job search goals (and must-have’s) are upfront will save you time and energy on applications by helping you whittle down which jobs you should actually put your time and energy into. Everyone’s path is different so find what works for you and your situation!

If you already know what your goals are for the job or industry you are looking for, that’s great! This will help you understand what skills will be required for the job. To match up your skills with potential jobs, you can use a skills match to enter the previous jobs you have worked in, see what skills you may have from your jobs and compare those with new jobs.  

5: Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

This tongue twister is our way of saying be prepared for any question an employer may ask you. If it’s “you’re over-qualified” tell them that you have considered this issue but know that your experience and skills will be a big asset to the organisation and you’re committed to showing them that. If they are concerned about employment gaps in your resume, speak about the skills you gained during this time. Remember point 1 and how you’ve got a tonne of skills? Explain how you would apply this to the workplace.

When finding a job in your 50s, preparing your answers ahead of time and being equipped to address any employers’ potential tricky questions will help you to feel calm and confident in any interview and will reassure employers. Feeling nervous about job interviews? Here’s everything you need to know about nailing it.

6: Keep your options open and stay positive.

Looking for work can feel like a never-ending battle for anyone at any age. No matter what stage you’re at in the job search, having the right attitude is key. So if you submit an application or go into an interview believing you’re the right person for the job and showing off your willingness to work, you’re instantly that much more employable.

7: Find the right support

Having a great support network to lift you up is important in any job search. If you need support to find work or manage your disability, injury, illness or health condition, we can help!

READY TO FIND WORK?

We’ve got your back through every step of the job search process. Send us a message and we’ll will be in touch shortly to determine how we may be able to help you, or better yet, call us now on 1300 139 920

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The best jobs for people living with Anxiety and/or Depression

Living with a mental health condition like anxiety or depression can make it hard to find a job that fits. You might have concerns about finding a supportive and understanding employer, maybe you’re worried the pressure of a certain industry could be “too much” to achieve a healthy work- life balance or it might just be tough finding the right job for your skills and experience.

We KNOW you’re more than your mental health condition. A mental health condition won’t stand in the way of you finding a job, but everyone needs a little support every now and again.  So we’ve taken the pressure off your job search by rounding up the 5 best jobs for people living with depression and/or anxiety.

1: Librarian

If a calming, quiet work environment paired with methodical tasks is what you’re looking for, working in a library or as a librarian may be a great fit for you. And while some full-time librarian positions require a degree, many libraries also hire library technicians/assistants. They help with organising books, working the circulation desk, scanning and uploading documents and helping customers find books and resources.

Libraries are an important part of any community, so you’ll not only have the satisfaction of a hard day’s work, but also knowing you’re making a difference in the world. What’s not to love about that!

Library jobs for people with anxiety and depression

2: Gardener & Landscaper

These jobs can be great for people with depression and anxiety. They give you the opportunity to work outdoors and allow you to get active, a great combination! Tasks may include grounds maintenance, watering and feeding plants, trimming trees/shrubs, weeding gardens and keeping spaces clean. You may be able to work by yourself or as part of a team, and there’s often flexibility to suit your lifestyle or management of your mental health condition.

Gardening jobs for someone with anxiety and depression

3: Data Entry

Data entry is a type of clerical work that involves using processes like typing and voice recording for entering information (like numbers and names) into computer systems. This work can be done in a variety of industries, such as healthcare, finance, retail and transport/logistics.

So if you’re analytical and like routine work, data entry could be a great fit. There is often the possibility of working remotely or from home if that suits your condition better. There are lots of different positions, starting with internships/entry level, all the way up to jobs that require degrees. So there is something for everyone no matter your skill set.  

Best jobs for someone with anxiety or depression

4: Courier/Delivery Driver

People are shopping online more than ever – so the need for delivery drivers is also greater! This could include working for a postal service, local freight company, or you could even work for yourself! You’ll spend most of your time out and about, won’t have to deal with crowds of people or customer service. And you get to listen to whatever music you want so that’s always a bonus!

Jobs for people with anxiety and depression

5: Be your own Boss

Sometimes it’s hard to find the right fit for you, or you want to build in the flexibility you know you’ll need to keep yourself healthy. Becoming your own boss is a great option and the range of business opportunities are endless including:

  • Dog walking
  • Lawn mowing
  • Virtual Assistant/Administration
  • Home cleaning/maintenance
  • Or if you have a hobby, try selling your crafts online using platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or Etsy!

