You have probably been told that if you study hard, get a degree and tweak your CV, you will make it the job market.
However sadly it does not always work like that. The ratio of graduates to jobs is at an all time high. To use business speak in many areas there is more supply then demand.
So having said that how do you load the odds in your favour?
You first of all need to know what makes you tick, what is your passion and your strengths. Do you enjoy selling, working with information or things are you a people person?
Get a handle on who you are. Analyse and reflect on this.
What skills do you have and how can you demonstrate you have them. Are there any gaps in your knowledge or skills?
Look at work experience or an internship to gain more skills and to be able to demonstrate those skills and your willingness to work on the job and continue to learn.
Target your career areas precisely. Write to people who have the power to hire, explain you are investigating the occupational area and wish to speak to an expert in it.
This gives you a foot in the door.
Sell yourself on the benefits of what you have done. Think about your achievements in your school or degree course, voluntary work, paid work, positions of responsibility you held, community groups and interests you are involved in. What did you achieve, how did you do it and what results did you get? Be specific and relevant.
Employers look at the bottom line and profit. The present and future health of the company. They need a competent, skilled, hardworking and motivated workforce.
Think about and reflect to the companies you are interested in how fast and how well you can you add to this or how much training do you need ( preferably as little as possible) to achieve this. This will give you an edge in the job market.
