Tips on how to land your first job

Once the exhilaration of graduation dies down, a renewed effort focused on finessing the professional environment commences.

With South Africa’s high unemployment rate and a number of candidates competing for the same limited vacancies, the job search proves to be a job on its own.

However, with the help of two education experts from the Independent Institute of Education (IIE), SA’s largest private higher education provider, the task of job hunting will seem less daunting.

“There are a number of things you need to consider when launching your job search to ensure that you stand a better chance,” said Sifiso Mnisi, head of the faculty of humanities programme at the IIE.

Below are five tips on how to prepare and land your first job:

CHANGE YOUR MINDSET AND GET POSITIVE

Mnisi advises job seekers to create a daily schedule with set hours dedicated to the search for their desired position.

The schedule includes sending out and making enquiries.

Job hunting by its nature includes inevitable rejection, which can be emotionally and psychologically draining, so it is vital that graduates not let that consume them by maintaining a positive mindset.

“Take nothing at a personal level, and try to enjoy the process, which is also an important opportunity to learn and grow,” Mnisi said.

UPDATE YOUR CV AND TAILOR IT TO EACH POSITION

Your curriculum vitae and its cover letter are the first documents that are meant to entice interest from a potential employer.

They should show who you are and why you are suitable for their vacancy.

“CVs must be tailored to the requirements of each position,” said Fatima Razack, head of the IIE’s faculty of commerce programme.

“Additionally, CVs should be relevant to the field of work.

“A CV for a creative or advertising position will look different to a more traditional CV in the field of finance for instance,” Razack said.

“Carefully read the job specifications, for example the requirements in terms of qualifications, experience and skills.

“Make sure to match it to the requirements of the job that you are applying for.

“When doing that, also be honest with yourself about whether you would enjoy doing that job.”

CREATE A STRONG ONLINE PRESENCE AND PROFESSIONAL PROFILE BRAND

Graduates should actively manage their online presence, as it is crucial.

Create Google alerts for specific vacancies.

Registering your CV with reputable recruitment agencies and job portals such as PNET or Bizcommunity can also be beneficial.

“These days, employers often scour social media in search of suitable candidates,” said Mnisi.

“A good LinkedIn profile is very important here, as it allows you to be seen by professionals and as a professional.

“Follow companies and professionals on social media to see what is happening in their world and to stay abreast of developments in your industry.”

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

“The most important part of job hunting starts when a company signals interest,” said Razack.

Prior to an interview, she said, graduates should do their research on the company, the position and the industry in general.

She specified five points you should acquaint yourself with in preparation for a job interview.

Graduates need to thoroughly understand:

• What the company does to make money and what need it is trying to address in the market.

• The organisational culture and leadership of the company.

• How the company positions itself in the mainstream and on social media.

• When the company was started, its history, vision and mission.

• How your contribution can make a positive difference to the company.

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DON’T STAND STILL

“Constantly update your skills, do a short course to widen your knowledge and qualification base, work with a mentor or volunteer,” Mnisi said.

“All these things grow you as a person and increase your competitiveness in the job market.”

Additionally, Mnisi advised graduates to approach the career centres at their higher institutions.

“The best institutions have fantastic graduate employability programmes, and could help you with preparing for interviews, identifying vacancies, or reviewing your CV if it doesn’t seem to be making the cut.”

Razack added that graduates should take their time to be thorough with each application.

“Every effort that you put in will help you to either refine your skills or develop your resilience or focus.

“Remember that as much as you are looking for them, they are looking for you too.”

You have listened to the speeches, you have celebrated your graduations, and now it is time to tackle the job market as professionals and help reduce the unemployment rate in our country.

Hopefully the above mentioned tips will aid you in your approach and preparation for landing your first job.

Class of 2017, congratulations and good luck!