Linkedin might not have the entry-level jobs you’re looking for as it’s more of an environment for professionals already in the working world. However, Pnet and Indeed are your friends for a fresh-faced youth looking for something.
So, fresh out of uni huh. Or maybe you didn’t go to do more studies. That’s perfectly fine too. Either way, you’re looking for a job. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this article, right?
Well, job hunting sucks. Really. As someone who has had to do it a lot before I landed anything, I know the pain. It’s frustrating, demotivating, depressing and all around just not an enjoyable experience. But that’s why in this quick read, I’m going to give you some pointers on how to make the experience as quick and painless as possible.
Tip 1:
Search for a job on the right website. Where you look is just as important as how you look. Places like Linkedin might not have the entry-level jobs you’re looking for as it’s more of an environment for professionals already in the working world. However, Pnet and Indeed are your friends for a fresh-faced youth looking for something. Jobs with little to no experience required are constantly on these sites, also they’re free so it costs you absolutely nothing (thank goodness because living is already expensive enough as it is).
Tip 2:
Be specific. What you search for obviously impacts the results big time, so use the correct keywords. As a recruiter, I know all about using keywords to find things (or in my case, people). For instance, if you’re a BCom student on the hunt for a gig, use the jargon you learned. Same thing for any faculty you studied under. Search the words of the job you’d like to do, and don’t be put off by fancy titles (titles differ from company to company but usually the descriptions of the job tell you all you need to know). And if you didn’t take further studies, just search for the basics. And make sure you can actually do the things stated in the job description, which leads me to my next point.
Tip 3:
Don’t apply to irrelevant jobs. If you clearly don’t meet the criteria, don’t apply. You’re wasting your time. If the job needs someone with a year’s experience in Data Analysis and you’ve only got 6 months in Store Stock Take/Sales, maybe don’t apply. The recruiter looking at your application is looking for specific things, if you don’t match you won’t get the interview. So make sure you have at least 2/3 of the minimum requirements on the ad, to save your own energy.
Do not apply for unpaid internships!! ... Always ask for a stipend.
Tip 4:
DO NOT APPLY FOR UNPAID INTERNSHIPS!
I’M SERIOUS. Always ensure there’s a stipend, we as people have expenses to take care of. Travel costs, rent, all that dreadful adult stuff. If it’s unpaid, it isn’t worth the “experience”. Respect yourself and your time.
So be patient, apply at multiple places and never give up hope. There WILL be something for you.
Tip 5:
Be prepared to put some time in. It takes a while to find something you’re happy with, and even longer for the application to get viewed. So be patient, apply at multiple places and never give up hope. There WILL be something for you.
That’s about it really. Just be strong, it’s a rough working world out there and the jobs don’t just fall into your lap. Sit down every day, set aside maybe 20-30 minutes to just look for things you’re interested in.
Remember, Theodore Roosevelt said:
Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.
—Theodore Roosevelt
- Written by Ryan Bulpitt (An intern who is was offered a permanent position at DLK Group)
If you are interested in doing an internship at DLK Group, send an email to: online@dlkgroup.com or contact us via our online form