5. Research
The Interview
• Who
• Where
• When
The Job
• Read the job advert/job description
Travel
• Plan your route in advance
• Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early
WHAT’S IN IT FOR MEWHO:WHAT:WHERE:WHEN:WHY:HOW:Resourcestraining room upstairsWorld cafe table set upComputerPresentationUSBWater, tissuesButchers paper, penstraining Feedback formClients to bring:ResumeRecruitment profilePortfolioDEAF Community on a ThursdayList of Job Seekers
WHO:WHAT:WHERE:WHEN:WHY:HOW:Location of ToiletsBreaksFire and emergencyResource folder to take home
WHO:WHAT:WHERE:WHEN:WHY:HOW:What your doing todayWhat we are covering
WHAT: : A portfolio is a collection of examples of your previous work that makes it easy for a prospective employer to see what you can do. How you have performed at workyour professional development, what you have achieved.Include in your career portfolio any kind of information that will help you with your careerWHERE:WHEN:WHY:HOW:WHAT. Typical documents include: records of personal and career planning sample resumes and covering letters referee lists job descriptions applications training certificates professional licences awards thank-you letters from customers or colleagues test results work samples or photos articles about jobs or companies you're interested in job search logs. Items you might put in your career portfolio include: awards licences or certificates evidence of membership of professional associations records of educational achievement evidence of specific skills (e.g. leadership, public speaking) samples of work, including photographs (items produced during work experience, class research projects etc.) job descriptions of jobs you’ve had reference letters and referee lists thank-you letters and cards from customers or colleagues resumes and covering letters job search logs past job applications articles on jobs or companies that interest you notes you’ve made on personal and career planning. Add other items that are specific to your career field, so that your career portfolio provides a clear and detailed picture of your knowledge and abilities. Resume - Current RefereesCertificates - Certificate I, II, III, IV, Diploma, Degree, Post Grad, Masters, PHDLicenses - Drivers, HR, Motorbike, Forklift, Crane Ticket, Chainsaw.Police Clearance - CRITICAL!. Where, How, Why, CostBirth CertificateTax File numberSuperannuation detailsNext of Kin detailsMedical detailsCHECKLIST IN PACKTAX FILE# (POST OFFICE)WHY:During the interview, you can use portfolio items to show your prospective employer what you’ve created and achieved. career portfolio contains all the information you need to: keep track of changes and developments in your career and job search plan or make career decisions apply for jobs prepare for job interviews market your skills in job interviews negotiate promotions, raises or changes to work conditions apply for scholarships or grants document professional development activities demonstrate prior work or learning experiences for credit on training courses. When you apply for a job, mention in your covering letter and on your resume that you can provide a portfolio on request. Even if an employer hasn’t time to look at it, just having one makes you look organised and professional. Always take your portfolio to job interviews. You never know how handy it might turn out to be. When it’s appropriate to respond to the interviewer's questions with portfolio examples, do so. (To get used to handling an interview portfolio without fumbling or losing your place, you might want to role-play using it with a friend.) If you don’t get the chance to show them during the interview, show one or two items at the end of the interview to reinforce the good impression you’ve made. If there isn’t time to show your portfolio to an employer in detail, or you want to point out something that you forgot to show, or didn’t include in the portfolio, send copies of items to them, along with your thank-you letter, as a follow-up to the interview. Never leave your portfolio with an employer. It has personal material in it, and any work samples you include are likely to be confidential or copyrighted to the companies where you produced them. The point of a portfolio is just to show what kind of work you can do, not to leak company information.HOW: RememberKeep your interview portfolio to a manageable size, say 5–10 pages. Put a table of contents at the beginning to make it easy to find information. Don’t use page numbers, though, just in case you want to add to or rearrange items later. Use dividers and/or title pages in a contrasting colour to separate the sections and help identify materials. Organise and order the different sections according to what the employer is looking for (the job description can guide you in this). Put the most important and relevant materials close to the front, where the employer is most likely to read them. Put similar items together (e.g. reference letters, photos of work samples). Present the portfolio in a loose-leaf binder, with each A4 page in a plastic sheet protector. Put