Resume and Cover Letter Guidance for Young People with Disabilities

Leaving school and stepping into the job market can be challenging for any young person – and it can feel even more daunting when you have a disability. How do you write a resume or CV with no experience? What should you put in a cover letter for your first job application? And should you mention your disability when applying? At Next Gen Youth Employment, we understand these concerns and we’re here to help. This comprehensive guide will walk you through resume tips for school leavers with disability, cover letter advice, and ways to highlight your strengths so you can confidently pursue that next opportunity.

Why Resumes and Cover Letters Matter for Young Job Seekers

Your resume and cover letter are often the first impression you make on a potential employer. They’re your chance to showcase your strengths, skills and potential – even if you have little or no paid work experience. A well-crafted resume (also called a CV) outlines your education, skills, and any experience or achievements, while a tailored cover letter lets you introduce yourself on a more personal level and explain why you’re a great fit for the role. Investing time in these documents can make the difference in getting an interview. At Next Gen Youth Employment, we specialise in empowering young people with disabilities to transition confidently into the workforce, so we know how important these application pieces are in showcasing your abilities.

Tip: Think of your resume and cover letter as your personal marketing materials. They should present you in the best light, focusing on what you can do and how enthusiastic you are about the job. A standout application can help you overcome barriers and stick in an employer’s mind – leading to more callbacks and opportunities.

Getting Started – What to Include in Your Resume (CV)

What exactly goes into a good resume for a school leaver with a disability? The good news is that it’s not too different from any other great resume – you just need to tailor it to highlight your qualities. Every resume will look a bit different, but most include the following sections:

Contact Information: Your full name, phone number, email address, and possibly your suburb or city. Make sure these details are up to date so employers can reach you. Use a professional-sounding email address (ideally some variation of your name) rather than a quirky personal one. You generally do not need to list personal details like your date of birth, gender, or a photo – employers in Australia don’t require this information.
Career Objective or Summary: A brief introduction (2–3 sentences) at the top of your resume that tells the reader who you are and what you’re looking for. This is a great way to grab attention by highlighting your goals and a key strength. For example, you might write: “I am a recent high school graduate passionate about technology, looking for an entry-level role in IT support. My completion of a Certificate II in Information Technology and volunteer work repairing computers have given me hands-on tech skills that I’m eager to bring to a professional team.” This kind of statement introduces you and explains why you want to work for that employer, while showcasing relevant skills you’ve gained (even from school or volunteering). If you haven’t had much experience, use this section to emphasise your enthusiasm to learn and any personal qualities (like being reliable, creative, or a great problem-solver) that make you a strong candidate.
Education: List your schooling and any other qualifications or courses, starting with the most recent. Include the name of your school and the years attended, and mention any notable achievements. For instance, you can note if you completed Year 12, any certificates or training (such as TAFE courses, online courses, First Aid certificate, etc.), and awards or leadership roles from school. If you did a subject or project in school that is relevant to the job, you can briefly mention it here as well. As a young person, your education is one of your main assets, so don’t be afraid to list the skills and knowledge you gained through your studies.
Work Experience: This section can include any form of work, not just paid jobs. Start with your most recent experience and work backwards. If you have had a part-time job or casual work, list the job title, company, and dates you worked there. Under each role, use bullet points to describe what you did and what you achieved. Use action words to start these bullet points – for example: “Prepared food and served customers at a busy café, maintaining a 5-star hygiene rating” or “Developed strong time-management skills by balancing work shifts with school commitments.” If you have no formal employment yet, that’s okay – instead, list any work experience placements, internships, volunteer roles, or even significant responsibilities you’ve handled. Year 10 work experience, helping in a family business, babysitting, participating in a school enterprise project, or volunteering at a local charity all count as experience you can include. Describe these experiences with a couple of bullet points highlighting skills you used or learned. For example: “Volunteered at community fundraising events, managing the refreshment stand and handling cash accurately.” Remember to write in past tense for things you’re no longer doing (e.g. “organised”, “assisted”) and present tense for ongoing activities. Even one-off or short-term activities can demonstrate qualities like teamwork, responsibility, or initiative – so include them if they’re relevant. The key is to show you have been active and gained skills, even if you haven’t been formally employed yet.
Skills: It can be very effective to add a Skills section, especially if your work experience section is brief. Think about 5–7 key skills you have that are relevant to the jobs you’ll be applying for. These might be technical skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, using certain tools or software) or “soft” skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, creativity, or adaptability. For each skill, you could include a short example or context – for instance: “Communication – excellent public speaker, presented assignments to large classes” or “Technical Aptitude – proficient in using Canva to create social media graphics for school club.” Many employers scan resumes for relevant keywords from the job description, so use the same terms they use if you have those skills. Tailoring your skills list to each job can improve your chances of getting noticed by both software and human recruiters.
Extracurricular Activities: This is optional, but adding a brief section about hobbies, interests or extracurricular achievements can help show your personality and dedication. List activities you do outside of class – like sports, music, debate team, gaming, or clubs – especially if they demonstrate commitment or relate to the job in some way. For example, being captain of a sports team shows leadership and teamwork, and participating in the school science club shows enthusiasm for learning. If you’re applying for a job at a library and you’ve been part of a book club, mention it – it’s relevant and makes a great conversation point. Keep this section brief; one bullet point per activity noting any skills learned or positions held (e.g. team captain, treasurer of a club).
Referees/References: At the end of your resume, you can either list one or two referees or simply write “References available on request.” A referee is someone an employer can contact to ask about you. If you’ve never had a boss before, you can use other adults who know you in a responsible capacity – a teacher, a sports coach, a youth group leader, or a mentor are good options. Always ask their permission first and let them know when you’re applying for jobs so they aren’t caught off guard by a reference call. Including their name, role (e.g. “High School Teacher”), and contact phone/email is usually enough.

