You have graduated from school or college, and you’re officially ready to enter the working world. Or maybe, you’ve been on the job market for some time and find yourself struggling to land a job.
Below are a few tips on how you can secure employment and get you job-ready.
While the first scenario is a milestone for most young people on the verge of beginning their careers, Nkosinathi Mahlangu, the head of the youth employment portfolio at Momentum Metropolitan, notes that the second scenario is a result of the alarming 46.5% youth unemployment rate in the current environment (2023: Q1). “Our local economy is contracting, there are far too few jobs, and there are far too many young people who need jobs.”
Mahlangu asserts that young people are eager to work and thrilled to begin their careers, but he adds that in today’s very competitive job market, they will need to stand out from the competition.
Momentum Metropolitan recently held its first Dream to Thrive workshop to address this issue and assist young people in finding employment with confidence. Mahlangu offered four essential takeaways from the program to assist young people in securing their ideal employment.
Bring your CV A-game
Mahlangu points out that your CV is the first thing a potential employer will see.
“You want to make sure the odds are in your favour. To do this, you need a top-notch, updated CV that is thorough and showcases your skills in 30 – 60 seconds. In that time, you should aim to wow the employer.”
Name, contact information, ID number, your area of residence, and whether you have a driver’s license are a few fundamentals that every CV ought to have. It should contain information about your schooling, work experience, and any accomplishments.
Finally, it should include a personal summary or career objective summary which lists your skills, strengths, and career goals. “Keep it brief, punchy, and sell yourself – but don’t come across as arrogant,” cautions Mahlangu.
Tips for success:
- Keep your CV short – maximum two A4 pages
- Be consistent with your format and ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors as this can deter employers (ask a friend to proof-read if you’re not feeling confident or try a free online tool such as Grammarly)
- Tailor your CV for each application, to make it as relevant as possible to the role for which you’re applying)
Yes, sending the identical cover letter to several employers will save you time in the near term, but it will also make it less likely that you will get a job before you can say “spray and pray.” You’ll stand out if you personalise your cover letter for each application.
Keep your cover letter sharp
“Do some research on the company and learn about their business needs and company culture, and what they expect from the person fulfilling the position you’re after. In your cover letter, lay out the value you can bring to their company, with this in mind. Focus less on what you will get from the role, and more on what you will bring to the role, he advises.
“Make sure your passion shines through, address the recipient by name – rather than Sir/Madam – and you will already be a step ahead.”
Be presentable. The accepted attire differs across industries – for example, the dress code in an advertising agency or tech company might be more relaxed than in a legal firm or large corporate. That said, always err on the side of caution and aim for smart or smart-casual, making sure hair and nails are neat, shoes are clean, clothes are ironed etc.
Prepare for your interview
You can get ready for an interview in a number of ways to portray yourself in the best possible way.
- Be prepared: do your research on the company beforehand, know your CV back to front and practise your answers to the questions likely to be asked, finding ways to marry your experience and knowledge with the job requirements
- Be courteous: Arrive 10 – 15 minutes early, put your mobile on silent, and know the name of the person interviewing you. When you meet them, shake their hand firmly and greet them warmly and confidently, while looking them in the eye
- Be courteous: Arrive 10 – 15 minutes early, put your mobile on silent, and know the name of the person interviewing you. When you meet them, shake their hand firmly and greet them warmly and confidently, while looking them in the eye.
Interview time!
Finally, it’s the day of the interview, and you’re worried your sweaty palms and quivering voice will get the better of you. “Don’t worry, says Mahlangu, “nerves are a good thing, and this adrenalin can even assist in keeping you sharp when its crunch time.
“Plus, employers expect that candidates will be a little nervous. That said, there are a few tactics you can employ to manage your anxiety and win the interviewer over.”
- Slow down and breathe – take your time in answering complex questions
- Stay calm – listen carefully and be careful not to spiral into a monologue where you’re talking at the interviewer rather than with them – this phenomenon is a by-product of nerves but by being aware of it, you are less likely to fall victim to it
- Answer questions confidently, but remember it’s a fine line between confidence and overconfidence. Be friendly, courteous, concise, and above all, honest
- Ask questions – it shows interest in the company and helps to keep things conversational.
- Send a thank-you email following the interview, with any job references or materials you promised to share
And keep in mind that every interview will help you hone your interviewing abilities, even if you don’t get the job, advises Mahlangu. In the event that you are not hired, always act professionally and think about (politely) asking for feedback; if you use this knowledge constructively, it will help you improve your interview performance in the future.
Also see: 5 Signs a job ad is fake
