How to find a job in the City of Churches when you don’t have a posh surname, didn’t go to a private school and your Dad isn’t an investment banker.
If you want your resume written in partnership with me, you know what to do. But below are some things you can consider.
Look good online
Ask yourself, ‘what is your unique selling point?’ Why should a business hire you? A nice smile isn’t going to cut it . You’ll need skills. Write down what your unique selling point is. Mine? I get people short-listed for jobs through the use of the latest propaganda and persuasion techniques.
Include education and volunteer work. Highlight your sporting and academic achievements. Why not get a 70-word testimonial from a former teacher or employer and put it in your resume?
Searching for roles
This is the bit that will give you the prunes but perseverance is key. Weirdly, the more jobs you apply for, the better your applications will be. Adelaide is a hard nut to crack, in large part due to the economy, nepotism and recruiters. Where possible go around recruiters and apply direct to the employer.
Seek has about 70 per cent of all jobs listed but also go direct to employer websites. Use personal networks and harass people (in a nice way). Many jobs aren’t even advertised. You hear about them on the ‘grapevine’, which means through mates.
Don’t forget about apprenticeships and traineeships. GTO’s place apprentices and trainees with a range of small and large host businesses who provide on-the-job training. Check out the Group Training Australia website (search by city).
Face-to-face
Scary. You’ll get fobbed off heaps of times but every now and then someone will say, “yeah, I’ve got ten minutes, come in and hit me with your best shot.” They might not have a vacancy straight up but if they say ‘they’ll keep you in mind’, ring them in two weeks’ time. Then ring them again.
Making a phone call
Complete waste of time. You’ll be fobbed off.
Did I mention perseverance?
Also consider moving to Melbourne.