6 Tips to Help You Secure a Job ASAP

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Starting your first job will be an interesting ride.

From meeting new people and working in a team to earning money as an independent adult, your job will soon be a large part of your life. 

For some fresh graduates, working in a completely new environment can feel terrifying. For those who have done internships before, you are now in the actual work force and every decision you make on the job will have its consequences, positive or negative.

Hence, it is vital to start your job right.

And what better way to start it right than having these 6 items in hands?

6 Things that Help You Quickly Secure a Job

1. A visually pleasing resume stands out from the rest.

You’re not the only candidate applying for the position. To make sure your resume doesn’t drown in a pool of other applicants’ resumes, it needs to stand out. You don’t need any special skills to beautify your resume - just basic editing skills and creativity will do. Here’s what you can do:

• Include a professional headshot. Avoid selfies - the idea is to look professional.
• Add colours. Your resume will stand out from other black-and-white papers the hiring manager is sick of seeing.
• Keep your descriptions brief and compact.
• Check your spelling and grammar.
• Craft your resume using the inverted pyramid technique: The most important and relevant information goes to the top, followed by less important ones.

2. Register an account for job search platforms to find jobs easily.

Job search platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed can make your presence as a job seeker more noticeable. 

Spend some time to register for a free account and fill up your profile and work information. Once your details are out there, it will be easier for future employers to connect, and you can quickly apply for jobs using your profile and uploaded resume.

3. Your portfolio gives employers an idea of your skill and experience level.

It doesn’t matter where your portfolio is from. You can have a high distinction essay you wrote in university that showcases your writing skills; or you can include a proposal that you created during your internship. What matters is that future employers see the value you can bring to the company with your existing skill and experience.

Depending on your industry, you may want to have an online portfolio for videos, photographs, designs, website content, and more. Nonetheless, either one is better than none!

4. Know your future employers before you attend interviews.

Research the companies that you are interested in joining. The information you gain can help you answer interview questions smoothly. This gives an impression that you are thoroughly prepared and enthusiastic about working with them.

5. Make full use of your university network.

Professors, lecturers, and seniors at university are among the first few people you should contact for job opportunities. As you major in the same industry, it can be easier for you to find a job position you want through people from your faculty.

For example, I got my internship after asking a senior about a vacancy at her company. I sent my email and was contacted for an interview within 2 days!

They can be your first references as well, as companies tend to contact people you have worked with to learn more about you. For fresh graduates, giving the contacts of professors and lecturers is good enough.

6. Highlight skills you gain outside of university.

Attended an online workshop for a skill not taught in class? Learned coding or web development as a side hobby? Mention that in your resume and/or during the interview. Employers seek candidates who express interest in learning beyond what they already know. This shows initiative and willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Other skills that will come in handy are:

• Social media management
• Basic graphic design
• Copywriting
• Photography
• Videography
• Google tools

Once you have these items, you will be ready to apply to companies and soon, you will be invited for an interview by some of them! To prepare for that, here are 5 interview questions employers will certainly ask.

Just remember to be patient with the process and have confidence in your own skills!

Read more articles here:

• Best and Worst Jobs in Malaysia for Fresh Graduates
• Skills on Your Resume that Make You Marketable in 2022/2023
• Is it worth sacrificing your degree to become a TikToker?