Written and published by headspace.


Be realistic

If you're applying for entry-level jobs, most people aren’t expecting you to come in with a resume filled with experience. Make sure you’re applying for positions that are appropriate for you. In a tight job market where employers are flooded with highly qualified applicants, there’s less incentive to take a chance on a marginally qualified candidate. Carefully target jobs you truly can prove you can succeed in—not just those where you think, "I could do that," but those where you can excel with the strength and skills you already have.

Identify what makes you fit for the role

Think about why you believe you are the right person for the job. What experience, or what personal qualities do you have that make the job a good fit? If you understand this you will be able to explain it to a potential employer. Make a list of all the skills listed in position description for the job you’re applying for and give examples of how you have successfully used some or all these skills in your volunteering work, work experience, school, community or club activity you are involved in. Computer skills, technical skills, communication skills, research skills, problem-solving skills are all used in some ways in these activities. People who are hiring are looking for people who show commitment, are willing to work hard and want to learn.

Highlight your strong personal qualities

Remember to showcase qualities like friendliness, professionalism, responsiveness, and follow-through. Highlight examples of your dedication, curiosity, and commitment to learning and growth. These positive traits are highly valued in the workplace.

Be confident and modest

Confidence is important, but it has to be balanced with humility and modesty. Show that you can do the job, but remember you are also unskilled and untrained. Show that you’re very willing to learn.

Start volunteering

If you can’t find a job, work for free. A volunteer position can be easier to find than a paid job. Volunteer for as much relevant service as you can. You’ll not only gain valuable experience, but will also be able to build a network and get a foot in the door.

Network

Building your personal network is a reliable path to a great job at any stage of life. Connect with everyone you know—and in turn with everyone they know—through social media, community and professional events, setting up lunch or coffee dates to stay in touch, any way you can find.

Attend the upcoming Speed Networking event! A networking event provides a professional and structured forum for you to meet and greet industry leaders who can provide insight into career pathways, industry knowledge and share personal and professional experiences. This is your opportunity to start building a network of industry professionals that you can access in the future. Meet up to 10 professionals related to your studies per night. 

Tickets are only $15 and can be purchased online.

Time: 6pm – 8pm, registration desk opens at 5:30pm

Location: Angliss Restaurant

To find out more about the event and the full list of industry professionals visit our website. 

Keep learning

It may be that you need more education to qualify for what you really want to do—for example, if you discover an interest in law, then it may be time to apply for law studies. But even outside of formal education, find ways to keep current and expand your base of knowledge—do work experience, enrol in professional development or special training courses, or just do a lot of reading in your fields of interest.

Be resilient, be persistent, be patient

It may take a little while for you to get a job. The more defeated you allow yourself to feel, the worse this experience will be. Every day, do something to find a job and do it with the mindset that it is not a waste of time, but a chance to learn and explore. Remember, you have the power to change the way you think about it. If you follow this approach, success will come sooner rather than later.