Lane Cove Council’s Get That Job Success Story – David Mitchell

For the last three years, Lane Cove Council has been holding seminars aimed at residents who have been made redundant or are having a hard time getting a job.  The workshops are well attended.  Lane Cove resident David Mitchell participated in the workshop, and this is his story.

Restructure

In March 2020, my employer of eight years announced a restructure. As part of that restructure, the company no longer needed the role I had faithfully filled. With the courtesy of two weeks notice, I was faced with the prospect of looking for a new position. Additionally, a  1-in-100 year pandemic was about to begin, which would change everyone’s world. This resulted in a lockdown, and for many, this meant working from home.

Get That Job Workshop

By good fortune, I discovered a seminar called ‘Get that Job’ which was scheduled for a morning in March. The seminar was to be held at Lane Cove Council’s civic centre, and I was quick to enrol, with the hope of gaining some pointers on how to go about my job search.

The seminar was opened by the council’s Manager – Community Services. Mike Taylor, another Lane Cove local, was introduced as the presenter. Mike spoke of his years of experience, assisting people in managing their careers.  He has worked internationally in the airline and oil industries, before a change himself into career management consulting. While Mike has now left paid employment, he is far from giving up on offering his knowledge, now as a volunteer.

The seminar presented much information. One point Mike emphasised was the hidden job market (opportunities that are not advertised). I remembered this, as it was to be a feature of my return to the workforce. As part of the program, Mike invited us to form a networking group on Microsoft Teams, to meet weekly at one of Lane Cove’s wonderful coffee bars. Each of us was to have an individual meeting with Mike, in an office courtesy of  Sydney Community Services located at Pottery Lane.

Networking

Unfortunately, the weekly coffee mornings came to an abrupt end, as the lockdown commenced. The team, nonetheless, took to the technology of Microsoft Teams and enjoyed many exchanges of valuable information and support. Additionally, Mike set up fortnightly Zoom meetings and introduced another local, Katrina Digby, to assist him. Katrina works as a Culture & People Business Partner and had contacted Mike to volunteer her time. The Zoom meetings were really excellent and allowed the team to exchange views, practice online interviews and discuss the many tips offered by Mike and Katrina. I must say, I was greatly encouraged by the support.

Success

I subsequently applied for one position with a recruiter, which didn’t eventuate. However, when an opportunity, which wasn’t going to be advertised, became available, the recruiter organised a meeting with the company, and I was subsequently offered the job. My new position is located nearby in Macquarie Park, and I started in May, exactly two months after my redundancy.

Mike and Katrina are a great team. They are incredibly supportive and go out of their way to make themselves available. I would strongly recommend the ‘Get that Job’ program to anyone who is seeking employment.

Next Workshop

When: Thursday  10 February 2022 – 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Where: Terrace Function Room, lower ground floor, Lane Cove Community Hub, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove

Bookings: Booking are essential as numbers are limited. Book here

This is a free program to support you to get that job!

You will receive tools and tips from a career management consultant on:

• Preparing your CV
• Interview techniques
• Developing your network

After the workshop participants are invited to have a one-on-one follow-up meeting to focus on individual needs as well as weekly coffee mornings, online group meetings and staying in touch – all of which are designed to help you get that job!

Thanks to David Mitchell (pictured below) for telling us his story.  We are so lucky to have locals like Mike and Katrina donating their time.  Thank you also to Maria Ramos from Maria Ramos Photography and Baby Imprints for giving her time to photograph Lane Cove locals, like David, who were looking for a job.  During June this year, Maria offered to take photos of people who had lost their job due to COVID19  (for free)  to include in their CV’s.