When writing your resume, keep the layout simple and easy to read. Use clear headings for each section (like Education, Work Experience, etc.) and a basic font. Bullet points are preferable to long paragraphs – they make it easier for employers to scan your information quickly. Aim for about 1-2 pages in length for a school leaver’s resume. It’s great to be concise: employers often spend only seconds on an initial scan of a CV, so you want your most important details to stand out. Put the most recent and relevant information first in each section. And always proofread your resume carefully (or ask someone you trust to check it) to catch any spelling or grammar mistakes before you send it out. A polished, error-free resume shows professionalism and attention to detail.

Next Gen tip: If you’re not sure where to start, consider using a simple resume template from a source like Microsoft Word, Google Docs or even the Seek website – these can give you a professional layout to fill in. Just make sure you customise it with your own information and keep the design clean. At Next Gen Youth Employment, we help our participants create polished resumes – in fact, through our NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program, we assist young people in everything from creating a solid CV and cover letter to interview coaching to impress employers. You don’t have to figure it all out alone!

Highlighting Your Strengths When You Have Little or No Experience

One of the biggest concerns for school leavers is having “nothing to put on my resume.” Don’t worry – you have more to offer than you think! Employers hiring young people or those just out of school expect that you might not have much (or any) paid work experience. What they want to see is evidence of your potential: your skills, your attitude, and any experiences that have prepared you for the workplace. Here’s how to highlight your strengths:

