Many fresh graduates are struggling to find jobs. But there are ways that can maximise the chances of getting employed. Recent graduates can create the environment and search for tools that can make their job search successful. Most school leavers and recent graduates seem not to see the bigger picture when job hunting. They often think that employers will understand their lack of social and basic workplace skills when they are interviewed. This is short-sighted because not only will employers assess them against the prerequisite of the job, but they will also be measured and compared against applicants who have been working for some time- applicants who have learnt the ropes and understand the soft skills that are required by employers. Applicants, who can communicate effectively, listen and demonstrate their abilities to work in teams and achieve results.
There is a growing pool of fresh graduates seeking work and until these recruits understand that job search is like a job, and must be treated as such, only then can these recruits succeed in their search for employment. Fresh graduates very often don’t have clear goals and career plans and often depend on luck in acing the interviews and landing a job. They often believe that their degrees will guarantee them jobs. This entitlement mentality particularly among candidates with degrees is often a major obstacle which thwarts their chances of landing a job. These candidates often fail to ace the interviews and land a job as a resultant lack further motivation to apply for vacancies. Since interview skills are not taught in school, there are ways one can apply to enhance the chances of landing a job, such as the following:
There is a growing pool of fresh graduates seeking work and until these recruits understand that job search is like a job, and must be treated as such, only then can these recruits succeed in their search for employment. Fresh graduates very often don’t have clear goals and career plans and often depend on luck in acing the interviews and landing a job. They often believe that their degrees will guarantee them jobs. This entitlement mentality particularly among candidates with degrees is often a major obstacle which thwarts their chances of landing a job. These candidates often fail to ace the interviews and land a job as a resultant lack further motivation to apply for vacancies. Since interview skills are not taught in school, there are ways one can apply to enhance the chances of landing a job, such as the following:
· Reading books on interview skills
· Preparing thoroughly on how to write resumes
· Writing attention grabbing covering letters
· Learning the art of answering interview questions
· Learning the secrets of how to motivate employers to call them for interviews and
· How to conduct themselves appropriately in the interviews
Interview skills are critical skills that should ideally be taught at school or tertiary institutions. Until the education system sees it fit to introduce a compulsory module, which prepares school leavers and graduates for the world of work, for now however, the honours still lies with the individual to take the initiative to become better prepared for the workplace environment. One way of acquiring the interview skills and of learning and understanding the workplace environment is to work in their spare time while they are studying. Applying for part-time vacancies plays a key role in the individual’s preparation for the workplace.
If you want to improve chances of success during an interview, there are various factors that can put you ahead of the pack. Firstly, preparation is key to any interview. Secondly, know and understand the company or industry you want to work for. Without sounding arrogant, speak as if you have the job already and show what an asset you would be if you are given an opportunity to join the company. Put yourself in the shoes of your employer and anticipate the questions you would be asked, and how you would answer the questions. Know your resume or CV thoroughly. There is nothing that will put your employer off than a candidate who does not know what is contained in his/her CV. Share with your employer- that although you do not have experience in the post that you are applying for, you do have transferable skills. For instance, mention your background as an active volunteer for your local HIV/AIDS Program and the position you are holding and how the skills you have acquired can be transferred to the position you have applied for.
If you can follow the above tips on preparation, then the interview day should not be so anxiety-provoking.
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