Finding and Keeping a Job – How?
There was a time when people found employment right after high school and stuck with it until they retired. Well unfortunately, today’s unemployment rate says otherwise.Unemployment rate among youths in Pacific Island Countries is relatively high. Studies suggest that youths aged between 15-24 fall in this category, partially because some have low work experience and some are just entrants to the work force. Many Pasifika youths drop out of work and give up looking for new opportunities because few opportunities exist in their line of work. Now, how can you as a youth or even as an adult(looking for employment) find and keep a job.
- Finding a Job
Networking
One of the best ways to find a job is through networking. Networking is also known as the hidden job market and many jobs are found through it. Try to develop contacts with friends, family, neighbors and university alumni( USP alumni, FNU alumni, Unifiji Alumni). You can ask directly if your contacts know of any vacancies or indirectly ask for information and advice. Sites such as LinkedIn allow you to expand your network to include friends of friends. The bigger your network, the greater chances of you finding new opportunities.
Job Search Websites
Signing up to job search websites or even just browsing though these websites would help you to find jobs faster as they provide more coverage with regards to job posting. These websites have the resources and systems in place that match you to prospective employers. For instance, sptojobslink.com is a good job search site that has registered employers across the Pacific who are constantly recruiting and the site also provides you with career tips that would help you find the right job.
Call Directly
If you are interested in a particular company but do not see any vacancy on job sites, then you can directly call the human resources department after finding their contact details online. You can ask if they have any vacancies or any upcoming vacancies and ask if you can send in your resume.
Being part of Job Search Groups
Social media sites such as Facebook have many Job Search Groups that you can be a member of. These groups post up latest job adverts from sob search sites, newspaper vacancies and company sites. Some Job Search groups on Facebook are Youth Jobs Fiji, Solomon Islands Job Vacancy & Employment Opportunity, Rarotonga Jobs, etc. Join these job search groups within your country to increase your chances at finding a job.
2. Keeping a Job
Unless you have a job already lined up for you or you’re ready to move on from your current job, it’s advisable that you keep your current job. Here are some tips to secure the jobs that you currently have:
Use good work habits
Have a good attendance record
Try to get to work on time. You being late may interfere with other team members in your department’s job.
Be willing to work overtime to meet deadlines
Keep your work station clean
Dress Appropriately
Dress in a way that suits your job. Initially, when you go in for your interview try to notice how the employees of that particular company dress up. If you are not sure of what to wear, be conservative and wear formal clothes until you get to know what dress code is accepted.
Know your Priorities
Be a smart worker not a hard worker! Teaching yourself to be a smart worker rather than a hard worker requires planning. Analyze your situation, your objectives and how you can achieve your objectives, steps you can take to achieve those objectives and a follow-up evaluation. Put your priorities in order so that you know what to do daily.
Show Enthusiasm
Try to support company goals and objectives. Put yourself in your supervisor/manager’s shoes; if you were in their position, would you like someone who is interested in moving the company forward?
When you don’t know, ASK
There is no such thing as a “stupid question”. Try and be productive as soon as possible. Employees who are productive are regarded as Good Employees. One of the most common causes of under performance is an employee’s fear of asking questions.
After the covid pandemic we realize how hard it is to find a job. So if you are still looking for a job, use these tips to help you find a job. And if you currently have a job then use the tips above to keep your job. All the best.