each item label/statement into the sheet protector with the relevant item. Check that it doesn’t cover up any crucial words there, or slide around and look untidy when the pages are leafed through. Use copies, rather than original documents (but don’t throw any originals away!). When you apply for a job, the employer will want to see your resume. Your resume is a marketing tool that outlines your skills and experience relevant to the job. It can also be called your Curriculum Vitae (CV). Your resume should be updated regularly, especially when you finish a job or complete a training course. It should also be updated for each job you apply for. It might be a good idea to create a master resume and use it to create a new version for each job application.What to include in your resumeYour resume should include your contact details, education, employment history and the contact details for your referees. You can also include a statement of your career objective, computer skills, professional affiliations and other skills related to the job. Some people like to include information about their hobbies and interests so that the employer can get to know them better.Key information that should be included:Contact details: nameaddressphone or mobile number. If you use a telephone typewriter (TTY) phone or use a telephone relay service, you might consider making a note about this in your resume. Some employers may not have used these systems beforecontact emailCareer objectiveEmployment history: include all relevant work history, including volunteering and work experienceprovide details on the name of your employer, the job title, the period of employment and your key achievementEducation and training qualifications: all relevant education and training qualifications should be listed in this sectionprovide details on the name of the institution where you studied, course title and date completedDemonstrated skills: look at the details and selection criteria of the jobconsider what skills are required for the position and then list your relevant skillsif relevant, include information about your ability to use the range of relevant software programs. You usually record your skill level as either 'basic', 'intermediate' or 'advanced'. Be honest as the employer will expect you to perform at the level you have indicated in your resumeSpecial achievements: use this section to highlight your special achievementsspecial achievements can be a work goal, community work, volunteering or a sporting achievementReferees: contact details for someone who has supervised your work (teacher, coach, supervisor) or who has a good knowledge of your ability to do the job.You don’t need to include personal details such as your date of birth, marital status and gender.The most important thing when writing your resume is to make sure that it is relevant to the job you are applying for.Choosing your refereesYour referees can include a:previous employerteachertrainerco-ordinator of voluntary workperson you’ve done ‘odd jobs’ for.If you do have a strong work history, try to include at least two previous employers or managers.When choosing your referees you should also make sure your referees know you well and can be contacted easily. Contact your referees to let them know you've put their names down and to get their agreement to be named as a referee. You may also want to talk to your referee about the type of job you are applying for, the skills required and how you match the requirements of the job.CHECK LIST IN PACK, EXAMPLE RESUME AND ARTS PORT
WHO:WHAT:WHERE:WHEN:WHY:HOW:Preparing for the job interviewIt can be very exciting when you receive a call for a job interview as you realise you have made it to the next level of the job application process. During that phone call it can be important to ask a few questions about how the interview will be conducted. For example it can be good to know if there will be only one interviewer or a panel of interviewers. This will help you to prepare for the interview and you will know what to expect.Once you have your general information about the interview, there are a number of important things you can do to prepare yourself. Below are some pointers to help you succeed.Role PlayDuring the interview it can be quite common for interviewers to ask you a wide range of different questions relating to previous experience, current goals and future ambitions. They may even give you hypothetical work situations for you to respond to. In order to practice all of these different types of questions it is a good idea to trying role playing with a friend before the interview. You can write some possible interview questions based on the position description and statement of required duties.The JobAccess webpage on how to prepare for and attend interviews and the CareerOnejob interview tips provide some useful information on what to do before, during and after your interview or keep reading below for some personal tips.Knowing about the jobYou might have applied for this job three or four weeks ago and have forgotten about the details of the