Checklist for first-time job seekers
AS HIGH unemployment is an unfortunate reality in the country, it is vital for young graduates to go the extra mile to ensure they are first on a prospective employer’s list to be offered a job.
This is according to Lindi Dlamini, group HR executive at PPS, a mutual financial services company based in Parktown, Joburg.
Dlamini provides the following tips for young graduates to ensure they have a better chance of securing their first job.
Have a proper and wellwritten curriculum vitae (CV): The first step for any young graduate, before they even start looking for employment, is to create a properly constructed CV. The CV, together with the cover letter, provides the prospective employer with a first impression of the candidate. Even one minor spelling or grammar mistake, misalignment of tables or a confusing sentence could annoy the reader.
It is vital for individuals to have their CV reviewed by a peer, mentor or lecturer to critique their CV and provide constructive advice.
Draft a memorable cover letter: Many job seekers make the mistake of drafting a cover letter based on a template that they find on the internet and adapt, which means that their message does not reflect their unique attributes and characteristics. It is best to construct a letter that speaks specifically to the reader and which contains specific information to make the applicant stand out from the rest.
The message should be short and concise, yet memorable. It should describe exactly why the individual is applying for the job and why they believe they will be the best fit for the role, given their skills and experience.
Apply for relevant jobs: During the job application process, many people tend to send their CV for consideration for a job that is not relevant to their industry, specific qualifications or skills.
For example, when an advert for a job specifies that the candidate must have eight years of experience, someone with only three years’ experience should not be applying for the role.
No matter how desperate one gets, there are certain qualifications and skills required to do specific jobs. Should the applicant not have these requirements, the prospective employer will simply become annoyed, as there is no way for the company to consider the applicant if he/she does not fulfil the basic criteria.
Online/social networks must reflect a positive image: In this modern world where technology plays an important role in people’s lives, prospective employers are increasingly evaluating applicants’ social media pages in addition to the traditional applicant screening process. A professional and updated social media presence is extremely important in this digital era. It is also crucial not to post defamatory, inflammatory or offensive information.
A prospective employer wants to see a social media profile that depicts the type of employee the businesses would want to hire.
Be prepared for the interview: Once an interview with a prospective employer is set, it is essential for the candidate to prepare ahead of the meeting.
It is important to conduct proper research about the organisation, what they do, who the senior personnel are and where exactly they are located to ensure that a basic knowledge of the company is obtained.
Personal grooming is also vital while preparing for an interview and the candidate should wear a neat outfit that is professionally suited to the job description.
When preparing for the interview, it is also worthwhile working through a list of common interview questions the day before the interview.
These questions generally include “Tell us about yourself”, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time”, “What are your strengths and weaknesses” and questions about previous work experience.