Jobfind supports job seekers with disability find their dream role

Priscilla Beattie is the General Manager of Jobfind, a leading employment, training, recruitment and post-employment support provider servicing New South Wales, the Northern Territory and Queensland.

“We understand the challenges that a person with disability may face when finding employment and are here to offer support,” she explains.

Ms Beattie says making a decision about your career can be difficult, but is manageable with the right support network.

“Many of us don’t know what we want to do, but don’t worry … probably 70 percent of the population are in the same boat.”

Many people also change careers throughout their lives depending on what they like doing, so she says it’s important to consider your interests first by asking questions, such as do you like working with people or prefer to work on your own, do you want a 9-5 job or happy to do shift work and do you prefer to work in an office or outdoors?

To discover the industry or type of employment best suited to you, Ms Beattie also suggests creating a list to help you understand where your strengths lie.

“The Government has a great tool, called CareerQuiz to give you an understanding of what type of person you are, for example, whether you’re creative or analytical.” 

When it comes to identifying our strengths and what we can offer an employer, she explains that our hardest critic is usually ourselves.  

“Recently the daughter of a friend was putting together a resumé and felt that she had no skills as she had just finished school, but when we talked about her life some key things came out of it,” Ms Beattie says.

“She had been coaching and umpiring for younger teams in netball and had to ensure teams were game ready and games started on time.”

“She spoke regularly to her team and their parents. She also helped out in her Dad’s office in school holidays and waitressed for a couple of her aunt’s events.”  

From this, the young woman discovered she is a good communicator, a leader, has good time management, adept at working in an office but also had some hospitality experience.

We develop many skills in everyday life which can be put to use in the workforce and Ms Beattie urges job seekers to think about what skills have been gained through social activities and interests.

“Are you a member of sporting team or help out as a volunteer? Do you work with computers or other equipment? What other experiences do you have?” Ms Beattie asks.

Once you’ve highlighted your level of experience, skill set and strengths, it is time to begin the process of finding a job, which is something Jobfind can support you with.

Ms Beattie highlights her top tips for job seekers.

• Put together a resumé – There are lot of templates on the internet but also ask for examples from people you know.  Your resumé should be short, clear and professional. Make sure you get someone to proof this for you as spelling and grammar errors can put off employers. And be honest – there is nothing an employer hates more than to find out that the resumé doesn’t stack up to what experience you actually have.
• Identify any skills gaps where you may need a bit more training – talk with your Jobfind consultant about what training you can access. There are plenty of subsidised courses, that can be done in your own time and often online. Jobfind can help you identify training you need to get you the job you love. 
• It doesn’t matter what the job is, everyone gets nervous when it comes to interviews.  Preparing and thinking ahead of what questions may be asked and asking a friend to help you prepare will give you more confidence. And don’t be afraid to say “sorry I am a bit nervous” – most interviewers will understand and help you feel at ease during the interview process.

Approximately five percent of the Australian population is currently unemployed so it is important to remember you are not alone.

“Millions of people apply for jobs every day,” Ms Beattie says.

“Seek support from friends, family and your Jobfind consultant and you will be working in a job you love soon.”

If you need employment support call Jobfind on 1800 931 976 or click here.