Focus on Transferable Skills: Transferable skills are abilities you’ve developed in one area of life that can be useful in a job. Think about skills you picked up during school projects, sports, household responsibilities, or hobbies. Are you good at communicating and listening (from class presentations or helping siblings with homework)? Did you learn teamwork and leadership from a group assignment or playing on a football team? Maybe you have solid time management from juggling study with other commitments. These all belong on your resume. For each skill, if possible, give a quick example or outcome to make it concrete (for example, instead of just saying “Organisational skills,” you might say “Organisational skills – managed the schedule and budget for a school fundraiser event”). Even general life experiences can demonstrate job-ready skills, so include what showcases your strengths.
Include Volunteer and Community Activities: Volunteering is fantastic experience to feature on a resume, and many young people have done some form of it – whether through school community service requirements or on their own time. Volunteer work shows employers that you take initiative and care about your community, plus it often involves developing soft skills. For example, volunteering at a charity thrift shop can teach customer service and cash handling; helping out at your local church or community centre could involve teamwork and event planning. Don’t hesitate to list these experiences in your Work Experience section or a separate “Volunteering” section. Describe them just like a job: what did you do, and what did you learn or achieve? Employers value these experiences highly for entry-level candidates.
Emphasise School Projects and Extracurriculars: If you led or contributed to a notable school project, mention it on your resume as part of your experience. For example, “Managed the school science fair project, coordinating a team of 4 students – improved leadership and planning skills.” Extracurricular activities, as mentioned earlier, can also reveal strengths. Perhaps being on the debate team honed your public speaking and critical thinking, or writing for the school newsletter improved your writing and creativity. These can even be mentioned in your cover letter to give more context. The goal is to show you are an active, engaged person who has developed skills through involvement, even without formal work. It paints a picture of a well-rounded candidate.
Show Enthusiasm and Willingness to Learn: Attitude can be just as important as experience. In your cover letter (and interview), make it clear that you are eager to learn and hardworking. Employers know that everyone has to start somewhere; if you convey passion for the industry or role and a readiness to tackle new challenges, you can overcome lack of experience. For instance, if you’re applying for an IT job and you’ve been self-studying coding or built a simple app for fun, mention that – it shows genuine interest. Or if you want to work in hospitality but haven’t before, talk about how you love interacting with people and would take any necessary training with enthusiasm. Your positive attitude and motivation are strengths in themselves. Showing this enthusiasm in your resume and cover letter will reassure employers that you are job-ready and keen to contribute.
Use Achievements to Demonstrate Ability: Whenever you can, include specific achievements or proud moments. Did you receive a school citizenship award? Hit a fundraising target for a charity event? Achieve a personal goal like completing a challenging course or mastering a skill? Even small achievements can highlight qualities like dedication, resilience or initiative. If possible, quantify achievements with facts and figures – numbers tend to stand out. For example, instead of “Organised a charity event,” say “Organised a charity car wash that raised $500 for XYZ Charity”. Concrete details make your accomplishments more convincing. Don’t worry if your achievements aren’t huge; the fact that you set out to do something and succeeded is what counts.

Remember, everybody starts with limited experience. Employers hiring youth or school leavers will look at your potential and how you present what you’ve done so far. By highlighting transferable skills, volunteer work, and a can-do attitude, you can create a resume that compensates for your lack of job history. And if you need guidance, Next Gen’s coaches can work with you one-on-one to identify your strengths and experiences – sometimes an outside perspective helps you see achievements you didn’t realise were there!

Keep It Simple: Layout and Formatting Tips

When it comes to formatting your resume (and cover letter), simplicity and clarity are your best friends. You want your documents to be easy to read, professional-looking, and accessible. Here are some formatting guidelines:

