how to find a job lead to a career
I’ve been fortunate to have had two great jobs in my life so far, one of which I still hold. They were very different in nature, and both proved to be excellent training grounds that can lead to career success down the road if you choose your next job wisely. Here are some of the things I learned from my two exchange jobs (one from high school and one from college) that have helped me find and keep my current career job.
The Job Search
Even if you've never had a real job, you're probably aware that there are specific steps in the process of finding employment. If you’re on active duty or already have an employment history, follow these tips to make sure your resume doesn't turn up at random on some HR person's desk (with no introduction). Follow these tips and you'll be one step closer to landing that great new gig. You might even end up with more than just a paid lunch break. Just look at what my Navy Exchange Jobs have done for me!
The Resume/CV
A resume/CV is an important tool for job seekers as it tells companies exactly what you’ve done, when and where you did it, and why people should hire you. Creating a resume/CV gives candidates an opportunity to highlight their skills, accomplishments, work history and more all in one place. If properly prepared and crafted with detail, your CV will set yourself apart from other candidates for your dream position. When I look at someone’s CV I’m looking for specifics on how they performed in previous jobs as well as competencies (what kind of computer software do they know how to use?). This way I have something tangible that I can compare against my own expectations when hiring someone new.
Today, there are many ways to create a resume/CV. Many people choose to use an online CV creator while others still prefer writing their CVs by hand. Whatever method you choose, it’s important that your CV is legible and easy for employers or recruiters to read and understand. The majority of employers I know will only spend 15-30 seconds on each candidate's resume/CV so make sure you're taking advantage of all your allotted space in order for it to be as effective as possible! Remember: don't forget about including skills and experiences in your CV that align with those required for your target job!
Things to include on your resume/CV
If you don’t have any (relevant) professional experience yet, it’s time to get your hands dirty with some internships. The best way to build up your resume and improve your chances of getting that perfect first job is by doing an internship in college. If you’re already out of school and searching for employment, start volunteering with groups that are relevant to your interests; these skills will look great on paper. And remember, if you do join a company, there are plenty of ways you can work hard, help them succeed and still climb up through their ranks—just ask! You never know who might recommend you for bigger and better things.
Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to work in their dream field right off the bat. If you don’t have your ideal job, it doesn’t mean you should give up. You might not have all of these skills when you start working for someone else (and especially if you’re doing an internship), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! Your employer will likely appreciate your desire to learn and your willingness to put in effort—and those are skills that help people thrive in any situation. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and make suggestions on how things could be done better; showing your initiative helps demonstrate that you’re serious about your position and shows just how hardworking and valuable an employee you are.
Submitting your CV/Resume online
Sending your CV/Resume over email or through an online portal is probably one of the easiest ways to apply for jobs. You only need a few seconds to attach your CV/Resume and send it off! The downside is that there’s really no substance—no personality, no cover letter. A submitting your CV/Resume online tip would be to personalize every application you make in order to stand out among all other applicants. Take some time tailoring every submission so that each application reads as if it were written by someone who actually wants and cares about that specific job.
Follow up
if you aren't finding success right away, it doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. It might just mean that your talents and goals don't align with what employers are currently seeking. Follow up with opportunities as they arise, and if they don't pan out, figure out what your next move is going to be. Don’t get discouraged if your search isn’t instantaneously successful; there are literally hundreds of different jobs in Kenya waiting for you—you just have to find yours! Keep working hard and keep following up, it will pay off in time.
You've applied for every job opening you can find, but you haven't heard back from any of them. If it's been more than a week since your last application, follow up with each employer via email and ask about your application status. No one is guaranteed an interview or job offer just because they apply; even if an employer likes what they see on paper, their hiring manager may end up passing on your application for any number of reasons—and following up politely will help ensure that you're at least considered for jobs that would otherwise be lost in limbo. Simply shooting off an email and reiterating your interest in the position doesn't take long and could give you a much-needed boost in visibility.
Salary Negotiation tips
*Know your worth *Do your research *Prepare for failure and rejection *Get yourself in a good mood Title: How Can A Job Lead To A Career.
