Once the exhilaration of graduation dies down, a renewed effort focused on finessing the professional environment commences.<\/p>\n
With South Africa\u2019s high unemployment rate and a number of candidates competing for the same limited vacancies, the job search proves to be a job on its own.<\/p>
However, with the help of two education experts from the Independent Institute of Education (IIE), SA\u2019s largest private higher education provider, the task of job hunting will seem less daunting.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a number of things you need to consider when launching your job search to ensure that you stand a better chance,\u201d said Sifiso Mnisi, head of the faculty of humanities programme at the IIE.<\/p>
Below are five tips on how to prepare and land your first job:<\/p>\n
CHANGE YOUR MINDSET AND GET POSITIVE<\/strong><\/p>\n Mnisi advises job seekers to create a daily schedule with set hours dedicated to the search for their desired position.<\/p>\n The schedule includes sending out and making enquiries.<\/p>\n Job hunting by its nature includes inevitable rejection, which can be emotionally and psychologically draining, so it is vital that graduates not let that consume them by maintaining a positive mindset.<\/p>\n \u201cTake nothing at a personal level, and try to enjoy the process, which is also an important opportunity to learn and grow,\u201d Mnisi said.<\/p>\n UPDATE YOUR CV AND TAILOR IT TO EACH POSITION<\/strong><\/p>\n Your curriculum vitae and its cover letter are the first documents that are meant to entice interest from a potential employer.<\/p>\n They should show who you are and why you are suitable for their vacancy.<\/p>\n \u201cCVs must be tailored to the requirements of each position,\u201d said Fatima Razack, head of the IIE\u2019s faculty of commerce programme.<\/p>\n \u201cAdditionally, CVs should be relevant to the field of work.<\/p>\n \u201cA CV for a creative or advertising position will look different to a more traditional CV in the field of finance for instance,\u201d Razack said.<\/p>\n \u201cCarefully read the job specifications, for example the requirements in terms of qualifications, experience and skills.<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure to match it to the requirements of the job that you are applying for.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen doing that, also be honest with yourself about whether you would enjoy doing that job.\u201d<\/p>\n CREATE A STRONG ONLINE PRESENCE AND PROFESSIONAL PROFILE BRAND<\/strong><\/p>\n Graduates should actively manage their online presence, as it is crucial.<\/p>\n Create Google alerts for specific vacancies.<\/p>\n Registering your CV with reputable recruitment agencies and job portals such as PNET or Bizcommunity can also be beneficial.<\/p>\n \u201cThese days, employers often scour social media in search of suitable candidates,\u201d said Mnisi.<\/p>\n \u201cA good LinkedIn profile is very important here, as it allows you to be seen by professionals and as a professional.<\/p>\n \u201cFollow companies and professionals on social media to see what is happening in their world and to stay abreast of developments in your industry.\u201d<\/p>\n DO YOUR HOMEWORK<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe most important part of job hunting starts when a company signals interest,\u201d said Razack.<\/p>\n Prior to an interview, she said, graduates should do their research on the company, the position and the industry in general.<\/p>\n She specified five points you should acquaint yourself with in preparation for a job interview.<\/p>\n Graduates need to thoroughly understand:<\/p>\n \u2022 What the company does to make money and what need it is trying to address in the market.<\/p>\n \u2022 The organisational culture and leadership of the company.<\/p>\n \u2022 How the company positions itself in the mainstream and on social media.<\/p>\n \u2022 When the company was started, its history, vision and mission.<\/p>\n \u2022 How your contribution can make a positive difference to the company.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ:<\/p>\n