Ten practical and proven tips that help you get ahead of the competition for the best jobs. Read on...

10 HOT TIPS TO BE AT THE FRONT OF THE JOB QUEUE

#1: Be responsible and proud of your resume.

·        Aim: your resume gets you to an interview.

·        Keep it updated (your latest job; dates of employment)

·        No-one is interested in excuses for out of date resumes – school library/local library/internet café etc. have computers if yours is broken or you don’t have access to one at home. It will also show you are technologically competent.

·        What to put in a resume (don’t mess around with the Fonts): Contact details (no silly email addresses); Career Objective (a quick introduction as to why you are applying for this job, mentioning some of the key skills you have); Outline of Education from current (today) going back; Work History, from current going back and list skills you picked up, particularly those relevant for the job you are after; Interests – don’t get too personal ie, by saying you enjoy nightclubbing (rather say you enjoy going out with friends); Two or three Referees (Real Employers; Host Employers; Teachers/Coaches; Friends; Family.

#2: Be proud of your portfolio.

·        Your resume is the summary of what you are about.

·        Your portfolio is the detail behind your resume, so make it a document you are proud to carry around ie, plastic sleeves.

·        Place photocopies behind each original which you can hand to the interviewer.

·        Make it sell you eg, you might have played a representative sport; participated in a cultural community activity; been a Peer Support leader; been a member of your School Council; completed a Duke of Edinburgh Award; played in a school team for a number of years; played a musical instrument for a number of years; been a member of a school drama group etc. (shows commitment, teamwork, happy to move out of your comfort zone). Add photos (of something you have constructed), hobbies etc. at the back. Include your most recent two school reports; driver’s licence; any other qualifications.

#3: Keep searching for the most suitable job.

·        How?

o       Websites (see your Careers Adviser)

o       Daily papers

o       Walk the streets

o       Friends/networks

o       Walk the shopping malls – be pro-active!

·        How motivated are you?

·        The really popular jobs fill quickly.

·        A good site is: www.jobsearch.gov.au

·        A generally helpful site, with a Penrith focus is: www.want2know.com.au

#4: Be Pro-active – pick jobs with one eye on the future.

·        Reality – young adolescents are the cheapest labour employers can hire, so it’s easier to get a job at your age.

·        What can be learnt from this? If I begin work as a cashier, shop assistant, waitress, shelf packer etc. I will earn a wage. Once I am older the pay rates increase and there is the chance I could be replaced by cheaper labour (ie, other adolescents); maybe I will end up working reduced shifts.

·        So, I need to set my sights higher and look for ways and opportunities to develop new skills – apprenticeships; traineeships; jobs with training; TAFE; distance education (reputable!). Let your employers know that you are keen to learn and advance. Chat to employers who have been in the workplace for a while – what tips can they offer you?

·        Remember: wages go up every year. Will your skills and qualifications rise faster than your wages?

·        How will this job fit into my career path?

#5: CENTRELINK could open doors.

·        Centrelink has the keys to the Job Network and various TAFE courses.

·        Their website tells you what to do if you are looking for work (aged 16 – 21) or older and how they can assist you.

·        Register before you need help.

#6: Apply! Apply! Apply! = Practice! Practice! Practice!

·        Every application is preparing you for the world of work – have others check it out (family, trusted friend, Career Adviser, teacher, a referee etc.).

·        If you hear nothing presume that you have been unsuccessful or phone and find out whether or not the position has been filled – be polite!!

·        If you are unsuccessful it’s okay to be disappointed – perhaps that job was not for you; maybe your work ethic or attitude could do with improvement? If you had an interview and were unsuccessful, what can you learn from the experience for the next time? Maybe you need to start a little lower in the career ladder. Believe in yourself! Keep tweaking your resume.

·        Pre-Christmas applications (where applicable) could see you a winner! Get ahead of the queue!!

#7: Be aware of the power of your Cover Letter in obtaining an interview.

·        The Cover Letter is attached to the resume.

·        Take a pride in this letter. Some points to remember when writing a cover letter:

o       Keep it short, to the point and powerful.

o       Change the contents of your cover letter to suit the nature of the job you are applying for.

o       Sell yourself and your suitability for the job.

o       Show your enthusiasm, but be genuine.

·        Compare the following applications:

“Attached, please find my resume for the job you advertised.”

“I am interested in the job ….. advertised in the ….on ….  I have completed …… course and feel I have many of the skills required for this  challenging job. I have completed Year 12 and have transport arrangements in place so I can get to work on time.”

#8: Prepare thoroughly for your interview.

·        How many times have you found yourself having a conversation during which you have been taken by surprise by a comment and not known how to respond; or else things get too emotional and you say things you regret later; or you don’t know how to verbalise your feelings, mutter and stumble over your words and, later, when you reflect on the conversation, you wish you had said this or that ….?

·        You only have one shot at an interview, so plan carefully, be alert and believe in yourself.

·        Practise with friends, parents, someone you trust etc.

Some tips as you prepare for an interview:

1.      Adequate sleep the night before (9 hours).

2.      Eat a good breakfast.

3.      Be punctual – early!

4.      Dress appropriately.

5.      Take care of your personal hygiene and grooming.

6.      Don’t smoke, chew gum or eat during the interview.

7.      Switch your mobile phone off.

8.      Be polite, courteous and friendly to all support staff.

9.      When meeting the interviewer or interview panel:

·        Smile

·        Extend a firm handshake

·        Eye contact

·        Only sit when asked to do so

10.  Keep eye contact throughout the interview and don’t rush your answers.

11.  Remember the importance of body language throughout the interview (both yours and the interviewers’).

12.  Don’t fidget.

13.  Be pleasant, friendly, warm and polite.

14.  Don’t volunteer negative information to the interviewer.

15.  Express your genuine interest in the position. Don’t be afraid to ask questions for clarification.

Some people suggest that you should have three or four questions ready to ask when you go to an interview. This automatically shows an interest in the organisation. If they have a website, perhaps you could ask a question that shows you have looked at their website. It shows a willingness to learn as well, one of the employability skills.

It’s often worthwhile to send an email or write a letter thanking the interviewer for the opportunity to be interviewed. Perhaps if the choice is close between you and another candidate this letter could swing the decision in your favour – remember to be genuine!

#9: Leave your parents and mates at home.

·        It’s no problem to have a parent or friend accompany you to the interview ie, to find out how long the interview will be etc., but then they should disappear as this is ‘your’ interview. The interviewers will react negatively to pushy parents, interfering parents or if your mates are misbehaving outside, in the car park etc.

#10: Never stop learning new skills and developing your work ethic.

·        All employers are looking for a ‘hard worker’, someone who is reliable, responsible etc. (employability skills/personal attributes)

·        That’s why good school reports and references will assist you obtaining the job you want.