Use a Clean, Easy-to-Read Layout: Stick to a simple font like Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman in a legible size (11 or 12 pt). Use bold or larger font size for section headings (e.g. “Education”, “Skills”) so they stand out. Avoid using a lot of fancy fonts or colours which can distract or may not be ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking Systems – software that employers use to scan resumes – often prefer plain formats). Ensure there’s enough white space (margins and spacing) on the page so it doesn’t look cluttered. Tip: Break up text into bullet points under each section; hiring managers can then quickly skim and find key info.
Limit it to 2 Pages: Especially for a first resume, one to two pages is usually sufficient. In Australia, you typically do not need to write long resumes for entry-level roles – being concise is appreciated. If your resume is spilling onto a third page, consider trimming older or less relevant information. However, if you have a lot of relevant projects or activities, it’s okay to go to two full pages. Just remember, quality matters more than quantity.
Save and Send as a PDF: After you’ve written your resume in Word or another program, save the final version as a PDF file unless instructed otherwise. This ensures the formatting stays consistent on any computer and prevents accidental edits. A PDF will display your resume exactly as you see it, whereas sending a Word document might look different on another person’s screen. It’s a quick step that keeps your layout intact.
Check Contact Details and Personal Info: Double-check that your name, phone number and email are correct on the resume (and cover letter). It sounds obvious, but even a small typo in your contact info can cost you an opportunity if the employer can’t reach you. Also, as mentioned, you don’t need to include a photo, birthdate, or other personal details that aren’t relevant to the job. Focus the space on your qualifications and skills.
Proofread and Get Feedback: We can’t say this enough – always proofread! Run a spell check and read your resume aloud to catch errors or awkward phrasing. It often helps to have someone else review it too. At Next Gen Youth Employment, for example, we routinely review and refine our participants’ resumes with them, providing feedback. A fresh set of eyes might spot something you missed or suggest a clearer way to present a detail. Presenting a neat, error-free resume shows you take the job application seriously.
Accessible Formatting: Since this guide is for youths with disabilities, it’s worth noting any specific needs you might have in formatting. For example, if you have a visual impairment or a specific learning difficulty, you might choose a larger font or a dyslexia-friendly font like Arial or Verdana. If you’re not sure about how it looks, you can use accessibility checkers or ask for support. (Likewise, if you’re an employer reading this, remember to provide information in accessible formats. Inclusivity goes both ways!)

In short, keep the design simple and let the content shine. A well-organised resume with a simple layout will look professional and be easy for anyone to read – including software tools and hiring managers who may only take a quick glance at first. You don’t need to be a graphic designer or use fancy templates; content and clarity matter more.

Writing a Cover Letter that Works for You

Now let’s talk about the cover letter. If a resume is a summary of your facts (education, skills, experience), a cover letteris your opportunity to tell the story behind those facts and to show some personality. It’s typically a one-page letter that you send with your resume to introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in and right for the job. Here’s how to write a great cover letter as a young person with a disability entering the workforce:

1. Tailor each cover letter to the job and employer. A common mistake is writing one generic letter and sending it everywhere. Employers can tell when a letter isn’t specifically written for them – and it’s a turn-off. Instead, take the time to address the letter to the actual hiring manager or contact person whenever possible (look at the job ad for a name, or call to ask). Start the letter with a formal greeting to that person (e.g. “Dear Ms. Smith,”). In your opening, mention the job you’re applying for and perhaps how you found out about it. For example: “I am writing to apply for the role of Retail Assistant at ABC Store, as advertised on Seek.” Then, in the next sentence, briefly say why you’re interested in that company or role: “ABC Store’s commitment to inclusive customer service really resonated with me, and I believe my friendly nature and organisation skills would make me a strong addition to your team.” This shows you’ve done a bit of research or thought about why you want to work there.

2. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences with examples. In the main body of your cover letter (which can be one to three short paragraphs), pick out a few key skills, experiences or qualities that match what the employer is looking for. Even if you don’t have formal experience, you absolutely can pull examples from school, volunteering or life. For instance, if the job posting says they want someone with “good communication skills and teamwork,” you might write: “During high school, I often worked in team projects – in Year 12, my group and I coordinated a science presentation for the class. I took the lead on organising our meetings and making sure everyone’s ideas were heard, which improved my communication and teamwork skills tremendously.” Then connect it back to the job: “I’m excited to bring this ability to collaborate effectively to the retail assistant role at ABC Store.” By doing this, you’re directly responding to the selection criteria or requirements of the job with your own evidence. Aim to cover maybe two or three main points that the job description mentions. You don’t need to repeat your whole resume; instead, expand on it. Your cover letter can mention why you did something or what you learned from an experience, not just what you did.

