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This document provides a summary of different types of work and the job application process. It includes advice on creating effective cover letters and CVs, and suggests websites where one can find job advertisements. Tips are also given on how to navigate job search websites like Indeed.
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Typesofwork: Skilled Semi-skilled Unskilled Physicallabour Greatdealof Sometrainingand orkexperiencebut...
Typesofwork: Skilled Semi-skilled Unskilled Physicallabour Greatdealof Sometrainingand orkexperiencebut W Noformal nowledge&skills. k oneofmore noformaltrainingor qualifications.May Specifictraining& courses.Busywith qualifications.Short haveskillsfrom formalqualification. orcompleted on-the-jobtraining. experienceorshort training. on-the-jobtraining. Jobapplicationprocess pplyingforajobcanbeanexcitingandchallengingexperience,especiallyforhighschool A students stepping into the professional world for the first time. Understanding the job application process is importantasithelpsyounavigatethestepsneededtosecureajob, fromfindingtherightopportunitiestomakingagoodimpressiononpotentialemployers.This processinvolvesseveralkeystages,includingpreparingyourresume,writingacoverletter, andacingtheinterview. ogiveyouanedge,herearesomeinsightsfromaHumanResourcesprofessionalon T whattheylookforinapplicantsandcommonmistakestoavoid. 1. Whenemailingandfillingoutforms-makesurethatyourspellingandgrammarare correct. This is important as itshowsHRdepartmentsandpotentialemployersthat youtakethetimetobecarefulwhentypingandhaveattentiontodetail. 2. Make sure that you read the instructions carefully. If you can’t follow the instructions given to you through the application process, this shows the company thatyouarenotgoingtobeabletofollowinstructionsorprocessesinthejob. 3. Make an effort with youranswers-don’tputinthebareminimum.Ifyouputmore effortintotheapplication,theywillseethatyouarewillingtogotheextramile-which isasought-aftercharacteristic. 4. Always be kind and professional in your interactions with everyone - the interviewer, the person you email, the receptionist, other applicants in the waiting room.Thisisanimportantcharacteristicthattheylookfor. 5. Be honest. You obviously want to look good to the interviewer, but you can’t embellishandmakeupyourworkhistoryorpersonalitytraits. 6. Ifyoudon’tgetthejob-Therearepolitewaysinwhichtoaskforthemtoreconsider or to ask for advice on why you didn’t get the job. But, it is important not to act entitledandrudewhendoingthis. here are many different places where you can find advertised jobs. Somejobsarestill T advertisedinshopwindows,overtheradio,usingnewspapersandbulletinboards.However, these days most companies use social media, websites, or applications. Job seekers can searchforjobsortheycanadvertisetheiravailability-dependingonthesite.Whencoming acrossajobadvertisement,itisimportanttoreaditcarefullyandconsideralltheinformation providedcarefully. Herearesomeofthesitesthatcanbeusedtofindjobsonline: LinkedIN(https://za.linkedin.com/jobs) Indeed(https://za.indeed.com/) PNET(https://www.pnet.co.za/) Careers24(https://www.careers24.com/) Howtonavigateindeed: 1. oudon’tneedto,butyoucanloginusingapersonalemailaddress.Whenyouset Y up your profile you fill in information on yourself and your education or work experiences.Thiscanmakeapplicationsveryeasylateron. 2. There is a searchbarnearthetopofthepagewhereyoucantypekeywordsinto search for the type of jobyouwant.Makesureyouarecreativewiththekeywords you use - sometimes it takes multiple searches with different keywords to find the rightjobsbeingadvertised.E.g.forlawyer-attorney/legalcounsel/defenderetc. 3. Youcanusethefiltersandlocationsearchbartofurthernarrowdownyoursearch. These filters can help target your search to a specific area and type of work (permanent,part-time,etc),aswellashowrecentlyjobshavebeenposted. Jobadvertisement=apublicannouncementbyanemployerdetailingajobopening, includingtherole’sresponsibilities,requiredqualifications,andapplicationinstructions. It is important that you read all job advertisements carefully when searching for a job. Look carefully at the advert for the company’sdetails,andanalysealltheinformationthey provideaboutthejob.Thelistofqualitiesandskillsrequired,theresponsibilitiesyouwould haveinthejob,andanyinstructionsforhowtoapply.Allthishelpsyoutoassesswhetherit isajobyoushouldapplyfor,aswellastotailoryourapplication. n Indeed, the company name