You've finished your A Levels. Everyone maybe telling you this is the worst possible time to find a job. It isn’t actually true, and here is why now is a great time to seize opportunity and go that extra mile to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
But careful. Everyone maybe telling you this is the worst possible time to find a job. It isn’t actually true, and here is why now is a great time to seize opportunity and go that extra mile to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
In order to stand out in the current marketplace you have to get smart. Social media has made information more available than at any other time in the history of mankind. It is important to get smart and take the time to research. Which are the companies in growth sectors in your area? What are the personality types that they are looking for? How can you offer long term value to them as a potential candidate that they can grow and develop to help shape their business?
All of the information is there but you have to put in the time to find it. For information you can’t find, be bold, grow your network, be humble, ask for conversations, consider a mentor or a coach in a particular field and see what advice they can give you about which doors to open.
There are many people that go through a substantial academic pathway to finally graduate and then realise that perhaps they didn’t need a degree in Economics, or a degree in Marketing but actually what they needed was a degree in Excel or PowerPoint.
If you can take some time to find a course where you could develop some technical skills over the summer this could really add value to your product offering. If technical doesn’t suit you then show willing in another area. Employers love individuals with the right positive mindset and a can-do attitude, find a way to demonstrate this in the summer and the opportunities will find you.
Communication is a hugely underrated skill. Careers and opportunities is about people. Find a way to practice how you will speak with professionals that may have opportunities, both informally and formally.
The best way to do this is to find a mentor, someone that can give you some industry language and perhaps you can play out some roleplays with them. If you can articulate things in the right way that is relevant to an organisation or sector you will be seen as a very attractive proposition.
When applying for a highly competitive placement, the key is in the detail. Make sure you entrust in at least 2 or 3 people to give you feedback on any documentation you send off. Be bold and open to asking for help from those around you that care, you will be surprised how willing people can be.
Punctuation, grammar, tone and style are all extremely important and it is worth it’s weight in gold to take the time to get those things right when you are competing in a highly competitive marketplace.
This is one of the most important parts. In an ideal world you will be presented with your dream opportunity on the very first day.However unfortunately in the “real world” this is often unlikely. When you put yourself out into the universe there is likely going to be things that don’t go your way and some rejection.
At every opportunity, source feedback. Learn from it and evolve your style whilst still staying true to your own authentic values.Accept information graciously and never burn a bridge. If you respond in a positive and mature manner you may leave a lasting impression that could put you at the front of the queue next time round.
Finally, remember this key message:
Careerships understands this is a very stressful time for those that are impacted by the covid-19 pandemic.
Follow us on social media, tag 5 of your friends in the comment section, and share this post by the end of the day on Saturday 15th August 2020 and 3 people will be chosen at random and be given a completely free professional personalised CV and a one-to-one 1 hr coaching session via Zoom to help them plan through their next steps. Winners will be chosen on Saturday 15th August 2020.
All the best,
Richard Edge
CEO & Career Coach | Careerships
Book in via info@careerships.com for a free 30-minute Zoom call to learn how we’ll clear your path to success.
Careerships help professionals across 31 countries make substantial changes in their careers and lives.
Using our unique blend of international experience, passion, AI, commitment, and an ability to understand how to progress, we have maintained our 100% success record for our client partners, and it is our mission to keep this intact.
