When you first leave school or graduate from university, you'll undoubtedly want to find the right job as quickly as possible. But finding and securing that initial step on the career ladder isn't as easy as you'd hoped.
It's definitely tough out there for young people who are just starting out, particularly in today's current climate. So how do you ensure you put your qualifications to good use and get the job of your dreams?
Here's my top tips for school leavers and graduates keen to find work, including everything from how to succeed at job interviews to making the most of your CV. If you've got any tips you'd like to add, please comment below.
Get your CV right
Your CV is often your ticket to success, so make sure it's presenting the right first impression. Good CVs outline your skills, experience and qualifications whilst showing off a little of your personality. A top tip is to individually tailor your CV to every job vacancy you apply for. Is the company in question searching for someone with great communication skills? Make sure your CV demonstrates that you're capable. Do they want someone with a full, clean driving licence? Add it onto your 'extra skills'.
To get started, put together your own CV and you'll soon see where you need to make improvements. Not got enough experience? Get as much work experience as you can to show how determined you are to learn in a working environment. Got any gaps in your education timeline? Try to fill them with anything you were doing that will showcase your skills, even if you were travelling the world or working behind a bar. Remember, you can pretty much turn anything into something positive on your CV. If in doubt, ask a parent or guardian for a second opinion.
Gain some work experience
Work experience is essential in today's competitive job market. Employers love qualifications but they're often not that impressive if you've got no relevant experience to accompany them. If you've not yet had any work experience, start to call around some local firms to see if they can take you on for a week. Be prepared to be knocked back many times. Just don't give up because someone will have the time to help. And once you're on placement, make sure you make the most of the experience.
Don't - whatever you do - pass up the opportunity to take part in any experiences that come your way. For example, if a friend or family member have a work experience placement for you - make sure you do it! It's very hard to find people who will be prepared to invest the time in you.
Smarten up your act
With so many potential job interviews lined up, now's the time to grow out or tackle that rough haircut and remove those unusual piercings. Prepare yourself for meeting potential new employers by smartening up your act. First impressions really do count, more than ever before so make sure you're dressed for the part. And I'd always advise investing in a suit as you'll look very smart and presentable. Also, keep your nails clean (and stop biting them), brush your teeth and generally keep yourself nicely groomed.
Win at job interviews
Once you do secure a job interview, pat yourself on the back! You're halfway to securing a job. Before the big day, prepare and research like it's going out of fashion. Make sure you have some questions ready to ask during the interview - because you're interviewing them as well. And even get a family member or friend to test you on some common interview questions beforehand.
Now all you have to do is turn up 15 minutes early to any interview you attend; dress smart and ensure you're well groomed; smile and look people in the eye; and don't forget that firm handshake (because weak handshakes are so off-putting). If you're feeling nervous just keep telling yourself this 'It's not the end of the world if I don't get this job!' and take lots of deep breaths. It's quite natural to be nervous in job interviews and your interviewer will know that. So try to relax and just do your best.
Once the interview is over, thank the interviewer(s) and follow up with a thank you card, saying that you appreciate their time and look forward to hearing from them.
Don't give up
Everyone has to go through the process of facing rejection. And it's possible you'll miss out on several different jobs along the way. But don't be disheartened. Each and every job interview you go to isn't a waste of your time. It's a valuable learning experience. And you'll find that you get better and better at job interviews, eventually securing something that will get your career off to a flying start.
Source: Katy Cowan, Creativebloom.co.uk, Friday 8th July 2011
No comments:
Post a Comment