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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. 

 

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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! 

 
 Make sure you join us on 24th of May from 7pm-9pm !! 
gina-RO
gina-ROPosted 15-05-2018 02:28 PM
 
 
 
 
 
gina-RO
gina-ROPosted 24-05-2018 08:57 PM

Ok we only have a few more minutes, but a good one to finish on:

Someone asked for : any tips as to how to unlock a particular passion in the workforce

 


A great question around how to enjoy your work and be in a job you love! 

 
 
 
 
 
gina-RO
gina-ROPosted 24-05-2018 09:06 PM

Thank you so much @SamK1008 for answering so many of the questions - we had a lot of interest in this topic, and it's something that can be super challenging for young people! 

We really do appreciate all of your insights! 

Thank you to everyone else who has shared and contributed  - it always amazes me what happens when we pool our knowledge and experiences together and get this plethora of wisdom and information! 

 

A final word from me on job hunting, and job keeping - it's ok to struggle with this!
Employment seeking can be really difficult, and deeply personal, and often even a very emotional process. 
Be gentle with yourself, and remember that you are always your worst critic! Seek out support, and do not give up! 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
mrmusic
mrmusicPosted 24-05-2018 09:08 PM

Thank you @SamK1008 - much appreciated! 🙂

 
 
 
 
 
SamK1008
SamK1008Posted 24-05-2018 09:05 PM

@gina-RO 

 

any tips as to how to unlock a particular passion in the workforce?

 

you want to make sure that whatever you do has purpose for you. once you find that purpose you will find clarity in what you would like to master within that field and become great at it!

 

I guess that it for the night guys... thanks again for having me! its been great 🙂

 

feel free to ask any other questions if you have and I will respond in due time.

 

gnite 🙂

 
 
 
 
 
gina-RO
gina-ROPosted 24-05-2018 08:47 PM

Of course, the other scenario, where you apply and go to an interview, and you don't get a job, can be really challenging. 


What's the best way to motivate myself after being rejected from a job/jobs?

 

How have people coped with this? 
Personally I have found this really challenging! 
Keen to hear from you all, and tips from @SamK1008

 
 
 
 
 
SamK1008
SamK1008Posted 24-05-2018 08:58 PM

@gina-RO 

Just remember that you will not get every job you apply for, and that ok! I would suggest to keep applying for other job and remember that the job you get will be the right one for you based on your qualities and attributes that you can bring to the business.

 
 
 
 
 
mrmusic
mrmusicPosted 24-05-2018 08:54 PM

You’re not wrong @gina-RO, I’ve found this incredibly hard in the past. I think in some ways it comes dow to what @SamK1008 said before, and that is that the employer needs you in the workplace, not the other way round. So, I try and think of a job rejection as “their loss not mine”, but that’s hard sometimes.

 
 
 
 
 
gina-RO
gina-ROPosted 24-05-2018 08:44 PM

@mrmusic  thats a good way to put it - the way you interact with others. 

I suppose in every social situation, there is an appropriate way to behave, and in a working space, this may mean being a bit more "serious" or focused than you would usually be, in order to focus on the task at hand and get the job done. It can be an attention to detail as well. 

Professionalism can vary in workplaces a lot as well! 

 
 
 
 
 
SamK1008
SamK1008Posted 24-05-2018 08:13 PM

depending on the hours you work, legally if you are entitled to a lunch break then that would require you to be away from your work station for the duration of your break.

 
 
 
 
 
Bee
BeePosted 24-05-2018 08:04 PM
@j95 from what I've done in my accounting/admin that isn't right, but I'd check your award your being paid under to find the specifics on what the legalities say. (I'm not familiar with the trade award)
 
 
 
 
 
j95
j95Posted 24-05-2018 08:05 PM
Generally we get one but sometimes we don’t and I don’t mind but just wondered about how legal it is @Bee
 
 
 
 
 
Bee
BeePosted 24-05-2018 08:10 PM
You should get one @j95 if you look at this site (https://www.fairwork.gov.au/awards-and-agreements)
you can find your award and see what they say 🙂
(I've just been answering questions on awards with my study so it's in my brain LOL)
 
 
 
 
 
gina-RO
gina-ROPosted 24-05-2018 08:01 PM

While we are still on interviews, we had one question come through on the form that reflects what we've already been hearing from everyone that interviews are nerve wracking. Any special tips here @SamK1008

 

I really struggle with interviews - I freeze. I find it really hard to feel confident in interviews, and I panic more in practice interviews, yet I really want to work. How can I show an employer what I can do when I really struggle to sell myself or answer any questions confidently?

 
 
 
 
 
SamK1008
SamK1008Posted 24-05-2018 08:09 PM

 

I really struggle with interviews - I freeze. I find it really hard to feel confident in interviews, and I panic more in practice interviews, yet I really want to work. How can I show an employer what I can do when I really struggle to sell myself or answer any questions confidently?