job. Remind yourself by going back over your job application. If the company has a website or if they have sent you some literature then make sure you read it carefully.Ask yourself:What does the business or Department do?Where are they based?Do you know in which Section you might be working?This information will help you to answer questions in the interview because you will be more confident and able to answer questions easily. Before the interview you can also write a list of questions you would like to ask the interviewer during the interview. Arriving on timeOne very important thing you should remember is to arrive on time. This shows the employer that you are punctual and value their time. Often, it is a good idea to trial arriving at the building at the time of the interview a day or so before the interview. If you plan to take public transport, you will see how long it takes to get there and where you will be dropped off. It also gives you a chance to see that the building really is accessible. Ask yourself these questions and find the answers before the day of the interview:How are you going to get there?How long will the journey take?What will it cost?Does the building, where you will be interviewed, have access? andWhat can you do to increase your chances of getting a job?By visiting the place before the interview you can also reassure yourself that you really would like to work there. This way, you know that you won't be like the person in the following story.Personal StoryI once delivered an application to a workplace on the southern outskirts of Brisbane. After travelling on the train from a western suburb, I decided that I didn't want the job. I made this decision because it would have taken me over an hour to get to work each day and another hour to get home. This would have been exhausting. Also, as I lived in an accessible unit, with good support workers, I didn't want to have the hassle of moving house.Plan your travel to the interviewIt’s a good idea to plan your trip to the interview well in advance. Do a practice run so you know where you are going and how long it will take you. Make sure you allow time for traffic and transport delays.Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early, so that you have some time to collect yourself and compose your thoughts. Arriving early also shows the employer that you are keen.To plan your trip using public transport, visit the following web sites (note that these links will take you to an external web site in a new window):ACT Government—Transport, roads and trafficTransport for New South Wales - CustomersNT Government—Public TransportQLD Government—Transport and motoringSA Government—Transport, travel and motoringMetro TasmaniaPublic Transport VictoriaGovernment of WA—Public transport authorityHow farWhat does the company doHow far is itWhere the role fits in – What is the job, what's required, what are your tasksUniformWho is interviewing you, Who, When, Where, Style (Panel, One on one etc)WHO, WHAT,WHY, WHERE, WHEN, HOWTiming - Getting there on time. (15 minutes before, GPS or Google route, practice run)Timing - Getting there on time. (15 minutes before, GPS or Google route, practice run)Key to employmentSelf esteemSetting goals and achievementsSupport network: Good role models,(list of referrals: LAC, Counselling, Community groups, JC eg the shed,)Motivation LIST OF REFERAL ORG, VISUAL DIAGRM, CALL TO ACTION: EC TAKE PHOTO AND SEND TO TRAINERSSupport Network VISUAL DIAGRAM
WHO:WHAT:WHERE:WHEN:WHY:HOW:Pre Interview Communication Split into groups - phone Etiquete role play. Interview offer.PhonesPre INTTelephone Etiquette, Phone charged, message bank recording, availability, (role play)Sound clip of inappropriate message bank How long is the interview going to takeGet the details Write down all the details! If you do arrange a meeting, verify the address, and make sure you know exactly where to meet them. For example: 'Wednesday the 15th at 2pm would be fine. Is your address still 398 Fullington Road? What’s the nearest cross street there? And do I need a Level number?’ Thank the recruiter Thank the recruiter for their time. If you haven’t been successful in arranging a meeting, say something like: ‘Thanks very much for your time, Mr Hall. I hope you’ll keep my resume on file for future reference. I’ll be in contact again in a couple of weeks/closer to Christmas, just in case something comes up. Thanks again.’ If you have arranged a meeting, repeat the agreed time to check that you both have it right. For example: ‘Thank you, Mr Hall. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday the 15th at 2pm.’ Restate your name if the recruiter did not ask for it during the conversation, in case they didn’t write it down when you introduced yourself. For example: ‘I look forward to meeting you on Wednesday at two. Should I go to reception and say you are expecting to see Emma Cloyst?’ If they have referred you to another company, you might say something like: ‘Thanks for your help and the referral, Mr Hall. I’ll contact Ms Coles at Mondo Enterprises tomorrow.’
