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    [BizCareers] The job application rut

    What can you do differently to stand out? This week we look at finding different ways to get into the industry in which you really want to be.
    [BizCareers] The job application rut
    © thinglass – Fotolia.com

    I am a recent graduate and fortunately have an internship in advertising. Unfortunately, this is not where I would like to be. I am grateful for the experience but I would really like to get my career in publishing started. I have an honours qualification in journalism and I apply, daily, to various job opportunities in the industry but I can't seem to catch a break. What should I be doing and, most importantly, what am I doing wrong? Thank you. - N

    Hi N,

    Thanks for your question. My first question to you is how much experience is needed in the jobs that you apply to, and how relevant are they to your degree? Unfortunately, often times the person at the other end of the job ad literally merely looks for one particular keyword that they need and eject any CVs that don't specifically have this. So in order to counteract this, you need to read each and every job advert you apply to very carefully and formulate a cover letter that specifically matches this, so that relevant keywords stand out. A blanket cover letter won't work in this case.

    Once you have the cover letter sorted, you will now need to make your CV really pop, so think carefully about how you could do this. Perhaps have a copy of an excellent article of yours that was recently published as your front page? Or perhaps you could try hand delivering your CV to various publishing agencies with a portfolio of work you have written attached? Find out who the owners of the businesses are through LinkedIn and address the envelope to them specifically. No one can turn a blind eye to a personally addressed hand delivered envelope!

    I don't think you're doing anything wrong, keep trying and be creative!

    Best of luck and let me know how it goes.

    Getting into the world of literature

    I need some advice. I graduated with a Diploma in Fashion Design and Textile in 2009 from Damelin, but because I had no funds and could not get employment in the fashion industry, I ended up working in a call centre.

    I am currently doing my first year studies with Unisa towards a BA in Literature and Languages. My aim is to be a content producer for both television and radio or a writer.

    I would like advice on the following:

    • How can I make my CV more suited for job-seeking?
    • Which short courses can I take in the meantime that will assist me in qualifying for a junior job in the world of literature?
    • How can I look for a job besides the normal applying online because it is not working for me?

    Thank you - Anonymous

    Hi Anonymous,

    Thank you for contacting me.

    To answer your question, I would first need to see your CV to make recommendations, so please send this through to me.

    Secondly, with regards to courses you could do in line with production, try AFDA, they offer a one-year Higher Certificate course in film, TV and entertainment production and are a leading institution in the industry. If you would like to focus more on writing, then try The Learning Group (Part of College SA) that offer a 12-month Scriptwriting course.

    Colleges will often have more access to available jobs as companies will approach them when in need of fresh talent, so hopefully by doing these courses more opportunities will open for you.

    I hope the above helps.

    Best of luck and let me know how it goes.

    Remember to always love what you do!
    Juliette

    Email your questions for publication on Bizcommunity to moc.ytinummoczib@snoitseuqreerac.

    Please note:

    • To see your questions answered in the BizCareers Column, please word your recruitment, job or career queries carefully, paying special attention to spelling and grammar.
    • Answers and advice provided will be based on your questions/industry issues, so the more complete and the more accurate your questions, the better. Answers will only be provided through Bizcommunity.com and not as direct responses from Juliette Attwell.
    • The answers provided to questions submitted by readers will be based on the content of questions themselves, current recruitment practices and current legislation in force at the time of writing, and are intended as advisory only and such advice is provided in good faith.
    • Readers' questions are submitted on the basis that neither Juliette Attwell, Recruit Group, Bizcommunity.com, their management nor associates may be held liable in any manner whatsoever for any consequences that might result from the correspondence following the advice provided. Juliette Attwell, Recruit Group, Bizcommunity.com, their management or associates shall under no circumstances be held liable for any error in responses provided in this column as to the references of the candidate, relating to his or her qualifications, skills, personality and experience; as to the compliance with the various legal and medical requirements relating to the performance, by the candidate, of his or her work, or any consequence whatsoever connected to the use of false/incomplete information.

    About Juliette Attwell

    Juliette Attwell is Head of Marketing & Operations at Recruitgroup. Recruitgroup has won Careerjunction Recruiter of the Year in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014 as well as Fast Growth Business of the Year at the National Business Awards 2014. Juliette holds a Bcom Honours in Marketing Management and is the resident "agony aunt" on the BizCareers Column, she was also a finalist in the Top Young Executive at the National Business Awards 2014.
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