THE year has just started, you are feelingall hyped up for the new year and it's a good time to start job haunting for anew job. There are reasons why companies don't hire inexperienced candidatesover experienced ones but don't be worried because there are ways to find yourdream job regardless of your previous experience.
USEALL YOUR SKILLS
If you have never worked before some ofyour previous activities can be packaged as being equivalent to the experiencethat is needed in some jobs. For instance, if you are used to organising bigfamily events like your siblings' weddings or kids' birthday parties, you coulduse the experience to help organise events in a junior position at an eventscompany. The founder of Potential Exponents, a motivational speaking andmanagement consulting agency, Shoni Khangala, explains that you shouldn't beshy to apply for jobs simply because you do not have the experience needed. Youshould learn how to create experience by learning to view your life in itstotality. That is from a young age to your current stage. Vivid Staffing seniorrecruiter, Sharon Keune, warns against comparing yourself to other people whenlooking for a job. "Don't have unrealistic expectations. We all have to startat the bottom of the food chain and work our way up," she says. The seniorrecruiter says that even if you don't have the necessary experience, you needto offer the employer some unique traits. "For example if you are really goodat twisting people's arms a bit to get your way in a good way then you could berecruited to the sales department. Always have well thought-out, truthful andconvincing statements to mitigate your lack of experience on your CV," shesays. Sharon adds that leadership positions in the community and volunteer workwill make finding your dream job a bit easier.
APPLYFOR A FITTING JOB
It is not only young inexperienced peoplewho struggle to find work, older people also find changing jobs or going backon the job market after a break challenging. Being old doesn't mean you shouldstop job hunting though, it means you have a lot more experience to offer inyour field. "Professions like being an lawyer or luxury cars sales person aremore suited for older candidates with more industry exposure. The luxury carmarket usually targets older clients while law is a specialised skill thatrequires experience over the years to master," explains Viv Gordon, owner andmanaging director of Viv Gordon Placements, a recruitment agency. Due to thecurrent job climate and economic instability in the country, searching for jobsis like looking for a needle in a haystack because companies are reluctant tohire because they are not generating enough income to expand. Viv explains thatknowledge is power - so it is important to stay as up to date as possible onindustry trends and the latest best-practice in recruitment.
JOBHUNTING TIPS
¦ Use your qualification to your advantage and discuss your skills.
¦ Just know that you are not the only one looking for a job and nevergive up.
¦ Always update your CV by reflecting on the skills learned over theyears.
¦ Open accounts on social media platforms such as LinkedIn so thatyour CV can reach more recruiters faster.
¦ During an interview, don't forget to mention how your skills can help the company.
WATCHOUT FOR SCAMS
Being out of work is stressful and thisstress can make you do desperate things to find a job and there are thosepeople that feed off this desperation, so you could easily find yourself in asituation where you end up being a victim of scam. Life coach, Vivien Katzav,says that some people will scam you by asking for money for a training manualfor instance. This is a scam and those people will never call you back. "Idon't believe in miracle jobs, if it sounds too good to be true, they areasking you for money or do not have contactable references, it is a scam," sheexplains.
STARTYOUR OWN BUSINESS
If all else fails and you can't seem tofind a job, consider using your skills to start your own business.These days social media has made it easierto market your skills and reach potential clients very quickly. Viv adds that youdon't have to feel sorry for yourself and wait for work to come your way. Beproactive and you will eventually succeed.
