At Jobfind, our mission is to empower individuals to thrive in their careers and communities. Our “500 Jobs for Christmas” campaign is a testament to this commitment. One heartwarming success story from this initiative is that of Maragadam Thavachelvam.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Maragadam moved to Australia a decade ago, driven by the hope of providing a better life for her two daughters. As a single mother, she faced financial challenges and was determined to set a strong example for her children by securing meaningful employment. However, Maragadam’s journey was not without its hurdles. With limited English proficiency, no digital literacy, and no prior work experience in Australia, she encountered numerous job rejections, which took a toll on her self-esteem. Despite these setbacks, Maragadam’s resolve remained unshaken.
On August 21, 2024, Maragadam took a brave step into the Jobfind Prahran office, where she was warmly welcomed by Business Manager Clare Le Couter and Employment Consultant Marree Leonard. The compassionate team listened to her story, learning about her past experience at a car wash in Sri Lanka, her achievement of getting her Australian driving license, and her dedication to improving her English through classes and daily practice with her children. Maragadam expressed her desire for a job that accommodated her children’s school schedule and requested guidance in creating a resume and navigating a laptop.
Maree and Clare immediately set to work, providing Maragadam with personalised support. They helped her articulate her skills on paper, conducted mock interviews to boost her confidence, and invited her to workshops where she could connect with fellow job seekers. Meanwhile, Clare reached out to her network of trusted employers to identify a suitable role for Maragadam.
Within a week, Eduardo from EarthWize Cleaning contacted Clare with a promising opportunity: a cleaning position that aligned perfectly with Maragadam’s needs. Excited by the prospect, Maragadam eagerly accepted an interview with Eduardo. With Maree’s support, she prepared thoroughly and approached the interview with confidence.
The interview was a resounding success, and Maragadam was offered the position. She began her new role on November 15, filled with excitement and gratitude. The support from Jobfind didn’t end there; when Maragadam needed assistance with using a work app, Maree and Danielle provided guidance, ensuring she could seamlessly manage her tasks.
Today, Maragadam is thriving in her role at EarthWize Cleaning, proud to be providing for her family and achieving her Australian dream. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact of community support, determination, and the right opportunities. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Jobfind and EarthWize Cleaning, Maragadam is not just surviving but truly thriving.
