The Graduate Job Seeker
housands of university and natural that job-seekers want to
T.A.F.E. graduates will be market themselves in the best
flooding the job market up possible light. But lying is a
to and following the festive waste of time and can cause
season. The really switched on unnecessary heartache and
graduates will have started their embarrassment. Secondly, keep it
recruiter research and job search short, sweet and simple. The
back in first semester. But for résumé should be no longer than
those who have waited till the five pages; your most recent and
exams, assignments and relevant skills should be near
celebrations are over, here are the start; and utilise dot points
some tips for your first instead of verbose sentences.
professional job search: Unless you’re entering a creative
industry, colour and creativity
•Research – Get to know your are not appropriate. Use a
chosen industry through company standard font like Arial or Times
web sites, annual reports and New Roman in black. A photo is
other publications to gain a optional.
solid background knowledge and
understand the skills and •Cover Letter – If you’re
qualities valued in your answering a job advertisement,
industry. Make a short list of read it carefully and pick out
the skills and qualities the main features the employer is
necessary for the industry to looking for. Identify your skill
include in your résumé. base according to the categories.
If the advertisement asks you to
•Résumé – Firstly, never, ever, address selection criteria then
lie. There is a difference make sure you do it. Tell the
between embellishment and flat employer your skills and
out fabrication. It’s only how/where you acquired them and
provide a list of achievements to job vacancies.
date whether it’s from a
part-time or casual job or even a •Prepare, prepare, prepare! There
sporting team. is nothing more embarrassing than
a job candidate bumbling through
•Networking – In order to answer after answer in a job
maintain a competitive edge, it’s interview. More importantly, the
important to establish a employer will think the candidate
professional network which mainly lacks interest in the position or
comes in handy for accessing the does not value preparation as a
hidden job market. Identify a general rule. Ask a friend or
handful of companies that you family member to participate in a
might like to work for, contact mock interview but make sure it’s
them and arrange an appointment someone who will take it
for ‘a chat’ with a potential seriously and provide
manager. Even if there is no constructive feedback. Prepare a
position on offer, this is your list of questions to ask the
chance to sell yourself to a interviewer – this will show how
potential employer and find out interested you are in the job.
more about working at a Bring written references and
particular company. If a position especially any documents that the
does come up, you will be well employer has asked you to bring
ahead of the pack. Take advantage or that may add value to your
of other networking opportunities application.
like attending Alumni events and
joining your industry’s peak •The Interview – Everything your
organisation. Let family, friends mother ever told you and more is
and acquaintances know that relevant at the interview. Sit up
you’re looking for a job so they straight and still, look the
can tell you if they hear of any interviewer in the eye, don’t
mumble, don’t interrupt and above meeting, interview or job
all, smile even if you’re application submission, follow-up
nervous. Sound like a cinch? Not with a thank you and take the
without some practice! The best opportunity to state your case as
attitude to have when going into a worthy future employee. If
a job interview is that it’s good calling, ring at the start of the
practice. Anything more or day before the person has had a
anything less could spell chance to go to meetings or a
disaster for your performance. receptionist can intercept you
Use the interviewer’s name, bring call.
notes to the interview if
necessary and ask permission to •Volunteer Work – Nothing says
use them. Great for the nerves passion and commitment to an
and most employers won’t mind. employer like someone who does
The main point to remember is be volunteer work. During your job
yourself which is easier said search, some volunteer work
than done but practice will make related to your field would help
it possible! an under-resourced charity
organisation and also give you
•Follow-Up – The follow-up phone current and marketable skills.
call, email or letter every step
along the job-hunting process is So, what are you waiting for?
designed to make you stand out It’s time to show off your
from the crowd. After any talents!
About the Author:
Christine Young (aka Young Writer) is a freelance journalist based in Melbourne and founder of Meap Careers premier human resources service for the Media, Entertainment, Arts, Public Relations and Publishing industries. http://www.meapcareers.com.au
Read more articles by: Christine Young
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