Getting job ready

Finding the right role for you

You might be looking for your first job, looking to change jobs or be returning to work after a period of absence. Regardless of your situation, taking some time to think about your skills and interests can help in finding the right role for you.

Consider these questions:

  • Have you completed any education or training that could help you?
  • Do you have life experiences that an employer may value?
  • And most importantly, what are your interests and passions?

The key to finding success and happiness in a job is to apply for jobs you feel passionate about and that will bring satisfaction to your life. A job that fulfils these things is a good start to finding the right fit for you.

Don’t be put off if you think you do not have enough qualifications and experience. Employers look for skills that can be transferred into a job and many will offer training to the right person. Be confident in your abilities and ready to show why you are the best person for the role.

Available support

Disability Employment Service (DES) providers help people with disabilities, injuries or health conditions get job ready.

DES providers can help with resume writing, finding jobs, submitting applications, getting ready for interviews and much more. Go to our DES providers page to see if a DES provider could be a good fit for you.

Getting your resume ready

A resume is a summary of your work experience, education, skills and achievements.

Having a good resume is very important in getting job ready. All Tasmanian State Government jobs will ask you to submit a resume as part of your application.

It should include your:

  • Contact details
  • Work history
  • Education and training
  • Skills and achievements
  • Any volunteering or community involvement
  • Referee(s)

Keep your resume up-to-date, simple and easy to read. Do not use fancy fonts or colourful backgrounds as these can take the focus away from your experience and skills.

It is good to adapt your resume for each job you apply for. This gives you the chance to highlight the skills and experience you have that match the job.

Resume templates and tips

Gaps in your work history

You may have gaps in your work history where you have been unable to work because of your disability or other reasons. Many people have gaps for travel, study, family commitments and more. If you get an interview, you may like to have some information ready if you are asked about what you did in that time. This could include hobbies you undertook, volunteer work, or any study you may have done.

It is your choice whether you share information about your disability in your resume. Keep in mind that sharing information about your disability with a potential employer will allow them to support you through the recruitment process and make any adjustments you need. You may choose to discuss this with the Contact Officer (noted in the job advertisement) if you get an interview.

People with disability bring lived experiences, skills and knowledge to roles others do not. Be confident and let your skills, experience and knowledge speak for itself.

Referees

A referee is someone who can speak about your previous work experience. If possible, your referee should be your current or most recent manager.

If this is the first time you are applying for a job, ask someone who can comment on your personality and skills to be your referee. This could be a teacher, coach, community leader, family member or friend.

Short courses

You might like to work in a certain area, but think you need some more training before you can apply for a job. This is where a short course may help you.

Libraries Tasmania offer many free classes on a broad range of topics, such as learning digital skills and improving your reading, writing and maths skills.

They also offer a range of courses, like learning a new language. If you are not sure what your passion is, Libraries Tasmania could be a good place to start. Remember, finding out your interests is one of the best ways to find the perfect job for you.

Visit the Libraries Tasmania Lifelong Learning page for a full list of the courses they are running.

TasTAFE also offer short courses in a range of areas that can help you update your skills and knowledge. TasTAFE courses may be run face-to-face, online or in the workplace. Visit TasTAFE for more information.

Looking for a job

There are many ways you can search for a job with the State Service.

Tasmanian Government jobs are always advertised on the Jobs website. Here you can search all jobs within the Tasmanian Government, by agency, location, type of work and employment type (casual, fixed term or permanent).

Job opportunities are uploaded regularly. To make sure you do not miss out, you can subscribe to receive job alerts.

Jobs may also be advertised on websites such as SEEK, in newspapers and shared through social media, LinkedIn and other networks.

Toozly is another job search website that advertises jobs specifically for people with disabilities.

What to wear

Getting your work wardrobe ready is a big part of getting job ready.

Dressing for work can be simple. Think about where the job is and choose clothes that match the dress code of the employer and that fit you well. If you get an interview and are unsure of the dress code, you can ask the Contact Officer for the job.

Dressing in a professional way shows an employer that you are serious about a role and can help them picture you as part of their team.

If you have a DES provider, they may be able to help you with the cost of any shoes or clothes you may need for the workplace. See our DES providers page for more information.

Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organisation that provides free work clothing and advice to women entering or re-entering the workforce. Visit Dress for Success for more information on their services.

Need more help?

If you have any questions, feedback or experience issues with this website, please contact us by emailing jobs@dpac.tas.gov.au.