WHO:WHAT: WHERE:WHEN:WHY: Why this is important: It takes only a few seconds for someone to form a whole list of impressions you during a job interview. Make sure your physical appearance isn’t the one thing that has a recruiter thinking, “This person is not for us.” We recommend you dress as professionally as possible for interviews. It’s better to be a bit overdressed than to be underdressed and to therefore come off as unprofessional. A few general rules regarding interview attire:When in doubt, always go the conservative route. You want YOU to stand out, not the clothing, jewelry or makeup you wear. Ensure you’re well-groomed before an interview. This means having clean and manicuring your nails, showering, wearing deodorant/anti-perspirant, brushing your teeth and neatly styling your hair. Whether male or female, your jewelry should be understated and should complement your outfit. Men should stick to no more than a wedding band and a watch, while women should choose conservative jewelry. Bring a briefcase, portfolio or simple tote bag to carry your work samples, a notepad, pens, research materials, etc. HOW: What To Do: Grooming and Hygiene (Clean hair, hair up, nails, cleanly shaven, shower, deo, clean glasses, minimal makeup, jewelry SAFETY, teeth)Professional Clothing,black enclosed shoes, heels 3 inches max, classic colors: Black, White top, Grey, Navy) Interview Attire Tips for Men and Women:Well-tailored, clean, pressed suit in conservative shades, such as navy blue, gray or brown.Pressed white or light-colored, long-sleeved shirt underneath suit. Shoes should be plain black or brown leather and should coordinate with outfit. Interview Attire Tips for WomenPants or skirt suits are acceptable. Skirt suits should be no longer or shorter than knee-length.A sweater set with a knee-length skirt or dress pants is also acceptable. Hosiery (neutral nylons or tights, depending on the season) is a must.Shoes should be sensible pumps or low-heeled dress shoes. Natural-looking makeup.Hair should be out of your face. A neatly placed bun is a good way to ensure hair isn’t distracting.What Not To Do: no exposed tattoos, remove all facial jewellery, cover cleavage and cracks. You should avoid...Low-cut necklinesMini-skirtsLoud prints and patternsOpen-toed shoes and spike heelsDramatic makeupFragrance of any kindExcessive or flashy jewelryBaseball or any other kind of hatLow-cut necklinesSleeveless tops and sheer fabricsMini-skirtsLoud prints and patternsDramatic makeupExcessive or flashy jewelryGum, mints or other objectsFlaunting designer labels too muchUseful Resources Beauty (waxing, Eyebrows, Skin Care: Central TAFE, Challenger TAFE), $12.50 Hair Cut @ City Place for Disability Pension and over 55’s, Belmont Clothes Library, READYTOWORKCHECKLIST IN PACK, VISUAL EXAMPLES MALE AND FEMALE, FLYER FROM READY TO WORK) IMAGESPersonal presentationIt's important to present well. This means wearing clean clothes that are simple and respectable. Think about wearing clothes that suit the job you are applying for. The employer has asked to interview you and they want to see how you will present for work.First Impressions at an InterviewWhen it comes to being interviewed for a job, the first impression that you make on the interviewer is often the deciding factor in whether or not you will be considered for the position. Typically, experts say you have about three to five minutes to make a “good first impression”. Here are some things you can do to ensure a positive first impression: Arrive early. You should arrive a little early for the interview to give yourself time to check-in. Punctuality is a good trait to have and employers notice it and find it equally as important as job function. Dress professionally. No matter what type of job you are interviewing for, dressing professionally is essential. While there may be some occupations that don't literally require a business suit, it is always advisable to dress as if you already have the job you want. Conventional wisdom about dressing for success when it comes to job interviews says that you should actually dress as if you have a job one level higher than the one you want.Keep in mind that a job interview is much like an audition. You are much more likely to get the job if you look the part. You will never get a chance to make a second impression on a job interviewer if your first impression isn’t a good one. No one ever missed out on a job because their attire was too professional. However, people are overlooked for new jobs and promotions every day because the manner in which they present themselves is not professional enough. A firm handshake is a sign of confidence. Shake their hand firmly and make eye contact when greeting your interviewer. Be confident, but not overbearing. Make sure your body language reflects a positive attitude. Sit up straight and slightly forward in the chair. Keep your hands in your lap and answer the questions honestly and with directly. If you “dress the part” and have the right degree of confidence then you should be able to make a positive first impression for your potential employer. This first impression could be the deciding factor between you and your competition.
