So, you’ve finished your studies and you’re ready to go off into the world and land the job of your dreams? Whether you’ve done a 3-year degree or completed one of the many short courses Auckland has to offer, you’ve now got the certificate to prove you’re qualified. This leads a lot of people to think they can get anywhere with just a piece of paper. We hate to break it to you, but landing a job takes a little more than just studying hard.
While the knowledge, work ethic and skills you have learned while studying are highly valuable, there are a few more aspects that really help to mould you into the best person employers are looking for. In this article, we share some helpful tips to get you one step closer to landing your dream job!
Spend Some Time on Your CV
A career-specific resume will go far in getting you the job you want to have. Base your resume on the job you want to apply for and cut out all the irrelevant stuff like your part-time retail job from high school (unless it’s relevant work experience).
Resumes are your first point-of-contact with an employer, so a tailored one will show them that you have a whole CV that applies to the job they are hiring for. If you want to learn more about how to make the perfect CV, check out our recent article
Show Your Passion
If the job you’re applying for is really your dream job, then show it! Conveying enthusiasm in your correspondence right from the expression of interest is a sure-fire way to let companies know that you are passionate about the position, and are likely to work really hard in it.
This means that your resume, cover letter and any first emails you send to the company should be written with the appropriate amount of enthusiasm that shows your passion, and that attitude should be carried right through to your in-person correspondence at your interview. Don’t forget to follow-up afterwards with an equally enthusiastic email.
Showing passion shows employers that you are driven, you care about what you are doing, and you will work above and beyond if offered the position.
Focus Your Job Search
If you have a dream position or a company in mind that you can see yourself working at, don’t settle for less! Apply for the jobs you really want, and focus your job search on the positions you think you are likely to do well in. Applying for sub-par jobs or positions that you don’t see yourself excelling in will only set your overall career goals back.
When applying for jobs online, you can use search filters to narrow down your job search. If you are going through a recruitment agency, express some specifics to your contact there, and they will help to put you forward for the right positions.
Networking: Get in the Know
Networking can be completely terrifying, especially if you’re new to a scene and don’t know anyone. However, it’s also a necessary part of getting a job in a number of fields. A lot of major companies will hire new people based on referrals – the saying ‘it’s about who you know’ is a lot more relevant than you would have thought.
The biggest tip to give for networking is to have confidence. Go to industry events and get involved in the community of your future potential co-workers, and from there, all you need is the confidence to go and talk to people and make valuable connections.
Gain Relevant Work Experience
If you still aren’t able to land your dream job with these tips, it’s probably because they’re after someone who has experience working in that specific role. Employers are often not willing to take risks on students who are fresh out of studying and don’t have experience in the workforce. Often a part of your higher education will involve a work experience component, and this can be the foot in you need to the industry of your dreams.
If your course doesn’t offer this, companies will often offer internships or work experience that are at a lower pay rate or voluntary, and these are a good opportunity for you to develop your skills for a short while. If you work hard and prove yourself in a work experience position, they may even offer you a permanent role.
Get Qualified for Your Dream Job at Crown Institute
If you’re trying to land your dream job, but you haven’t quite got the first step down pact and need to acquire a little more relevant studies, then Crown Institute is the place to be. We offer a range of short courses and New Zealand Certificates to get you qualified.
Talk to us today to discuss the course that is right for you!
