Every fortnight – exclusively for Fresh Jobs - Dr Paul Pers and Dr Clive Hume from Jobedge will be answering Adelaide’s most asked jobs related questions, submitted right here, by you, the Jobs Gateway users. 

If you feel like you’ve reached a dead end with advice on Google, and real-life, Adelaide-based experts are hard to find, then you don’t want to miss this opportunity.

Hello job seekers, 

We hope you’re all well during the challenging times of Lockdown. Again a big thanks to everyone who’s submitted a question for the Job Doctors to tackle. We’ve enjoyed getting involved to help and support the whole Fresh Jobs community find a way through some of those tricky job-hunting challenges.  

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. 

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, 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Good luck, everyone. 

What is a good tip for when you get your words mixed up and stutter because you are so nervous? 

Often when we focus on the thing we don’t want to happen (getting words mixed up or stuttering) it tends to make us even more nervous – which of course makes it happen even more! 

Believe us – you are more focused on this than the person you are talking to.  

Our key tip is to change your focus. Try one of these: 

1.      Focus on slowing your breathing: It creates a more natural breath and that means speech flows more freely as well.  

2.      Focus on improvement not perfection. Some people who stutter avoid social situations and that can make things worse. Finding opportunities to practice to improve (not get it perfect). 

3.      Focus on being grateful: Gratitude makes the brain filter out the negative and focus on positive thoughts. Be grateful for the opportunity, be grateful for the things in your life. 

What is the best way to deal with workplace conflict? 

While there might be specific tactics for your situation, these ideas work across most. In general, the longer conflict persists, the more difficult it may become to resolve. 

•        Be respectful. Communicate in a respectful, private and non-competitive way. When you show respect, you are likely to get respect. 
•        Listen. Listening to the other person does not mean you agree with them. Listen carefully and avoid interruption. The more we listen, the greater the chance of a solution or common ground.
•        Aim to understand. Why is there conflict? What might be adding to the conflict? This might be different to what appears on the surface.  
•        Focus on the future, not the past. Think about what can be done to solve the problem and keep it from happening again. And once this is in place, let it go. 
•        Pick your battles. There is a saying that sometimes we must avoid a battle to win a war. Being focused on issues that don’t matter can keep people from working well together. 

How do I prevent nerves, going into my first day of work? 

Nerves like this are a response to uncertainty. It’s easy to get caught worrying about things out of your control (will they like me etc.). Instead, focus on what's in your control.  

What can you be certain about to make the day go well? 

•        Get ready the night before. Pick out clothes, plan transport and set the alarm. You'll arrive more relaxed and ready to work. 
•        Show up on time and be presentable. Your employer hired you and wants you to do well. 
•        Have a positive attitude. Show enthusiasm. Be friendly and polite to everyone. 
•        Focus. Maybe take notes and listen to advice. Avoid personal phone calls or disappearing for a long lunch. 
•        Willing to learn. Ask questions if you don’t understand. It shows you want to do a good job and will reduce errors or misunderstandings. 
•        Watch your nerves. A smile can make a difference, so notice if you start to frown. Make eye contact and stand (or sit) tall to show confidence (even if you are nervous!). Slow your breathing before you go in.  
•        Rest and recover. If you haven’t worked for a while, you may feel tired. It’s normal, and you will build strength and stamina over time.  

HOW CAN YOU SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE JOB DOCTORS?

To get your questions to the doctors, just fill out the form below and every fortnight, Dr Pers and Dr Hume will publish their expert advice on the most in-demand topics. 

So, what are you waiting for?

Get access to expert advice that could make a difference in your job search!

    

MEET THE JOB DOCTORS:

Dr Paul Pers 

Dr Pers is a GP with 35 years experience in personal injury and illness management, helping people with their physical and psychological health. 

At Jobedge, Dr Pers uses his skills and experience as a doctor to help Jobedge staff keep on top of the latest health and wellbeing approaches for people in Adelaide with a disability looking for jobs and career support.

Dr Clive Hume 

Dr Clive Hume has over three decades’ experience as a GP in metropolitan, rural and remote areas, with a special interest in mental health, emergency and occupational medicine. 

At Jobedge, he is passionate about helping people to stay positive and healthy by finding work that matches their skills and personality, a belief that he helps to deliver every day for disabled job seekers in Adelaide. 

PREVIOUS QUESTIONS FROM JOB DOCTORS.

Ask the Job Edge Job Doctors - Intro

Ask The Jobedge Job Doctors Week 1

Ask The Jobedge Job Doctors Week 2

To find out more about Jobedge, head to Jobedge.com.au                      

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