Prepare for work life

The competition’s tough: here’s how to get employed

THE year is coming to an end for tens of thousands of Australian school leavers. Some will go to university, some will go to TAFE and the rest will compete for jobs. If you want to stay ahead of the rest, here are a few things you should do.

WRITE A DECENT RESUME: You need a good resume. Make sure you list your details, and any experience you may have had in a part-time job. List any of your volunteer work or extra-curricular activities. Ensure that someone competent checks it for spelling and grammar.

Employer note: The number of resumes I have received that have an incorrect phone number is astounding. We can’t employ you if we can’t contact you.

And always include hobbies, it gives employers a good idea of your personality. HAVE A MOBILE PHONE: Yes, that’s right. You need one. You probably have one already. Keep it turned on, keep it charged. Have a respectable message bank, especially if you know that potential employers could call. Same goes with your social media. Keep it clean and, if you can’t, keep it locked down. Potential bosses will Facestalk your profile.

◗ GET YOUR DRIVER’S LICENCE: Many entry-level jobs need you to have your licence. So if you have finished Year 12 you should no longer rely on your parents to get you around.

◗ NO JOB IS BENEATH YOU: Mop floors, clean up spew, scrub a toilet – when you are a school leaver there is no job that is beneath you. Do it with gusto, do it right, and you will soon be on the way up the ladder.

Employer note: Do tasks efficiently, as quickly as you can and with a smile on your face.

◗ IF YOU DON’T HAVE A JOB, DO SOMETHING: Sitting at home watching Netflix all day is not an option. These are the prime years of your life, and a time you start on your career. So if you can’t get a job, volunteer at your RSPCA or charity store. Wait tables, clean floors, flip burgers – do something.

Employer note: Don’t be scared to put “gap year” on your resume if you bummed around for a year. But any longer than that and it looks like you are lazy.