A good resume can make a difference in helping you get a job. It shows employers your skills, work experience, qualifications and interests., What to include in your resume, Your resume should provide all the key information about your experience and work history that an employer needs to know. A typical resume includes: your name and contact details a short summary about you or your career goals employment history education and training work skills. You might add other sections, such as volunteer work and achievements. What you include can depend on the length of…, Updating your resume, It’s a good idea to review your resume at least every 6 months to make sure it’s still up to date. You should add any new skills you have learned during this time. Often you will need to tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. For example, to highlight certain skills and experience that relate to the job requirements., Dealing with gaps in your work history, It’s not unusual to have a gap in your work history and it’ll only stand out if you don’t explain it. The main thing employers want to see is that you are keen and ready for the job you’re applying for. If you have gaps in your employment, think about other activities you did during these periods you could put in your resume. These might include study, volunteer work, or caring for family members…, February 2018 – November 2018, Study, TAFE NSW, During this period I took an online course to improve my digital skills and add to my qualifications. , March 2022 – January 2023, Office Administration Volunteer, During this time I did volunteer work for a local conservation group. I built my research, planning and teamwork skills and experience. , August 2021 – March 2022, I took time off my career to focus on personal and professional development. During this time I: found support through a mentor created a blog researched and attended industry forums took a Microsoft Office refresher course. , January 2015 – March 2016, I was seriously injured in an accident and took time off for recovery and rehabilitation. I’ve returned to full health and am ready to take on my next challenge., Other documents you might need, Employers will often ask you to send other documents with your resume. For example: a cover letter – visit Writing a job application and cover letter for tips a response to selection criteria – visit Responding to selection criteria for more.
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Many job advertisements will list some requirements you need to write responses to. These can be called ‘selection criteria’, ‘prerequisites’ or ‘general requirements’., What are selection criteria?, Selection criteria relate to the qualifications or knowledge you need to get the job. For example, the criteria might ask if you have: a qualification, such as a certificate or degree knowledge of certain software a licence to drive a certain kind of vehicle, such as a truck. The criteria might ask you to show your abilities. For example, your ability to: meet deadlines and prioritise tasks…, Essential and desirable criteria, In many job advertisements, the selection criteria are broken into ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ qualities. Essential qualities are the ones you must have for the job. Desirable qualities are ones you don’t need to have, but may give you a better chance of getting the job. Even if you think you don’t have some of the desirable qualities, you can still apply for the job., Tips for writing a good response, Do some research, Research the job requirements before you start your response. If there is anything you’re not sure about, you can contact the employer to ask for more information., Keep it clear and to the point, Your response should be focused and clear. If the job advertisement gives a word limit, make sure you stick to it. For example, an employer may ask for no more than 100 or 200 words for each criteria. If there is no limit, try to write no more than two or three paragraphs for each criteria response., Use the STAR method, For each criteria: give a specific example of what you did give details of how well you did it include what happened because of your action. You can use the STAR method to do this. STAR stands for situation, task, action, result: Situation – Set the scene for your example, such as where you were working and when it happened. Task – Describe the task or problem you worked on. Action – Explain what…, Talking about your disability in a response, It is your choice whether to mention your disability in your job application. If you choose to mention it, you might do so as part of a response to one of the selection criteria. This can be an opportunity to show your unique strengths and skills. Here is an example response to a selection criteria 'Demonstrated ability to learn new skills and adapt to change': In my receptionist role I was…, Final checks, Always review and edit your application so you are presenting the most professional version of yourself., Make sure you:, format your document the way the job advertisement asks check over your responses ask a friend, family member or DES provider to also check for any spelling mistakes or other errors save your responses. You might need to refer to them at the interview for the job. Or you might be able to use them for future job applications.
