The new job landscape can be treacherous. Here are some simple tips for a great head start in the job market.
It’s the convocation season! As the dust settles, and all the graduation caps and gowns are neatly folded away, a new chapter will unfold for thousands of recent graduates.
It’s a nerve wracking time for graduates; a transitionary period that uproots them from the comfort of the familiar academic world to the vast unknown realm of the professional world.
For many, it’s their first foray towards true adulthood, and navigating through the current job landscape – where the post-COVID era is saddled with inflation concerns and an AI-driven economy – can admittedly be overwhelming.
It’s a highly competitive scene for jobseekers and the rapidly evolving job market adds a certain pressure to be a standout candidate.
Despite an ocean of hopefuls to contend with, there are many steps that a new graduate can take to distinguish themselves from the crowd of new hires. After all, careers are not built in a day.
The Bulletin spoke with human resource generalist Norhafizan Hj Jaya, who has experience in industries such as retail, food and beverages and security, reviewing countless CVs and conducting job interviews.
If you’re one to jumpstart your career by taking a plunge into the job market in the coming months, here are the top do’s and don’ts for new jobseekers.
Do’s
Communication is key
Effective communication is one of the key interpersonal skills to ensure applicants are able to communicate to all levels professionally, whether top down or on the sidelines.
In line with this, good communication is also a skill that bring opportunities for career development, according to Norhafizan.
Admittedly, the candidate may invite roles and responsibilities that can make good use of the skill, such as conducting meetings and presentations, however proficient communicators will often find their potential noticed.
“Career advancements will need communication skills, say, in order to be a manager or a leader, you must be able to communicate with your team”.
Upgrade thyself
A CV is often the first point of contact between a jobseeker and an employer, so its importance cannot be understated. With that being said, your CV needs to pop, not just visually, but also its substance – upgrade yourself.
Show your worth and conviction by joining courses, attending workshops and getting yourself certified.
The types of certification and courses will depend on the candidate’s chosen career path but regardless, it helps jobseekers be job ready and ultimately, getting certified has a lasting advantage, because it helps you get noticed by potential employers.
“It helps. Courses and certifications narrows it down for employers (who may be looking for candidates with a certain level of talent) and it makes applicants stand out with these special skills and knowledge.
“Never be scared to learn, never be discouraged by comments. Never be scared to invest to attend workshops and courses,” added Norhafizan.
Establishing networks
Building relationships can open unexpected doors for jobseekers. The people you meet throughout your career path may surprise you with valuable insights into the job market.
“Start with social media or by joining events and workshops. Be brave and try to attend public workshops where you can meet people.”
She encouraged jobseekers to seek wisdom from those they meet within these settings, adding that the encounter may translate into future professional engagements.
Don’ts
Divert responses during interview
The interview is like a boss battle, it’s usually one of, if not, the final stage between a jobseeker and their new job, and there are certain interview faux pas that new graduates should avoid at all costs.
Diverting question is one of them as it not only is a poor response during a job interview, but it also displays the candidate’s unpreparedness.
Being an unprepared during interviews
Interviews act as a small window for employers to see the exact potential a candidate can have, and with hundreds or even thousands of applicants, this small window becomes paramount.
So, not being prepared, such as attending the interview with incomplete documents, coming up with one-word responses and asking the wrong questions, is not a good look.
“During interviews, candidates should show determination, show they are ready and able to offer quality. Interviewers want to see applicants that are able to stay long and grow with the company.”
Blow the first impression
First impressions can significantly impact one’s success in the hiring process. With the amount of candidates actively job hunting in today’s market, companies will often have to make quick judgements to assess a candidate’s suitability.
According to Norhafizan, applicants often fail to make good first impressions, whether it’s through their attire or their punctuality, which would lead potential employers to lose confidence in the candidate.
Ultimately, employers will not only look at a candidate’s skill but also whether they fit well into the company’s work environment and culture, and the first impression gives them insight in regards to those aspects.
To that effect Norhafizan congratulated all recent and upcoming graduates, wishing them a fruitful pursuit into the world of employment. – Wardi Wasli
