Career
Degree
Dependency
Having the degree doesn’t
guarantee the job
By Nkandu Beltz
Author, speaker
and change maker
I
n the last few years, I have had young people coming to me saying
they can’t find a job. Despite having the right qualifications for that
particular role, having a university degree is just not enough. Most
employers are looking for more than just certificates.
This is the advice I give to my mentees:
1. You have to look the part. During or after your job interview,
your potential employer will search for your online presence. The first
thing that will show up online is your social media profile. What does
your Facebook timeline say about you? What photos can be seen?
What comments are made? What language are you using? What does
your sense of dress say about you?
“Dress is a foolish thing, and yet it is a very foolish thing for a man
not to be well dressed” (Lord Chesterfield, 1745). Your body is the best
marketing tool you have. Without saying a word, someone has already
made an assessment and decided how respond to you. I’m not saying
you have to invest in designer clothing but make sure you dress appropriately for the occasion.
Be presentable in everything you do and say.
2. What are your values? You have to value what the business values.
Make sure your values are aligned with those you wish to work for. Be it
a corporate position, or a job at the local supermarket. If you are comfortable with their values and ethics, you will have no problem fitting in.
The job needs to be so attractive that it inspires you to get the best out
of you. That’s, of course, the agreement between you and your employer.
3. Talk the talk. How are your communication skills? Are you a
good listener? When sitting opposite your potential employers, are you
fidgeting and nodding to everything they are saying? What is your body
language saying about you? Are you telling them the truth? If you don’t
have work experience, don’t lie about it. Ask if they are willing to have
you volunteer with them for a short time to gain that experience; show
them your interest and commitment. That time working for free is better
than being home. Get connected and ask for connections.
5. Can you handle being under pressure? How good are you
with conflict resolution? If someone in the office did something wrong
to you, would you be able to work alongside your colleague? When I
worked at a medical practice, I had a girl disinfect the computer and
chair after I used them, as she had no idea what type of germs I carried with me from Africa. Obviously, that’s unacceptable behavior and
needs to be discussed with senior management. She did apologise,
however, this issue did not stop me from doing my job. A few months
later I applied for another job and found the most supportive team
anyone could ask for.
4. Are you inspired from within? When hiring people to work on
projects, managers want them to think for themselves. They want creative people and employees who can make the best decisions for the
business. If you are making them money they will pay you well and they
will keep you. There is nothing worse than having to motivate people.
After your potential employer has analysed you to see if you would fit
their company, they will look into your qualifications. That’s when you
get a call back for the second interview. If you fail to secure a second
interview, always ask for feedback and keep working towards better
presenting yourself.
Winter 2015 | www.smpmagazine.com.au
13