on the adverts is usually a link to the company’s profile O where you can find more information on them, as well as reviews from employees who have worked for the company. Another application dedicated to providing access to companyreviewsistheGlassdoorapp-allofwhichisimportantforyoutoconsidersothat youcanavoidworkingatacompanywithanunhealthyenvironment. rafting an effective cover letter and comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) are essential C stepsinthejobapplicationprocess. Coverletter Coverletter=apersonalisedletteraccompanyingaCV,explainingtheapplicant’sinterest inthejobandhighlightingtheirrelevantexperiencesandqualities. coverletterisaconcise,personalisedintroductionthatisattachedtoyourCV.Itserves A asawayforyoutomakeastrongfirstimpressionandhighlighttheuniquevalueyoucan bring to the organisation. It is not always required for job applications unless a company specificallyrequestsit. Itshouldnotbelongerthanonepageandshouldbewritteninaletterformat.Inityoucan elaborate on your relevant experiences, skills, and enthusiasm for the position. Thecover lettershouldcomplementyourCVinsteadofrepeatingit.Unlikearesume,whichlistsyour skills and experiences in a structured format, a cover letter provides a narrative that connectsyourbackgroundtothespecificjobyouareapplyingfor. his personal touch can help youstandoutfromothercandidates.Ifwell-crafted,acover T lettercanimproveyourchancesofgettingnoticedandsecuringaninterview.Itallowsyouto make a personal connection, showcase your communication skills, and demonstrate your genuineinterestinthejob. he cover letter isneededbecauseitgivesyoutheopportunitytoexplainwhyyouarethe T best fit for the position. It allows you to elaborate on specific experiences and skills that make you a suitable candidate, addressing any gaps or unique aspects of your resume. Additionally, a well-crafted cover letter shows employers that you have taken the time to researchtheirorganisationandareenthusiasticabouttheopportunity. Thefollowingshouldbeincludedinthecoverletter: Yourcontactdetails→Tocontactyouiftheyareinterestedinyourapplication Greeting→Bespecificandpersonal-trytousethehiringmanager’sname Openingparagraph→Abriefintroduction Letterbody→Discussyourskillsandexperiencerelevantforthejob,aswellasthe qualitiesorpersonalitytraitsyouhavethatmakeyouagoodcandidate.Thissection can be in bullet form with key skills / qualities and examples of you having demonstratedthembefore.Becarefultostillusefullsentencesandmini-paragraphs. Closing paragraph and salutation → Share your availability and express your gratitudeforthetimetheyhavetaken. CompilingaCV CV(CurriculumVitae)/resumé=Adetaileddocumentoutlininganindividual’seducational background,workexperience,skills,andachievements-usedtoapplyforjobs. curriculumvitae(CV)isacomprehensivedocumentthatprovidesadetailedoverviewof A your academic history, professional background, and other relevant information. It is a crucial tool in the job application process, as it provides employers with a comprehensive overviewoftheinformationthatqualifiesyouforthejob. heimportanceofaCVliesinitsabilitytopresentaclearandstructuredsummaryofyour T professional journey. Employers use CVs as a snapshot to quickly assess whether a candidate meets the requirements for a position. By showcasing your experiences, skills, and accomplishments in an organised manner, a CV helps you stand out among other applicants. It also serves as a reference during interviews,guidingdiscussionsaboutyour backgroundandsuitability. strong CV can help you stand out in a competitive job A market and increase your chances of securing aninterview. Formatting is important to ensure it is easy to read and looks professional. Use a clean, simple layout with consistent font styles and sizes. Avoid using excessive colours or graphics, but ensure that it is creative and eye-catching.Usebulletpointsandensurethatthespaceis evenly used. Keep your CV concise,ideallynolongerthan one or two pages,whileensuringallrelevantinformationis included. Keysectionstoinclude: Contactinformation A photo of you → Make sure itisaprofessionalphotothatshowsyourshoulders andface-nofunnyfaces/handsigns/photoswheretheycan’tseeyourface. Professionalsummary→abriefintroductionthathighlightsyourkeyqualifications, experiences,skills,andbackground. Workexperience ○ Includingpreviouswork,volunteering,jobshadowing,etc. ○ Each previous job experience should be the Company name, dates of employment,andabulletedlistofkeyresponsibilities. ○ Reversechronologicalorder-listthemostrecentexperiencesfirst. Education / Qualifications → Listyoureducationhistorywiththeinstitutionname, datescompleted,andqualificationname(reversechronologicalorder). Skills→Relevantcompetenciesthatmakeyouastrongcandidateforthejob. ○ Both hard skills (like technicalorpracticalabilities)andsoftskills(emotional andinterpersonalskillslikeempathyandcommunication). ○ Examples of soft skills employers look for: Time-management, Communication, Adaptability, Problem-solving, Teamwork, Creativity, Leadership,Interpersonalskills,Workethic,Attentiontodetail. Anyrelevantawardsorspecialachievements. References ○ Includenamesandcontactinformationofreferenceswhocanvouchforyour characterandthedetailsincludedinyourCV.Asktheirpermissionfirst! Testimonial References Referenceletter letterthatgivesevidence A Peoplewhosecontact letterwrittenbya A ofyourcharacter,qualities informationisincludedin reference-detailingyour andstrength-typically yourCVforPotential qualifications,characterand providedbyaformer employerstocontacttoask workethic.Onlyattachedif employer,colleagueorclient aboutyoursuitability askedfor SkillsvsQualities Skill=‘what’wecando-anability.Quality=‘who’weareasaperson-acharacteristic. kills are specific, measurable abilities that often involve different levels of aptitude or S competence.Theycanbetechnical,suchasprogrammingordataanalysis,ortransferable, such as communication orproblem-solving.SkillsareoftenthefocusofyourCVandcan bedemonstratedthroughyourworkhistoryresponsibilitiesandaccomplishments. ualities, on the other hand, are personal attributes that shape your character and Q behaviour.Theyincludetraitslikeadaptability,creativity,empathy,andleadership.Whilenot directly measurable, these qualities can be just as importantintheworkplaceastechnical skills. HighlightingyourrelevantqualitiesinyourcoverletterandCVcanhelpdifferentiate youfromotherapplicants. oth of these can and should be learnt or developed through exposure and practice. B Qualitiesmayseeminherentandinbornandnotsomethingyoucanlearntodo,butyouare able to work towards developingthemmore.Remembertorewordthingstonotseemlike you have copied yourlistofskills.Forexample:Avoid:teamplayer/problemsolver/hard worker / fast learner / strong communicator. Rather use: Skilled collaborator / solutions-oriented professional / committed high achiever / rapid and adaptive / effective cross-functionalcommunicator. Jobinterview Jobinterview=Aformalmeetinginwhichanapplicantisaskedquestionstodetermine theirsuitabilityforaparticularjob. Typesofjobinterviews:Telephonic,videosubmissions,onlinemeeting,inpersonmeeting. Whydowedojobinterviews? ob interviews are crucial for the hiring processbecausetheyprovidebothemployersand J candidateswiththeopportunitytointeract,allowingforamorecomprehensiveevaluationof suitability. For employers, interviews are a chance to assess acandidate'squalifications, skills,andexperienceinamoredynamicsetting.Theycanaskspecificquestionstoassess howrealisticthecandidate'sCVandcoverletteris.Additionally,interviewsallowemployers toobservewhetheracandidatesuitsthevalues,cultureandgoalsofthecompany. or candidates, job interviews offer a platform to showcase their personality,enthusiasm, F and suitability for the position. It's an opportunity to elaborate on their experiences and achievements, providing examples and descriptions that align with the job requirements. Interviews also allow candidates to ask questions about the company, team, and role, helpingthemdetermineifthejobistherightfitfortheircareergoalsandvalues.Ultimately, jobinterviewsareatwo-waystreet,enablingbothpartiestomakeinformeddecisionsabout thepotentialemploymentrelationship. Beforetheinterview ake sure all your communication prior to the interview is polite, professional and kind. M This includes phone conversations and emails used to apply for the job and set up the interview. Part of this includes ensuring that your email address is not a childhood silly address but instead is mature enough for professional communication. Greetings at the beginning and end of communication should be polite,andtheprocessasawholeshould showkindnessandrespect. Youshouldmakesuretogatheralltheinformationneededfortheinterview. Onyourself→Youaregoingtobeaskedquestionsaboutyourself-yourabilitiesand your personality. Make sure that you have done someself-reflectionandareready withthisinformation.Self-awarenesswillhelpyoutocomeupwithanswerstothese types of questions faster and in a more natural way. Come up with 3 of your