If you are searching for your first job, it can be a difficult, frustrating and even stressful experience. It is especially tough if you have no clue what you’re doing! You could spend days or even weeks barking up the wrong tree and eventually, you become upset at your lack of progress.
The first step is to create a resume because few companies will hire you otherwise! A resume is your method of persuading a prospective employer that you’re the best person for the job. If you’re new to the world of job hunting, read on for valuable resume and interview tips that will save you a whole lot of stress and time!
Different Ways to Find a Job
First of all, you need to realize that there is more than one way of finding a job in Trinidad and Tobago. Most new job hunters simply go to an online site and start searching. While you will find plenty of openings, not many will be suited to a newbie. Here are a few other ways to land a gig:
NETWORK
One of your biggest issues at the start is the lack of a network. You can network in person or online, and we recommend setting up a profile on LinkedIn which is where professionals meet. Later down the line, your list of contacts will pay dividends as you learn about jobs that aren’t advertised. Even a chance networking encounter could lead to a job opportunity.
ATTEND EVENTS
Professional organizations and charities regularly host events. Attend one of these get-togethers and chat to people in different industries. If you can get a list of attendees before the event, identify at least one person, you want to meet and try and get a follow-up.
JOB FAIRS
These types of fairs are typically aimed towards certain sectors, so perhaps you should look for details of generalized fairs. Most ads include a list of the companies that will attend so research the organizations that interest you and bring resumes to sell yourself. On rare occasions, companies provide on-site interviews to candidates that meet their criteria.
COMPANY WEBSITES
If you already know the organization you want to work for, go to the Careers section of its website. Keep an eye out for openings, and you might find something that captures your interest.
INTERNSHIPS
If you don’t have a job, finding temporary work via an internship with a well-respected company in Trinidad and Tobago could be the foot in the door you need. At worst, you’ll gain valuable experience to add to your resume. At best, you might impress the company enough to offer you a full-time job.
Resume Tips for Beginners
Structure: This means including Contact Information, Work Experience, Education, Skills and Hobbies/References if applicable.
Outline: Use white A4 pages with no more than two different types of font. Write small paragraphs and make sure each section has its own headline because hiring managers scan resumes instead of reading them.
Forget the Career Objective: Beginners don’t need this section and most recruiting experts believe it is a waste of space for all candidates.
Focus on Skills: Your lack of experience means you must outline how your skills make you the right person for the job. Include experience and skills gained through volunteer work and if you can, tie in your educational experience with the job requirements.
Length: Two A4 pages is the gold standard. It will be tricky to fill both pages as a beginner but try your best. However, no content is better than filler that doesn’t add to your prospects.
Professional Contact Information: If you have a ‘funny’ email address, change it to something more professional.
Omit Useless Information: You don’t need to include a photo or details about your age, sexual orientation or marital status.
Interview Tips for Beginners
Be Punctual: Aim to arrive at least 25 minutes early to account for traffic and other delays. The extra time also allows you to survey the building and staff while also composing yourself.
Dress Appropriately: The interview is not the place to display your eclectic fashion sense. Play it safe by dressing like a business professional.
Eye Contact: Try to maintain eye contact during the interview but don’t stare!
Research the Company: You need to be familiar with how the business operates and have knowledge of the industry. Check out the company website for starters.
Research the Job: How can you impress the interviewer if you know little about the job on offer?
Stay Calm: The interviewer wants you to be a success so don’t be nervous. If you feel the nerves coming on, pause and take a couple of deep breaths.
Ask Questions: When the interviewer asks if you have any questions; showcase your knowledge of the company and industry by asking pre-prepared queries.
Follow Up: Send a thank you note and reiterate your interest in the job.
What to Do & NOT to Do Once You Get the Job?
DO
Check the Company Social Media Policy: Some companies are strict when it comes to not letting employees use social media during work hours.
Show Humility: It is best to assume that you know very little when starting a new job. Listen to experienced staff and thank them for their help. If you are having problems, ask someone for assistance.
Look for Feedback: This is the only way to know if you are doing something correctly or not.
Build Relationships: Asking for advice is a good way to break the ice.
Be Punctual: You have no excuse for tardiness so take special care to be a few minutes early during your first few weeks.
Wear Appropriate Attire: A good rule of thumb is to dress in the same way as you did for the interview.
DON’T
Rest on your Laurels: Just because you got the job doesn’t mean you get to ease off. You have to continue impressing to progress in your career.
Forget to Ask ‘Why’: It is probably more important to know why you are doing a job than simply learning how to do it.
Become Arrogant: If you have a good start, don’t become smug and overconfident as these things have a habit of coming back to bite you!
Overstress: No one expects you to know everything right off the bat. Most employers in Trinidad and Tobago will show patience to new employees. Just show a genuine desire to improve, and things will get better.
