Top Tips to Secure Your Next Job

Jun 28, 2023

If you're all set to jump into the workforce for the first time ever or just want to freshen up your job-seeking know-how, we've put together some hot tips to get you ready for the workplace!

Resume writing

Write this down: keep ✍🏽 resume ✍🏽 up ✍🏽 to ✍🏽 date! ✍🏽

It is so important to keep your resume updated. Remember to add info if you’ve picked up some new activities, been recognised with some new awards at school or in your co-curriculars (slay and congratulations!), started a new job, or undertaken training.

Keep your references looking shiny and new with people who can attest to your excellence! This can be a teacher at school, sport coach, someone you babysat for, or a former boss. We don’t recommend using friends or family – they might be your biggest fan, but they can’t necessarily vouch for your professional capabilities, also there’s obviously some bias involved there! Importantly, always remember to ask someone before putting their details on your resume for a reference. This way, if they get a call they won’t be caught off guard and will be fully prepared to sing your praises.

It might be daunting to create your resume, or keep it updated. Your Barcats U18 profile is a perfect and clear way to display your accolades! We’ve made it noob-proof and you can just keep it up to date as new experiences arise. Don’t have a profile yet? Get started now!

Nail your job interview

Job interviews are a major jump scare. We’ve been there and we totally understand! But no need to stress, we’re here to be the career support we wish we had when going for our first jobs. Here are some of the basics:

Bring a printed copy of your resume – seems weird but it’s always great to have something for the interviewer to refer to while they speak with you. On that note, know your resume! Your interviewer will ask you about your experiences and it’s easy to blank under pressure, so make sure you have a glance at your resume with fresh eyes directly before your interview.
Dress to impress – how you dress will have a huge impact on your employability to the interviewer. If it’s unclear how formal you should dress, it’s always better to overdress rather than underdress. We’re not saying to borrow your dad’s wedding tux, but definitely keep it clean and conservative. For more tips on dressing to impress click here.
Be prepared with a closing question – your interviewer will almost definitely ask you at the end of the interview if you have any questions for them. Be prepared with one ready to go! It makes you look very interested and enthusiastic. Good examples include, ‘Are there any goals the team is currently working towards that I can help with?’, ‘How do you measure success?’ or ‘What does a typical day look like working at ____?’.

Get busy networking

This sounds daunting and very adult, we know. But this is as simple as making small talk and being social. You’re probably already doing this! When you go with your parents to those boring events, use it as an opportunity to make a great first impression on people you may want to work for one day. Introduce yourself (or ask your parents to make the intro), be friendly, share your plans and interests! You never know who you might be talking to and how they may be able to help you out one day.

So whether you're about to take your first steps into the workforce or simply aiming to update your job-seeking knowledge, by following these suggestions, you'll be equipped with the necessary tools to navigate the world of work with confidence. If you're still searching for the perfect role for you check out our open roles here!