Younger Workers can Find the Right Fuel to Ignite Their Career

Although Australia’s unemployment rate at March 2013 of 5.6 per cent compared us well below the OECD average of 8.0 per cent, youth unemployment globally and in Australia remains stubbornly higher than the general population at around 20 per cent unemployed. While no one single factor can be attributed, younger people and those with less experience are clearly being affected by broader economic difficulties leading to a reduction in hiring “green” talent. They are much more susceptible to the troughs of supply and demand in the labour market in sectors such as retail and hospitality which traditionally employ younger people. Moreover, lack of experience or understanding of the interview process and what makes an impressive resume can often create substantial barriers to getting a foot in the door for a graduate entry level position or to gain casual or full time work in high demand roles not requiring qualifications.

Below are a several tips that will help young job seekers to stand out from the crowd:

Resumes

A key point to keep in mind is that the primary point of your resume is a first impression document designed to gain you an interview, a job trial or at least a screening call – your audience is your new employer. Bearing this in mind, your resume should:

1. Look clean and simple – correct spelling and grammar, qualifications and job history (paid and unpaid/volunteer) listed in reverse chronological order, no complicated fonts, no fancy borders and no more than two colours.
2. Be concise – less is more and in almost all cases, 3-5 pages is enough. Very importantly, make sure you list suitable contact details, usually a mobile (with voicemail if possible) and an appropriate/sensible email address – surprisingly, many people forget these!
3. Clearly state your career goal on the first page demonstrating an understanding of your experience and why you are prepared to “go the extra mile”.
4. Highlight achievements that you are proud of, ideally with figures to indicate the results that you accomplished. Most resumes are a list of duties and responsibilities. Everyone has examples of work that they are proud of in their roles that they can discuss in an interview as a predictor of future success.
5. List your (a) grades and results from secondary school, TAFE, colleague or university (if they are good, (b) memberships of school or sports clubs to show your social and team skills and (c) any computer skills and programs that you are familiar with.

Covering all these points will help you create the best first impression in a written form and get you to the all-important next step. Many positions also require a covering letter – make sure that you highlight why you are interested in the particular role you are applying for and try to keep it as customised and relevant as possible.

Job Interviews

There are some simple "do’s and don’ts" that are tried and tested and will always keep you ahead of others interviewing for the same job:

1. Be on time and be prepared – know where you need to go, leave plenty of time, and research the company and the position before the interview. It’s worth doing a ‘dry run’ if you are unfamiliar with the area and location.
2. Present with a smile and confidence – don’t take a casual approach and don’t use swear words; even if the interviewer does!
3. Dress suitably for the interview – this doesn't always mean a suit, but it always means to dress neatly, cleanly and appropriately (generally more on the conservative side).
4. Focus on the positive wherever possible and lessons learnt - don’t criticise your previous employer(s) (even if invited!). Always thank your interviewer for their time.
5. Try to have 3 questions to ask at the end of the interview. Well researched and considered questions will help create a positive lasting memory and can be a great source of differentiation from competing candidates.

A short and simple email the next day or so after the interview or a phone call to follow up within the next 2-3 business days can also leave a memorable impression and reaffirm your interest, remembering that the ultimate question of any interview is, “Why should I hire you?”

Asking advice from a number of sources will give you information to review and make your own and there are also many free government websites, sources of information and Job Services Australia providers who can assist with support for qualifications, training and advice to gain the role that you are looking for.