 

The moment I stopped thinking that the interviewer was "higher in status" or "better" than me, was the moment I started to take control in my interviews. Just remember that the person across the table is just another person that is interested in finding out more about YOU. don't let your nerves get to you, IF I CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU. I used to suffer from severe anxiety myself so I know exactly the feeling you are talking about. Practice your deep breathing before and throughout the interview, take your time in answering the questions, let the employer know that you are nervous. They will understand 🙂 lastly, do not make the decision for yourself whether you did well in the interview or not... I used to beat myself up thinking that I did horrible in the interview, then I would get a call saying that I was successful. try to be as positive as you can be and that will show through your nerves 🙂

 
 
 
 
 
Bee
BeePosted 24-05-2018 08:16 PM

@SamK1008 How did you manage to stop seeing the interviewer as a "higher status" than yourself?

 

I get into an interview and I too freeze, and I've tried preparing as much as I could, vs not preparing and I've acknowledged I'm nervous/anxious in the interview, yet still manage to somehow find myself with no words or sense that I'm giving enough of an answer, eg it feels weak or it misses their question entirely.

 
 
 
 
 
SamK1008
SamK1008Posted 24-05-2018 08:24 PM

@Bee very simple. I stopped thinking that I needed them. rather, they needed me. that alone gave me confidence but also starting ice breaker questions with them, breaking down the barriers and just being as real as could. I'm not saying that it worked with everyone, but it help me knowing that I went into an interview and I was completely myself. I owned it! and so should you 🙂 🙂

 
 
 
 
 
gina-RO
gina-ROPosted 24-05-2018 08:27 PM

@SamK1008 @Bee 
I like that idea, and couldn't agree more, that you don't need them, they need you! 
That's so true -  you are an asset to a workplace, and they really need you there to help them! 


 
 
 
 
 
Bee
BeePosted 24-05-2018 08:30 PM
I'll try to remember that @gina-RO @SamK1008
 
 
 
 
 
j95
j95Posted 24-05-2018 07:58 PM
Yeah I’m pretty lucky! There was a time about 18 months ago where things were so awful for me I needed quite a bit of time to get back on my feet and get to work, he was so understanding and really worked with me to start feeling better, starting with half days then eventually back to full time. I’m very lucky as my industry of work is known as one that isn’t always accepting of mental health struggles.

I understand that not all bosses are this nice either
 
 
 
 
 
ErinsAntics
ErinsAnticsPosted 24-05-2018 07:43 PM

In terms of the weakness question I just be honest and say I have low self confidence (which I do due to bullying all through my schooling) but then turn it into a positive and say it makes me more teachable and I'm going to ask more questions if I'm unsure on things. 

 

I also bribe myself to get through job interviews, so after each interview I reward myself with chocolate or buying something nice 🙂 

 
 
 
 
 
mrmusic
mrmusicPosted 24-05-2018 07:48 PM

I really like what @ErinsAntics said about turning any weakness into a positive - brings that question into a whole new light.

 

I’ve been to a couple of job interviews and I’ve stuffed them up haha. One thing I will say is from an applicant’s point of view, I personally don’t appreciate it when the workplace ignores the application completely. I understand they would be time-poor, but I would prefer to have an application at least acknowledged, even if it is weeded out pretty quickly. Am I being unreasonable here?

 
 
 
 
 
gina-RO
gina-ROPosted 24-05-2018 07:45 PM

@ErinsAntics I love that about the chocolate!!! 
Interviews are stressful - you definitely deserve a little reward after surviving one! 

My dad used to tell me that a bad interview, is just good practice for a better interview later! No wasted time! 

 

I think that's such a good answer too Erin  - being honest about your weakness but turning it into a positive. Every weakness can be a positive for sure!

 
 
 
 
 
j95
j95Posted 24-05-2018 07:40 PM
if im honest, i absolutely stuffed up my interview/trial day at my current workplace when asked about what im good at, because i couldnt think of anything, so i said i have initative, then they asked me what i needed to work on and i said initiative hahahaha
but i got the job, i think employers can sometimes understand nerves can get the bettrer of people
 
 
 
 
 
j95
j95Posted 24-05-2018 07:32 PM

also... connections and who you know is a big one 

 
 
 
 
 
gina-RO
gina-ROPosted 24-05-2018 07:34 PM

Thats so true @Bee that some ads just don't have enough information! It's always good to do a bit of rummaging around - I find online to be the best place to get accurate information. 


But also such a good point @j95  that who you know ends up often being the biggest thing - which is why it's often a good idea to ask around your friends. 

I've had friends put up status's on facebook, or send out messages saying they are looking for work, and what kind of work, and often someone will know of something going. 

 

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