Has your job been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? You don’t need to wait; you can take action and prepare for employment right now.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop and disrupt the job market, it is expected as many as 1 million people will lose their jobs, with the unemployment rate tipped to rise by 10 percent in the June quarter.
These are startling figures, with unemployed Australians and those with significantly reduced hours applying to Centrelink to supplement their family income.
Over the coming months jobseekers receiving payments will be required to look for work. Many will be left to manage this process online or be referred to an employment services provider.
“It is essential that local jobseekers are not left adrift to fend for themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic” says Paul Kelly, CEO of employment support service CHESS Connect. “There are services in the community that are still operating and are specifically designed to support locals into employment. People are already living with stress and uncertainty, it’s important for them to know there is support available to them. They don’t have to go through the process alone, or wait to be referred to an agency.
Locals looking for work have a choice on what employment service provider they use and can take proactive measures to start preparing for employment on their own terms.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, there is hope that the job market will recover. As restrictions lift, businesses currently in hibernation will resume trade and employment prospects will begin to emerge. Locals who are currently unemployed or underemployed have the opportunity to begin preparing for the job search process now.
Local employment service providers like CHESS Connect are continuing to engage with, support and mentor jobseekers through the COVID-19 pandemic and are welcoming new customers who have recently found themselves unemployed or underemployed.
Just a few things they are doing right now with local jobseekers to help improve their employment prospects:
✔ Resume development
✔ Connection to online training and upskilling options
✔ Interview skills and preparation: with a focus on video and telephone interviews
✔ Job Search training
✔ Mentorship, motivation and ongoing support
✔ Connecting with suitable employers
These employment supports are designed to help local people who experience barriers and disadvantages when looking for work. These include people living with disability, injury, health conditions and mental ill health including depression and anxiety.
Don’t wait, Enquire about your eligibility today. Call CHESS Connect on 1800 899 017 or visit their website www.chessconnect.org.au