“You’ve only got that period of time. That’s your time to shine.”
The job market is unpredictable, and when you’ve been out of work for a while, returning can feel personal, confronting, and exhausting.
In Episode 4 of Behind the Claim, Stephen sits down with Paulo Ubaldo, Business Development Manager and Disability Employment Consultant, to talk honestly about what actually helps people return to work. Especially when disability, injury, confidence challenges, or long gaps in employment are part of the story.
Paulo explains what the real employment support process looks like and why progress often happens over 3, 6, or even 12 months. He shares how “reverse marketing” candidates to employers works in practice, and how focusing on strengths can sometimes lead to roles being shaped around the person.
The conversation also dives into interview preparation details most people overlook. Simple things like planning transport, choosing the right outfit, setting up lighting for online interviews, and managing stress can make a big difference. Alongside the practical tips, Paulo shares mindset lessons around rejection, resilience, adaptability, and staying realistic in a competitive market.
This episode is designed for job seekers navigating return to work, as well as employers who want to better understand how capable talent can be missed when barriers are misunderstood.
What a disability employment consultant actually does and how barriers are removed
The typical 3, 6, and 12-month support timeline and why patience matters
How reverse marketing helps match candidates to the right roles
A real case example of matching an autistic, non-verbal client to a routine-based role
Interview preparation details that build confidence before the room or camera turns on
Why rejection is part of the process and how resilience is built over time
In this episode you will hear:
0:00 – Cold open: your “time to shine” and job market reality
0:46 – Meet Paulo Ubaldo, employment consultant
1:29 – What disability employment support really involves
2:47 – The 3 / 6 / 12-month support timeline explained
3:32 – Reverse marketing and creating roles around strengths
5:16 – Case story: autistic, non-verbal client matched to packaging role
7:08 – Practising screening and reducing employer concerns
8:43 – What the employment support process looks like in reality
10:17 – Resume readiness and job applications
12:15 – Interview prep basics people often forget
14:22 – Planning transport and Paulo’s parking story
17:08 – Managing stress and small interview details
18:23 – Why how you leave the interview matters
19:06 – Using interviews as free practice
20:11 – Finding common interview questions online
21:59 – The “Which company is this?” mistake
23:29 – Research that leads to job offers
26:23 – Post-interview mistakes that cost roles
28:31 – Online interview setup: lighting, camera, background
32:19 – Top tip #1: Attitude
33:19 – Handling rejection and building resilience
36:56 – Top tip #2: Adaptability
40:50 – Top tip #3: Being realistic and starting junior
45:57 – Why newly employed people become more employable
48:49 – Motivation challenges for job seekers
49:57 – Persistence and Paulo’s goosebumps story
55:08 – How many job applications is normal
59:28 – Applying through recruiters vs direct
1:00:48 – Wrap-up and how to connect
Catch every episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Need return-to-work or employment support?👉 https://www.ausrehab.com/contact/
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#JobSeeking #DisabilityEmployment #ReturnToWork #InterviewTips #NSWJobs #SydneyCareers #BehindTheClaim #AusRehab
