13 ways to increase your chances of getting your desired job after graduation

This article is composed based on experience and mistakes. It’s meant to be an eye opener for undergraduates and young people who are at the point of starting their career path. There are things you can do to avoid job hunt/unemployment after graduation.

Many years back, all your need is a certificate and you will definitely get a job, now fast forward to few years back, with a good grade like first class, second class upper (2.1) or even second class lower(2.2), you will still get a job. But I discovered that this present age is different. The competition is so high that these companies only buy what you can sell and not your certificate. This means you have to upgrade your performance and ability to be the best candidate. In this article, I will be talking briefly on some things you need to do even while in the university that will boost your career later after school.

Here are my tips to help you secure your dream job after graduation;

1. Work in a similar organization even while in the University (Internship): When you finally graduate and start job hunt, employers will be more interested in candidates that have an experience on the job than a newbie. You can gather this experience from school. Even if the job does not perfectly fit your choice, as long as it is related to your career, go for it. Also, you shouldn’t focus on money right now but the experience. And do any work assigned to you diligently. It will help you build the skills you need for your dream job.

2. Acquaint yourself with your lecturers and professors: These people have been on the field for some years and definitely know what the job entails. They can be your guide and can even recommend you to people who might be of help in the future. Be good to them and respect them like your parents.

3. Be attentive and serious in class: Know that your education is the most important thing now, so don’t take it with levity. Participate in all class activities and do your assignments yourself. This will make you to be in good standing.

4. Ask for help when there is need: Its normal that you inquire about all the courses you will be doing, get relevant books and notes even before the beginning of the semester so as to acquaint yourself with the course. Seek knowledge from classmates and friends who have better understanding about the course.

5. Go for Industrial attachment: At this stage, you are seeking knowledge and not money. Don’t let money be the deciding factor when seeking industrial placement. Rather choose a place where you will get the desired knowledge. The knowledge will earn you a good pay in the next two years or thereabout when you are out of school.

6. Always remember your purpose in school: University life is complex, you have total control of your activities, no parent to stop you from partying. You can even decide not to be in class. But always ask yourself for the type of future you are building for yourself. I believe this will check you.

7.Seek connections (Have a business card): Yes, I know you are still in the university. This card will contain your name, contact information and interests. Each time you meet someone that is a professional in your field, you can give it to him/her. It will make you look official and organized.

8.Be responsible: All reputable organizations are looking for strong leaders who will be diligent in their duties and take responsibilities. While in school, join good clubs and train yourself in leadership roles. Be innovative and write as many informative articles as you can. Be a mentor to someone thereby you can influence a life positively.

9.Be flexible: Be open-minded when applying for your first job. It’s possible you may not land your dream job at the first shot but working in a related field will earn you more experience and occupy you before the real deal.

10. Learn extra skills you were not taught in school: I think the subject is explanatory enough. Develop your writing skills and be more professional.

11. Utilize membership with professional organizations: Even while working in a related field, you can join the professional bodies of your career path. Your interaction with the members will help one way or the other in achieving your goal.

12. Let professionals examine your Resume: This will give them the chance to help you amend it to a good taste from their wealth of experience.

13. Research about potential employers: Once offered an interview, make sure you learn about the company’s values. This will give you a huge advantage during the interview.

This article is dedicated to all job seekers/hunter out there. I pray you will laugh at last.

Major ways to identify scam interview(job recruiters)

I have seen so many folks complaining and lamenting their ordeal in the hands of fake scam companies who invite people for interview only to introduce them to fake drug marketing business.
I'm doing this not only because these companies waste people's time, energy and T-fair going to such interviews, but also because most of these scammers extort money from hapless job seekers thereby making their suffering times two.

