Preparing for a job interview involves more than just practising your answers. Knowing what to bring to a job interview is equally important to ensure you leave a strong, professional impression. Having the right items on hand not only helps you stay organised but also shows potential employers that you are well-prepared and serious about the opportunity.

Essential Documents

Having the right documents with you can set the tone for a smooth and organised interview. Here’s a list of must-have items:

Copies of Your Resume

Even if you’ve already submitted your resume, bringing several printed copies is a smart move. The interviewer might not have one on hand, or there may be additional people attending the interview. Having a few extras ensures you are prepared for any scenario.

Portfolio or Work Samples (if applicable)

For roles that require showcasing your work—such as in creative, technical, or trade industries—bringing a portfolio or relevant work samples can give the interviewer a deeper understanding of your skills and experience.

Cover Letter (if requested)

Some employers may ask for a cover letter to accompany your application. It’s always a good idea to have a printed copy ready, even if it hasn’t been explicitly requested, as it shows professionalism and thoroughness.

Reference List

While some interviews may not immediately ask for references, having a printed list of professional contacts who can vouch for your abilities can be valuable. If the employer wants to check your references quickly, you’ll be ready to provide them on the spot.

Photo ID

A photo ID, such as a driver’s licence or passport, may be required for building access or identity verification. Some companies may need to confirm your identity before the interview or when processing documents, so having this handy is important.

Work Authorisation Documents

If you’re a non-citizen or require special work authorisation, bring any relevant documentation, such as a visa or work permit. Employers may need to confirm that you’re eligible to work, especially if you’re a successful candidate.

Having these documents ready not only prevents unnecessary delays but also showcases your preparedness and professionalism.

Personal Items to Enhance Comfort

Staying comfortable and focused during an interview is key to performing well. Bringing a few personal items can help you feel more at ease and ensure you’re prepared for minor inconveniences.

Water Bottle

A small water bottle can help keep you hydrated and alert, especially if you’re nervous. Take small sips before the interview to stay refreshed, but ensure it’s put away before the actual meeting starts.

Breath Mints or Gum

Fresh breath is always a good idea before meeting someone new. Breath mints can be helpful, but avoid chewing gum during the interview, as it can appear unprofessional.

Tissues

Carrying a few tissues is practical in case of an unexpected sneeze or spill. They’re small and easy to keep with you, but can be incredibly useful in maintaining your comfort and professionalism.

These small personal items may seem minor, but they contribute to your overall comfort and ability to focus during the interview.

A Positive Attitude and Confidence

While not a physical item, your attitude is one of the most important things you can bring to a job interview. How you present yourself emotionally can have a lasting impact.

A Smile and Confidence

Walking into the interview with a positive attitude, confidence, and a genuine smile can set the right tone. Confidence shows that you believe in your abilities, while a friendly and open demeanour makes you approachable and memorable.

Body Language Matters

Non-verbal cues, such as maintaining eye contact, sitting up straight, and offering a firm handshake, can communicate confidence and enthusiasm. Positive body language reinforces your verbal responses, showing that you’re engaged and focused.

Bringing a positive attitude and confidence helps to create a strong first impression and can make a significant difference in how the interviewer perceives you.

Final Preparation

Being prepared for a job interview goes beyond practising your answers. Knowing what to bring to a job interview ensures you’re fully equipped to handle anything that comes your way and leaves a professional impression. From essential documents and practical items to the right attitude, each element plays a role in how you present yourself to a potential employer.

By making a checklist and preparing ahead of time, you reduce the risk of forgetting something important, boosting your confidence as you walk into the interview ready to land that job.

Need further assistance with your job search?

At Tursa Employment and Training, we provide tailored support to help you succeed in your employment journey. Whether you need help preparing for interviews, building your resume, or finding the right opportunities, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to get started!

Empowering Abilities, Transforming Lives

Discover Your Potential with TURSA

At TURSA, we believe in the power of every individual to achieve their dreams and aspirations. Our mission is to provide people with disabilities the support, encouragement, and resources they need to build confidence, develop skills, and empower their abilities to secure meaningful employment. We are committed to our local community and offer end-to-end personal service to ensure your journey to employment is as smooth and successful as possible.

Our Commitment to You!

Personalised Support: We understand that everyone’s journey is unique. Our dedicated team works closely with you to create a personalised plan that aligns with your goals and empowers your abilities.

