HSC is finally done and dusted and you have too much time on your hands. Whilst spending your days sleeping and catching up on TV shows does sound enticing, having money to spend is even better! Below are some things to consider as you begin your job hunt.
- It may be your first job but think about what you want to gain from it.
As it is your first proper job, it doesn’t matter too much what it is, because it won’t define your career. In saying that, you would benefit heavily from going into a role that provides foundational skills such as communication, leadership and teaming; for future jobs.
- Build a simple yet effective resume.
Keep it within one page as employers don’t read past one page. Typically as a student fresh out of high school you should include:
- Name and contact details
- Objective (tailor this to the place/role you are applying for to show personal interest)
- Education and Awards
- Experience
- Co-curricular activities
- Volunteer work
- Interests
- References
- Apply everywhere!
You’ve got nothing to lose, so definitely try applying everywhere. Luckily for you, it is Christmas season which means all retail stores will be in high demand for workers! Retail and fast food chains are great places to gain soft skills as well as discounts. However, if you know what industry you would like to be in whether it may be business, teaching or health – try to look for a role in that space. So if it’s teaching, why not gain some experience in tutoring (apply here at The Brain).
- Prepare for the interview.
Do not go in thinking you can fluke it. Think about what would make you stand out. Refer to a recent example, using the STAR technique (situation, task, action, result) when answering questions. If they ask you at the end – ‘Do you have any questions for me?’ Ask them what they look for in an ideal candidate and whether you’ve demonstrated it today.. shows that you’re keen!
- Rejection is okay.
If you get rejected, don’t be upset. It builds character – so, just use all that you’ve learnt in each experience to be even better for the next application.
Good luck!
