I am worried about finding a job after completing my studies in June this year. What can I do to make myself more marketable at this stage? My degree is in Literatures in English and Public Sector Management.

THE majority of students pursuing undergraduate studies are anxious about landing themselves “the right” job in a reasonable time after completing their programmes.

The anxiety exist because, over the years, statistics have shown that a significant number of these graduates remain unemployed or find jobs, which are not directly related to their area of

study, and are rated as below entry level for tertiary

level graduates.

Most students become concerned about their marketability just a few months before completing their programme of study, and this is a big mistake.

Early career planning is very important, and this should begin before starting your studies. It, therefore, begins with selecting an area of study that is compatible with your interest, values and abilities and at the same time will be a demand area when you graduate.

It begins with co-curricular involvement in order to build skills and competencies relevant to world of work needs, while focusing on

the academics.

Some suggestions on finding the right job follow.

. Ensure that you know how to plan and organise a job search.

This involves researching companies and knowing which ones may require your services, based on the nature of the business, as well as what is the ‘climate’ for recruiting in

that organisation.

Some companies best suited for your area of specialisation include the printed and electronic media, as well as the publishing houses. Try to find out if new companies have been established. Do not focus on only large, well-known organisations in your search.

. Prepare effective job search tools.

These include a well-written résumé and cover letter, and securing the best references available. Remember your resume and cover letter creates the first impression, and determines, therefore,

if you will be called for

the interview.

. Know when to start applying for vacant positions.

This should not be too late. This time of the year is usually a fairly good time to begin. You will be able to be interviewed, and selected for training during the summer for those organisations that conduct annual orientation for new staff at this time. Additionally, you will be included in the pool of applicants recruited through the annual job fairs or recruitment programmes organised by leading tertiary-level institutions.

. Know how to circulate your application.

Visit the organisation’s website and complete the company’s application for vacant positions. Mail them your résumé or deliver them personally. These are all options; you may choose the one you consider most effective. Whatever you decide, ensure that you follow up by telephone or e-mail.

. Keep in touch with your college/school career centre.

You will be guided not only on how to organise the job search, but also on the campus job placement programmes designed to help you find the job of your choice. On campus, job interviews are guaranteed once you are scheduled to be interviewed.

. Pay attention to networking.

Try to keep in touch with recent graduates in your area of study. They will be able to keep you informed of the staffing situation in their organisation. Consult with your lecturers, career counsellors and others who may be able to help you circulate your résumé. Visit annual career expositions and speak with human resource practitioners who will be willing to inform you on the situation in their organisation. Always have a résumé available, it may be needed urgently by one of the people you meet through this networking process.

. Spend enough time on the job search.

After completing your final examinations, dedicate enough time (at least 4 hours daily) to your job search. Treat it as a real job. Be businesslike; keep records of your daily activities. This should include companies to which applications were sent, responses and follow-up activities.

Be flexible in your search, focus your attention not only on jobs that will be available locally. Try to access the regional marketplace. With the Caribbean Single Market and Economy, you will have greater access to job opportunities regionally. Additionally, using technology to aid the recruiting process will help. Become aware of the relevant websites.

Waiting can be a time of stress and anxiety. Try to become involved in summer employment, voluntary work or some co-curricular activities. These will certainly help to build your skills and competencies, as well as you self-confidence.

Merrit Henry is career counsellor and students services manager at the Placement and Career Services Unit of UWI, Mona. She may be contacted at merrit.henry@uwimona.edu.jm