[CHAT] Work it
Whether:
- you are going for your first ever after school job at 14 & 9 months, or
- you've left school and looking for an apprenticeship/traineeship or
- you are trying to work to support your study at uni or tafe or
- you've finished your study and you want your first full time job or
- you haven't worked for a long time but it's time to get a job...
- you are working hard for the money...
Looking for a job and/or working can be a pretty nerve wrecking experience, especially trying to keep everything running smoothly!
You might be wondering how you can find the right kind of job that suits you; how to make it through the dreaded interview; how to make sure you are not taken advantage of; how to manage your pay & make it last the fortnight; and before any of that - resumes these days have become an art form!
Or what about this age old conundrum:
Here's a story from a forum member, Chonty
"The first job I ever had was working in a fast food joint after school and on weekends. I remember wanting to quit in the first week because it was all too new and I didn’t like the manager. I also remember how exciting it was to get my first pay, and I’m pretty sure I spent it immediately on new clothes and forgot all about wanting to leave. That’s pretty much how I spent every pay for two years straight, without a thought about saving for future things.
It wasn’t until schoolies came around that I realised I didn’t have enough saved to do all the things that had been planned! Luckily in the end my family were all able to chip in in and it all worked out, but they let me sweat it for a while. Being in a position where I realised I hadn’t managed my money as well as I should have wasn’t the best.""
@redhead yes! I think tailoring each resume is so important. It takes quite a bit of effort but ultimately employers will totally see right through it if you just submit the same resume in mass everywhere.
Anyways, there's nothing wrong with being unemployed for the time you have. I actually was unemployed for quite a while after school until I found a decent job, and before that job I had to do a few really short contract jobs just to get experience.
I also found hat when I elaborated on my skills set, and went more in depth and linked it my achievements I found a job. So don't skimp there, like I did with 3 or 4 dot points of half a dozen words each 😛
@j95 Initative is one of the things that gets considered in my performance review in my current role. My previous job was a couple years in cust service and it was a big deal there too, so I def agree with you!
Hi all! Tonight I’ll be joined with @FItzChivalry to host this weeks Getting Real session which will be about everything employment related! Work makes up such a big part of our lives and entering the workforce can be pretty damn challenging, particularly while balancing our social lives and studies. I’m sure that you all have tonnes of tips that you can share to help others handle it like a boss.
Also, just a reminder to check out the forum guidelines before we start, and if you need to chat immediately or anything than check out the services section.
I’ll kick things off with the first question!
- What do you think employers look for in their ideal candidates for a role?
Hey everyone 🙂
What do you think employers look for in their ideal candidates for a role?
I think they look for
Ambition
Initiative
Commitment
Personality
I think they also look for confidence and presentable, they want someone who will work well in a team but also by themselves
This is what I think
Welcome @copse , @Dreamer 95 and @Mermaidgirl6
@copse i'm sure you still made a good impression, but I think most of us start off in jobs like that where we don't actually require much experience!
Just a heads up, I'm not sure how long I'll stick around for tonight, not feeling so brilliant tonight, but I want to give it a go!
1. What do you think employers look for in their ideal candidates for a role?
It really does vary based on the field but overall I think employers look for someone who can take direction well, and work both individually and a team. Someone who can use initiative.
I definitely think initiative is really important @Bee! 🙂
HI all!! Welcome to tonight's getting real sesh 🙂 Pretty keen for this one, think a lot of people will be able to get a lot out of this (including myself!)
- What do you think employers look for in their ideal candidates for a role?
I always try to put myself in the employers shoes. If you are interviewing people over and over again, I think you'd get sick of hearing people say what they think you want to hear. I think someone who is confident, comfortable, and honest would be a refreshing person to interview and would probably stand out. A bit of ass-kissing is good but it's a fine line!
good point @FItzChivalry putting yourself in your employers shoes is a great way to think about it. And honesty is def a big thing!
Hiya @Bee ! and hello all,
What do you think employers look for in their ideal candidates for a role?
Good comments already made by the team, covering some important qualities indeed! I wanted to add that in addition to the necessary skills and yes, some experience, what is probably most valued by employers are candidates with a great attitude!
Some other things employers are on the lookout for -
Having good communication skills in the interview, coming across confidently, genuine (even if you're a bit nervous, don't worry, they usually see through that) and interested in the job and the company, and wanting to contribute your best, and grow as a person....
i want to reinforce what @Mermaidgirl6 said.
When I was in Thailand I met a guy high up in Apple who does recruitment.
He said they look for someone who is authentic and genuine (not trying to answer to please the interviewer- and aswer the way they think the interviewer wants you to asnwer the question. Rather they are looking for the people who answer genuinly from their mind and their frame.
Thought that was interesting!
@j95 Yeah inititative is huge I agree with you. Im in a psychology office right now, because I took initiative and offered to volunteer for the company. 2 months later they pay me by the hour.
@copse that sounds interesting. Hmm makes sense though. A employee who isnt spending energy on trying to please and be who they think their boss wants is going to feel more comfortable, happy, and have moer energy for the job.
