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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

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

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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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Campbell Page customer Maria finds her dream job!

Disability Employment Services customer Maria recently started a job in aged care support, combining her passions of helping others and working with people. We caught up with Maria to find out how the new job is going (spoiler: she’s loving it!)

Before working with Campbell Page, Maria was battling with ongoing health conditions and didn’t see work in her future – in fact, neither did her doctors. Not only was she struggling with her health, she lacked confidence in finding work and didn’t know where to start. When she had tried to find support in the past, she felt that it wasn’t getting her to where she needed to be: “I felt like I was a number in the system and felt stranded”.

The Campbell Page team supported Maria by creating a resume and helping her to identify her skills. Though she hadn’t been in paid employment, her time raising a family and organising a household meant she had a tonne of transferable skills! She was also guided by the team to develop her interpersonal skills, build resilience in the workplace and set boundaries so that she could offer support to others, while still taking care of herself and her condition.

On top of this, Maria entered into study with the support of Campbell Page and her Employment Consultant. Knowing that someone had her back the whole time helped Maria believe in herself and remove any self-doubt about her ability and skills.

From the moment you come in you’re supported. [You’re] actually listened to, I don’t feel like a number. They make you feel like a person, and they understand the problems and come up with solutions.

After successful completion of her course, Maria landed a job in aged care support and she hasn’t looked back since. Maria said working with her clients gives her a reason to smile everyday: “I’m more energetic since starting work, I’ve always been happy & positive, but waking up now, I’m excited for the day and to go to work.”

Here’s what Maria had to say to anyone who lives with an injury, illness, disability or health condition and is struggling to find work:

I think Campbell Page is the best place to get a job you actually want and will be happy with. Even when you’ve got the job they’re still calling you and checking in.

Congratulations to Maria for her new job, we’re so proud of you!

We won’t just team up with you, we’ll get in your corner! If you have an injury, illness, disability or health condition and need support to find work, (and keep it) we can help. Click here or call our friendly team on 1300 139 920 to get started.

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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

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, or better yet, call us now on 1300 139 920

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Do you have a disability, injury, illness or health condition?*
Do you have a current NDIS plan?*
Are you aged from 14 and not yet the Age Pension qualifying age?*
Please only click send ONCE and wait a few seconds!
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Samantha shares her journey to success

At Campbell Page, every customer has a great story to share! We caught up with ParentsNext  customer Samantha to chat about her journey with Campbell Page from a stay at home mum to finding her confidence (and work).

We can all agree that being a Mum is one of the most important jobs, but when it came to doing something for herself, that’s where Samantha struggled. “I wasn’t very outgoing…I lacked self-confidence” she explained.  Due to distance and health issues it was hard to find the right support from her network “I was more the support person to others”.

That’s where Campbell Page stepped in and from the first appointment things started to change. “After the first appointment… I had more confidence than I thought!”.  Samantha and her ParentsNext Coach, Kiri, got to work creating a plan to help Samantha uncover her goals for her future. Samantha went on to successfully complete hospitality studies including RSA, RCG, Barista training and food handling and as a result, landed a job!

“Kiri assured me she would support me getting into courses and this made me excited about possible work in the future.”

 “[Life has] improved now. [I] have a good job in hospitality which has improved stability for my family. My confidence has increased, and it has helped in [my] work.”

This stability, newfound confidence and opportunity to uncover her goals and passion have helped Samantha explore a whole new path for herself. She’s now completing an IT course in the hopes of pursuing a career in the field “[I] feel more confident in my ability to study and work.” When asked what her advice was to other parents who are looking to get back into work, Samantha said:

“Don’t be afraid to ask for support. I would definitely recommend Campbell Page”

If you’d like support to find work, (and keep it) visit our website or call our friendly team on 1300 139 920.

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Donation of 100 laptops from Jemena giving locals the right tools to succeed

jemena laptop donations for Campbell Page

We are delighted to receive a donation of 100 laptops from leading energy infrastructure company Jemena.

Our customers include homeless youth, unemployed locals including people with a disability, young single mums, people who have been impacted by bushfires, and Aboriginal youth and families. The computers will be distributed to members of our community along the NSW South Coast.

Chief Executive Officer, Natalie Turmine, said the generous donation could not have come at a better time.

“It’s been a very difficult and challenging 12 months for our people along the NSW South Coast. The smoke had barely cleared from the bushfires when COVID-19 struck and many individuals as well as businesses have faced mass unemployment as a result.” 

“The compounding effect of multiple crises within a relatively short period of time has had a profound impact on locals’ livelihoods and their ability to recover financially, but this donation allows us to give our customers the tools they need to rebuild, recover and try to get back to work,” said Ms Turmine.

Jemena General Manager, Gabrielle Sycamore donates the first of one hundred laptops to Campbell Page CEO Natalie Turmine.

Gabrielle Sycamore, General Manager, Strategy and Commercial, Jemena Gas Networks said Jemena is delighted to provide the laptops to support the local community.

“We are pleased to work with Campbell Page to provide much needed equipment for their customers. By repurposing our computers we are not only reducing landfill, but we are ensuring those people in New South Wales who have been through so much can enjoy and benefit from something like a computer, an item that many of us take for granted.”

“We also thank Simon Moore, Infrastructure Policy Manager at Business NSW. As a member of our JGN Customer Council, Simon initiated the introduction to Campbell Page for which we are very grateful.”

Many of the laptops have already reached those in need with young locals experiencing homelessness, or those at risk of homelessness, residing in our Youth Refuge having already received a laptop. Young school-aged mothers participating in Campbell Page’s sole parenting program have also received their computers to help them continue with their education and vocational learning.

Ms Turmine said the laptops will help customers prepare resumes, search and apply for jobs, build their technical skills, and complete online training courses and qualifications.

“For some of our customers, this will be the first computer they have ever owned, so we’re excited to support them on their journey of technological discovery,” said Ms Turmine.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without Jemena’s incredibly generous donation and support of local not-for-profits and local people. We’re extremely grateful to the Jemena team.”

More information on Jemena can be found at www.jemena.com.au

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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