Finding a job can be a prostrating process for graduates and experienced professionals who are ready for change. However, with the right attitude and strategic thinking, you can get the job you want.
By Wilma den Hartigh
Be CV savvy. A CV should be well – written and updated, so that it’s always ready to send to a potential employer. Your CV should reflect your personal brand and talks on your behalf. If its badly written, it can close doors for you. Do not copy words from an online source so that when you are asked questions, you have a legitimate answer. If you have the perfect CV and still struggle to find a job you must be creative like doing volunteer work, taking up an internship or becoming a tutor.
Upgrade your skills. You must develop your employability by obtaining new skills that will give you a competitive edge. It also shows initiative and that you are a go-getter wanting to improve yourself continuously.
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Flaunt your achievements. Make your application stand out. A good way to do this is through a portfolio. Reflect on all the projects you have been part of and describe your contribution. If you can add pictures or create a personal website, all the better. If you want to be a writer, start a blog, if you want to be a graphic designer, design you own website or business cards.
Don’t sell yourself short. When you are looking for a job, it’s tempting to take the first opportunity that comes your way. Settling for a job that is not worth your qualifications and experience is not smart, because you’re actually taking a step back in your career. The salary may be the same or even higher than your current position, but the job may not be challenging enough.
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Don’t set the bar too high. It’s important to be realistic when looking for a job. Try to match the job you want with your skills and experience. If you are a human resource administrator and apply for a manager position, you may have administrative skills, but not managerial skills to manage an entire department.
Counter offers can be counterproductive. It’s not uncommon for companies to make generous counter offers to prevent employees from leaving. Should you find yourself in this position, you’re better off following through with your original decision to leave the company. Accepting and then later rejecting a counter offer could sour the relationship between you and your former employer. This will affect your credibility and changes of returning to the company.
