So, soon you’ll be graduating and looking for a job. You’ve been dreaming of that moment for years. Everything you’ve been doing for the past few years will finally amount to something. It’s an exciting time. There’s only one problem: getting a job is difficult these days.
There are so many fresh graduates who walk into the working world every year and there are only a few positions open. Unfortunately, that’s just the way it is in modern times. So, if you’re about to step out into the working world, here are some ways to better your chances for getting a job.
Kit out your CV
Your CV is everything when you’re applying for a job. It’s the document that you need to perfect in order to even get your foot in the door for an interview. And that’s why it’s important you have a good one. Leave out things an employer simply wouldn’t care about. For example, the fact that you won a spelling competition in grade three is not important when you’re applying for an accounting position. Keep your CV clean and only include the necessary information.
Write a tailor-made cover letter
Writing cover letters isn’t always easy. For non-writers it can feel like an almost impossible task. However, it’s necessary. You don’t exactly have the experience to show off to give you a competitive edge in the working world. So, what you need to focus on is impressing a potential employer with your understanding of the industry, your positive attitude and sparkling personality. Which is why you should customise the cover letter for every position you apply for. Never copy and paste and always make sure you mention the company and the position you’re applying for. You also don’t need to send a cover letter as a separate document and attachment, you can simply make it the body of your email.
Work on a few extras
At the end of the year you’ll have a degree to back you up on the job search. And that’s great. But, the thing is, most people applying for junior positions will have a degree or a diploma. You can’t just match the competition, you need to be ahead of them. So, why not take an extra course or two? Project management or human resource management courses are great options. And a short course in communication could really help. You don’t even have to pay an arm and a leg; there are some great free online courses out there.