GETTING a suitable job can be tricky, even with the highest qualification in hand because of increased barriers to entry into the labour market. These include social, economic and labour regulations unique to each country and industry. But Kim Elliot, student affairs manager at IQ Academy, believes having a clear idea of the career you would like to pursue is good because goals drive successful behaviour.
GETTING INTO THE JOB MARKET
In his book titled Why We Work, Professor Barry Schwartz mentions that if employees find their jobs meaningful, they’ll appreciate them more. Therefore, the desire to move directly into the exact job you had in mind when planning for your career is understandable. However, stepping straight into your ideal job immediately after graduating is very rare. “Some will probably have to start in a junior role and work towards that dream job. What they should do is acknowledge the opportunity that the role presents”, advises Kim.
WHAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR
Kim states that when applying for a job, ask yourself what you can demonstrate through your CV that will encourage an employer to interview you. Use your CV to present yourself professionally. Make sure that the presentation, spelling and grammar represent you correctly and pay particular attention to your covering letter, which should motivate the employer to offer you an interview opportunity.
JOB SEARCH TRENDS
Ashley Spencer-Smith, career coach at Consolium Careers, says online recruiting and social media presence continue to dominate as a form of recruiting and referencing. Employers are turning to social media to recruit, but they also view the profiles of potential employees before they make a decision. “It is therefore important to build a social media presence, but be careful of what you post, what anybody else posts about you, and of sharing any unflattering photos,” adds Kim.
DRESSING FOR THE JOB YOU WANT
It is very important that you portray a professional image no matter which job you’re looking for. Different companies have different dress codes but if you are unsure, it is recommended that you wear something conservative. A business suit, clean shoes and conservative accessories would be a professional approach.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU BELIEVE
If you do not believe in yourself, you are going to struggle to convince a potential employer of your worth. Negative thoughts can be particularly difficult to overcome if you have been looking for work for a long time. “I would advise candidates to continually remind themselves of their positive qualities and achievements. Write them down, remember them and feel them, particularly as you prepare for an interview,” emphasizes Kim.
A CHANGE IN CAREER DIRECTION
According to Kim, life is exciting and unpredictable and we are continuously changing and growing. Jewellery designer, Siyanda Ndungane agrees, saying her interest in fashion and art started while studying for an LLB degree and she decided to pursue the creative route after graduating. Being too rigid in the pursuit of a specific goal may result in missed opportunities. Some of the most successful people end up working in a very different career to the one they start out working towards.
