Put Your Best Foot Forward

At Castle, we believe first impressions count, especially when you’re applying for a job. Your resume and interview can make or break your chances of employment, that’s why our case managers take the time to help you put your best foot forward.

#1 – DEFINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT GOALS Our team takes the time to listen to you, understand your goals, and help you define your career pathway. Looking for a change of pace? We can help with that too through resources such as JobOutlook's Skills Match service or good old fashioned brainstorming. 

#2 - PREPARE YOU FOR THE WORKFORCE Once we understand your employment goals, we make sure you’re armed with the skills and knowledge to succeed. Our team can assist you in accessing government-funded training through your NDIS or DES plan. Check out the article Education in Isolation for more information. To make sure you’re confident on the job, we can organise a work placement through the National Work Experience Program (NWEP) or, if you’re aged 17-24, a Prepare, Trial, Hire (PaTH) Internship. Work placements arm you with skills, give you a competitive edge in the labour market help you gain contacts in the industry.

#3 - REFINING YOUR RESUME Does an employer in the IT industry really care that 15 years ago you worked for 2 months at McDonald's? Probably not. Resumes should be sharp and to the point, showing employers why YOU are perfect for their advertised role. We make sure your resume is tailored to your employment goals, showcasing your skills, education and experience in the industry. For 10 great resume writing tips, check out this article from Indeed. 

#4 - CONNECTING YOU TO INCLUSIVE EMPLOYERS As the region's most successful DES provider, Castle has an established network of locally recognised medium and large businesses ready to give people with an injury, illness or health condition an opportunity in their workplace. In 2019 we launched our Inclusive 100 campaign, educating local businesses about the diverse benefits of hiring a person with a disability. Over 100 employers pledged to diversity, including big businesses such as Newcastle Permanent, Hunter Water, Port Stephens, Cessnock and Lake Macquarie council, SHAC architects, and more. For the full list head to our Instagram @theinclusive100.

#5 - PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD It’s essential you leave a professional impression on future employers so our team takes the time to prepare you for your interview. Through your DES plan, we can make sure you look the part and are dressed appropriately. We understand that interviews can be stressful, so we take the time to address your anxieties and build your confidence when answering questions and participating in group interviews. Check out this article from INC for 10 essential interview skills to help you get hired. Most importantly, we communicate with potential employers and advocate on your behalf so they understand your capabilities in the workplace and why you’re perfect for the job.

If you’re struggling to score your dream job, we can help you put your best foot forward. Call 1300 817 917 or visit castle.org.au/contact to talk to the team at Castle today.