WHO:WHAT:WHERE:WHEN:WHY:HOW:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ydyyBY5NXo<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FIzqhQsTos4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIzqhQsTos4Speaking clearly and slowlySpeaking clearly and slowly is a way to control your nerves and it gives you time to think about your responses. Clear, even speech shows the employer that you are a confident person who can relate to other people.If you have a disability that affects your speech or if you have problems with verbal processing, you can inform the interviewer beforehand that you may need more time to answer. As always, don't feel like you have to rush your answers. Speaking slightly slower will help people to understand you.Throughout the interview, try to smile as this shows people that you are an agreeable person – someone with whom they would enjoy working.Asking questionsAlthough you may be nervous and trying to impress, try asking a couple of questions in the interview. This will show that you are interested in the job and are thinking about how you will do it.You can often think of questions when you are preparing for the interview and when you are reading information about the job and the company itself. Write these questions down. If you are nervous, it will be helpful to have already thought about what you want to know.During the InterviewBe nice to everyone in and around the building. You never know who works at the company or who will be interviewing you.Give them a solid, confident handshake.Smile. You want to be approachable and it will ease your nerves.Be polite and energetic. No one wants to interview a slug.Maintain good posture.Don't talk too much–you don't want to be a chatterbox, but definitely don't provide them with one word answers either. Also, do NOT interrupt the person who is interviewing you.Remember to ask your questions at the end of the interview.Do NOT ask about money during the first interview.At the end of the interview, ask when a decision is going to be made and when it is appropriate for you to follow up.On your way out, be sure to graciously thank them for taking the time to meet with you.Speak clearly,Demonstrate body languageHandshake technique (Practice)- CP and other disabilitiesNerves - Calming yourself – techniques e.g. breathingEye contactClear concise answersBody languageSelling yourself!People you meet could be future employers so it is important to: develop your skills to promote yourself always be aware and positive. Make sure you can explain everything on your resume. Arrive 10 minutes early at the interview so that you can gather your thoughts and relax. Get a good night's sleep before your interview so that you can think clearly. The interview is not a time for: true confessions discussing politics, religion, race or marital status expressing anger over previous employment talking about family problems complaining about looking for work or the number of interviews that you have had. If you're not sure about a question the interviewer is asking, ask them to explain or clarify that question. If you do not get the the job you have been interviewed for ask for feedback so you can improve on your interview performance. You could ask questions like: Do you have any suggestions or feedback regarding my approach or attitude? Do you have any hints on how I could improve my interview skills? Searching for a job takes time and patience. Talk to friends who have found work and ask them what they did, or to people employed in industries that interest you about how they got their job.Attending the interviewInterviews provide employers with an opportunity to find out about you and what you know. They may involve one interviewer or several people, known as a panel interview. Being a bit nervous at an interview is normal so do your best to appear calm, friendly and confident and consider the following tips:an interview starts from the first moment of contact so be aware of ‘small talk’when arriving at an interview, introduce yourselfshake hands with the interviewer or each panel member when you enter the roomif you are asked a question that you are not sure about, ask the interviewer to explain or clarify the question. This shows that you are not afraid to ask questions to get things rightif you are not sure of how to answer a question, take a moment to think about it. Pausing is perfectly OK and shows you don’t panic under pressurebe sure in your responses and avoid using 'I might' or 'I guess'when the interview is over, thank the interviewers for their time and shake hands again.Even if you think the interview has been a disaster, be polite as it may not have been as bad as you think! If you miss out on one job, the employer could still be thinking of you for another more suitable position in the future.After the interviewAfter the interview you should think about how you went at the interview. Make some notes about what happened. Think about how you can improve. For example, perhaps you were asked a really tough question and want to have an answer ready if you are asked that question again.Ask your interviewer for feedback, if you don't get the job. Ask what you could improve on, as well as if they thought your work skills and experience were lacking in any area. This will help you with future interviews.Greeting, sitting in reception, phone off, handshake technique, smile, no gum, pen and notepad for notes, toilet, water, calming nerves, posture and waiting room Etiquette,INTERVIEWhands together under the table.Eye contact with the person who is asking you the questionBody language and posture