Skill Development: From resume writing to interview preparation, we offer a range of workshops and training programs designed to enhance your skills and boost your confidence and abilities.

Employment Opportunities: We connect you with employers who value diversity and inclusion, helping you find a job that matches your skills and abilities.

Community Engagement: As a proud member of the local community, we collaborate with various organisations to create a supportive network that fosters growth and opportunity.

Success Stories!

Meet some of the incredible individuals who have transformed their lives with TURSA’s support:

Michael’ s Journey: Before TURSA came into his life, Michael had a lot of health problems including a neurological disorder, bulging discs, trapped nerves, and fibromyalgia. These made it hard for him to move around and do things. But when TURSA entered the picture and began to present options and possibilities, things started to change and helped Michael to empower his abilities and find his future.
Kitty’s new Confidence: Kitty’s journey began at TURSA, where a unique program caught her attention. Designed for unemployed youth under 25, it promised a stepping stone toward independence. Kitty, with her love for fashion, hesitantly stepped into the program. The encounter that followed would change her life unknowingly.
“I was terrified at first,” Kitty recalls, her eyes lighting up. “But then this sweet girl walked up and introduced herself and guided me in the right direction. We became best friends, and while the fashion course didn’t work out, it gave me something more valuable. Confidence to try and lifelong friendship”.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

At TURSA, we are more than just a service provider; we are your partners in success. Let’s work together to unlock your potential and transform your life through meaningful employment.

Why Choose TURSA?

Comprehensive Services: From initial consultation to job placement and beyond, we are with you every step of the way to empower your abilities.
Experienced Team: Our staff is passionate about making a difference and has extensive experience in disability employment services.
Community Focus: We are deeply rooted in the local community and dedicated to creating inclusive workplaces.

Take the First Step Today

Your journey to a brighter future starts here. Contact us today to learn more about how TURSA can help you achieve your employment goals.

Visit Us: Drop by your nearest TURSA office for a friendly chat.
Call Us: Speak with one of our advisors at your nearest TURSA Office
Email Us: Send us your queries at CLICK HERE
Join Us Online: Follow us on social media for updates and success stories. @tursajobs
Register with us: Let’s start empowering your abilities today

Celebrating Success at TURSA Grafton

A Journey to a future

At TURSA Grafton, we believe in transforming lives through education and opportunity. Our recent Customer Service course has been a beacon of hope, guiding individuals towards a brighter future in the Retail and Hospitality sectors.

The Path to Shaping Careers

Our dedicated participants, including the spirited Cory and the determined Fiona, have shown remarkable diligence in completing their training. Their hard work has culminated in earning the esteemed Statement of Attainment for the unit SIRXCEG001 Engage the Customer, marking their proficiency in customer engagement—a cornerstone of service excellence. It has put them on the road to shaping their careers and achieving new goals

Collaboration for Success

In a commendable partnership with CHS Training, we’ve equipped our participants with the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification, a crucial step for those aspiring to work where the cheer of celebration meets the clink of glasses.

Shaping Careers at Grafton Races

The fusion of customer engagement skills and RSA certification has unlocked new opportunities for our participants. They’ve stepped into the vibrant world of the Grafton Races, embarking on careers that promise growth and fulfillment. This is just a first step to build experience and confidence and open doors into a range of customer service and hospitality industries.

A Future Unfolding

This milestone is more than just a personal triumph for Cory, Fiona, and others; it’s a testament to TURSA Grafton’s unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and enriching our community.

These opportunities are not just for Cory, Fiona and the others that have attended our training. Opportunities are also for you, become a part of the success story and contact us. Find out how we can help you achieve your goals through assistance and training and let’s open new doors to your future.

CLICK HERE

Turning Low Confidence into Job Sucess

Learn 10
Easy Steps...

1... Embrace a Learning Mindset

Recognise that it’s normal to feel uncertain initially. Approach your new role with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Ask questions, seek feedback, and actively listen to your colleagues.

2... Set Realistic Expectations

Understand that you won’t know everything right away. Give yourself time to adapt and grow.
Break down your tasks into smaller steps and celebrate small victories.

3... Focus on Your Strengths

Identify the skills and experiences that got you the job. Leverage these strengths to build confidence.
Remind yourself of past achievements and how they relate to your current responsibilities.

4... Build Positive Relationships

Connect with your colleagues. Attend team meetings, participate in social events, and engage in casual conversations.
Seek out mentors or buddies who can guide you and provide support.

