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Job Search Advice for School Leavers
Start by making a list of what you enjoy and what kind of environment suits you. If you like the outdoor life, work in an office will stifle you. If you're the organized type, then office work will be your ideal situation. Make a list of your skills, qualifications and grades. You also need a list of any extra-curricular activities. Did you mentor a younger student at school? Did you volunteer at a local care home? Have you been a member of any sports teams, drama groups or choirs? All of these show you have a responsible attitude and can work well with other people, one of the most important features of any job. This then forms the basis of your CV, which usually includes your personal details, including phone number and email, your education and qualifications, work history, and personal references.
The Internet is a great place to start looking. Don't restrict yourself to job sites only; some companies only list jobs on their own web pages, so make a list of local companies and look at their websites. Try words like 'junior', 'school leaver', 'entry level', 'trainee' and 'apprentice'. The local paper and job centre can also be a great source of vacancies. Local hospital and shopping center noticeboards are another area to target, and don't forget about friends and family. Get your CV typed, make sure it's checked for grammatical and factual errors, and address it to the recruiting manager - by name if possible. Some companies prefer application forms, in which case, practise on a blank piece of paper or blank Word document first, then transfer the information to the form.
Once you've managed to obtain an interview, research the company as much as you can. You'll almost certainly be asked what you know about the organization at interview stage. Dress smartly and conservatively. Bare midriffs and flip-flops are great for the beach but not appropriate in most workplaces. Be punctual, and be polite to everyone you meet, including the receptionist. Recruiters often ask reception staff for their impressions of candidates. Answer the interviewers' questions, and if you need extra time to think of an answer, ask if you can have a minute or so to think. At the end, thank the interviewers for their time and if you don't get the job, ask for feedback to help you next time.
When you first start out, you might have to take a job that's less than ideal, at a salary that's lower than you'd like. If that's the case, then check out whether the company can help support you gain extra qualifications to help you progress in future. Every job offers valuable experience, particularly in "transferable skills" like communication and time management.
It may take you many attempts before you find that essential first job. One problem is what's known as Catch 22. You often can't get a job without experience, but you can't get experience without a job. Try to stay positive. Think about doing some voluntary work in your area of interest to get some experience. Look into the qualifications you need to go into your chosen area and check them out at college. Grants may be available to help you study further. Whatever you do, don't give up. There's a job out there somewhere with your name on it.
Looking for Toowoomba Jobs? Come have a look at Toowoomba Job Scene today.
Article submitted Thursday, February 09, 2012 & read 3 times.
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