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Job search could be a great challenge for many fresh graduates and a nightmare to some others. However, if you take strategic steps, you could be on your way to landing your first job sooner than you think.
Here are 10 strategic job search tips that will give you an edge and increase your chances of getting a job sooner than you think.
1. Change Your Attitude:
Don’t start your job search
with the mindset that there are no jobs. There are jobs out there. Your attitude usually matters andinfluences the outcome of your pursuit. The statistics of
unemployment rate may have made you to believe that
there are no jobs. However, many companies are still on the lookout for the right candidates. The first tip is to have the mindset that there is still job out there for the
right candidates. What you should think of is “how can I be the right candidate”?
2. Start Your Job Hunting Early:
Many graduates think that the search for a job begins after they graduate. I think this is a wrong approach. You should be able to
be clear on the kind of jobs you want, gather facts about companies you would like to work for, what is required to work for such companies etc. right before
you graduate. Success in job search is ultimately based on the level of information you have. The more informed you are the better your chances.
3. Give Attention To Your Resume/CV and Cover Letter:
One thing I would like to make you understand here is that there is nothing like a perfect CV. But your
Resume/CV should be impressive. The major purpose of a Resume/CV is to get you an interview appointment.
However, you need to bear the following in mind;
-Your CV should be relevant to the job you are applying
for. Don’t use one CV for all your job applications.
-make your CV to be specific to each job you are applying for.
-Make it clear, concise and honest.
-Provide key information like personal details, including name, address, phone number, and email address.
However, information like age, Political, Gender, Or Religious preferences are not needed unless otherwise specified as a requirement.
-Highlight your skills/strengths, achievements and relevant experiences.
-Avoid errors. Ask a friend to go through it. We usually don’t see our own errors.
A cover letter is a letter sent with your CV that basically provides information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for and the contributions you can make if employed.
For comprehensive guide on writing a CV/Resume and
Cover letter, click HERE
4. Don’t Be Bias:
You’re on the verge of starting a
career; don’t have your eyes only on big companies yet. Consider options in government and.nonprofit establishments, real estate, housing, transportation etc.
Study shows that there are a good number of graduate vacancies in small and medium companies. These small and medium scale companies will serve as a foundation for you to build your career because they are usually
demanding. They should serve as an opportunity to learn professional and work ethics as well as the valuable experience you need to climb the ladder of
your chosen career.
5. Build Networks and Leverage Your Connections:
In the job market it is not only about what you know but also about who you know. I know many who got employed just because they have such connections.
Attend lectures, seminars, forums where you are likely get in touch with successful career men and women in your field of interest. Join Professional associations.
Your hard work alone could have been all you needed to get out of school successfully but in the real world connections are as important as hard work.
6. Take Advantage of The Internet:
The Internet is particularly useful today when it comes to job search.
The internet abounds with job websites. These job sites offer job listings (information on available jobs), networking opportunities, discussion groups, articles/
newsletters and job-search tips. These job sites also provide opportunity for you to submit your CV and help get it across to potential employers. Companies now have websites. You can follow them via their websites and social media links to have an idea of
what they do. Adverts on available job openings are also placed on company’s websites and social media pages.
7. Be professional:
You have to learn how to build an
impressive personal brand. You need to demonstrate and exhibit attributes of professionalism in all job related matters from your job search to interview and even after you are employed.
In preparing your resume or CV for instant, The email address you use matters. An email address like
funkylove@yahoo.com makes you sound unprofessional. Using your name as your email address
is your best bet. It is advisable to create a new email address using your full name before applying for a job.
Also many companies now check your social media activities probably to get an idea of the real you. Make sure your social media activities do not stand on your
way to getting your desired job. Clear up whatever that may likely give employers a wrong impression about you.
8. Practice and Prepare for Interviews:
You don’t have to wait before you get an interview appointment to
start preparing. It could come when you least expect it and you may have no time to prepare. There are materials on the internet on common interview questions and how you can approach them. Try and acquaint yourself with these questions. They will give you an idea of how interview questions are framed and an understanding of the kind of response an interviewer expects from you. It is usually easy for an interviewer to
sense your level of preparedness and that will determine your chances of getting the job offer.
Get valuable information about your companies of interest and the position(s) you are applying or have
applied for. Also prepare intelligent questions to ask the
interviewer about the company after he/she is done interviewing you (there is always room for that in every interview). This will give him an impression that you have made your research on the company and that you really have a strong interest to work with them. That’s an edge for you.
9. Avoid Idleness At All Cost:
That you don’t have a formal job yet does not mean you should stay idle. Learn a skill; go for Management Trainee programs,
professional certifications, and internship programs.
Get involve with community development services, volunteer etc. Just do something worthwhile. These will expose you to certain experiences and equip you with
some valuable skills that will give you an edge in the job market. During interviews employers usually ask questions like,
what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
What skills did you develop?
What training did you have?
This is because they are on the lookout for individuals who can multi-task and solve problems outside of their immediate job
descriptions.
10. Don’t Take Rejections Too personal:
One vital success key in whatever we do is perseverance. You are
likely going to get rejections but don’t take them personal. The problem may not be you but them. So don’t let the rejections to deter you or affect your self- esteem.
However, if the rejections persist, you may need to take time and go through every detail of your job search and find where you are likely getting it wrong and fix it. The
problem could be a poorly written resume or cover letter, poor interview preparation etc.
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