A graduate’s guide to finding a job with zero experience
According to union group Solidarity, only four matriculants out of every 10 will find gainful employment after graduation – and university graduates are not much better off. Labour market analyst, Loane Sharp, says that in 2012, about 600 000 university graduates were unemployed and unable to put into practice what they have learned. But you do not have to be a statistic. Job Mail Product and Marketing Manager, Angelique Robbertse offers the following tips and advice:
Get your CV in order
If you have nothing to put in your CV, make sure that you include a cover letter demonstrating the passion you have for the field that you are hoping to enter. Tell the employer why you chose the subjects you chose and why you are drawn to their company. Don’t just give them the cookie cutter phrases – “I work hard”, “I am a quick learner” – give them examples of things that you have done to demonstrate your work ethic.
Strut your stuff
Build a portfolio for yourself, particularly if you want to enter a field where visual literacy is important. Put sketches and photos of your handiwork on Instagram and Pinterest. If you have a hobby, put that hobby on display – whether it‘s woodwork, baking cupcakes or completing mosaics. It all shows a willingness to follow through and complete projects, as well as your creativity and initiative.
Build a solid digital footprint
All employers and recruiters Google candidates these days. Start building your professional online profile today. Create a LinkedIn page and join discussions in forums for career paths that you are interested in. Create your own blog to showcase your writing skills or projects that you are working on.
Gain solid experience
Don’t be afraid to take on work that you won’t be paid for. Sign on for unpaid internships and temporary jobs. If you can’t find one, volunteer. Offer free classes or tutoring to underprivileged people within your community, even if you are only teaching basic computer skills to others. Try your hand at freelancing. Work at a shelter or start a community project. But always, always keep busy. References, even from a volunteer-based job, go a long way when applying for a paid position.
Keep learning
Your real learning only begins when you walk off the stage with your diploma in your hand. Practical experience is the best teacher. Before entering any field of business, try to gain as much exposure as you can to that field. Speak to professionals in the fields that you are interested in, even if you only do so on LinkedIn, and educate yourself by reading up on the different industries. The few short years after matric or university may be the only time in your adult life that you’ll have the freedom to experiment and explore what you really want to do as a career – make the most of it.
