Well done to those who have secured a job! For those still searching, especially those who have just graduated, fret not. SarawakYES! would like to share some common mistakes job applicants tend to make, and how to remedy those mistakes.
No Working Experience
“I’ve just graduated and it’s almost impossible for me to compete with others who have working experience.”
This is one of the most common phrases we’ve heard from fresh graduates looking for a job, and it seems to have overwhelmed many graduates nowadays, causing many to give up easily.
No doubt employers prefer candidates with working experience, which definitely helps a lot when applying for a particular job. However, many are unaware that organisations also look at an applicant’s co-curricular activities and additional experiences.
During a career fair in Kuching last month, SarawakYES! had the opportunity to speak with Jacky Lee from Sarawakjobs.com – an online portal for job vacancies in Sarawak – and he shared his thoughts about job-seekers with no work experience.
He explained that including co-curricular involvement such as volunteering experience or part-time working experience while studying, can help a lot in a resume. Employers are always looking for candidates who have demonstrated that they are capable of getting things done, and having that additional experience might be seen as a positive contribution to the organisation.
Preparing A Resume
There is actually no such thing as a perfect resume because there are many ways a resume can be presented.
Having said that, sending out a resume without supporting documents not only shows insufficient effort to obtain a desired position, it also demonstrates the extent of the applicants’ determination to impress prospective employers.
Therefore, applicants are advised to include supporting documents such as recommendation letters, and relevant certificates along with their resumes. That would definitely help the employer’s in their selection process.
Lacking Initiative
Are you not getting any response after putting forward a job application? The mistake that applicants often make is the lack of initiative, especially after an interview. It is important to make follow-up calls or send out emails to check on the status of your application.
There’s nothing wrong in finding out the progress of your application from time to time because it actually shows that you’re making an effort and also shows how much you want the job.
Employers are always looking for candidates that take the initiative – whether it is at their work hard or having a desire to bring the organisation to the next level.
Forgetting A Job Application
Each organisation varies in their selection process and sometimes it can take up to three months or more before they start contacting applicants. Even though there’s nothing wrong with sending your resume to more than one organisation, forgetting an application is a major mistake.
Imagine a potential employer contacting you to inform that you have been selected and you forgot about the position and even the organisation you applied to. It would reflect badly on you and you might even appear as if you are not interested in the position. Keeping a list of the jobs with you in your phone or wallet, would definitely help in making sure you do not get caught off guard.
Finally, don’t give up if you have not been called for the interview. Keep trying. And we hope these tips can help you prepare better to help you secure your desired job.
This is a weekly column by SarawakYES! – an initiative driven by Faradale Media-M Sdn Bhd and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak – to provide advice and stories on the topics of education and careers to support Sarawakians seeking to achieve their dreams. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
(This article first appeared on Borneo Post)
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