strengthsandexamplesofwhereyouhaveused/displayedthem,aswellassome ideaoftheweaknessesthatyoumightbeaskedabout. ○ Alsothinkaboutthereasonyouareapplyingtothejob(notjustthemoney). Onthecompany→Youneedtodosomeresearchintothecompany.Havealook at the company website togatherinformationonthecompanyculture,values,and interests.Youneedtolinkyourownskillsandpersonalitiestothecompany’sneeds to make yourself a perfect candidate. The more you know about the company the moreeasilyyouwillbeabletoaskquestionsanddiscernyoursuitabilityfortherole. Alsoreadthejobadvertisementcarefullytoseehowyoumeetthejobrequirements. ou should make sure to practise interviewing. The experience is very difficult and Y nerve-rackingalready,soitisbettertorehearsetheexperiencesothatyoucanassessyour abilities and make adjustments to improve. There are common questions that you can prepare answers for - looking at key points for what you would want to say rather than preparing fullanswersandsoundingrehearsed.Youshouldpractisespeakingoutloudand theotherskillsneededtoeffectivelycommunicateandmarketyourselfwell. Appearance Your appearance is a big part of the first impression you make on the person interviewing you. What isconsidereddressing“appropriately”isverysubjectiveand dependsonmanyfactors.Thecorrectwaytodressfortheinterviewisdependenton the type of work you areapplyingfor(e.g.lawyervsteacher)butitisimportantto remember that different generationshavedifferentideasofhowyoushoulddress andofteninterviewersarefromoldergenerationsthathavemoretraditionalviews.In general, good practice is to ensure the following: neat clothes that are ironed and tidy,neatandbrushedhair,simpleandcomfortableattire. mployers often review candidates’ social media platforms to gain insight into their E personality and suitability for the role. Inappropriate or unprofessional content on social mediacanraiseconcernsoveryourjudgementandbehaviour,andcouldnegativelyimpact yourchancesofsecuringthejob. Duringtheinterview here are important skills that you need to practise, be aware of, and display while T participatinginajobinterview. 1. B epunctual→Leaveenoughtimeforinternetissues,orgettinglostorunexpected interruptionstoyourjourneythere.Italsohelpstohavesomeextratimetocalmyour nerves.Beingontimeisimportanttoshowthepersonyoucareaboutthejob. 2. Introductions → Make sure your greeting is polite and respectful. Greet the interviewerandreceptionistwithasmile,firmhandshake,andeyecontact. 3. Matchtheirvibe→makesurethatyoumaketheirlevelofenergyorhumour. 4. Enthusiasm→Displaypassionandenthusiasmbutnottoooverthetop. 5. Confidence→Itisimportanttoseemself-assuredbutbecarefulofbeingarrogant. Trynottolookoractnervousatall. 6. Be honest → it is much easier to be yourself and adaptable to surprises in the interviewifyouarenottryingtorememberliesorhalf-truths. 7. Showyourinterest→Askquestionstodisplayinterestinthepersonandcompany. Smalltalkinthebeginningisimportant,andyoushouldbepreparedforthis. 8. Takeyourtime→Don’trushyouranswerstotryandfinishhavingtotalk.Taketime totakeabreath,thinkaboutyouranswer,andexplainyourselffully. 9. Sandwich your weaknesses → Don’t just talk about what your weaknesses are. Sandwich them with related strengths OR talk about how you are using them, learningfromthem,orworkingonovercomingthem. 10.Non-verbal communication → Listen actively and attentively - display this with nodding,eyecontact,leaningin,notinterruptingthem,paraphrasingwhattheysaid, asking for clarification, etc. Try not to fiddle too much with your feet orhands(this makesyoulookuneasyanddistracted).Beawareofhowyouaresitting(nocrossed armsorslouching). 11.Verbalcommunication→Trynottousespeechfillerslike“um”or“like”thatindicate alackofself-confidence.Don’tuseirrelevantjargon,slangorabbreviatedwordsthat couldbeseenasimmatureorinformal. Introverts and extroverts will have different strengths and weaknesses for the interview process.Itcanbeverybeneficialtobeawareofthesequalitiesandprepareaccordingly. While introverts might have difficulty talking to others and coming across as confident, they are very good at listening carefully. They should practise small talk and talking about themselves and make sure they have enough alone time to rechargeandbuildenergyfortheinterview. Extroverts will be very good at relating to the interviewer and comfortable conversing, but can often tend to over-explain, get distracted whileexplaining,and interrupt often. They should therefore work on their active listening skillsandother