Everyone faces challenges when applying for jobs - where to start, what job you will like, how to fit work in with study, jobs that pay well, a workplace not too far and so on and so forth. However, there are probably more people in the world whose jobs do not tick all these boxes than those whose job do. This is because work is generally about making a living and while we accept that we need to work, we want to make it fit in with our lifestyles as best as possible.

As a student though, it will be hard at first to find a job that satisfies most of your criteria, but understand that as you further your education and develop your work experience during and beyond university, greater opportunities will arise that will allow you to choose the best from what’s on offer. The key here is patience!

Reality check

There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect job that does not fit your current lifestyle. So to enhance your job hunting and chances of success, you have to understand what you can and can’t apply for. So before searching and applying for jobs, assess your current situation and what work opportunities you need to seek out.

• Existing schedule: map out your current weekly schedule of commitments including study and extracurricular activities. For university graduates, you will need to forward plan what extracurricular activities you plan to undertake when you enter the workforce, as you are now at a stage where you need to apply for full time (or part time) employment.
• Current job: if you have a current job, also include this in your outlined schedule. If you are searching for jobs to replace your current job and you like your current schedule, then your available days to work are probably already set out. This is better for you and potential employers to know.
• Establish your committed time for work: with your schedule mapped out, you should be able to see what level of time you can commit to a job, ensuring you leave sufficient time for attending classes and studying, extracurricular activities and of course recovery time. Write down the days per week and hours that you are available to work. Now you can begin a realistic application process for jobs.
• Appealing jobs: if you already have an idea of positions you want to apply for, write them down. If someone else works in a job that you would like to do, are able to do and can incorporate in to your schedule, then include roles like this and others that are similar. For graduate positions, use your work experiences to date as a way of listing your preferred job roles. Use successful figures that you look up to and admire for their works that relate to your capabilities and interests. Compile your list and use this for your job hunt. Don’t forget that when you are job hunting, favourable jobs that you might not have considered can pop up. Your list is just a form of guidance.
  

Job search

There are many ways to look for vacant jobs. Sometimes through word of mouth and referrals, jobs come to you. But for most part, you need to find the right job and be actively searching and filtering through the available positions in the market. Jobs come and go every hour, so make tracks and get applying!

• Online employment websites: these websites have the most vacant job positions posted and depending on the site, they can be updated by the minute with new roles.  The online job hunt is also efficient because it allows you to enter in your requirements for jobs based on the industry, time available and locations you are interested in for work. Use more than just one site and check updates regularly.
• Newspapers: check the local, daily and weekly newspapers for the employment section adverts. Even if you are not eligible to apply for the jobs, you may still find roles that interest you based on the descriptions.
• Company websites: if you are really interested in a particular company, visit the careers section on their website. Major multinational companies tend to promote vacant positions on their own website, for causal, part time, full time, graduate and even internship roles.
• University Careers Services: most universities have their own print and/or online jobs listings. The job vacancies listed are usually across a good range of roles with suitability ranging from jobs for first year students to penultimate students and even graduates. Each university also has its positive relationships with various companies because of networks and ex-students that have helped build a good rapport. So take advantage of your university careers facilities.
• Recruitment Agencies: call or visit websites of recruitment agencies. Some agencies specify in certain fields such as graduate roles, the finance sector and other niche focus areas.
• Direct: if you have a specific company in mind that you wish to apply for, there is no harm in being proactive and sending in an application expressing your interest. They may keep your application on file and appreciate your initiative shown. Clearly there is no guarantee in receiving any response at all, but send your expression of interest through and continue applying for other jobs available.
  

Applying for jobs

To reduce your searching and applying time, keep in mind the following points:

• Read the job description carefully for positions advertised.
• Be fair on yourself and those reviewing your applications by ensuring you fulfil the requirements of the job. You do not want multiple rejection letters nor do prospective employers want to send out multiple rejection letters.
• Check your sources of vacant job listings regularly.
• Tailor your CV for each position you apply for so that you illustrate how you fulfil the requisites listed in the job description. Visit Pogojo’s section on Writing a CV for more information on this.
• Do not give up the job hunt or application process if you do not have luck securing interviews or receiving feedback immediately. It’s all about timing and patience.
• Attend interviews and use them as opportunities to practice and build confidence in promoting yourself as a worthy candidate. Visit Pogojo’s section covering Interview Skills.
  

Good Luck!