You have a challenge before you, but no different than anyone else that graduates from school then goes looking for work in their chosen field.
Others have done it and you will as well.
Looking for work is work … and you have some work ahead of you.
In my part of the world, western Canada, we call a CV a resume, so I will call it such from now on.
From your Bio, it looks like you have a Bachelor of Science in Economics & Banking.
Assuming this is the field you are looking for work in, you have several strategies you need to be undertaking, simultaneously.
- Creating your resume: A well-crafted resume helps you get an interview. Wowing the Interviewer in the job interview gets you the job.
- Researching the job market: Having graduated fairly recently and not having a current job to leverage, you will likely look at an entry-level job to start or to get your foot in the door, so to speak. I would suggest researching the jobs that are available locally, in your own country and abroad. This helps to show you what kinds of jobs are out there and what they are looking for in ways of skills and experience. Your research should also provide you with ‘buzz’ words or words/terminology used in your industry. These can be helpful when creating the content for your resume.
- Reviewing your educational experience: You likely have a wealth of skills you have developed in your education. These are marketable. In addition, you will have skills considered to be transferrable i.e., if they are usable in one situation, they are likely usable in others. Then there are your soft skills. Examples of these are having good people skills, work ethic, communicating skills including being a good listener etc. You won’t add these to your resume, but it will be helpful when you get to your interview. So, make a list under these three headings and brainstorm the skills you possess under each heading.
- Linkedin? If not, you should be! Your resume and your Linkedin profile should resonate, that is that they should support each other. Your resume needs to crafted rather terse and succinct. Whereas your Linkedin profile allows you to expand upon some items that you have highlighted on your resume.
- References: As you don’t have work experience to draw upon, you will need to leverage your connections from your school experience. This could include professors, fellow students or perhaps supervisors from school/work projects.
- Volunteer Work: If you haven’t already, I would suggest finding some volunteer work in your field. Financial literacy is one subject that comes to mind. There are usually opportunities available with not for-profit organizations that help others with their financial knowledge.
Now back to your resume, I haven’t forgotten about it.
There are different formats out there, but most follow a basic flow. Starting off with a strong Summary Statement. A Summary Statement can help you customize your resumé for different opportunities. This is especially helpful if your background is somewhat general, as is yours. You can use your summary to highlight skills and experience most relevant for each position.
Every job you apply for should have a specifically crafted summary statement targeting the requirements of the job and featuring you as an ideal candidate.
Next in your resume would be your experience. As you have no work experience, you will need to use the content you generated from the previous brain-storming exercise.
I read somewhere that if you have 70% of the requirements for a specific job, you are likely to get an interview. This translates to the fact that if you get called for an interview, then they must think you are worthy of consideration. During the interview you need to wow them. They know that you are entering the workforce. Your task is to convince them you are eager to learn and will do your best in the new role.
Good luck in your job search journey.
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For further discussion of job searching & career development, visit the Live For Excellence Book Store for the following publications:
Assert Yourself! Harnessing the Power of Assertiveness in Your Career
52 Power Networking Tips: How to Network Like a Pro
Blow Your Own Horn! Personal Branding for Business Professionals
You’re Hired! Job Search Strategies That Work
You’re Hired! Leveraging Your Network: Job Search Strategies That Work
You’re Hired! Resume Tactics: Job Search Strategies That Work
Power Tactics: Job Search Strategies That Work
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Rae A. Stonehouse is an author, speaker, and self-publishing consultant dedicated to helping others embrace constant improvement and overcome challenges. With over 40 years of experience as a Registered Nurse in psychiatry and mental health, Rae brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for self-development to his writing and presentations.
As a 25+ year member of Toastmasters International, Rae has systematically built his communication abilities and self-confidence to share his insights as an author and speaker. His self-help books and personal development presentations aim to have conversational one-on-one connections with readers and audiences.
Rae is known for his wry sense of humor and sage advice delivered in a relatable coaching style. After four decades as a nurse, Rae has rewired rather than retired, actively writing and pursuing public speaking. He strives to share lessons learned to help others achieve personal and professional growth.
To learn more about Rae and his approach to constant improvement, visit his website at Live For Excellence Productions or to learn more about his publications visit Live For Excellence Store
