It’s no news that the rate of unemployment has increased over the years. Fresh graduates are turned down for lack of experience, previously employed individuals are rejected due to unaccounted gap years on their CVs and other reasons. Frustration kicks in, depression might take over and lack of self belief may be the order of the day. I have been in such a nasty situation before and based on my experience I took control of what I could handle and with that, I experienced a change.
Develop your skill:
Every profession is unique and has required skill sets. Identify which is unique to your profession and develop it. Make it known on your CV and be ready to explain it when asked during the interview phase.
Take more courses:
Instead of having gap years on your CV that only proves you haven’t been in touch with your career since you left your previous job or school, taking courses especially online courses is a great method to bridge the gap and show you have been busy doing more research while searching for a job or tending to some personal needs. This won’t only prove to the employer that you have a keen interest in professional and personal development but it will enable you learn more about your industry
Network and build professional relationships:
Go for events, meet people, let people know what you do, the services you render and how you can add value to them or their company. What I have noticed is the sentence ‘I need a job’ itches the ears but starting a conversation and leading it interestingly towards what you can do and letting the listener know you are interested in starting a new position is a better approach as you’ll not only make the conversation about what you need, you also get to know what the person does, talk about your interests and have the opportunity to pitch your unique skills and application in the workplace (and maybe do a little bragging about your previous experiences).
Develop your CV:
Notice I didn’t make this the first tip? Working on your CV is great but without the right content it is considered disturbing and unprofessional. Your CV should summarize your work experiences, highlight your educational background, unique skills as related to your career, volunteering experiences (if necessary), your contact. You don’t need to fill up your CV with:
irrelevant information like your elementary school details,
in my opinion there’s no need to add your hobbies rather make it your skills,
Unaccountable years of experience,
Lies.
Your CV should be authentic, precise, professionally written and shouldn’t be too long.
Apply online:
I got my first job online via indeed. LinkedIn is another great platform to apply for jobs and network with people in your industry. Actively search online for jobs as you may not know the day you will get a response from the company.
Photocredit: The sister
About Author
Grace Asemota is a Business Psychologist (M.Sc) and a Certified Life Coach. She has partnered with Organizations and solopreneurs to grow their personal and professional brands and has coached students and staff in different institutions and organisations.
She continuously coaches and trains on the importance of goal setting, happiness,personal development and self- confidence in a wide range of organisations and institutions by motivating staff to develop a collaborative culture and identify key factors that can enhance personal growth.
You can follow her on
LinkedIn @Grace Asemota-Orisakiya
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