3. Keep the tone positive and focus on your abilities. A cover letter isn’t the place to apologise for what you don’t have (“I know I don’t have any experience, but…”). Instead, focus on what you do bring. For example: your eagerness to learn, your reliability, your passion for the field, any personal connection to the industry, etc. If you have a disability and have decided not to disclose it in the letter (more on disclosure in a moment), there’s no need to bring it up at all – concentrate on your strengths and suitability. If you do choose to mention your disability (again, we’ll discuss this shortly), ensure you frame it in a positive way, perhaps as an aspect of your identity that has given you certain insights or resilience. In general, though, the letter should convince the employer that you’re capable, enthusiastic, and a great fit. Let your genuine enthusiasm show in your writing – for instance, words like “excited,” “thrilled,” “keen” (in moderation) can convey that you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity. Employers appreciate a candidate who really wants the role, as long as you remain professional.

4. End with a strong closing and call to action. In your final paragraph, you should wrap up the letter by reaffirming your interest and thanking the employer for considering you. You might write something like: “Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team – I am available for an interview at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me on [your phone number] or [email].” This provides your contact info again and shows you’re proactive about moving forward. End with a proper closing like “Sincerely” or “Kind regards,” and your full name. If you send the letter by email, you can put the content in the email body or attach it – but still write it in formal letter style.

5. Keep it to one page and proofread. A cover letter should be less than a page – a few short paragraphs is ideal (around 250-400 words). Like your resume, proofread carefully for any mistakes. Check that you’ve addressed the correct company and role in each version (no one wants to see a cover letter that has the wrong company name due to copy-paste!). It can help to have someone else read it to ensure it flows well. Keep the formatting simple: use the same font and header style as your resume for a consistent look.

In summary, your cover letter is a tailored, personal pitch to the employer. It should complement your resume by highlighting the most relevant parts of your story for that job. Write it in a conversational yet professional tone – almost as if you were speaking to the hiring manager about why you want the job and what you bring to it. If you follow these tips, you’ll already be ahead of many applicants. And remember, Next Gen Youth Employment can provide feedback on your cover letters too – having support to refine your letter can boost your confidence that you’re putting your best foot forward.

Disclosing Your Disability: Should You Mention It or Not?

A big question many young people with disabilities have is whether to disclose their disability in their resume or cover letter (or even at all during the hiring process). This is a very personal decision, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer – but there are some guidelines and considerations that can help you decide what’s right for you.

Firstly, know your rights: In Australia, you do not have to mention your disability on your resume or in a cover letter if you don’t want to. In fact, generally the advice from career experts is that you are not obligated to disclose your disability to an employer unless it directly affects your ability to perform the essential duties of the job or you need specific accommodations at work. It is entirely your choice whether and when to share this information. Even in a job interview, you can choose not to discuss it. If and when you do tell an employer, you also never have to go into detail about medical specifics – you can keep the description high-level and focused on what accommodations you might need (if any). Also, anti-discrimination laws protect you – employers are not allowed to discriminate against candidates on the basis of disability, and they must provide reasonable adjustments to enable you to do the job. Unfortunately, bias can still occur, but knowing the law is on your side can give you confidence.

So, should you disclose in your application documents? In general, if your disability does not impact your ability to do the job’s core tasks, many experts suggest not mentioning it in the resume or cover letter. The reason is that you want the hiring decision to be about your skills and fit for the role, not any preconceived notions about disability. Focus on your abilities, not disabilities. Your resume and cover letter should be about what you can do and have done. You want to avoid giving an employer any chance (conscious or unconscious) to form a bias before meeting you. One disability employment guide states it clearly: leave out mention of your disability unless it’s relevant to the position. For example, you wouldn’t randomly mention a medical condition in a cover letter any more than you’d mention other personal information that isn’t related to the job.