WHO:WHAT:WHERE:WHEN:WHY:HOW:Disclosing your disabilityWhen looking for a new job it can be difficult to know the right time to disclose your disability. If you have the skills and qualifications for the job, technically it should not matter if you have a disability or not. In some cases though, potential employers who do not know your work or your level of ability may be initially unsure if you would complete the job as well as a person without a disability. In many cases too, employers may not know that there are services and assistance available to help people with disabilities to reduce the effect of their disability in the workplace. In these cases, it may be beneficial to disclose your disability at a time when you can also discuss and inform the potential employer of the ways in which you might overcome any minor obstacles.Personal StoriesDisclosing your disability before applying for the jobWhen I find a job that I am interested in applying for, I will ring the contact person to ask more questions about what the job involves. I usually introduce myself, explain my qualifications and express my interest in the job. I will ask questions about what the job involves, where it is located etc. It is then that I usually let them know that I use a wheelchair to get around and I ask if the building is accessible, if there are accessible toilets and if there is adequate parking/ public transport or drop-off points for taxis. Most people I have spoken to have been happy to discuss these issues with me and have often put a lot of thought into how we might overcome any obstacles (e.g. if meetings are held upstairs, they may suggest that meetings could be held downstairs if I got the job). I generally find that being unfront from the start is best... if I find out that the workplace is totally inaccessible or that the job involves tasks I cannot do, then I know not to waste my time applying!Disclosing your disability in the job applicationA couple of times I have used the Cover Letter of my application as a way to first mention I have a disability. One job I went for was in the disability area so it actually seemed advantageous to mention I had a disability! At other times I will mention my disability in a positive way. For example in the cover letter I usually write some sentences about my skills and employment experience and my interest in the job, then towards the end I mention my disability in a positive way. For example, I will say that my disability has made me much more organised and self-motivated to achieve my goals. At the very least I think it will make my application more memorable and hopefully the employer will like that uniqueness about me.Disclosing your disability at the job interviewI generally prefer to submit my job application and if I get offered a job interview I will either ask about wheelchair access then or if I know the place already I will go along and have the interview without having to discuss my disability beforehand. I think this shows the employer that I do not think my disability is an issue and that it will not affect my ability to get the job done. If there are any parts of the job that may be difficult because of my disability we can discuss it right there and then in the interview.How to explain gaps in your employment historyIf you have gaps in your employment history, here are some ways you can respond to questions about this:note any study, volunteer work or other activities you completed during this periodemphasise your keenness to workdescribe your future career goals and how the job fits into this path.The following guide provides more advice if you have an episodic work history due to mental illnessApplying for a job when you have an episodic work historyListenMental illness may have limited your ability to work consistently. Potential employers might view gaps in your work history as a limitation. It is important to promote your skills and experience when applying for jobs.Your resumeA resume can have gaps in work history or show limited work experience. Your resume should emphasise the skills and experience you can offer the employer. Your resume should include information that relates to the employer's job requirements:you can include unpaid work and volunteer worktry to use years rather than months for the time you worked in different jobsa good resume promotes your skills and summarises your work experienceinclude a positive summary of the tasks you did and skills you developed when you were not workingYour resume should not tell a person’s life story. Think of a resume as an advertisement aimed at getting an employer interested in your skills and experience. After reading your resume, an employer should want to interview you. Emphasise the present, not the past. Reasonable explanationDevelop a reasonable explanation for gaps in your employment history so that you can discuss in the interview or in your application letter. This must not be misleading or dishonest. The employer does not have a right to your complete life history. The employer only wants information that is relevant to your ability to perform the job. Some of these explanations might be true for you:I had some health problems that are now taken care of.There was an illness in the family.I was taking care of my children or a family member.I was doing volunteer work with a community organisation.I had the opportunity to pursue some non-work interests.I took a few years off to travel.There is no reason to provide detail. Giving too much information could make the employer uncomfortable. Do not lie or give inaccurate information. This can cause you anxiety and may put you in a difficult situation later. If you feel comfortable in the interview, you can expand on your explanation.There are benefits and risks to disclosing your mental illness to your potential employer:Should you tell your employer and co-workers about your mental illness?ListenDisclosing that you have a mental illness to people at work is a personal