By Lorraine Wilson, Co-Founder, Keyba Careers
The job market can be challenging to navigate, especially for young people with little or no work experience, low confidence, or limited guidance to help them become job-ready.
It is always a privilege to support a young person, or speak with a concerned parent whose child is struggling to find employment. They may need practical advice, industry insight or confidence to take their next step.
As a parent, employer and owner of an outsourced HR business, I understand these challenges. I get it. Finding a job can be hard. But with a positive mindset and the right preparation, you can build confidence in your applications and interviews.
Here are five practical tips to help you approach your job search with greater confidence and purpose.
1. It is not about you; it is about the recruiter
This may require a shift in thinking. When applying, think from the employer’s perspective. They need the right person for the role and organisation. Connect your skills, experience and attitude with what they need, and show why you are a strong fit.
2. Understand the job advertisement
Carefully review the job advertisement. Ask yourself:
• Am I the type of person they are looking for?
• Do I have the skills or transferable skills they need?
• Can I address the key requirements of the role?
Sending the same resume to lots of employers and hoping for the best is rarely effective. Focus on roles that align with your skills, experience and interests, and tailor each application.
Also consider whether the organisation, location, hours and responsibilities suit you. A good job match needs to work for both you and the employer.
3. Make your resume and cover letter stand out
First impressions matter. Your resume and cover letter are often an employer’s first impression of you. Treat them as personal marketing tools. Communicate your strengths, skills, experience and interest, and tailor them to the role.
Demonstrate that you have the attitude, behaviours and capabilities the employer needs. Make it easy for the recruiter to understand why you should be considered.
4. Prepare for a successful interview
Preparation helps you present yourself professionally, answer questions with greater confidence and leave a strong impression. Here are a few ways to prepare:
• Review the job advertisement, position description and your resume. Be ready to explain how your skills and experience relate to the role.
• Research the employer. Understand what the organisation does, its values and why you want to work there.
• Rehearse your responses. Practise with someone or speak your answers aloud so you feel more comfortable in the interview.
• Prepare your own questions. Have two or three thoughtful questions ready to ask.
• Plan the practical details. Choose what you will wear, confirm the time and location, test any technology and arrive about 10 minutes early for an in-person interview.
5. Demonstrate your employability skills
Employers value skills and qualities including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, initiative, reliability, time management and customer service.
Even with limited paid work experience, you may have developed these skills through school, volunteering, sport, community activities, caring responsibilities, casual work or other life experiences. Use specific examples to show how you have demonstrated the skills relevant to the role.
Showing that you can become a reliable, valuable team member and understand workplace expectations can help you stand out.
Keep moving forward
If you are entering the workforce or changing careers, stay determined and resilient. Job searching can involve setbacks, but each application and interview is an opportunity to learn. Ask for feedback where possible, keep improving your approach and, importantly, back yourself.
Ready to build your job-readiness skills?
At Keyba Careers, our practical employability and workplace-readiness training has been developed by experienced business owners and HR professionals. Our online courses and workshops help job seekers understand workplace expectations, build confidence, strengthen essential skills and prepare for employment opportunities.
Explore our online courses and enrol today, or contact me to discuss a job-readiness workshop or online course for your school, organisation or community.