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Service providers play a vital role in matching people with disability to jobs. JobAccess supports this process by providing a range of resources. Learn more about: laws, standards and codes of practice that apply to you other providers, organisations and available support stories that showcase people with disability in the workplace., Explore articles for Service providers
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Applying for a job in writing is often your first chance to make a good impression and show your skills, so it’s important to get it right. Get started with our tips on what to include in your application, how to present it, and writing a cover letter., What can be in an application?, A job application might include: written responses to job requirements, also called ‘selection criteria’ an application form, if the employer uses one information about recent work history, or your full resume other documents such as your certificates and study results a cover letter. Some employers may ask for a cover letter and responses to selection criteria along with your resume. Others may…, Before you start, Before you start writing an application: check what you need to include – this should be in the job advertisement check how you need to submit the application research the employer and the position you are applying for think about the skills, qualities, knowledge, experience and qualifications you have that suit the job read through any job requirements and make notes about how you meet them.…, Tips for presenting your application, Focus on and cover your skills and experience that match the job. Use key words from the job advertisement. Make the application clear and to the point. For some industries, it might be a good idea to show your work. For example, for jobs in the arts, design, publishing or technology. Type your application unless the employer has asked you to write it by hand. Use basic formatting and a simple…, Making the final checks, Read the job advertisement again and any other information. Make sure you have responded to what the employer has asked for. Check over your application for any mistakes – it’s a good idea to do this a day or two after you write it, if there is enough time. Ask someone else to check over it as well., Writing a cover letter, Most job applications need a cover letter. You will usually need to type this in a separate document and attach it with your application. Employers may have a number of applications to review, so your cover letter should be clear and to the point. It’s often best to write your cover letter after you have put together all the other parts of your application., Tips for writing a good cover letter, Keep your letter to one page, unless the job advertisement says the letter can be longer. Tailor the letter to the job and organisation – don’t send the same letter for every job. Name the job you are applying for and where or how you heard about it. Briefly describe the qualifications, skills, abilities and experience you have that suit the job. Make sure any experience you mention in your…, Writing a covering email, If the employer asks you to send your application by email, keep your email brief and to the point. You only need to include your name, the job you’re applying for, and mention that your application, resume and any other documents are attached.
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You might contact an employer you’d like to work for to ask if they have jobs available or to get more information about a job., Writing to an employer, Whether you're writing to apply for a job or asking about future work, you want the employer to notice you. A good email or letter: has a clear purpose uses straightforward language and short sentences is clearly set out., Asking if they have any jobs available, When you write to an employer to ask if they have jobs available: say straight away that you’re looking for work say why you would like to work for their business show that you already know some things about their business or the industry they work in include information about your skills, qualities and experience – but keep it short say why you would be a valuable employee for their business. If…, Asking for more information about a job, If you want to contact an employer to get more information about a job: say which job you’re asking about. Use the job name and the reference number, if there is one in the job advertisement ask your question. If you have more than one question, you could put them in a list., Tips for writing a formal letter, You might choose to write a formal letter rather than an email when: you’re writing a cover letter with a job application you’re writing to accept or say no to a job offer an employer has asked you to write about why you want the job. It’s rare that you need to post a letter to an employer, but you will need to type it. You can then attach it to an email or print it out if needed. The language in…, Setting out your letter, The, start, of your letter should include: your name and address the date when you’re writing the name of the person you are writing to the position title of the person you are writing to (You can usually find out these details by phoning the business and asking who you should write to.) the name of the business the postal address of the business a greeting such as ‘Dear Ms/Mr…’. The, main part, of the letter should include three or four paragraphs. These should cover things like your experience and why you want to work for them. At the, end, of the letter, include: what you would like the person to do after reading your letter. For example, you could write: Thank you for considering my interest in working for your organisation. I look forward to hearing from you. a sign-off such as ‘Yours sincerely’, followed by your name and signature. You can find out more about writing a letter with an application at Writing a job application and…, Before you hit send, Before you send your letter, have someone else read over it. They might pick up small errors or suggest how to improve it., Phoning an employer, If you tend to get anxious or nervous calling people you don’t know, it can help to prepare notes and set out a plan before calling an employer., Before making your call, Find out as much as you can about the business you’re calling. Write down the questions you will ask or the information you need to give. If you’re calling to ask if they have jobs available, write a list of your skills, qualities and experience. Think about what you’ll say if you reach voicemail. Prepare a short message. Have everything you need ready, such as: your notes a blank notepad and pen…, During your call, Say your name and the name of the person you would like to speak to. If you don’t know their name, ask to speak to the manager or the person responsible for staffing or recruitment. Say why you’re calling, for example you’re looking for work or you’re calling for more information about an advertised job. Remember that it is okay to ask the person to slow down or repeat something you’ve missed.…, If things get tricky during the call, If you begin to feel nervous during the call, take some deep breaths. You can be quiet for a moment to gather your thoughts. If you still feel nervous it’s okay to ask if you can phone back at another time. This will allow you to get together the information you need., After your call, As soon as you get off the phone, make notes about the conversation. Write down the things you need to do and when you need to do them., Calling to ask if they have jobs available, There are some extra things to note when you are calling to ask an employer if they have jobs available. During your call: say why you would like to work for their business. This is a chance to show that you already know some things about their business or the industry they work in talk about how your skills, qualities and experience suit their type of business say why you would be a valuable…, Getting help, If you have a Disability Employment Services provider, talk to them about any help you might need to contact an employer. If you are an NDIS participant, you can also talk to your NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator about employment supports. If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the free National Relay Service (NRS) to help you make phone or video calls.