choice. You are not legally obliged to tell anyone about your illness, unless it is likely to affect your performance or ability to meet the requirements of the job. This includes your ability to work safely and ensure the safety of co-workers. The person you disclose to has a legal obligation to keep your disclosure confidential, unless you provide written permission for them to share the information.Disclosure and privacyDeciding whether or not to discloseYou should carefully consider reasons for and against disclosure. You may wish to make your own lists of ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ with a trusted person. This may help you decide.Reasons for disclosing a mental illness include:disclosure generates trust and an open relationship with your employer and allows you to discuss the most effective workplace adjustment strategiesyou can deal with misconceptions and show how the impacts of working with a mental illness can minimisedif you become unwell then work related adjustments can be made quicklyif your illness impacts on your job, an employer may perceive this as poor work performance rather than considering the impact of your illnessif your illness could reasonably cause a health and safety risk for other people in the workplace, failing to disclose that risk could breach your Occupational Health and Safety obligations.Reasons for not disclosing include:your illness may have no effect on your ability to do the jobpeople might respond in stigmatising ways, due to lack of understanding about mental illnessdisclosure may provoke unnecessary curiosity, concern and insensitive questions.What information to discloseIf you choose to disclose to your employer, determine exactly what information you will provide to them. When considering what information to disclose, remember that the only information you need to disclose about your disability relates to:any adjustments required to ensure a fair and equitable selection processhow your illness may impact on some aspects of the requirements of a job andany adjustments that may be required to complete the requirements of the job.ddressing any employer concernsListenWhen attending interviews you may come across a range of employer concerns. While these concerns may be genuine, they are often based on assumptions or a lack of knowledge or experience of employing people with disability. Dispelling some of the myths will provide you with an opportunity to correct misinformation and to positively market yourself to employers. You may also like to talk to employers about some of the benefits to their business when they employ people with disability.Business benefitsIf you are receiving assistance from an Australian Government employment service provider, you may also want to speak with them about how you can address any employer concerns.Free expert help with employmentThe following information covers the major categories of employer concerns and the information that you can provide to the employer to help allay these concerns.Previous bad experiencesThe first response of many employers is that they have already tried hiring someone with disability but it was unsuccessful and they would not want to try it again.In responding to this concern, you may like to talk to the employer about:how you have considered all the inherent requirements of the job and that you are able to complete each requirement as a result of your skills and experienceif you are registered with an Australian Government employment service provider, how you are receiving support from them and that they are also able to provide assistance to the employerthe financial help available to the employer if you require any workplace adjustments or modifications at work.All the pages on our website print out in a user friendly format. You may like to print out some information on the financial help available to employers so that you can hand this to employers during an interview:Financial help and wagesGaps in your employment historyIf an employer is concerned about any gaps that you may have in your employment history, you may like to talk to the employer about:any study, volunteer work or other activities you completed during this periodyour keenness to workyour future career goals and how the job fits into this path.The following guide provides more advice if you have an episodic work history due to mental illness:Applying for a job when you have an episodic work historyHigher insurance and safety costsA common misconception among employers is that workers compensation costs will increase due to hiring people with disability or that employees with disability are more likely to have accidents at work. This is definitely not the case. Whether an employer has employed people with disability is irrelevant to the calculation of such premiums. Premiums are based on accidents at work and not the characteristics of particular groups of employees and there is no proof that employees with disability are more susceptible to workplace injury than others.In fact, research suggests that people with disability can have fewer accidents at work—the workers compensation costs for people with disability can be as low as four per cent of the workers compensation costs of other employees (Graffam et al 1999).You may like to print out the following information so that you can hand them to employers during interviews if you are finding that this issue is a concern:Workers compensationOccupational health and safetyIn addition, Safe Work Australia has produced a report that answers the question: Are people with disability at risk at work? See our Related Links for more information.Possible side effects of medicationA related concern among employers is the safety implications of medication in the workplace. Most people with disability do