PUTTING SKILLS TO THE PAPER

Once he or she have decided what jobs to apply for you need to make sure your resume is up-to-date and makes you stand out from the crowd. Your degree is your main asset at this point, but any additional experience you have is a bonus; however, if you haven’t been able to gain any experience in the field, don’t despair. Any work experience, volunteer work, achievements and extra-curricular activities will help to show your work ethic, initiative, potential and versatility.

Cover letters allow you the opportunity to sell yourself to the employer. Be specific; do not expect to get the job with a generic cover letter. Address the letter to the appropriate person and wow employers by showing you have done your research, for example, ‘a Company has grown to be a market leader in the specific industry over the past year and I would love to be a part of the team’. Make sure you individually address each of the criteria listed in the job posting, relating each one back to previous experience you have had. This is the time for you to show how your stint as a checkout chick has made you a team player and therefore suitable for the role advertised. Some industries may require you to show evidence of your ability to write or do research. If you haven’t published any papers, feel free to include any class assignments or even blog posts that demonstrate your ability to communicate and expertise in the field.