(Source: Huffington Post)
It’s a tough market out there for graduates looking to secure their first big career opportunity. Not only are you battling against the crowds to secure interviews but lack of job seeking experience may also be holding you back. Here’s some practical frontline advice to help you get noticed for all the right reasons and put you in the best possible position to secure the perfect role.
1. Activate voicemail
Can you imagine missing out on a job interview or job offer simply because you never had voicemail on your phone? You can’t sit around and wait for calls so make sure your phone can let you know when someone’s made contact.
2. Have a professional phone message
When you’re looking for work, your phone message is an extension of your brand. Keep it clear, concise and professional. When a recruiter or hiring manager calls, they’re expecting to hear someone who could project a positive image for their company.
3. Change social media settings to private
These days, it’s commonplace for hiring managers to first check you out online. If you use social media, change all your settings to private. LinkedIn is the exception to the rule as it’s the platform to connect professionally. You want hiring managers and head hunters to find you there.
4. Get organised
Looking for work can be a full-time job and it’s easy to get confused about what jobs you’ve actually applied for. Create a list of what job applications you’ve sent off, the date you sent them, the contact person for the position (just in case they call) and any interviews you’ve had.
5. Have your resume ready
Typically, job opportunities pop up when you least expect them to so have your resume, digital CV and LinkedIn profile up-to-date. The faster you get your application in, the better position you’ll be in. Remember – first in, best dressed.
6. Think strategically
If you’re looking to get some experience, let your networks know. You may find someone within your current network who is more than happy to help you get some much needed skills and hopefully a foot in the door. This includes your parent’s friends, family friends, aunties, uncles and your friend’s parents etc.
7. Get out and about
There are plenty of career expos and industry networking events around so get out and mingle, make connections and build your professional network.
8. Get to interviews on time
Nothing creates a worse first impression than getting to the interview late. Give yourself plenty of time to get there and allow for unforeseen public transport/ traffic delays.
9. Look the part
Take out any piercings, cover up any tattoos and get rid of the purple hair. That may look fine on the weekend but when you’re going to an interview they’ll be looking for someone who will positively reflect their company image. Tone it down, look neat, tidy and professional – and smile.
10. Be confident
Job interviews can be nerve wracking the first few times but the more practice you get, the better you’ll handle yourself. Be confident in yourself and what you can offer. Research the company and the position so you’re prepared for any questions they may ask you. Remember, the person on the other side of the table is probably just as nervous as you are.
Bronwen Kaspers is the CEO and Founder of Trumpet Page, a company that provides you with the tools needed to create a digitally optimised resumé with the goal of getting you noticed by employers in the hyper-competitive environment of job seeking.
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