not regularly use medication but if you do, be aware of the nature of any side effects. You are only required to tell an employer about any medication that you are taking if it will impact on you job performance. It is therefore important that you consider how the medication might impact on your work performance and what adjustments might be necessary to alleviate them.For example, if the medication makes you feel drowsy for a few hours after you take them, you may need to take extra precautions during that time, or alternatively you could start and finish work at a later time.If you do require adjustments as a result of any medication, have a conversation with the employer and:be clear and matter of fact about why you are disclosing details about your medication and your desired outcome from doing sobe knowledgeable about your disability and the medicationprovide some options and strategies for making the reasonable adjustment to make it easy for the employer. The following guides provide more advice on disclosure and reasonable adjustments:Disclosure and privacyWhat is reasonable adjustment?Lower productivitySome employers will argue that it is not financially viable for them to hire people with disability as they work too slowly. But the reality is that most people with disability work at productivity levels equivalent to other employees and receive full wages.If you are concerned about your productivity as a result of the nature of your disability, then you may wish to consider the Supported Wage System. With the Supported Wage System eligible people with disability can access a reliable process of productivity-based wage assessment to determine fair pay for fair work. The following guide provides more information on the Supported Wage System:Wages based on your productivityNegative co-worker or customer response It is quite common to hear employers say that hiring a person with disability will ‘not work’ as customers will complain or the person will not 'fit in' with co-workers. Neither statement is true and in most cases customer and co-worker acceptance comes with familiarity and the observation that workers with disability are competent and efficient in their jobs.Furthermore, people with disability make up 20 per cent of the Australian population and the likelihood of customers and co-workers having a relative or friend with disability is therefore reasonably high. Employer initiatives in hiring people with disability can consequently have positive bottom line spin offs in the form of increased staff morale and community recognition as good corporate citizens.ReferencesAustralian Safety and Compensation Council 2007, Are People with Disability at Risk at Work? A Review of the Evidence, Australian Safety and Compensation Council, Canberra.Graffam, J, Shinkfield, A, Smith, K, and Polzin, U 2002, ‘Employer benefits and costs of employing a person with a disability’, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, pp. 251-263.What are the benefits to my business of employing people with disability?There are some great reasons why Australia needs to adapt its workforce. Our society is ageing. We need people to stay in the work force for longer. We need to attract people who are not in the workforce, but who are able to work.Many industries have large skill and labour shortages. Employers need to make use of Australia’s un-tapped workforce to meet the needs of business.People with disability bring a range of skills, abilities and qualifications to the workplace. Many businesses already employ workers with disability because it makes good business sense. Employees with disability:have fewer accidents at work. Workers compensation costs for people with disability are as low as 4 per cent of the workers compensation costs of other employees. The Safe Work Australia report answers the question: Are people with disability at risk at work? See our Related Links.have lower absenteeism and take less sick leave than other employees.can cost less than other employees—as low as 13 per cent of the cost of the other employees.build staff morale and teamworkraise management awareness of workplace practices and conditions, andincrease customer and staff loyalty.Disclosure is a choice you make about whether to tell another person or organisation about your disability. If your disability will affect your ability to do the inherent requirements of a job, you should tell your employer or potential employer. You should also tell your employer if your disability is likely to affect your ability to work safely or impact on the safety of co-workers. You only need to disclose to your employer how your disability may affect your ability to do the essential requirements (inherent requirements) of your job. The inherent or essential requirements of the job are tasks that must be carried out to get the job done. You may want to let your employer know of any strategies you have in place to help you do your job or if you require any workplace modifications to do your job.You do not need to disclose specific medical or personal information about your disability.Using examplesTop 5-10 most common interview questions:- Tell us about yourself, icebreaker, what's appropriate to say.-Strengths/weaknessesTeam workWhat do you feel you can bring to this roleWhy do you want to work for this companyWhy are you the best candidate for the job (Past experience and exposure to tasks, transferable skills)When have you used your initiative Specific examples of answers in your take home packDiscussing your disability Responsibility, self managed (medication), role of JCEmployment Gaps – How we assist, Incarceration (PAMPHLET), Medical, Travel, Family, Study.
WHO:WHAT:WHERE:WHEN:WHY:HOW:Online applicationInterviewOrientation(Learning modules)LAMINATED QUESTION CARD FOR EACH
