Employment in the ABC

The ABC wants more Indigneous people to apply for employment opportunities in the ABC

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation recently implemented the next phase of their Indigenous Employment Plan within the ABC.

"This plan is targeted towards action not words, we are looking at 2% Indigenous Employment in the ABC as merely our starting point so we need to ensure we are pro-active" states Paul Brant Indigenous Employment Coordinator for the ABC.

Paul Brant came to the ABC after 18 years in the Employment Services field.

I know what it takes to be successful to develop a career I am here because I am totally committed to getting as many Indigenous staff at the ABC and I am focused on getting the BEST Indigenous candidates in the community to see the ABC as a viable employer with a strong commitment to Indigenous issues and increasing the Indigenous Representation within the ABC.

I use a term AIMING FOR EXCELLENCE in all my correspondence. I am seeking people who are aiming for excellence, Indigenous people prepared to go that extra mile to succeed.

The Indigenous Employment Plan has some new key areas such as:

• Development of an Indigenous Talent database. I want to be able to sell potential Indigenous employees to our many divisions within the ABC and the development of a database is a key to this. The more Indigenous people who apply for mainstream ABC positions the better. It is good business for the ABC to have more Indigenous Staff across the full range of occupations and divisions. The other thing to realise the ABC is not just Television and Radio, there are many other occupations, Administration, Legal, Human Resources, Corporate Services, New Media, Retail and ongoing support services just to name a few. For Indigenous people looking to enter the ABC I give this advice, look across the whole range of what jobs are available and contact me so I can keep you informed. All candidates are employed on merit and we usually have a ton of applications for each job we advertise BUT we don't get enough applications from Indigenous people.



• Mainstream Employment Job Drive. I really stress that it is important to look at ALL opportunities, not just Indigenous jobs within the ABC. The Corporation wants Indigenous people at all levels in all divisions of the organisation. We value our trainees but we are also looking for skilled and experienced professionals who may see the ABC as a viable career alternative.

Indigenous Employment Officer

My job is to be a driving force for Indigenous Employment in the ABC. I want to hear from as many Indigenous people as possible, especially in areas away from the front line of Television and Radio. Don't just think of the on air roles, these positions are few and far between. Think about all the other areas and your skills base.

The Indigenous Talent database is just a way I can advise you of jobs when they come up. By contacting me I will call you, do a quick assessment and see where it leads. The real job starts when a job is advertised. APPLY and PREPARE yourself to SELL your skills. I need people to be patient as I am expecting to be bombarded with resumes and calls BUT don't give up.

I am based at Ultimo in Sydney and can be contacted on 02 8333 1089 or send in your resume to Paul Brant, ABC, GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001. I believe in being direct, professional and honest, if I feel you are being unrealistic in your job choices I will tell you.

Your resume must be at least 3 pages and have the following information included -
1- The type of job you are seeking
2-The areas you are prepared to travel to
3- 5 reasons on what makes you an outstanding candidate

One other piece of advice, prepare today for where you want to go tomorrow. In my 18 years in the Employment Services field I found this to be the major downfall of most candidates PREPARE and PRACTICE. Success in gaining employment begins way before the job interview does; do not wait until the last minute. Look at how you would sell yourself and check out the selection criteria in detail. The selection criteria can give you a major guide into what any employer wants.

Key Areas:

1. Your Job Application - Have you met the selection criteria? - If you have left something out it is highly likely your application will be overlooked - remember address ALL selection criteria points, failure to do so will end your chances of Employment
   
   
2. Do your homework - Find out as much as you can regarding the ABC and the position you have applied for. So - what do you know about the ABC - What do you know about the job you have applied for - The more you find the easier your pathway will be - You can find out information regarding the ABC at http//www.abc.net.au/



3. Are you prepared for a job interview? - The ABC usually interviews people through a panel process - This ensures a fair and equitable process. This will mean you will be interviewed by three maybe four people for a job you are applying for. Also go over the selection criteria to give you an idea of what type of questions to expect.

Looking for a job

Employment opportunites are available online. Under the Equal Opportunity and ABC Employment Agreement - everyone is entitled to the positions if your are qualified.

Only jobs that have been specifically produced for Indigenous Employment do we advertise for people with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island backgrounds.

Go to ABC Jobs for any jobs being adverstised at the ABC across Australia.
http://www.abc.net.au/jobs/