With South Africa in the grips of graduation fever, the reality of the challenges associated with one’s first job search will soon set in for many.
“Transitioning from studenting to adulting can be hard and often demotivating once application after application goes unanswered. Unfortunately, given the country’s constrained economic environment and the tough job market, a degree is no longer a golden ticket to employment,” said Wonga Ntshinga, from The Independent Institute of Education.
He said you have to approach the job search with the mindset that the search is your job, for now, until you convert your CV into an interview and your interview into a job offer.
Graduates should keep in mind that each job advertisement will attract many applications and that it is necessary to make one’s candidacy stand out from those of one’s peers.
Sort out your CV
Structure your CV logically, make sure it contains all the necessary information, and showcase any relevant experience and qualifications.
Very importantly, get your CV proofread to ensure there are no errors.
It is vitally important to tailor one’s CV for the requirements of each individual position.
“Sending out a generic CV, which does not address the specific position advertised is a sure-fire way to land your application in the recruiter’s recycle bin,” he said.
Search for opportunities
You can’t apply for something you don’t know about. The way to find out about current or future openings is to keep your ear to the ground, to network and to do desktop research.
It can be very helpful to join professional organisations, which will provide networking events and opportunities, industry newsletters and the possibility of finding a mentor.
Meeting with recruiters, checking in daily with career sites and registering your CV on a number of sites will also help to get your profile out there.
Develop your personal brand
The very first thing a prospective employer will do upon receiving your CV is to search your social media profiles and peruse any other information about you they can find online. So you must do a social media audit and remove anything that could throw a negative light over your candidacy.
Once you’ve acted to eliminate any potentially harmful content, you have to pro-actively build a positive online presence.
Keep growing
The work doesn’t stop when you receive your degree, or even once you land your first job. You have to constantly update and build on your skills to remain employable and sought after. This means you have to commit to an attitude of lifelong learning.
As an added bonus, the fact that you are continuing your studies looks exceptionally well on your CV and will definitely catch the eye of employers.
Stay positive
The search and the inevitable rejections can be emotionally and psychologically exhausting, but you must not let this consume you.
“Don’t take rejection personally, but rather view each opportunity as a chance to learn and grow. Use your time and your days wisely by scheduling in the work you’ll be doing on your search every day and by getting plenty of exercise and rest so your physical well-being doesn’t become an inhibiting factor.”
