I know, I know. Looking for work is the pits! All that rejection, and when you eventually find something, it is not even in the area that you spent years qualifying in! Welcome to the 21st century. Believe me, I have been there.
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Preparing your CV
The first step in your job hunt is preparing your Curriculum Vitae (CV). I would suggest that you prepare two versions of your CV – each version highlighting a different side of your or your skills, that you need to market differently. I also suggest a short, abridged CV as well as a long detailed CV for each of the versions that you have decided upon. You will also need a cover letter. Just an outline – as the cover letter will change each time you send an application. Please do not include your ID number in your CV. If your prospective employer needs it, they can call you, or you can share your ID number at the interview should you be invited, The reason I suggest this is that the extent of fraud and identity theft has reached alarming proportions. It is better not to risk your ID number landing in the wrong hands. I removed my ID number from my CV some 10 years ago. I don’t believe that it has majorly affected my ability to get a job.
Looking for work
There are various places where you can submit your CV, once it is ready. The first place would be at Career Expos on campus. Companies often visit tertiary institutions to recruit young people. Employment agencies are always advertising positions in the local press, and also on career websites (e.g. Career Junction, PNet). Look through job adverts on the daily, and prepare a suitable cover letter(s). Then send whichever one of your CVs is relevant for that position. You can also cold-call employment agencies or visit them in person. If they handle placements for your type of skill/speciality, they should be able to help.
Social Media
Make sure you have a profile on LinkedIn. Headhunters and recruiters do look on LinkedIn for certain skills when recruiting. Just being on that platform, exposes your profile to those who may be looking for your skills. Agencies and employers also do a fair amount of job advertising on LinkedIn. There you can respond to adverts and submit your CV. Do request your colleagues and your lecturers and even other people you know to endorse you on LinkedIn for skills that they know you possess. Follow companies that you like, on LinkedIn. That way, you will receive notifications when they make announcements. Connect with others in your field on LinkedIn, as well as any workplace/industry influencers that you know about.
Company websites
It is a good idea to check out company websites and then look at their Careers section. You will likely need to complete an online application form, as well as upload your CV on the company’s website that you are targeting.
Word of Mouth
Finally, find people you know and tell everyone who is connected to your field of interest. Let them know that you are looking. If other people know that you are looking, they may be able to recommend you or tip you off when they become aware of opportunities.
Current economy
The truth is, economies are not doing as well as they used to, especially with the pandemic that also disrupted economies. Another truth is that many more people have higher education now than ever before. That means that, even with your shiny new degree or diploma, finding work will take some time. Please be patient, and guard your heart while you wait.
Plan your Life
While you wait for responses to your applications, it is a good idea to formulate a vision of where you would like your life to go. Imagine what you want to become. Of course, life may turn out differently, but it is a good idea to reflect on your wishes and aspirations. Do you want to be a nine-to-fiver and climb the corporate ladder until you are in top management at retirement? Or do you just want a job, even if it has little career prospects, just to earn enough money to live/ raise a family? Do you want a job just to save up enough money to start a business? Do you want a job to earn while you accumulate qualifications so that you eventually migrate to academia? Your vision will help steer you in the right direction. It will also help you to narrow down your search or acceptance of opportunities that come. Your vision is not cast in stone. You can, of course, change or adjust your vision should you change your mind. You can also adjust your vision should your circumstances change. Lastly, the question of where you see yourself in 5 – 10 years often comes up in interviews. If you have thought about it beforehand, you will be prepared.
The interview
Eventually, some or all of your applications will lead you to be invited for an interview. All of your soul-searching will shine through during the interview. Your answers will sound sure and thought out. You will not sound mumbly and uncertain, because you will have applied some thought to your ambitions.
Interviewers already know that you are a hard worker and that you are intelligent – otherwise, you would not have completed your studies. They want to see other qualities you possess, in an interview, e.g. Are you ambitious? How is your work ethic? What is your level of integrity? Would your personality or interests be suited to the job at hand? Do put your best foot forward, and don’t be shy to sing your praises. Confidently list the things that you can do, and not just focus on qualifications. As much as the interviewer is looking for your strengths, they will often ask about your weaknesses. Do share some of your weaknesses (not your worst). It is unrealistic for anyone to claim that they have no weaknesses.
Sometimes you will have to choose between a permanent and a contract position. A contract position pays a bit more, but there are no corporate benefits. A permanent job pays less, but the employer is likely to subsidize your pension and your medical aid, to name two.
Please leave a comment below, and keep the conversation going. I do reply to all comments.
Very insightful. Thank you so much for this