Getting Your First Job: A Step-by-Step Guide for NDIS™ Participants
Starting your first job can feel exciting and a little scary, but you're not alone! Imagine this: You wake up, get dressed, and head to work knowing you’re building your future. You feel proud, independent, and confident. This guide will help you take the first step toward that moment—one step at a time.
Step 1: What Job is Right for You? (Let’s Figure It Out!)
Meet Jake. Jake loves fixing things, helping people, and being active. He’s never had a job before and isn’t sure what he can do. But once he sat down and thought about his strengths, he realised he’d be great in hands-on work, like being a shop assistant or working in maintenance.
Ask yourself:
What do I enjoy doing? (Think about hobbies, activities, and things you’re good at.)
What jobs match my skills? (Are you good with people? Hands-on tasks? Computers?)
Do I need flexible hours or workplace adjustments? (Some jobs can be adapted to your needs.)
What support do I need to succeed? (Mentors, support workers, or extra training?)
Write down your answers—this will help you find the right job, just like Jake did!
Step 2: Building Your Skills (You Have More Than You Think!)
Lucy always thought she had no work experience. But then she realised she’d been helping her little brother with homework, cooking for her family, and even volunteering at her community centre. These were all skills that could help her land a job!
You might have more experience than you think! Here’s how to build on what you already know:
Think about your daily life. Have you helped someone, managed money, or taken care of things? Employers love problem-solvers and team players.
Volunteer or try work experience. You can start small and gain confidence in real-world settings.
Join training programs. Online or local courses can teach you useful skills.
Get a mentor. Our mentors at Adaptive Aid Solutions can help you grow and prepare for work!
Step 3: Writing a Resume That Gets Noticed (Yes, You Have One!)
Michael was worried because he had never written a resume before. But once he listed his skills, volunteer work, and personal strengths, he had a solid resume that got him job interviews.
Your resume should include:
Your name and contact details (Make sure your phone number and email are correct.)
A short personal summary (A few sentences about your skills and what type of job you want.)
Your skills and experience (Even hobbies and volunteer work count!)
Your education and training (List any courses, training, or workshops you’ve done.)
Need help writing your resume? Our mentoring program can guide you!
Step 4: Finding and Applying for Jobs (Where to Look!)
Sara wanted a job but didn’t know where to start. Her mentor suggested looking online, asking people she knew, and visiting local businesses. Within a few weeks, she had interviews lined up!
Try these ways to find jobs:
Search online. Websites like Seek, Indeed, and JobAccess are great places to start.
Ask around. Friends, family, and support workers might know someone hiring.
Visit local businesses. Many jobs aren’t advertised—just ask if they have any openings!
Use NDIS™ employment support. If you have NDIS™ funding, you might be eligible for extra help.
Step 5: Ace Your Job Interview (Confidence is Key!)
Ryan was nervous before his interview, but he practised with a friend and felt much better. When the big day came, he walked in with a smile and answered questions with confidence.
You can do the same! Here’s how to prepare:
Dress appropriately. Wear neat, clean clothes that match the job.
Practise answering common questions. Try these:
“Tell me about yourself.”
“Why do you want this job?”
“What are your strengths?”
Be honest about what you need. If you need adjustments at work, let them know.
Believe in yourself! You’ve prepared for this, and you’re capable!
Step 6: Starting Your First Job (You’ve Got This!)
Aiden finally got a job at a local café. At first, he felt nervous, but he followed these simple tips to settle in:
Be reliable. Arrive on time and do your best each day.
Ask for help when needed. It’s okay to have questions—everyone does!
Stay positive. Learning something new takes time. Give yourself grace.
Use your supports. If you have a mentor or support worker, check in with them.
Need Extra Support? We’re Here to Help!
Finding a job can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Adaptive Aid Solutions, our mentoring programs can help you:
Discover your strengths and job options
Build a strong resume and job applications
Prepare for interviews with confidence
Get the right support in the workplace
Ready to start? Book a free consultation today at www.adaptiveaidsolutions.com.au/contact and take the first step toward your dream job!