non-verbalcommunicationskills. Commonquestionsandhowtoanswerthem In interviews there are generally two types of questions: Job-related and personal questions. Job-related questionshelptheinterviewertofigureoutyourunderstandingand experiences with work-specific competencies. The personal questions help theinterviewer discovermoreaboutyoursoftskillsandpersonalityingeneral. ere are some examples of the personal questions and suggestionsofhowtoprepare H yourkeypointsforansweringthem.Thesequestionscanbeaskedinmultipleways,butthis istheessenceofwhattheywanttohear. Tellmeaboutyourself? ○ Thisisnotaquestionaboutyourexperienceorqualifications.Tellthemabout your personality, hobbies, interestingfacts,andotheraspectsofyourlife thatmightmakeyoulookgood.Itisimportantnottouseself-deprecation. Whyareyouthebestcandidate/whyshouldwehireyou? ○ SAP method - List relevant skills,accomplishments,andmostimportantly whyyoucare-demonstrateyourpassionforthejob/company.(Linkthisto therequirementsinthejobadvertisementoryourresearchonthecompany). Whydoyouwanttoworkforthiscompany? ○ Thisagainallowsyoutodemonstratetheresearchyouhavedoneandlink yourpassionorintereststowhatthecompanydoesorvalues. Whatareyourstrengthsandweaknesses? ○ Hereyoushouldtalkaboutstrengthsandweaknessesthatarerelevanttothe job. Give specific examples from your life to explain them. With strengths make sureyouhighlightthepositiveimpactofyouemployingthisstrength. With the weaknesses, make sure you are honest and demonstrate self-awareness,andusethesandwichingtechnique. Conflict - They could ask for examples of times you have dealt with conflict in the pastORgiveyouscenarioswhereyouexplainhowyouwoulddealwiththeconflict. ○ Withquestionslikethisyoushouldpickarealsituationwhereyouhadtodeal with conflict and the steps that you took to resolveitinanempatheticand professional manner. When explaining what you would / should do in a conflict situation - you should explain how you would account for and understand the multiple perspectives, as well as highlight how you would remaincalm,focusonasolution,andinteractprofessionally. Dealingwithstress ○ Don’tpretendthatyoudon’tstress-inrealitythereisalwaysstressandyou havetobeequippedforit.Providespecificexamplesorexplanationsofhow you have dealt with it before. Explain the steps that you tookandhighlight yourhealthystress-managementtechniques(likeexerciseormindfulness). or scenario questions or examples that you provide about dealing with something in the F past-youcanusetheSTARRmethod: S(Situation)-Defineordescribewhathashappened. T(Task)-Identifywhatis/wasneededtosolvetheproblem. A(Action)-Describethestepsyouwilltake/didtake. R(Results)-Sharetheoutcomeoryouractions(thatyouhopefor/achieved). R(Reflection)-Whatyoulearnt/howthiscouldhelpyouinthefuture. Ifyoudon’tunderstandaquestion-don’tbeafraidtoaskforclarificationorre-explanation. Butdon’tjustsay“Idon’tunderstand”or“Idon’thaveananswerforthat”. heywillaskattheendifyouhaveanyquestionsforthem.Itisimportantthatyoudoask T atleastonequestionhere.Theinterviewhelpsyougetmoreinformationonwhetherthejob and company is the right fit for you, so ask questions about the culture and experience working there. You can alsodemonstrateyourinterestinthecompanyortheresearchyou havedone,byaskingformoreinformationaboutthingsmentionedontheirwebsite. Hereareexamplesofquestionsyoucanask: Arethereanyremoteworkopportunitiesorflexibleworkinghours? What were some qualities that the previous employee brought to this rolethatyou wouldliketoseecarriedforward? Whenyouwereinterviewinghere,whatwouldyouhavelikedtoknowbeforejoining? Howwouldyoudescribethecompanyculture? CanyoutellmeabouttheteamthatIwouldbeworkingwith? IfIweretogetthisjob,canyougivemeanideaofwhatausualdaywouldlooklike? Whataretheopportunitiesforprofessionaldevelopmentorgrowthinthiscompany? I saw on your website that this company values xyz, couldyoutellmemoreabout howthisisupheldorenforced? Aftertheinterview ake sure thatyouexpressgratitudefortheopportunity-thankthemagainfortheirtime. M You can do this when saying goodbye at the end of the interview AND you can send a follow-upemailthenextday(orlaterthatday)tothankthemfortheirtimeandthatyoulook forwardtohearingfromthemsoon.Remembernottobearrogantinassumingthatthejobis yoursbuttoletthemknowthatyouareeagerinapolitemanner. Ifyouhaven’theardfromthemafteraboutaweekortwoORtheamountoftimethatthey saiditwouldtakeforthemtogetbacktoyou-youcansendareminderemail.Youcando this to inquire if you may have missed communication from themortoaskforclarification