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Having an interview is a key part of getting a job. Being well prepared can help you feel more confident. Find out how to do your best in an interview and get the support you need.
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Articles
An interview is a way for employers to find out more about you and how you can do the job. It’s also your chance to find out more about the employer. Our tips for before, during and after the interview can help you make the most of the experience., Before the interview, To help you feel prepared there are a few things you can do before the interview. Here are few tips:, Do your research, Find out as much as you can about the employer and the tasks of the job. This helps you think about questions to ask and shows the employer you are interested., Practise interview questions, Prepare answers to possible interview questions. What skills and experience does the job ask for? How do you meet those? You can ask a friend or family member to practise interviewing you. Also think about what you would like to know about the job, the workplace and the work arrangements. You can go to Talking about your disability at an interview and What employers can ask at an interview for…, Think about your needs, If your disability could affect how you perform parts of the job, think about changes or support you might need. For example, will you need changes to your work area, or flexible working hours? You might want to be ready to raise this at the interview. Visit Talking about your disability at an interview for more information., Plan ahead, If the interview is in person, plan how you will get there. Do a practice run and allow extra time for possible traffic and transport delays. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early so you can gather your thoughts before the interview. If the interview is online, make sure you have the app or software set up on your computer and know the basics of how to use it., Getting help for your interview, If you need support to take part in an interview because of your disability, you can raise this with the employer in advance. Find out more about the Support you may need for an interview . , At the interview, It is good to think of an interview like a conversation. Remember that you and the employer are both there to get to know each other better. Here are a few tips for the day of the interview., Make a good first impression, Your interview might be with just one person or with several people at the same time. Introduce yourself to everyone before the interview starts. An interview starts from the first moment of contact. Be aware of what you’re saying during the ‘small talk’ before the interview questions begin., Don’t worry about being nervous, Remember that it is normal to be nervous and employers will expect that. You may even choose to tell the employer how you feel. This can help calm you down. Some employers may also see it as a sign that you care about getting the job., Handle tricky questions, If you can’t think of an answer to a question straight away, don’t worry. Take a moment to think about it. This shows you think things through and don’t panic under pressure. If you are not sure how to answer a question, ask the interviewer to explain or clarify it. This shows that you’re not afraid to ask questions to get things right. You can also ask to come back to the question later. Be…, End well, When the interview is over, thank the interviewers for their time., Explaining gaps in your work history, It is not unusual for people with disability to have periods of time when they were not employed. If you have gaps in your work history, you can explain these in a number of ways. For example: if you couldn’t work because of your disability, be honest, but make it clear that you are able and eager to work now mention any study, volunteer work or other activities you did during those times…, Questions to ask in an interview, Your chance to ask questions will most likely come at the end of the interview. By asking questions, you can learn what the workplace is like and how they value their people. Here are a few examples of questions you might ask: Can you tell me more about what a typical work day looks like? What qualities does a person need to do well in this role? Can you tell me more about the team and the…, After the interview, Don’t be too negative about how you performed in the interview. Each interview you have builds confidence and gives you a chance to improve., Keep notes, After each interview, make some notes about what happened. Think about what went well and what you could do better next time., Be patient and follow up, Employers might take a few days or a few weeks to work out who they want for a job. If the employer doesn’t contact you in the time you expected, you might want to call or send a short email to check if there is an update., Ask for feedback, If you don’t get the job, ask the person from the organisation for feedback. Ask if there were particular reasons why you didn’t get the job. This can help you prepare for future interviews. And remember, if you miss out on one job, that employer may still think of you for a different position., Tip:, As you attend more interviews, it’s a good idea to keep a list of the organisations you have been to. Make sure you have a contact name for each one. You may wish to contact them again in the future.
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The Australian Government’s JobAccess service has launched new visual branding for Alumni Partners of the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC). JobAccess Alumni represent a cohort of employers who have completed a 12-month partnership with the NDRC and are leading the way in workplace diversity. The growing alumni currently include more than 150 public and private organisations from…
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News
