Advice To Job Seekers

Finding a job is easier said than done. While you may know how to submit a professional resume, write a thoughtful cover letter and practice before an interview, sometimes you still don't get the job. While every job-search experience is different, it's helpful to hear from others who are in or have been in the same boat as you.  I would be sharing some advice to graduates and job seekers on how to land their dream jobs


An option to consider after graduating is to take on an internship with  available companies or by making use of internship adverts that would be posted on this blog. A lot of graduates worry about the word 'internship' as they can often be unpaid. Don't be let down, a lot of companies pay their interns while others do not so,make sure you ask questions or peruse through advert when applying. If you haven’t considered applying for an internship there are some real benefits.

Currently the graduate job market requires business skills, work experience and industry knowledge rather than just educational knowledge/skills, so taking on an internship can help you to develop and will better prepare you for the current market. Perhaps you are still undecided as to the sector or profession you wish to pursue. A three month internship could help you better understand a role or industry before looking for a permanent position. Even if you are looking for a full time position, don’t ignore an internship opportunity. Many smaller businesses that we work with offer an internship as a way of testing out a new position with 80% of them turning into permanent graduate jobs.

Be very careful how you answer questions in a job interview. You always want to be truthful, but it's best to practice your answers, as most websites suggest. I failed to do this prior to my first job interview, and when I was asked what job I'd done that I was most proud of, I actually answered, 'Being a graduate with upper class.' While this is true, it was definitely not the best answer I could have given and certainly not the one the interviewer was looking for.

Do your homework on the companies you plan to interview with, and anticipate the kinds of questions they might ask. Come up with answers that will be both honest and impressive.

Maintaining positivism is a daily challenge that requires focus and attention and spend energy only on things you can control.

So, here’s the thing. You  continue asking your self will your resume to pass through a prospective employer’s resume scanning software.? You can’t influence how many other qualified candidates apply for a job. These are the types of things you simply cannot control; thus, you shouldn’t waste another second dwelling on them. Focus your energy instead on what you can. Literally, make a list of the aspects of this job search that you can influence or impact. Maybe you decide to call that person at your dream company who your friend knows. Maybe you figure out—once and for all—how to use LinkedIn or other job search engines to your advantage. Also, tell those you trust of your struggles, and if you know how they can help, be specific so they lighten your load in a way that will be meaningful. If you need to, contact a professional career coach, or even a therapist. Every one of us needs more than just a pep talk from time to time, and there’s absolutely no shame in that

Every candidate is punctual, responsible and gets on well with people. To avoid blending in with the crowd, highlight unique elements of your personal brand. For example, a candidate listed an around-the-world trip she took in college as an educational experience. When we read that, we had to hear the story, so she got an interview and eventually a job. Don't skip or gloss over the cover letter. This is your opportunity to make a personal impression and connection. A resume is just a list of facts about you, but the cover letter gives an employer insight into your personality. Employers hire people,not resumes.


Don't listen to the doom and gloom that you hear in the news. People are getting jobs every day, and companies are growing, even in a down economy. I say this as an entrepreneur, whose biggest challenge over the past year has been finding quality help. I have also seen it with other local entrepreneurs who are looking to hire. I believe that graduate get an idea that there are no jobs because of all the negativity they hear about the job numbers in the media, so they buy into that and give up, while others go for it and find great jobs, regardless of the economic indicators.

We all have inbuilt passion that could be developed. Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you're passionate about something, then you're more willing to take risks. If you don't focus your job search on something you are passionate about, you won't stand out enough. Your networking, your resume and your interviews all have to show a spark to get attention, especially in a tight economy. The good news is it's a great time to tap into what you love and then match that to the job market. It's possible and essential

The power of prayer should not be underestimated.The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. Always remember,no matter the person praying, the passion behind the prayer, or the purpose of the prayer - God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God's will, God responds powerfully!