Volume 52 Issue 04 - April 2014 : Career Corner

 

Lately I have been having a lot of young people emailing me about what to do if one is looking for a job, where does one start looking and what is the best way of ensuring that one maximises their job searching strategies hence I thought this month`s article should be dedicated to the job seekers particularly those looking for jobs as a first time experience.

One of the most common ways to look for vacancies is through local newspapers. You can also find job adverts online, there is a group on facebook called BWJobs4Graduates that post online every job advert that is on local newspapers just in case you might have missed buying the paper.

When responding to the job advert make sure that your curriculum vitae (CV) reflects what is needed on the job advert. Every CV should be accompanied by a covering letter that should also address the specific requirements outlined in the job advert.

Ensure that you submit all the documents that the job advert has stated; this can be proof of qualifications, reference letters, certificates and so forth. 

Normally the job advert will indicate how you can submit your application documents, either through post, email or drop off at a designated physical address. 

Once you have submitted your application call the relevant personnel at the company be it the HR Manager or Recruiting Manager to find out if they have received your application documents and also ask when you should be expecting feedback on the application. 

There will also be times when one just drops off CV and cover letter even though there was no job advert placed by the company. Normally graduates who are either looking for internship or job opportunities do this.

Find out exactly whom the cover letter can be addressed to so that when you make the follow up call you know whom exactly to talk to. 

Make sure you have done as much research about the company as possible so that should it happen that your follow up call ends up being an on the spot telephone interview you are prepared. 

Do not be caught off guard. Be well informed, confident and positive when making the follow up call. Remember that the cover letter introduces you, your skills, and your interest in the company, your knowledge and understanding of the job. Remember to have a copy of your CV and cover letter when making the follow up call.

You can consider recruitment agencies in Botswana we have for example HRMC Recruitment. 

  Agencies have the advantage that they know the market very well and can advice you better on where the jobs are or whom to contact. 

You can register online with recruitment agencies but it is also advisable to visit them face-to-face and possibly do an interview so that they know you better as they assess your suitability for numerous positions and will be selling you based on the strength they saw. 

Keep in regular contact with the recruitment agency; ensure that you deal with one individual consultant if possible who can know your strength and better position you for job opportunities. 

You can sign up with two or three agencies; ensure that you share as much about you so that you arm your consultant with sufficient information, which can put you in a better position of success. 

Its also important that you know which companies the agencies are sending your CV to, any feedback the agency is receiving whether negative or positive, full details about the job you will be getting interviewed for and any information about the company that might be useful to you.

Networking is another powerful job search strategy. You can use your professional and social contacts to help you get in contact with potential employers whom might not otherwise be easy to get access to. 

People that you meet or organisations that you are affiliated with can help in giving you information, speaking to others on your behalf or recommending you. Always get in touch with people that you have met before. 

It does not hurt to tell people that you are looking for a job and you would appreciate any leads. 

Always take up an opportunity to build your contacts through meeting new people. It always hurts me to see friends sitting together when going for conferences or workshops, how are you going to meet new people if you are still in your comfort zone. 

Always sit next to someone you do not know at meetings, conferences or workshops to facilitate for networking. Make sure to get the contact details or business cards of the people you meet and ensure to make follow-ups the next day.

Job or recruitment fairs are another great way to meet potential employers; however sadly in Botswana we hardly ever have these excellent networking occasions. 

However, we normally have career fairs sometimes facilitated by tertiary institutions for their final year students. 

Ensure that you attend the career fair armed; dress professionally, ask participating companies as many questions as possible and contribute ideas of how the company can grow in any way as this will get the recruiter`s attention. Ensure that you carry your CV to a career fair. 

Get the names and job titles of the people you spoke to and follow up the next day saying how much you appreciate the conversation and how interested you are in the company reemphasising your skills and strengths.

Another way of looking for a job mostly used by graduates is going into company offices and asking to see the relevant person who deals with recruitment.

This is great for one who needs to effectively demonstrate their actual skills such as an artist, designer, photographer showing a portfolio. One needs to exude confidence and have good presentation and interpersonal skills. 

If the company is not offering any jobs use the meeting as a networking opportunity. 

Ask your interviewer if they can refer you to where they know such a person of your skills is needed. Make sure to send a follow up email thanking the person for their time and saying how interested you are in the company still reemphasising your skills and strengths.

You can also choose to do some voluntary work, internship, temporary work, part-time, short contract, project work or work placement. 

This will give one an opportunity to build up contacts and networks, see what goes on daily in that environment, let others see what you are capable of and building your experience and track record at the same time.

 If you are a graduate you can contact the Department of National Internship Programme within the Ministry of Labour. 

Once on board with the company, one must meet and talk to as many people as possible, keep their eyes and ears open at all times and ask questions at every opportunity, take up every opportunity to volunteer whilst keeping in mind of the three key things you are looking for which are firstly the offer of a permanent job, secondly experiences and skills to go on your CV and finally networking contacts.

The ball is in your court. If you are looking for a job you will need patience, great networking and communication skills and remember to always smile whenever you stretch out your hand firmly to a potential employer to introduce yourself. 

All the best in your job search and always keep in mind we are here for you at Career Coaching if you need help, you can contact us on ccbotswana@gmail.com . Ends

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