abouthowyoucanimproveinfuturejobinterviewsifyoudidn’tmakethecut. Usethistemplateparagraphforthebodyofyouremail: I wanted to reach outabout(JOB)thatIappliedfor,asIamveryexcitedaboutthe opportunity. I submitted / interviewed on (DATE) and haven’t been contacted yet aboutnextsteps.Iunderstandthatyouarelikelyverybusyatthistimeandmaystill be selecting from a competitive applicant pool. I would love to know if I am still in considerationandifnotwouldappreciateanyfeedbackyoucanprovidesothatIcan improveforfutureopportunities.Thankyou. Yourcareerjourney ourcareerjourneyisadynamic,evolvinganduniquepaththatyouwillnavigatethroughout Y yourlife,filledwithopportunities,challenges,andgrowth.It'snotastraightline;rather,it'sa series of steps that include education, skill development, job experiences, and personal growth. This journey is marked by various stages and transitions, each bringing new challengesandopportunitiesforlearningandadvancement. DifferentExternalFactorsThatInfluenceYourCareerJourney ourcareerjourneyisinfluencedbyvariousexternalfactors.Understandingthemhelpsyou Y navigateyourcareerpathmoreeffectivelyandmakeinformeddecisionsaboutyourfuture. SocioeconomicConditions ○ Foundational factors such as your family's financial background, access to quality education, and the overall economic environment can impact your career prospects. E.g., individuals from affluent backgrounds may have greater access to educational resources, extracurricular activities, and professionalnetworks,givingthemaheadstartintheircareers. EducationalOpportunities ○ The quality and availability of educational opportunities are critical external factors. Having well-resourced schools to be able to attend and access to advanced courses and knowledgeable teachers can provide a strong foundation, while opportunities for higher education like scholarships can significantlyimpactyourabilitytopursueyourdesiredcareerpath. LabourMarketTrends ○ Labour market trends and industry demands are essential considerations. The demand for certain professions can fluctuate based on technological advancements, economicshifts,andsocietalchanges.Forinstance,therise ofdigitaltechnologyhasincreaseddemandforITprofessionals. GeographicalLocation ○ Your geographical location can also make an impact. Urban areas often provide more diverse jobopportunities,highersalaries,andbetteraccessto professional networks compared to rural areas. However, the cost of living maybehigher,andjobcompetitioncanbemoreintense. TechnologicalAdvancements ○ Technological advancements continually reshape the job market, creating newopportunitieswhilerenderingsomeskillsobsolete. SocialandCulturalFactors ○ Social and cultural factors, including societal norms, cultural expectations, and demographic trends, can influence your career journey. For example, cultural attitudes towards certain professions, gender roles, and work-life balancecanaffectyourcareerchoicesandopportunities. y recognizing and understanding these external factors, you can better prepare for the B challenges and opportunities they present. This awareness allows you to make strategic decisions,seekoutnecessaryresources,andproactivelymanageyourcareerjourney. WhatYouCanDotoInfluenceYourCareerJourney Competency=aspecificskill,knowledge,orabilitythatyouapplytosuccessfullyperforma jobortask.It’swhatyouneedtoknowandbeabletodotobegoodatsomething. hile external factors play a role, there are many stepsyoucantaketoactivelyinfluence W your career journey and change its trajectory. Start by researching the important competencies (skills AND qualities) needed in your desired field. Look atjobdescriptions, industry reports, and professional associations to identify these. Next, evaluate the competenciesyoualreadypossess.Reflectonyourstrengthsandexperiences,andaskfor feedback from teachers, mentors, and peers. Finally, develop the competencies you are missing.Pursueadditionaleducation,training,andpracticalexperiencestobuildyourskills. nother key aspect ofasuccessfulcareerjourneyisthecommitmenttolifelonglearning. A The world of work is constantly evolving, with new technologies, methods, and industries emergingallthetime.Tostayrelevantandcompetitive,youneedtocontinuallyupdateyour skills and knowledge. Developing soft skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving is just as important as technical skills. These skills help you toeffectively work with others, manage challenges, and takeonleadershiproles.Additionally,personal development - like improving time management, setting goals, and