With employment opportunities dwindling, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive. Academic qualifications are taking a backseat to real-world experience and new graduates are finding themselves in a catch 22 situation wherein they need experience to find jobs and need a job to get experience. So how does one overcome this predicament and finally break into the job market? Here are a few tips to help!
1. Be persistent:
Studies have shown that a major barrier to youth employment is job seekers being discouraged. The number of young job seekers that are unemployed and not seeking work increased by 8% between 2008 and 2015. Many young people become overwhelmed by employer requirements and feel that they do not posses the necessary experience. It is important to remember that, although rare, entry level job posts do exist and you can only find them if you continue to search!
2. Do not be intimidated:
Many job postings have an extensive list of seemingly impossible requirements. This is generally done as a pre-screening method to thin the inevitably large numbers of applications a recruiter will receive. It is important not be dissuaded by these job ads and to remember that most applicants will be in the same boat as you in that they will not be able to satisfy all the pre-requisites. If you possess the basic qualification stipulated and meet at least 70% of the criteria, go ahead and apply!
3. Apply, apply, apply!
According to recent studies, an applicant needs to apply for at least 100-150 posts to successfully get a job. Always search job sites and company websites for new positions and be sure to apply for every post that relates to you. It is also a good idea to send your CV out to companies and potential employers even if they are not currently advertising any new positions. This way if a position does become available, they may already have you in mind.
4. Improve your interview skills:
Getting an interview is often the hard part but once you’re in you have an opportunity to really sell yourself as an asset to the company. Be sure to research the position and company beforehand and take note of the personal attributes they are looking for as well as the companies overall mission statement and ethos. The interview stage is where you can convince employers that you make up for your lack of experience by being enthusiastic and a quick learner and that you can bring a fresh perspective and new innovation to the company that experience cannot.
5. Lower your salary expectations:
After working extremely hard in their studies, the last thing new graduates wants to hear is ‘unpaid’. Despite this being a less than ideal situation, it is sometimes necessary. Look for graduate or intern programmes, these generally require little to no experience the upshot being very little to no remuneration. It is a great way to gain some experience that will enable you to apply for paid jobs in the future. Seeking ‘locum’, contract or temporary work may also be a good idea as employers are often willing to overlook a lack experience in favour of someone that can assume a position immediately or work rotations/shifts. A few temporary jobs can eventually add up to a year of experience for your CV.
Just remember that once you break through this difficult initial stage it becomes easier to move up the ranks of your career, so stay positive and keep trying till you succeed!
About the Author
Sumaya Dadan is currently working for Stellenbosch University. She is a qualified and practicing pharmacist who lives in Cape Town. New to the world of business writing but looking forward to exploring this new challenge. She enjoys creative writing and hopes to one day write and publish her own fiction works. Follow her on Instagram @sumayadadan