When might you choose to disclose early? Some people do prefer to be upfront about their disability in their application or cover letter, and there can be valid reasons for this. You might disclose if:

Your disability is directly relevant to the role in a positive way. For instance, if you’re applying to work at a disability advocacy organisation, or as a disability support worker, your lived experience can be a strength that you want to highlight. In such cases, mentioning your disability can actually enhance your application because it shows firsthand understanding. You could say something like, “As someone living with [condition], I have deep insight into the challenges and strategies for succeeding in this area, which I believe would help me excel in this role.”
You need accommodations for the interview or job. If you will require certain accommodations to participate in an interview (e.g. wheelchair access, an Auslan interpreter, extra time for a pre-interview test due to dyslexia, etc.), it can be practical to mention your disability when invited to the interview so that arrangements can be made. You don’t necessarily have to put it on your initial resume/cover letter; some people wait until they get an interview invitation and then disclose privately to HR to sort out logistics. However, others choose to include a brief note in the cover letter such as: “I have a hearing impairment and may require communications via email rather than phone. I’m happy to discuss any adjustments during the hiring process.” This way the employer is aware and can accommodate you from the get-go. The Australian Human Rights Commission notes that letting an employer know ahead of time can ensure reasonable adjustments are provided in the interview and recruitment process.
Personal comfort and honesty. Some individuals simply feel more comfortable being open about who they are, which includes their disability. They prefer to work for employers who will accept them fully, and disclosing early can be a way to gauge the employer’s attitude. It can also relieve the stress of “hiding” something. If you take this route, it’s usually best to keep it brief and positive. For example, you might write: “I manage a chronic health condition (Type 1 diabetes) which has taught me excellent self-management and planning skills. I’m confident it will not affect my ability to perform the duties of this role with some minor workplace adjustments.” This frames your disclosure in a way that underlines your capability and even a strength gained from your experience.

On the other hand, many people decide not to disclose until later in the process (like at or after an interview) – and that is completely okay. Some wait until they have a job offer, for instance, and then discuss accommodations. Others bring it up in the interview if they feel it’s relevant or if they choose to discuss their needs then. There’s also a middle ground: you might not mention your disability in writing, but during an interview you could proactively discuss how you accomplish tasks or any adjustments you use without labeling it as “I have X disability.” For example, “I use assistive technology for reading text, but I’ve found it doesn’t hinder my productivity – in fact, I’m quite tech-savvy as a result.” This way, you are addressing it in context.

Deciding if, when, and how to disclose is a big decision. It can help to talk it through with someone you trust or a professional. Next Gen Youth Employment’s coaches are experienced in this area – we can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your specific situation, and even practice how to discuss your disability with employers if you choose to. Ultimately, it’s about what makes you comfortable and confident. There is no legal requirement to disclose a disability on paper, and many candidates do not. Employers should judge you on merit. However, if you feel your disability is a key part of your identity that you want an employer to know from the start, or if transparency is important to you, that is your choice.

One more important note: If you do face inappropriate questions or feel you’ve been treated unfairly in a hiring process because of your disability, remember that you have rights. Employers are generally only allowed to ask questions related to your ability to do the job and any accommodations you might need – they shouldn’t be asking intrusive personal health questions. If something doesn’t feel right, you can seek advice (for example, from the Australian Human Rights Commission or disability advocacy services). But we truly hope you’ll encounter inclusive and supportive employers who value what you have to offer – because many are recognizing the benefits of diversity in the workplace.

Explaining Gaps and Other Challenges

If you have any gaps in your education or work history – for example, if you took some time off for medical reasons, or it took you longer to finish school due to health – you might be worried about how to explain that. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to explain gaps in your resume at all. It’s common for people to have periods that aren’t filled with formal study or work. You can simply list your education and any experience chronologically and not mention the gap. If the gap is noticed and asked about in an interview, then you can address it briefly. On your resume, focus on the positives and what you did accomplish.

