In the Human Resources field, there is a saying that “looking for a job is a job in itself.” This implies that when you start your career in the labor market, it is essential to approach this task with good habits, discipline, organization and consistency, as if it were a long-distance race. Therefore, job search requires the same time, dedication and energy as any other actual job.
To guide students in this process, CIS University was visited by Ana Marín and Eduardo Morón, expert consultants from Page Personnel, one of the largest recruitment firms in the world. During the presentation, the “head-hunters” broke down the primary considerations that job seekers should have in mind during their search, focusing especially on two key points: preparation of their first professional resumé, as well as being ready for a job interview.
Your Resumé, The First Step of Your Professional Journey
The path to your dream job will be impossible without first securing an interview, which is why it is crucial to have a good, standout resumé. You must be very aware that the document will be the very first impression that employers will have of you, but also remain mindful that each position and company requires different skills, so it is highly advisable to adapt the content of the resumé, or in other words, to “customize” how you represent your experience depending on the requirements and expectations of the role.
As Ana and Eduardo say, “this document must be clear, concise, well-structured, and relevant. Ideally, it should be written in black text on a white background, as it is often printed out to be studied carefully, therefore, the ideal length for this document should not exceed more than two pages.”
The Job Interview, the Gateway to your First Job
Did you get the interview? Congratulations! But even before you apply, you need to prepare thoroughly. Learn as much as you can about the company’s values and culture. For starters, a good source of information is the company’s own website, as well as its social networks and even the employees’ LinkedIn pages and profiles.
One of the most common mistakes applicants make is failure to carefully review the job description. Analyze those aspects that stand out in the job posting and look for matches with your own experience, this way you will have strong arguments to back you up and you will feel more confident in your candidacy.
Interview, the time has come! During the interview, whether in person or online, it is important to look the part and practice what you are going to say ahead of time. You should actively listen to the interviewer and wait your turn to respond, and avoid displaying anxiety. It is essential to project a relaxed image and feel comfortable, maintaining positive eye contact and avoiding sensitive topics such as politics, sexual orientation, or religion. And don’t forget to say goodbye, always thanking them for their time and consideration for the position.
Remember what we said earlier: “looking for a job is a job in itself”, so you should not rush or become tired during the early stages of the process. Each interview is an opportunity to learn and improve your interpersonal skills in a continuous process of growth, as Eduardo Morón points out:
“The world, business, and people change, so we have to adapt to everything and everyone. Paying attention, observing, learning, and analyzing are the bases to be able to act decisively.”
