As a young professional or fresh graduate, finding employment can be a very challenging time; the lack of experience, connections and confidence will probably make it difficult for you to stand out, and after a few weeks of trying hard and not achieving much, you might be feeling lost.
To help you move forward and land a decent job early on your career, Youth Employment Services Manager, Jayne Simpson, has a few tips.
Set Yourself a Goal
Pick an industry, or a position, or a type of organisation you’d like to work for. Even if it’s still quite a broad spectrum, it will help you skim through job search apps and websites, and it will also serve you as a guide to what networking events and activities you should attend and take part in.
Network
Talk to your parents, your relatives, their friends, your friends, your friends’ parents, professors and tutors you’ve developed a relationship with – pretty much everyone you know. More often than not people are happy to help.
Reach Out to Industry Professionals
Don’t necessarily ask them for a job, but try booking a meeting to talk about their experience and if they have any tips. You can do this either through LinkedIn or simply cold calling them. Again, you’d be surprised by how happy people usually are to help you.
Target Your Resume and Cover Letters
Make sure you know who handles the recruitment process. Target your resume to that specific company and position, and address your letter to the hiring manager. You do want to stand out, but for the right reasons. So instead of getting your resumes printed on pink scented paper, like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, make sure your cover letter is extremely well-written; make sure to link your studies, background, and any previous work experience to the position you are applying for.
Work on Your Elevator Pitch
When the interviewer asks you to talk about yourself, if you already have a 30 second speech prepared, you will show them you can organise your thoughts and deliver a clear and concise message.
Thank-You Note
This is such a common tip, but we can’t stress it enough. Manners go a long way, and while it leaves a positive impression, it helps managers remember you.
Lastly, Don’t Give Up
Though this is easier said than done, don’t take rejections personally and keep going. If you’ve been in the job hunt for a while and are feeling low, read our How to Avoid Job Search Burnout article, here.