How to Make Sure you Are Job Ready After Education

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[Education]
 
Of course, being educated to a high standard is critical when you are looking to achieve success in your career – but what else does it take, and how can you balance the odds in your favour? In this article, we will discuss how you can make sure you are career ready after education. Make sure to keep reading if you would like to find out more.
 
Gain Work Experience
Let’s be honest, there is no bigger turn off to an employer than a big gap in your CV when you haven’t been working. That’s why it’s essential that you try and get work experience wherever possible. The extra income will also come in handy! It will also give you valuable tools and skills to prepare you for your role, as well as letting the employer know that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get up the career ladder. Work experience in any form is better than none.
 
Get an Extra Curricular Activity
Is there something in particular that you are passionate about or that you have a great interest in? Then turn it into an extra-curricular activity. It could be anything from having your own blog – to a cookery class. Whatever it is that you love, indulge it – and make sure you put it in your CV. That way you’d prospective employer will know you are a fully rounded individual that has lots of other interests and isn’t afraid to meet new people.
 
Take a Course
There are certain things that school, college and university may not teach you and how to be a leader is one of them. It could be that you aren’t a natural leader, and as such – a leadership training course could be perfect for you and allow you to apply for more senior positions. You can be taught the necessary skills to lead a team and be an authoritative member of the workforce. As well as developing your own skills and learning, this also shows future employers that you are willing to learn as much as possible to find the right role for you.
 
Get Well Known In The Community
There is bound to be lots going on in your community – so make sure you get out and about and create a reputation for yourself. The more well-known you are, the more likely you are to receive job offers or enhance your contact sphere to include people who may be to help with your career goals. It will also develop your social skills which you will definitely need when you are in the real world in a new job. As well as this, it will also develop your confidence levels which is important for the importance of the interview process as well as executing tasks within your job.
 
Make Sure Your CV Is Up To Scratch
The first thing an employer will see is your CV. If this isn’t up to scratch, you won’t even make the interview process. Make sure you pay special care and attention to this document. It should have an easy to read font, be big enough for the reader to see and most importantly contain the relevant information about you succinctly. Make sure that you don’t go on for too long, and put everything into key, short points. Otherwise – you are in danger of losing the employers attention. 
 
Keep Your Options Open
Don’t just put all of your eggs into one basket. You should be exploring lots of different career options just in case something doesn’t pan out as you would like. Think about more than one sector you would like to work in and research all of them. Do the same when it comes to applying for jobs. Don’t just stick to job boards, proactively seek out opportunities on the likes of Facebook and LinkedIn. This also shows grit and determination.
 
Email Companies Registering Interest 
 
It’s never too early to register your interest with a company. The larger ones are always looking for top talent. Make sure that you let them know that you’d be interested in working with them and that you’d like to form a relationship. Even if they don’t have an opportunity advertised, sometimes people will be so impressed with a proactive nature they will respond anyway. Before you do this, make sure you research the company well and take the time to personalise your message. You don’t want to fall into the category of spam and not be listened to.
 
Practice Your Interview Skills
If you get to the interview stages – you need to make sure that you stand out from the rest of the people you will be up against. It’s always a good idea to practice your interview skills. Have a look online for standard interview questions you may be asked, and make sure you think carefully about your answers. There’s also no harm in speaking to someone you trust and role-playing your interviews. That way you are prepared for every eventuality and know what might be coming. Research on the company you are looking to work with is key to any good interview. 
 
Research Your Industry
If there is a particular field you are interested in, then make sure you do as much research as you possibly can. You should be aware of current trends and know exactly what is happening. This will not only improve your overall knowledge – but could give you the edge you need to get the job you want. There are usually lots of publications to read, emails to sign up to and social channels to follow. Make sure you do the work and know exactly what you are talking about when it comes to an interview. 
 
Do Your Bit For Charity
It’s always a good idea to do your big for charity, however, it can also stand you in good stead to get the dream job you are looking for. Companies are now placing a massive focus on corporate and social responsibility – so fundraising and raising awareness for worthy causes is definitely part of their to-do list. Get involved with charity events, raise some money and make sure that you put this in your CV or cover letter. This could be the deciding factor between you and another candidate so make sure to give it a try in the near future.
 
Conclusion
It can be difficult to find your place after school or education, and the job market is incredibly competitive. These tips could make you stand out from the crowd and get you your dream job. Make sure to consider looking further afield for some job vacancies and improve your CV by adding some extra-curricular activities on there.
 
Follow all of the advice that we have given you in this article and you should find that you can get that job that you have always dreamed of. Don’t become impatient as it will happen eventually, and you will secure your dream job. 
 

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