5... Learn from Mistakes

Understand that everyone makes mistakes. Instead of dwelling on them, focus on what you’ve learned.
Use failures as opportunities for growth and improvement.

6... Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge that it’s okay to feel nervous or unsure.
Avoid negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations.

7... Seek Professional Development

Take advantage of any training programs or workshops offered by your company.
Consider online courses or certifications related to your field.

8... Observe Successful Colleagues

Pay attention to how experienced colleagues handle their tasks and interact with others.
Learn from their behaviours and adapt them to your own style.

9... Visualise Success

Imagine yourself excelling in your role. Visualisation can boost confidence and motivation.
Picture positive outcomes and focus on achieving them.

10... Celebrate Progress

Keep a journal of your achievements, no matter how small. Reflect on your growth over time.
– Share your wins with friends or family—they’ll cheer you on!

Remember, confidence grows with experience. Be patient with yourself, stay open to learning, and believe in your ability to adapt and thrive. You’ve got this!

Growing and Learning from the Job Search Process

The job search process can be a challenging and emotional journey, filled with highs and lows. One of the most difficult experiences is facing rejection, particularly when it’s a generic email or complete silence after you have spent so much time working on your resume and crafting the perfect application letter. But what if you could turn rejection into an opportunity for growth and learning?

What can you learn from rejection

Rejection can prompt you to reflect on your application materials, interview skills, and overall approach. Identify areas for improvement and work on developing your strengths. It can also help you consider finding out more about the companies you apply with. Places like Glassdoor or SEEK provide insight into what employees both past and present leave in business reviews. This can give you a deeper insight into the culture of the organisation you are applying to and management style. Always be aware that quite often only staff wishing to complain use these sites so look for companies that have a balance of reviews for a more informed decision.

Discovering Company Culture

A company’s response (or lack thereof) to your job application can be a telling sign of their culture and values. If they take the time to thoughtfully respond to your application, even if it’s a rejection, it shows that they prioritise communication and respect for their potential employees. This could be a great indication that they value their team members’ time and effort, and are willing to invest in their growth and development.

On the other hand, if they don’t respond at all or send a generic rejection email, it may be a sign that they don’t prioritise communication and respect. This could be a red flag, as it may indicate that they don’t value their employees’ time and effort, and may not provide the support and feedback you need to succeed in your role.

By paying attention to how a company handles rejection, you can gain valuable insights into their potential support, feedback, and communication style. This can help you determine if their company culture aligns with your needs and expectations, and whether or not you would be happy and successful working for them. Meaning, they said no this time but you might want to try again at the next opportunity.

Resilience and Perseverance

Rejection is an unavoidable and essential part of the job search journey. It’s a test of your determination, resilience, and perseverance. While it can be disheartening and frustrating, remember that every ‘no’ brings you closer to the ‘yes’ you’re seeking. Developing resilience and perseverance will help you bounce back from rejection, learn from your experiences, and continue striving for your goals with renewed energy and determination.

Life has a way of rewarding those who persist and push to achieve their goals. Every successful person has faced rejection and setbacks along the way, but it’s how they responded that made all the difference. By persevering and staying focused on your goals, you’ll increase your chances of success and open yourself up to new opportunities and experiences.

Remember, every rejection is an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. Don’t give up on your dreams – keep pushing forward, and you’ll eventually find the right opportunity that aligns with your goals and aspirations

Use rejection as an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine your approach. Seek feedback, analyse and adjust, seek companies that respect the process and stay positive and open-minded. Practice self-care.

A Story of Growth, Goals, and Dancing Dreams

Stephanie’s Journey:

Stephanie, a young woman with a passion for dance and a goal to work in the dance industry, embarked on a journey to find her work goals and build her skills. With the support of Skye from TURSA and Amelia from Better Together, Stephanie has been making significant strides towards her goals.

A Supportive Network

Skye, an Employment Advocate from TURSA, identified Stephanie’s need for a more foundational approach to her career development. Recognising that Stephanie needed more than just a job placement, Skye sought a program that would provide her with the necessary skills and support. This led her to Amelia and the Better Together program.

Amelia, the project coordinator at Better Together, welcomed Stephanie into their Certificate II in Hospitality and Tourism program. Better Together, a disability support provider and community service organization, has been operating for over 15 years. Their focus is on training and upskilling individuals who might be underemployed and underskilled.

