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INFOBUS RETURNS! 24th May -All things job hunting and employment [Special Guest]
It's been a little while, but we are stoked to announce that InfoBus is back!!!
Join us on Thursday the 24th of May from 7pm-9pm to talk about all things job hunting, and employment with special guest Sam ElKhatib.
Sam works directly with people helping them to find, apply for, and keep employment.
He will be answering all your questions and giving advice on anything from resumes and CVs, interviewing, adjusting to employment, and mental health - all from his experience in this area.
There are so many things to think about when you're looking for a job, and this can be especially challenging when you're young and finding your way in the world.
Then you've got the challenge of starting a new job, and navigating the workplace.
We often get hear from people in the forums talking about their challenges with this, so this is a great opportunity to have a chat - share your experience, and maybe learn something new.
Submit any questions you have in advance here - it's anonymous!
Reminder everyone that this InfoBus will be happening tonight with our special guest @SamK1008 - talking all things job hunting, employment and beyond!
A bit about Sam!
Sam grew up in Western Sydney and loves food, culture and travelling!
He has a passion for the Arts and loves keeping fit, whether that be playing sports or working out at the gym. He has had a great deal of exposure in the Employment sector and has been working closely with young people, assisting them in finding and maintaining a job.
"Helping young people succeed and reach their goals is something I really take pride in being able to do."
We are so excited to have Sam's expertise on this, and the opportunity to discuss the challenges employment and the hunt for it can bring!
If you can't make it to tonight's chat, please post your questions below, or submit them above on the link, and we will answer them here for you to check out after.
7-9pm tonight - see you there!
My night is meh, I'm still waiting on a prac placement and it's not happening very fast! I have 3 weeks left (if I get a placement by tomorrow) to complete 70 hours so the anxiety is very real.
My question is: if you have a mental illness should you declare it during a job interview? Or do you want until you get the job and then declare it?
if you have a mental illness should you declare it during a job interview? Or do you wait until you get the job and then declare it?
depending on the job and how comfortable you are with sharing that information. Some jobs require you to disclose any mental illness/ disability. If you feel that your mental illness will directly affect your work, then it may be a good idea. the choice is yours.
I have had a bad experience with this in the workplace, where the manager said she was fine with it, however, I noticed things changed afterwards, and eventually it lead to them firing me without warning and on a false basis...
One thing that was really hard was finding time for appointments for my mental health... How would be best to go about it?
hmmm sounds like you may need to speak to the HR team? if you feel that they had let you go without notice or any apparent reason then you might need to take it further, you could always speak to a union as well.
Interviews!
@SamK1008 so more of a personal decision around disclosing mental ill-health - it can be a scary thing to do ! Thats awesome @j95 that your workplace has been accomodating - that often might be the case, that disclosing can lead to you getting more support.
We've had quite a few questions about interviews - I might ask them together here
How can we keep the anxieties/nerves at bay during a job interview?
When employers ask for your top weaknesses, is that a trick question or should I be honest? -
Keen to hear everyone's experiences of interviews too! They can be tough to navigate!
How can we keep the anxieties/nerves at bay during a job interview?
breathing techniques are a good start, always think positive and remain calm. give yourself time to answer questions as it does not need to be rushed.
When employers ask for your top weaknesses, is that a trick question or should I be honest? -
It's not a trick question, generally employers would like to see what areas you need development and will make a decision on whether they are able to help you develop your weaknesses or not. it's important to be honestI
@SamK1008 - great strategies!
I like what you said about taking your time. If you have to pause in the interview it probably shows that you care about your answer!
Also I get the general consensus that everyone is nervous and anxious in interviews - and the interviewers would know this too! They probably expect to see a bit of nerves - shows you care about the job.
And so true about being honest!
Is it legal for a workplace to not give you a break and instead incorporate it into your workload? What I mean is, they don’t give you a seperate time for lunch, just expect you to eat lunch while you work etc
@SamK1008 I couldn't love your answer to that more. Thinking of the interviewer as another human being who isn't better than you , but interested in you!
I've also heard (and tried myself) about using your body to feel more confident - doing things like stretching and standing up tall before the interview starts - kind of like "fake it till you make it" by sitting and walking how a really powerful confident person might. Taking up space helps my brain believe I'm confident and thus I feel more confident! Cool psychology stuff.
Jumping back a bit again to mental health - we had a question come through around when and how to tell your employer about mental health issues and if an employer could fire you for saying you had a mental illness.
Whats been your experience in this area @SamK1008?
Can an employer fire you for saying you had a mental illness?
Even though it shouldn't happen, It unfortunately does in some circumstances where the employer just doesn't have or is able to provide the support that the employee needs. I would recommend to seek further assistance if you are ever in a situation like that. Also keep in mind that there are Disability employment services out there that are able to offer on the job support if needed which would also be an incentive to the employer at times.
hi @cj123 and @PewterWV2!
Feel free to jump in with your experiences on job hunting, and interviews , or questions!
@gina-RO References don't necessarily need to be from a previous employer, they can also be given by a friend, a family member, a teacher or anyone else that would be able to answer any questions about yourself and your qualities.
Also be aware that constructive criticism is good for personal development. so if you didn't do too well in your previous job, it might be worth your while to contact them and ask them what you could improve on for future.
Are you allowed to use an employer before the previous one?
I think it depends on what they want too, sometimes they only want professional references
@j95 - so many good ideas about where to go for referees!!!!
A teacher, or coach area really good ones if you haven't got a lot of work experience, or didn't have a good relationship with your previous manager.
A colleague is a good option too - as long as you're honest about them being a colleague.
@SamK1008 - thank you so much for all of your answers so far! This is such a practical subject that can feel really daunting, so we really appreciate the discussion and insights.
We've got about another half hour to go - and a few more questions, but everyone please feel free to share your own experiences, challenges and questions as we go!
So we've had a few questions about once you've moved past the interview, and gotten a new job - it can be so daunting for people to start a job, whether it's a first job, or in a new sector, or just the fact that it's a new environment with strangers!
Someone asked:
How can I be "professional"? What does that even mean??
and another:
How do you recommend navigating a new workplace when you feel out of your depth?
@gina-RO it is my pleasure. There are so many good questions and I'm so glad they are being asked!
How can I be "professional"? What does that even mean??
when someone says "be professional" they are generally referring to changing your behaviour.
the word "Professional" means to have a an acquired knowledge within your employment space in order to earn a living.
it's not always about being professional, its about having the right attitude. and that could mean many things. eg:
- presentation skills
- appropriate language
- image
- body language
How do you recommend navigating a new workplace when you feel out of your depth?
I would suggest seeking support from your fellow colleagues and taking the time to get used to your new environment. it's easy to feel overwhelmed but with the right support you will get through 🙂
For me, being “professional” refers to the way you interact with others. I think probably the first thing I would do to be professional would be to work out where the appropriate boundaries between a professional colleague and personal friends (of course, a person could be both, but just be mindful), and also in some cases between a colleague and a client. I also believe making sure you dress appropriately and communicate with others appropriately (especially written communication).