As usual, if we haven’t been able to answer your question yet, don’t worry, we’ll do our best to return to it over the coming weeks. And if you haven’t asked a question yet and there’s something you’d like to know about the steps you can take to reaching your job and career goals, just fill in the form below and the Jobedge Job Doctors will take a look.
You can also find out more about Jobedge and our services for job seekers on 1300 598 528 or
Good luck, everyone.
How do I balance job searching and study whilst I am looking for work?
Shane from Rosewater
You are so right – this is a balancing act. The good thing is that learning to get the balance right is also building the key work skills of setting priorities and time management. Making these skills part of your day helps, especially when you feel under pressure.
- If you need more time. Set an alarm 30 minutes earlier than normal. If you can’t get out of bed earlier then it doesn’t matter. The key thing is to START your job search or study earlier.
- Do not check your phone/emails/socials for two hours. If you start your day being reactive or distracted, then you set yourself up for a day of chasing your tail.
- Plan your day. You know what is due and when. Carve time out in your week for both study and job searching. Get started with the most important task first thing.
- Use the pomodoro technique. This technique is named after a tomato kitchen timer (you can use your phone!). It’s simple and requires you to focus for a short sprint (either 25 or 50 minutes). It’s amazing what you can get done.
What’s the best way to manage anxiety in the build-up to an interview?
Nick from West Hindmarsh
- Take a slow breath. Box breathing is proven to improve performance and beating stress. Exhale for 4 seconds – inhale for 4 seconds – hold for 4 seconds – repeat. Continue for a minute or two.
- Focus on what’s in your control. Anxiety can be a response to uncertainty. It’s easy to get caught worrying about things out of your control (will they like me etc.). Instead, the most helpful thing is to focus on what's in your control. (e.g. your application, getting to an interview on time etc.)
- Do a gentle neck roll. Many anxious people have tightness in their neck. Drop your shoulders and slowly roll your neck to notice an immediate difference. Please don’t do this if the movement is painful.
- Ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen? Now ask: How will I cope if that happened? How important will that really be in one year, two years, five years from now?
- Massage your head or hand. You may not realise it, but our bodies have a hormone called oxytocin that brings feelings of wellbeing and calm. A simple way to trigger the release of oxytocin is a gentle, two-minute massage.
- Do it anyway. The good news is that taking action when you feel uncertain or anxious makes it easier to take action the next time. Focus on what feels doable, even if that's just few bits and pieces.
It helps to know that each of these tips is backed by research and medicine. Not every tip will work for you, so pick a few to try to find out what you prefer.
What is a good way to construct and improve friendships with work colleagues?
Sarah from Adelaide
There is a difference between friends and friendly, and we would always suggest you start by aiming to be friendly. Friendships develop over time.
- Take a step back and don’t rush in. This helps you notice how others are interacting, where and when.
- Smile and say hi. Show you are open and friendly. You don’t need to do more than this if you are shy. Wait for someone to chat back.
- Always be curious and interested in other people. That means asking questions and giving them time to answer. Listen more and talk less. Show interest in their interests.
- If your work means it’s difficult to chat, lunchtime and coffee time can be a good chance to connect. Maybe even suggest going out to grab a coffee with others.
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