Beat the unemployment struggle and use these helpful tips to snatch up a good job
Whether you’re fresh out of school, have just completed your tertiary studies, or desperately seeking to change your unemployment status, you need to get into the job market and we're going to help you do it!
Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as “I have the skills, when do I start?”. The reality is that there are a number of things that you need to get in order before going out on the job hunt! We have a few recommended and practical tips to help you maximise your efforts during this exciting, yet daunting process.
Is your CV of the highest quality?
No, we don’t mean do you have a pretty border and a great font throughout the document, it goes a little deeper than that where interviewers are concerned.
Your resume is simply a summary of your academic and employment experience, as well as your relevant interests. Make sure it's relevant because no one cares whether you love deep sea fishing if you’re applying to be a CA.
If you are unsure as to what might be deemed a quality CV, then you can download a template online, fill in your own information, and it will create the CV for you! It is, of course, important that it is neat, easy on the reader’s eye and presentable.
Make absolutely certain that there are no spelling or grammatical errors, this will be more harshly judged than you realise. It also shouldn’t be longer than two pages in length.
Have a professional email address created
You’re most likely about to send your CV off to a number of firms, but have you considered the email address that you’re sending it from? Somehow, viper123@gmail.com doesn’t sound very serious in terms of etiquette. If you don’t have a professional email, set a free one up at Gmail.com. It’s recommended that you use a version of your name, with a numeral perhaps.
Email signatures are also important. This will show that you are professional and each and every mail should have this attached at the end, including your contact details.
Write a standard cover letter, but be prepared to edit it
Not everyone includes a cover letter, but it has become a vital part of the decision-making process when employers review a candidates CV. However, don’t indulge in this section if you feel that it might just do your first impression harm.
It’s meant to give off a very good first impression, not a bad one. It's a way for the interviewer to get to know a bit about you before meeting you in person. In the letter, you should introduce yourself, your abilities and your education.
Further to this, you should explain why you are the perfect candidate for the job. Edit the letter for each different job opportunity, so that it makes sense and is relevant to the appropriate person each time.
Include a certified copy of qualifications
There are a large number of employers who demand certified copies of your ID and qualifications before considering your application. Simply print them, and have them certified at your local police station. From there, you can head to a print shop for scanning so that you have digital copies.
Dress for interview success but be relevant
Whatever role it is that you’re applying for, make sure that in the interview, you are dressed a notch smarter than what you’d be required to wear. For instance, if employees are permitted to wear jeans and shirts, then you should don a pair of chinos to the interview. Don’t go and spend unnecessary money, but make sure you look neat and well-groomed with proper job interview attire.
Where to look for jobs online
Don’t just shop around on Gumtree for an ad that catches your eye. Also, don’t just send your CV off to every job post available in a 50km radius. Do your best by approaching respected recruitment agencies through career websites that are known for making ideal placements. You need to use who you know.
If you have people that are in high positions at certain companies, ask them to hand your CV in. Often companies like to hire from referrals, especially from those whom they trust.
Go for gold!
It’s time to brush up on your homework skills and research, thoroughly. Make a gallant effort to identify companies in the right field for your skills, or with the right culture to match your requirements.
Contact relevant HR departments and ask if you can come through and hand in your CV in the event that any job opportunities arise. Always be polite when you do so since you could be speaking to someone significant in the organisation.
Get a part-time job while you wait
The perfect job isn’t going to just land in your lap. You’ll need to perhaps earn a bit of money in other ways for now until the ideal job comes your way. There’s no harm in gaining experience while waiting for your ultimate job.
Making contacts, networking and just getting into the workday groove is never time wasted. Try to choose something with flexi-time so that you’re still able to meet interview commitments as they come up.
Lastly, best of luck!
Job hunting is tough, and good money is hard to come by, but if you remain patient and follow these guidelines, you’re sure to land something decent that will fulfil your career goals.
Don’t give up and embrace opportunities that come your way, even if they don’t’ make sense at first. They could be leading you right into the hands of your ideal job!