Imagine a scammer extorting #10,500 from a graduate who have been unemployed for years, not to talk of the transport fare wasted going to such fruitless interviews or job chat as they usually call it.
Some people even borrow money to pay these sheep in wolves clothing, who promise them heaven on earth. Some will tell you that you will make half a million within 1 month and all that. If you're not careful, you will take a loan that you will not be able to repay thus causing embarrassment and lack of rest of mind. An unemployed person should have only himself to worry about, not having debts also.

So I believe that if we are properly guided, we will not fall into the hands of these scammers.
Having said that, there are ways by which one can identify a fake or scam interview invitation and there fore avoid such waste of time and money. The good thing is that most of their messages come in the same format, so you will know its fake!

1. The message does not bear a company name: most of these scammers won't include their names on the message you will receive. All you will see are the address, the time and date and a phone number. A genuine company will not hide its identity from a potential employee.

2. The message will say "interview/job briefing": whatever job briefing means I don't know!

3. You will see a code or reference: something like "HR=0056" or "REF=002". This is an indication of the code number of the person who invited you to the "job briefing".

4. It will contain a phone number: this is the number of your referer. Most genuine companies don't give phone numbers.

5. You will see HR Admin in the message instead of company name.

6. If you call their number, they will be reluctant to give info on the company.

And pls, ignore those people sharing job flyers on the streets, and those ones they paste on walls. Those are scammers and some ritualists too. And also most of these so called agencies are avenues for duping unsuspecting job seekers. Pls shine your eyes well well.
I will post the names of some of these fake companies/ agencies later.

Pls if you have any experiences inthe hands of these scammers kindly share it here so that others can learn and avoid them too. Thank you

Cheers!

10 Questions to ask yourself before seeking for a job

If you want your job hunt to be successful, then you need to put together a plan that includes your career goals and aspirations. If you aspire to become a successful insurance agent, then you need to create a series of achievable goals that will help to develop your successful career.

The path to your next job starts with a job application, and you need to follow a good plan if you want to submit effective applications. Instead of wasting time filling out applications for jobs you do not want or are not qualified for, you should ask yourself a series of questions before filling out an application to make sure that what you are doing fits your overall career plan.

1.Is this a job I want?

If you are desperate, then you will wind up taking a job you hate and will derail your career plans. You need to determine whether or not you actually want the job before you fill out the application.

2. Does this job fit my plan?

A job does not need to be management level to fit into your overall career aspirations. Even insurance agents start off as clerks, but it is important to choose a job that does fit into the plans you have made for your future.

3.Can I do this job?

While you may really want that job, you have to be honest in determining if you can do the job or not. You may not have the skill set you need at this point in your career to do this job well, which is a good reason not to apply.

4.Does the company offer a career path?

Some companies offer you a career path you can follow to success, while other companies are just stops along the way in your growing career. If you want a company that will give you opportunities to move up as you develop, then it is important to ask if the company you are applying to has career path options.

5.Do I know someone at this company?

Referrals from current employees can help increase your chances of getting the job you want. Before you fill out your application, find out if you know someone who works at the company and ask if you can use them as a referral.

6.What new information can I put on this application?

All of your applications should have the most current information about your career that is available. By including current information on your application, you can show the company that you are remaining active in your field.

7.How do I stand out from other applicants?

Do you have a Master’s degree in a field filled with Bachelor’s-level applicants? If so, then point that out in your application and help your qualifications to stand out from the rest of the field.

8. Do I have any inside information?

In your research, you may have found out that the company is only considering applicants who can relocate to another part of the country. You can include this inside information to make your application customized to the company’s needs.

9. Why am I motivated for this job?

When you fill out your application, highlight your skills and accomplishments that make you uniquely qualified. If you are motivated to get the job, then it will show in the presentation of your credentials.

10. When can I start?

Most applications ask you when you can start the job if you are hired. Be honest and give a realistic time frame, and always indicate that you would have to give some sort of notice at your current job, if you have one.

When you fill out a job application, you are taking the first step in the next phase of your career. Put plenty of thought into that application, and make sure that you are doing the right thing for all of your short and long-term career plans.