maintaining ahealthy work-life balance - contributes to your overall success in your career. This might involve taking courses, attending workshops, or earning additional certifications. Being adaptable andopentochangewillenableyoutoseizenewopportunitiesandovercomechallenges. UnderstandingSuccessvs.Satisfaction eing prepared for the workplace involves more than just having the right skills and B qualifications. Understanding the difference betweensuccessandsatisfactioniscrucial forafulfillingcareer.Itrequiresanunderstandingofwhatsuccessmeanstoyouandhowit differsfromsatisfaction. uccess often relates to achieving goals, which means it can typically be measured by S many different external markers - such as workplace praise, promotions, or professional accomplishments. This depends on the individual person’s values, goals and identity. Satisfaction, on the other hand,isabout internalfeelingsofhappinessandcontentment you get from your work. It's the feeling you get when your job aligns with your values, interests, and passions. It comes from enjoying what you do, feeling proud of your contributions,andfindingmeaninginyourjob. hile success can provide short-term motivation, true satisfaction ensures long-term W fulfilment and happiness in your career. Balancing both is key to a rewarding and sustainablecareerjourney.Pursuingacareerthatbringssatisfaction,aswellasdeveloping anunderstandingofyourdefinitionofsuccesswillhelpyoutostaymotivatedandengaged, evenwhenfacingchallengesinyourcareerjourney. Success=achievingyourgoals(aseveryone’sgoalsaredifferentsoisthedefinitionof success).Satisfaction=feelingofhappinessandcontentmentfromenjoyingyourworkand findingmeaninginwhatyoudo. Workplaceethics nce in the workplace, transparency and accountability are fundamental principles to be O aware of. They contributetoahealthy,productive,andethicalenvironment.Transparency involves openly sharing information, decisions, and processes within an organisation, ensuring that everyone is informed and understands what is happening. Accountability means takingresponsibilityforone'sactionsanddecisionsandbeinganswerabletoothers for the outcomes. Bothhelptobuildtrust,fostercollaboration,andensurethateveryoneis workingtowardscommongoalswithintegrityandresponsibility. hen information is openly shared (Transparency), employees feel more engaged and W valued,astheyunderstandhowtheirworkcontributestotheorganisation'sgoals.Itreduces misunderstandingsandrumours,leadingtobettercommunicationandcollaborationwith everyone working on the same page. Transparent practices also enhance decision-making,asemployeesaremorelikelytosupportandcontributetoinitiativeswhen they understand the rationale behind them. This helps to also reduce uncertainty and anxiety,leadingtoamorestableworkenvironment. ccountability ensures that individuals and teams take ownership of their responsibilities A andactions.Itpromotesacultureofreliabilityandintegrity,whereemployeesaremotivated tomeettheircommitmentsandperformtheirdutiestothebestoftheirabilities.Withintegrity as a company focus, ethical behaviours in general are encouraged. This culture and motivation leads to higher performance and increased quality in the work being done. Accountability helps identify areas for improvement, as it encourages constructive and honestfeedbackandself-assessment.Thisleadstocontinuousgrowthanddevelopment, both for individuals and the organisation. Holding everyone to the same standards also ensuresfairnessandconsistencyinhowperformanceismeasuredandrewarded. ransparency includes: Open communication, clear policies, accessible information on T performancemetricsetc,andhonestfeedback. Accountability includes: Set clear expectations, define roles and responsibilities, regular performance evaluations, managers and leaders model accountability by taking responsibility,fairandconsistentconsequences,andrewardsforoutstandingperformance. histle-BlowingintheWorkplace=whenanemployeereportsunethicalorillegal W activitieshappeningwithintheirorganisationtosomeonewhocanaddresstheproblem, suchasamanager,alegalauthority,oradedicatedhotline. histle-blowing is a crucial aspect of maintaining transparency and accountability. W Employees who do this play a vital role in uncovering wrongdoing and ensuring that organisations operate ethically and legally. Thisprocesshelpstoprotecttheorganisation’s integrity and ensures the protection of the safety of the employees. Whistle-blowing promotesfairnessandhelpstobuildacultureoftrustintheorganisation.
