For thousands of recent varsity graduates, the task of finding a job can be a long and frustrating process, so here are some tips that you can use to make your search a little less painful.

Job Hunting Tips

Tip 1: Work out what it is that you enjoy doing and what it is that you are actually good at

You can work out your competencies by reflecting on how you did in team projects at varsity or how you handled your role in vacation work.

Remember, don’t get discouraged, at the starting stage your full time job is to look for full time employment that will ensure you get a salary, so use this time well.

Tip 2: Be Prepared

Make sure that you have a neat, typo-free, CV that lets your potential employer know what it is that you can bring to the company. gradzone has a fantastic tool on the website that will help you put together a professional, comprehensive CV that will reveal, to your potential employer, more than just what you are and what you studied. The CV is in a PDF format that can be sent directly to potential employers from the website.

Start now. It's never too early to start looking for a job. Be pro-active.

Tip 3: Once you have decided what you want to do, target companies in the industry or sector that are likely to require your skills

Don’t waste your time by researching companies that don’t offer positions in your chosen field or sector but rather stick to those that you feel could have suitable opportunities for you. Remember big is not always best, look for companies that have a vision and documented values that match your own and stick to those you know will suit your work style and ethic.

Your main objective right now should be to get real work experience in an environment that fits with you and what you are likely to do well. Even if the company you are looking at is not likely to be able to offer much more growth and development after 2-3 years, this is not a reason to ignore them.

Use the Internet and research, research, research. You should be able to get some info on just about every potential employer.

Tip 4: Make the first Move

When approaching companies, don’t send out a bulk email to all of them saying "Here is my CV, please call me if anything comes up". This will land in the bin with the other 500 who did the same.

You need to think carefully about what you are going to say and practice it. For example:

"My name is AJ and I have just graduated with BSc Honours in Biochemistry from Wits. I’m looking for my first job and during course work at Varsity I found that I was very good at coming up with product development ideas and that I usually ended up leading the work groups. I was wondering if your company is considering hiring someone at entry level with those skills." 

•  Always try to speak to the person responsible for managing staff appointments, usually the HR Officer/Manager or in smaller companies the MD him/herself.
• In your research try and get a name. It is always better to direct your approach to an individual and not a title.
• Tell them why you are calling and a little about yourself, what you studied, your qualification and what you are quite good at. Ask if there are opportunities with them for someone like you. If they have nothing available at the time, use the opportunity to network, ask if they perhaps know someone/company that could use your skills set or if they could refer you to someone else.

Remember, persistence pays, but never be rude or too pushy. NB: Always follow up with a letter or email thanking them for taking your call and in case something comes up attach/include your CV for future reference. Make an impression so that they won’t forget you by following up once or twice more!

Tip 5: Try different avenues.

When looking for a job, don’t limit yourself to just one search method. Instead, use a variety of strategies and be sure to utilize all of the resources available to you, for example, the internet, networking, career days, recruitment companies, etc.

In the famous words of Winston Churchill "never, never, never give up". Finding your first job can get tough, but there is a company that you are destined to work in and you will find the right job at the right time. Be open, honest, willing to work hard with a good attitude and you will be the employee that employers want to hire.

Interview Tips

Tip 1: The most important tip is to have done research on the company and its background and what it is they do, what products they may sell etc. The more information you have about the company, the better equipped you are to ask relevant questions.

Tip 2: Once you have a clear understanding of the company, you then need to think about the role for which you are applying. Come up with possible questions that the interviewer may ask that would relate to the position. Practice the answers a few times so you come across as being prepared. You still do not want it to sound completely rehearsed and unnatural so have a few example questions in mind and work from there.

Tip 3: Dress professionally – rather be overdressed than underdressed. Look neat and tidy because first impressions last!

Tip 4: Arrive 15 minutes early. Make sure you know exactly where the interview is because nothing creates a worse first impression than being late for your interview.

Tip 5: Do not fidget – It is hard not to fidget when you are a little nervous but it can be distracting to the interviewers. Try to keep your hands in your lap and concentrate on what you are saying.

Tip 6: Do not waffle- make your answers clear and concise.

Once you have asked your questions and the interview is coming to a close, make sure you thank the interviewers for their time and express your interest in the position. End off by shaking their hands and saying you look forward to hearing from them soon.

An interview can be a nerve wrecking experience, but remember that you are full of potential with much to offer! Be yourself, see the interview as a situation that can add to your personal growth and development and enjoy the opportunity to interact with individuals that have experience in the field you want to go into. If it’s the right company for you, you will get the job, have faith!

Here are some links to sites that might help you better prepare for interviews:

Job Interview Tips

Jobs.co.za

Careers24.com   

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