Getting on the Ladder: Tips for Graduates & School Leavers


Congratulations! Finishing your education is a great feeling – you should be proud of yourself and your accomplishment.

Now you might want to prepare a resume and start looking for a job. But just how do you sell yourself to a potential employer if you’re just starting out?

What do you want to do?

Before you hit the pavement looking for work, stop and think. The best way to begin your search is to do a bit of research. It’s a little like laying down the foundation of a house – if you do it correctly right at the start, the rest will be much easier to build!

  • Have a clear vision of the type of job features that appeal to you. You don’t necessarily need to choose an industry – many industries have occupations with similar features. There could be many features that help define your ideal job, such as location (indoor/outdoor), time (day/night, full/part time) and type (technical/people-oriented).
  • Research the industries, geographical locations and people associated with occupations that have the kinds of features you want. Seek out professionals willing to offer their time to help you know more.
  • Once you decide what kind of job you want, give it 100% of your commitment!

Your job application

Like all job applications, your submission will be made up of both a resume and cover letter.  Your cover letter should follow the same principles as outlined in Convince Them With A Cover Letter, so make sure you check them out.   Your resume though, will have a stronger emphasis on your education and relevant experience, rather than a specific job history.  So let's get started:

Your resume
  1. Your education is potentially your strongest selling point. Be clear and concise regarding your course of study and include majors and names of institutions. Only include subjects which might be relevant (directly or indirectly to the position). Make sure you include details relating to awards won or noteworthy achievements. Don’t include academic transcripts or marks gained – a simple summary will suffice, such as “Passed with honours” or “successfully completed”

  2. Include all work experience (within reason). Give specific details regarding duties and responsibilities for each part-time, voluntary or study related job you’ve held.   This displays your initiative for seeking work experience, time management skills and provides you with a distinct advantage over others who did not work while they were studying.
  3. Think about other activities you've been involved in - clubs, groups, teams, or student councils. Teamwork, communication and leadership skills are all good examples of what employers commonly look for in any candidate. Your involvement in the school football team, university debating club or editor of the student newspaper is evidence of you experiencing and practicing these skills.
    Above all, remember to maintain a realistic and positive attitude. Your business degree is unlikely to get you a CEO position. Realise you will need to begin somewhere. Your feet are on the first rung, and through hard work and determination you’ll be able climb higher up your career ladder. Good luck!

    Examples

    Here are a couple of examples to get your creative juices flowing, but remember to use your own imagination and wording in structuring your resume and cover letters.


             Resume & Cover Letter Sample #1 – (High school graduate/leaver)








             Resume & Cover Letter Sample #2 – (University graduate)







NOTE:  The purpose of this article is to provide information about various employment related topics. No legal advice is being given.               Please see the disclaimer for further limitations and conditions.