9 tips to help you prepare for the workplace | news24

Your career choice should match your aims as well as your aspirations. People Images/Getty Images As the class of 2020 prepares to enter the workplace during a time like no other, it is

important to be prepared. Finding the right career, the perfect job and crafting your CV to fit the job you're applying for are all equally important. Recruiters and employers also

expect you to be prepared and know these things therefore it's important, more so if you want to make a good impression. READ MORE |5 common scams to look out for when job hunting

We've compiled a list of 9 articles that you can refer to as you get ‘work-ready' and prepare to enter the workplace. FINDING THE PERFECT CAREER FOR YOU Struggling to find your

dream job? You're not alone. It's a tough decision - and most people battle with the question of what they really want to do. If you're lucky, you might have a passion - but

finding the right job is not just about doing what you love, it's also about finding the right fit for you. And that means finding out more about you - digging deep to ensure you know

yourself even better than you think you do. READ |Need to find the perfect career? This is where you need to start FINDING THE RIGHT JOB You recently worked out your strengths and weakness

and what skills you do and don't have. But you're still not absolutely sure if you're travelling in the right direction - that dream job is not yet crystal clear. There are

two more things you can consider to help guide you towards the right career for you - your motivation and yours goals. READ |4 ways to figure out the perfect job for you BOOSTING YOUR

CHANCES AT GETTING HIRED The outlook is not sunny - the economy is struggling, businesses are closing and people are losing their jobs. But instead of allowing anxiety to gnaw at your gut,

try to shift your perspective. See job loss as an opportunity - to give your career a shot in the arm, to grow as a person, and to create a more fulfilling life for yourself. It's not

as scary as it sounds. READ | Here's how to boost your chances of getting and keeping a job CRAFTING YOUR CV You have heard about a job that might just be perfect for you. Maybe you

spotted the ad or someone from your network forwarded it to you. The next hurdle is how to sell yourself to the employer so they sit up and notice you. A tip-top CV is crucial ammunition

when you're job hunting. It's not easy condensing your work experience into a page or three - yes it needs to be that concise - but it's worth spending the time to get it

right. We ask the experts how it should be done. READ |We look at how to craft the best possible CV to help you stand out in the crowd when applying for a job IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Communication is not only about relaying your message, it's also about actively listening to what the other person is saying. Active listening is not easy - it means really paying

attention to the person, not multitasking or mentally preparing your response to what you think they are saying. Ask questions and get clarification so they know you are present and trying

to understand their concerns correctly. READ | Talk the talk - tips to up your communication game INTERVIEW DO'S AND DON'TS Having the most impressive CV and cover letter is good

enough to land you an interview. But the job will only be yours if you perform well during the interview. Most people mess things up in the interview. Even the most seasoned professionals

can get flustered and spoil their chances by small mistakes they could have avoided. If you have been worried about not getting call backs after your interviews, you might be doing a couple

of things wrong. READ |What you're doing wrong in an interview READ |10 tips to boost confidence before a job interview IMPROVING YOUR CURRENT SKILLS Upskilling - it's a word

you'll hear as often as "loadshedding" or "corruption", and it's just as important. Both individuals and businesses need to be focussing on constant education

or life-long learning. There's a subtle difference between three linked terms - skill, reskill and upskill. When we talk about skills, we are referring to the attitudes and practical

knowledge we need to do our job. READ |Need a work promotion? Upskilling could be how you finally get it BUILDING A FOUNDATION THROUGH NETWORKING You've been doing your best filling out

applications and sending CVs, but you're getting you nowhere. So, what's the problem? You might be missing one crucial stage in the job search - networking. So, what is

networking? READ |Networking: Why who you know can be more important than what you know FOR CAREER GUIDANCE DRUM Careers wants to assist you with your job concerns and to celebrate your

professional successes. This means we rely on you to guide us with what you want to read. Please send us your comments, questions, and suggestions - see contact details on our "Back

Page". TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE | Drum's careers newsletter is here to help you with all your career needs