3 keys to success when entering the workforce
As the end of the school year approaches, now is the time to start thinking about how to prepare for life after school because Christmas Casuals and job openings are happening! As parents, you will be well aware of the stress that comes with job-seeking after high school. That’s why we created a fantastic 10 weeks course designed specifically for students who wish to expand their knowledge beyond academia, and into real life applications!
1st Key to success: Consciously develop soft skills
Soft skills are a crucial aspect in becoming a desirable employee. Recognising social queues, having a keen sense of time management, and being emotionally intelligent actually helps improve your employability more than just having a great ATAR! (Having a great ATAR will also set you apart!). However, it’s more about having the skills to effectively communicate with clients, peers, and employers. Learning to deal with conflicts in the workplace is another great skill to develop; if you can find resolutions to issues with customers and peers, you have a much higher chance of succeeding in your career! These simple skills are transferable between all workforces, and are highly regarded by employers!
2nd key to success: Targeting your resume
Writing a resume sounds pretty straightforward, but there are lots of things employers are looking for that your child might not realise. Did you know employers will spend an average of 3 minutes with a resume, and 1 in 5 will have made up their mind within the first minute! Having a lack of relevant information on a resume is almost as redundant as not sending in a resume at all. To get a clear understanding of what an employer wants in your resume, it’s a great idea to call them up and find out. Getting in contact with an employer in person or verbally, rather than by email, is a fantastic way to stand out amongst the flood of emails! You always want to give a personal touch to your application; even though ‘I am a hard worker’ is a good thing, most resumes will say the same thing! Think outside the box, and tailor your skills specifically to the job you are applying for.
3rd key to success: Sell yourself
Just because you’ve got an interview for a job, doesn’t mean the hard work is over! You now have to sell yourself during the interview process, and make sure you stand out! The easiest way to do this is to prepare yourself effectively; have a look at what the values of the company are on their website to get an idea of what sort of questions they might ask. If you’re looking at a jewellery store, make sure you’ve got some sort of fundamental knowledge of accessories before you walk into your interview. More importantly, make sure you dress professionally! Regardless of what job you are seeking, you want to look mature and committed when you step into a room, and dressing well will give you the confidence to perform well during the interview process. Remember, only 1 in 5 people interviewed will receive a job offer, so following these tips will surely help you along the way!