The Journey Begins

Stephanie’s journey with the Better Together program has been transformative. The program provides a dynamic learning environment where learners of all capacities can thrive. Stephanie has been diligently working on her coursework, with Skye and Amelia providing constant support.

The program also includes excursion days, where participants visit local hospitality venues. These experiences expose Stephanie to actual workplaces, giving her a taste of what her future career could look like.

Dancing Towards Her Dreams

One of Stephanie’s most notable qualities is her love for dance. She dances on the course and dreams of working in a dance studio. Despite some physical limitations, Stephanie’s passion for dance remains undeterred. Her ultimate goal is to save up enough money from her future job to fly to Canada and experience the snow with her friend.

A Mother’s Pride

Stephanie’s progress has not gone unnoticed. Her mother has seen a significant change in her attitude at home. Stephanie’s commitment to attending the program every day and staying back late to catch up on assessments has made her mother incredibly proud.

The Importance of Collaboration

Stephanie’s journey highlights the importance of providing a wrap-around service where organizations work together in the common interest of supporting their participants. Both TURSA and Better Together have demonstrated the power of collaboration in helping Stephanie move closer to her goals.

In conclusion, Stephanie’s journey is a testament to the power of supportive networks, the importance of foundational skills-building, and the transformative potential of pursuing one’s passions. As she continues to dance towards her dreams, Stephanie serves as an inspiration to all those embarking on their own journeys towards their work goals.

TURSA IS HERE TO HELP

TURSA Employment & Training Participant Amy Jarrett, Nominated for Regional Award and Inspires Others

Finding Her Focus

In a heartwarming success story, Amy Jarrett, a TURSA Employment & Training participant, has overcome significant obstacles and turned her life around to achieve remarkable success. Amy, a single mother of three children, sat down for an interview to share her journey and challenges before seeking assistance from TURSA.

Several years ago, Amy battled addiction, which consumed most of her life, making it extremely difficult to hold down a job or accomplish her goals. However, a life-changing moment occurred when she found strength in her faith. With newfound determination, Amy embarked on her path to recovery and self-improvement.

Being Open to Support

When Amy came to TURSA, she candidly shared her struggles and past experiences with addiction. The organization, known for its supportive and non-judgmental approach, embraced Amy’s openness and provided her with the necessary resources to facilitate her journey towards employment.

The process began with a face-to-face interview where Amy discussed her credentials, past experiences, and aspirations for the future. TURSA’s team recognized her potential and helped her explore new career opportunities beyond the cleaning jobs she had done in the past. Additionally, they offered training options tailored to her needs, building her confidence and competence for the job market.

A Pivotal Moment

One of the pivotal moments in Amy’s journey was the assistance she received from her training company, NVC (Nambucca Valley College). Amy completed her Certificate III in Individual Support and then secured employment with Nambucca Valley Care working with aged care and over 50’s village residents.

Achieved an Award

NVC nominated her for the prestigious Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year award, recognizing her outstanding achievements and perseverance. Amy’s dedication and hard work paid off when she won the regional award, an achievement celebrated by her entire support network at TURSA.

Amy Won Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year Award!

Amy’s triumph didn’t stop there. Amy has moved on to a new role at Community Gateway and, as a regional winner, now has the opportunity to compete in the state round of the awards. Amy will face a panel of judges to deliver a 10-minute presentation on her life, motivations, and journey into her chosen industry. If successful, Amy will also become an ambassador for vet training, inspiring and mentoring high school students.

Speaking of Amy’s progress, Chris, a member of the TURSA team, expressed immense pride in her achievements. Chris has been working with Amy since her journey began at TURSA. She witnessed Amy’s determination to succeed, dedication to completing her course and securing a job. Despite facing housing instability at one point, Amy remained resilient, and her perseverance was rewarded with a brand-new home to rent.

Amy's story is a potent reminder that one can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges with the proper support, determination, and faith. TURSA Employment & Training continues to be a beacon of hope for individuals like Amy, providing them with the resources and guidance they need to rebuild their lives and pursue their dreams. As Amy moves forward to the state round of the awards, the entire community stands behind her, cheering for her success and inspired by her strength. Amy's journey is a testament to the positive impact that organisations like TURSA can have on individuals' lives and the importance of providing support and understanding to those seeking a second chance.

Are You Ready to Make a Change!

TURSA can help you turn your barriers into outcomes.

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TEL 1800 670 914