However, if you feel the need to account for a gap (such as a year off after school), you have a couple of options:

Briefly mention productive activities during the gap. Did you do anything during that time that you could spin as growth or learning? For example, maybe you did some online courses, pursued a hobby, attended workshops, or did physiotherapy and personal development related to your disability. You can incorporate that in your resume or cover letter. For instance: “2019 – 2020: Took a gap year after graduating high school to focus on my health and personal development, including completing an online coding course and volunteering at the local community center.” This shows that while you weren’t formally employed or studying, you were still developing skills or maintaining readiness. Keep it concise – you don’t need to overshare. A one-liner is usually enough if you choose to include it.
Use your cover letter to express readiness. If you had a gap or delay that might raise questions, you can proactively address it in your cover letter in a positive way. For example: “After completing Year 12, I spent an additional year focusing on managing a health challenge. During this time, I also learned a great deal about resilience and built up my computer skills through online learning. I am now excited and fully ready to commit myself to the workforce.” This kind of statement is honest (to the extent you’re comfortable) but also reinforces that you are capable and eager now. It can preempt an employer’s concerns by showing you’re not currently hampered by the situation and you’ve remained proactive.
Be honest but keep it simple if asked. Should an employer ask you in an interview about a gap or an aspect of your background, it’s best to answer truthfully but without going into unnecessary detail. For instance, “I took time off for personal/health reasons and now I’m ready to work,” is perfectly sufficient. You can even add something like, “I used that period to improve X skill or to consider my career goals.” Turn it into a positive if you can. You do not need to divulge every detail – just enough to satisfy the question. Interviewers mainly want reassurance that the gap won’t affect your performance now. Demonstrating enthusiasm to return to work can help here: highlight that you’re excited to be applying and mention any steps you took to stay prepared (if applicable).

For many young job seekers fresh out of school, the lack of previous jobs is expected, so don’t feel insecure about it. Instead, concentrate on showing you are responsible and ready to work. Life experiences, even challenges you’ve overcome, can often be spun into strengths – perhaps you developed patience, determination, or perspective that will help you in the workplace. If you’re not sure how to frame something, talk it over with a mentor or an employment support coach. Next Gen Youth Employment works closely with our participants to address any resume gaps or concerns – whether it’s figuring out how to list a limited work history or deciding how to talk about time off for health reasons. With the right strategy, you can handle these topics confidently and honestly.

Next Gen Can Help You Take the Next Step

Writing a resume and cover letter can feel overwhelming, but remember: you don’t have to do it alone. Next Gen Youth Employment is here to support young people with disabilities at every step of the journey from school to work. In fact, through our NDIS-funded School Leaver Employment Supports, we offer personalised coaching on exactly these skills – from creating a polished CV and compelling cover letter to providing interview coaching and on-the-job support. Our experienced youth employment coaches understand the unique challenges you might face and can offer one-on-one guidance to help you showcase your talents and build confidence.

At Next Gen, we believe in your potential. We’ve seen first-hand that with the right guidance and encouragement, our youth can overcome barriers and achieve their career goals. Whether you need help brainstorming what to put on your resume, deciding if or how to mention your disability, or practicing what to say in an interview, we can help you craft your own success story. As one of Australia’s leading organisations empowering youth with disabilities, we are more than just a service – we’re your cheerleaders and mentors. We’re here to walk beside you as you take these exciting steps into employment.

Ready to boost your confidence and sharpen your job application skills? Contact Next Gen Youth Employment today for more information and assistance. We’re happy to answer questions, provide resources, or work with you directly to get your resume and cover letter job-ready. Your future is just a step away – reach out to us, and let’s achieve your goals together.

(Next Gen Youth Employment is committed to empowering the next generation of young Australians with disabilities. Through tailored support and programs, we help school leavers transition into meaningful employment. Contact us to learn more about our services or to get personalised help with your resume, cover letter, and job search.)