If you’re still not sure what kind of work is best suited to your needs, think about what you want out of a job or what you need to succeed. Whether it’s helping people, being active or outdoors, working alone or in a big group, identifying some of these can help steer you in the right direction and find a career you really love!

If you’re looking for help or not sure where to begin, our friendly team can help you with whatever stage you’re at. Get in touch to get started with Disability Employment Services and #CreateYourPossible.

Images: Pexel

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We’ve got your back through every step of the job search process. Send us a message and we’ll will be in touch shortly, or better yet, call us now on 1300 139 920

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What is upskilling and how do I make it work for me?

We all know by now, 2020 was a difficult year, and as much as we wish there was a magic wand to have made it all disappear on new year’s, we’re still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and will be for some time.

Whilst we are incredibly lucky that the pandemic is largely under control here in Australia, many industries are still working in a limited capacity, workers are still in their home offices – and some businesses have had to completely change what they do! Sigh, we sure do miss those precedented times!

But, it has made many of us realise that no matter what you do – the future can be uncertain – and that has left many wanting to take control and “future-proof” their employability. Enter upskilling… This can be learning new skills for the job you have, the job you want or helping secure your place in an emerging industry.

So upskilling – what exactly is it?

To put it simply, upskilling is learning new skills that will help with your work. It could be learning new skills for the job you already have, the job you want or skills that’ll help you land a place in a new industry.

Why is upskilling so important?

There’s a bunch of reasons to upskill! Expanding your skill set can help you feel more confident, open up new career paths, (hello promotion!) help you leverage pay increases due to your expanded knowledge and you might even find a new area of interest. Upskilling can also support the business you work for to remain competitive and relevant, which as we all know is a biggie right now.

Okay sooo… how do I get started upskilling at work?

Great question. The best place to start is by identifying your goals. What do you want to achieve? What skills do you need for your job? (or the job you want) Are there any gaps? Why do you want to upskill? Once you’ve nailed down your answers to these questions, it’s time to look for relevant upskilling.

It’s important to note that upskilling doesn’t have to be a huge task, and it doesn’t have to cost money. Upskilling could include:

  • Free or paid Online webinars
  • Approaching a mentor at work or in the community and asking for advice
  • Trying new tasks at work or tackling new projects
  • Formal education and courses
  • Learning platforms like skillshare or even blogs from specialists

Make Upskilling work for you (not the other way around)

Get your boss onboard with your goals!

Talk to them about how you’d like to help grow the business with you new skills, they might even help you pay for it or give you some flexibility to learn. What have you go to lose?

Don’t know what skills to focus on? Develop a transferable skillset!

Ever heard of soft skills/transferable skills? Basically, they are the skills that you can apply almost anywhere! No matter what industry or workplace you find yourself in you’ll be able to use them. This includes things like:

  • Written & verbal Communication
  • Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
  • Answering calls and emails
  • Customer service
  • Working with others
  • Leadership & Management

Join a membership association or networking group

Professional memberships are a great way to meet people in your field, find a mentor or open yourself up to new opportunities. You never know who you might meet!

Get the right support

Upskilling is a great way to stay relevant and help you keep your job (or find a new one). But it’s important to have the right support for success.

Talk to your Employment Consultant or Candidate Coach today about upskilling options, we might even be able to help you pay for it!

Looking for work? Get in touch with our friendly team to find out how we can help you find a job and keep it.

Images: IMGflip, meme generator, bored panda

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Industries set to boom after COVID

industries set to boom after COVID

It’s fair to say that 2020 hasn’t gone according to plan. The Australian bushfires, compounded by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic have made for a really tough year for everyone. Some have lost work and are now on the hunt for a new job, others are facing the reality of having to find a job (maybe even their first one) in the midst of Australia’s first recession in nearly 30 years. It’s not all doom and gloom though.

If you’re currently looking for a job, don’t despair, there are still jobs out there (and you’re going to get one of them). We’ve rounded up a list of key roles set to BOOM in the coming months and a short description about each so you can decide which one is right for you.

Worried you haven’t got the right skills or experience? That’s ok! Many of these in demand positions are entry level, offer an immediate start and require a good attitude and willingness to learn- not a PHD.

