04/07/2021
1. Capitalize on online networking
Get plugged into career networking sites like LinkedIn. Join discussion groups for industries you're interested in and start building your social network to keep in the loop for the latest job offers.
Following companies that you like and commenting on their posts is also a great way to get noticed, although remember to keep your comments professional, and save the rants for Facebook.
2. Try a recruitment agency
Finding work through a recruitment agency can be a good choice, particularly if you find the whole idea of selling yourself particularly tough – recruiters are paid to do that bit for you!
Recruitment agencies regularly and actively search for work on your behalf, so this, of course, can lighten the burden a bit if you're finding trawling for jobs particularly tiresome, and it can bag you a job quicker than expected.
Some common recruitment agency in Fiji is the National Employment Centre, Maxumise, Pacific People or even explore the SPTO JobsLink Website that tries to connect Tourism related staffs with job opportunities.
3. Leverage social media.
There are many different social media platforms you can use to search for jobs and interact with companies you'd like to work for. You can search for company pages on sites like Facebook and Instagram and follow them, no matter where they are in the world. By keeping up to date with a company's social media pages, you can gain valuable insights into their tone, interests and working style. You can also comment on their posts and start to build a relationship with them. You may even hear about job openings they have through these channels.
If you are using social media for professional purposes, it's important to make your own profiles suitable. They should convey a good image of you, even though you are using the platforms for personal rather than professional purposes. Use your real name and only publish appropriate pictures and posts.
It's important to ask yourself if your social media profiles show you and your lifestyle appropriately and professionally.
4. Go beyond job listings
Sometimes sticking to job listings isn't the best way to move forward. Focusing on specific companies rather than vacancies can work in your favour, as when you move on to the application process, you'll already have an interest in the company. That should shine through in what you say, as opposed to just submitting an application because there's a job up for grabs.
Keep an eye on job listings, of course, but if you see a few positions going at a great company and none of the roles is suitable for you, send them a CV and cover letter anyway (remember: sell yourself!).
If a company is posting more than one vacancy at once, it's a sign that they're expanding. This means it's the perfect time to make yourself known to them and show them what you've got.
5. Expand your skillset
A skill set is a collection of skills and abilities. Skills can expand your professional competency and allow you to perform your job well.
You can gain and improve skills with education and experience. The more advanced you are in performing certain skills, the more likely you are to get or progress in a job. Take advantage of short courses or scholarships up for grabs.
Types of skillsets
There are two main types of skills that make up your skill set—soft skills and hard skills.
Soft skills generally pertain to interpersonal skills and other personality traits that allow you to communicate and work with others. Soft skills are also transferable, which means they are valuable for any job no matter the industry.
Hard skills, also known as technical skills, are capabilities you use to perform a task related to a specific job. You can gain or improve these skills through training, tutorials and practice.
Examples of soft skills: Adaptability, Communication, Conflict resolution, Creativity, Decision making, Leadership, Motivation, Teamwork & Time management
Examples of hard skills: Accounting, Copywriting, Data analysis, Event planning, foreign language fluency, Graphic design, Information technology, Mathematic & SEO/SEM marketing
6. Ask your network for referrals.
If you are looking for a job, you should tell all your contacts to help you find mutual career contacts. Networking is an effective way of finding a new job, and employers prefer receiving a referral from a trusted member of their staff. Many jobs are filled internally from referrals before they are even advertised, so it's important to talk to the right people to get as many referrals from within your network as you can.
Start by making a list of everyone that you know and determine which individuals might know about available positions in your industry. Then, you reach out to those people, perhaps offering to get coffee or lunch to discuss your interests and goals further.
Aim to build closer relationships with the people in your network so they think of you first when they hear of job openings. Some jobs can be filled rapidly, so you want to make sure that you strategically network with influential people whenever possible.
7. Try an internship
If a position is unfamiliar, it's important you get a chance to try it out before you decide if it's for you.
If you think you'd benefit from getting a bit of work experience, maybe offering to do a month unpaid at a nice company would work well. However, know your rights when it comes to internships, as unfortunately, some companies will take advantage of people looking to kick-start their careers by making them work a full-time position without paying up.
Paid internships are really common these days. Although they don't pay much, you'll pick up invaluable skills, experience, and contacts relating directly to your preferred business and industry that will be extremely useful later.
Either that, or if the position goes particularly well, you might even get a job out of it!
8. Become your own boss
Many people feel discouraged from starting their own business due to risk or the lack of security it offers.
Although becoming your own boss can seem like a scary move, if you have a big idea and the motivation to push it then this could be the smartest move you ever make.
There are a growing number of organisations and websites designed specifically to help young entrepreneurs succeed in business.
If after the first year you decide it's not for you, then that's something valuable you've learned for life and (hopefully) you'll have no regrets in having tried. It will also look amazing on your CV.
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