Tips and Tricks for Newbies to Shine in the Job Market

Hi Superstar,

As a graduate fresh out of school, transitioning from being a student and going into full work mode can be a whole lot of experience and change, all within a short period of time.

Getting into the labour market as a newbie who is unaware of how things work in the corporate world can have you go through a whirlwind of emotions. A lot of entry level (first time) workers, dare I say more experienced workers, are uninformed on how to job-hunt and end up applying for any job just to ensure they do not stay unemployed for too long. As a result of this, they end up getting roles which would eventually drain them not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.

Today, I will be sharing a few things I wish I knew before I took on jobs in the past. Job-hunting  can be quite draining and mentally overwhelming. Once, I received 6 rejection mails on a Sunday, one was in the middle of a meal and the sixth mail came when I was getting ready for bed, I felt so horrible. I have come to realise now, that rejections aren’t the end of the world. Like the saying goes, it’s not about how many times you get rejected, but how many times you stand up and keep moving forward. And as the famous J.K. Rowling has said, Rejection is a necessary part of growth, every successful person has a story of rejection.

Looking back on that time, I wish I was more strategic when applying for jobs. Then, it didn’t matter if the jobs paid little or were in conjunction with my career interest. All I cared about was that I wanted a job. This isn’t a bad thing, however if you are like me that loves structure and career growth, then it’s bad for you. I ended up paying badly for my decisions. When I eventually got a job, I got lost in the role and soon ran out of enthusiasm and willpower to work. Choosing the wrong job or working in the wrong company can affect you negatively in ways you can not imagine. You need to be tactical when searching or applying for jobs, know your worth and don’t settle for less. Most importantly, be patient, this can be very hard but trust me, it is definitely better than choosing an offer that isn’t for you.

Secondly, be confident in your ability. There have been times I came across a job application, an executive looking for early talents or a recruiter’s post asking for candidates interested in an HR entry-level position and I shied away. I constantly doubted whether the recruiters would deem my application worthy and respond to me. If anything, the worst quality a job seeker can have is low self-esteem, it can deprive you of opportunities. These days, your resume doesn’t speak for you anymore. Most companies have inaugurated  the online video application where you are asked to walk them through your resume or answer personality evaluation questions. You need to believe that you are more than what your resume says and you are the best candidate for any company. Also, to be the best candidate, you have to garner and update your skills. This will make you more relevant and valuable to a company amongst other job-hunters.

Always remember your mindset is your superpower, your skill is your armour.

Lastly, be ready. Being ready and equipped for a job and wanting a job are two different things. You may want a job but you may not be mentally and physically ready for the job. This is one of the effects of job searching, it leaves you mentally drained and exhausted. So, ensure you don’t jump too quickly in accepting any offer. Ask for some time to rest and get your resources ready.