1. Aged Care

Aged care workers provide care, supervision and support for people in residential homes, clinics, hospitals and private residence. They assist with personal care tasks like showering and exercise, domestic duties such as cleaning and the management of illness and sometimes medication.

2. Community Services

Community service workers provide care and support to clients, allowing them to become more independent in their lives, as they assist with everyday activities such as personal care, feeding, household chores and cleaning.

3. Disability Support (including Mental Health Support)

This is a widely misunderstood role, but one that so many people can excel at! It involves providing social and emotional support to their client including taking them food shopping, going for a walk with them or having a casual chat over coffee or teaching them new skills and ways to be independent. Who wouldn’t want to get paid to have fun!

4. Cleaning

This one is obvious. With all the COVID safe rules, cleaners are like gold right now and highly sought after. As resorts, caravan parks and motels open back up for the summer months, we’ll see even more demand.

This role could see you changing sheets, mopping floors, dusting, vacuuming, tidying and full scale disinfection depending on the job you go for. It’s not all scrubbing toilets.

5. Manufacturing

With people staying at home we’re seeing an increased demands for goods and food. This means we need people to support the production. Food processing (within the manufacturing industry) is something we’ll see continue to expand. Food processing workers are responsible for loading ingredients into industrial equipment, quality checking, monitoring machinery and moving goods.

6. Agriculture

Primary producers are still producing huge quantities of food and resources for domestic and global consumption. They’re in desperate need for farm hands, fruit pickers and harvest workers. There’s currently up to $6000 funding available for workers who relocate to take up a job in Agriculture.

7. Postal Services

Think couriers, sorting facilities and delivery services. With everyone stuck at home and travelling less, delivery services are under a lot of strain with the influx of online orders and gifts being sent around the country. With Christmas fast approaching, it’s going to be a VERY busy time for this industry.

8. Transport and Logistics

Transport and logistics link producers and consumers through multiple transportation modes, including air and express delivery services, freight rail, maritime transport, and truck transport. This covers all roles from pick packers to drivers. For the same reasons as the postal services industry, these roles are going to be in high demand.

9. Garden Maintenance

There are a range of residential and commercial options weeding, trimming hedges and mowing lawns. What’s better than being able to work outside in the fresh air. These roles tend to be pretty solitary, so if you’re someone who likes working solo or don’t love a lot of human interaction- this one is social distancing approved!

Still not sure where to start? We can help. We’re helping people to find a job (and keep them) every day. Get in touch with our friendly team today.

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What’s a Cover Letter and why do I need one?

how to write a cover letter

Have you ever avoided applying for a job because it asked you to submit a cover letter?

Cover letters can seem confusing (and probably pointless) if you don’t get what they’re all about! We’ve broken down the basics of a cover letter so that you never have to avoid applying for a job again!

What’s the point of a cover letter?

Great question! A cover letter is basically a letter of recommendation for yourself. It briefly sums up your skills and experience and why you’d be perfect for the job. It gives an employer a “taste” of what you’re offering so that they want to read your resume.

Employers see hundreds of applications every day and are looking for just the right combo of skills and experience. A cover letter bundles up everything they need to know about you in a neat little package and makes it easy for them to see if you’re the person for the job.

Ok, so what should it include?

Another stellar question!

1. Contact details

We want to make it as easy as possible for the employer to get in touch with you, so pop your contact details right up front.

2. Address it to the employer or hiring manager

This makes it feel more personal and like you’ve really done your research (because you did!). If you really can’t find who you should be addressing it to a “to whom it may concern’ is totally fine.

3. Call out the position you’re applying for

The company might be hiring for a range of positions, so specifically list which position within their company you’re after.

4. Sell yourself

This is what you’re here for. Why are you right for the role? What skills and experience do you have? Give some specific details

5. Sign off

End your cover letter with a professional but confident sign off like “I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely [insert name here]”.

Is there anything else I should know?

Whoa! you are knocking it out of the park with these questions. As a reward, here’s some bonus tips.

A cover letter should be specific to each job you apply for. Customise your skills and experience to each position and make sure you’re updating the hiring managers name, company name, position title as needed. You could nail the rest of the cover letter but if you write you’re applying for a position with KFC and have submitted it to Subway… *crickets*

Just like with your resume, keep it simple. Use an easy to read font at 11 or 12 points and always always always spell check. Detail really counts.

Still need some help? That’s what we’re here for. Contact us today for support to find and keep a job.

Images: Quickmeme, imgflip