March 29, 2024

4 Steps to help students get noticed in a tight job market

4 Steps to help students get noticed in a tight job market - photo copyright Rick Sherrell

Finding a good job is often a matter of luck and determination. Are you afraid of being unemployed for a long time because you are still studying and don’t have enough experience? What can you do to change it? Well, it’s not that easy; however, there are some useful steps, which may help you succeed.

Step 1: Gain More Experience

No one expects a student to have 15 years of working experience. As a matter of fact, no one requires it. Employers appreciate students for their energy, creativity, innovation, etc. They are full of vigor and optimism. Employers value such qualities, but you need more than that to pursue the job of your dreams. How can you gain experience without having a job? It’s pretty simple: participate in some unpaid activities, e.g. volunteering. Be part of ecological projects, work several hours a week at some center for elderly people, teach your neighbor’s child physics or math, help in the local library, etc. Don’t just stay at home in your free time. Get out, participate, help other people. It will develop your personal skills and give you some required experience.

Step 2: Analyze yourself and improve your skills

You have two options: either consult a career counselor or prepare your own career plan. Take your goals into consideration, the means for achieving them, your expectations, your current skills, and competencies. For example, if you are not sociable and are afraid of working with people, read some relevant literature, go to a center for the elderly, or a kindergarten and it will help you. You will need excellent communication skills in the future no matter what you are going to do. Also, work on your creativity (decorate your home for a holiday, write poetry, paint whatever you want, etc.), problem-solving skills (analyze what is going on in the stock market for yourself, play chess, figure out a plan for local infrastructure improvements, etc.). There is much more to do. In a word: be flexible! Don’t look for a special profession, but think carefully about what skills you should develop.

Self-analysis, as was said, is just one option. The career counselor will also give you some useful tips for personal skills enhancement and for easily finding a job. Don’t be ashamed of sharing your dreams, ambitions, plans, or fears with a specialist. Many people pay a high price for their exaggerated self-confidence.

Step 3: Use Your Informal Network

Your friends and relatives are part of an informal network that could help you find a job. They could recommend your application to an employer, or help finds another solution. In the conditions of a tight job market, you should rely more on your friends than on your CV and cover letter, of course, in addition to your personal skills. There is nothing to lose: ask the members of your informal network to help you. Otherwise, you will lose a lot of time browsing websites, job announcements, etc. There aren’t so many job positions open these days so you have to be proactive.

Step 4: Be Active!

Now, after everything you’ve done, start searching! Remember, never stop educating yourself (through some basic courses in a wide variety of fields) and always be active! If you still can’t find a job, just calm down and focus on your own skills and abilities! Remember, the more you expect, the more difficult it would be for you to find the right job! Hey, you are a student after all; there is so much fun waiting for you ahead! You could find a part-time or not so well-paid job, and still, enjoy your life! Gain experience, learn, stay in touch with your friends and you will definitely succeed.

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