How to get your first job

Over summer you've had a break and found a job that didn't require using your grey matter too much. Although you have a qualification, you are nonplussed about your next move.

Now it's February and you must get moving - if only to start paying off the student loan. Yet you're not inspired at all. What to do?

Well, you're not alone and there are some easy things you can do right now. All you have to do is assess your options and make a decision.

Stocktake

New graduates need to do a stocktake, says University of Auckland Careers Centre director Bob Porrer. "This involves reviewing where you are and where you might want to go, then working out possible ways you can meet your career aims."

This might necessitate stepping-stones such as a further training courses or applying for a job at a lower level in an industry of interest.

Consider your interests as well as your abilities. "It doesn't necessarily follow that the things you're good at are the things you want to do," Porrer says. And consider your values, the things that make you happy. As an example, Porrer cites three administrators doing the same tasks but working in different settings; a hospital, a university and the civil service. They gain immense job satisfaction from their values being met: hospital, care; university, academic; civil service, service.

He advises recent graduates who feel they lack direction to consult a careers centre. Many institutions offer a free service.

Goal change

AUT Akoranga Careers Centre counsellor Wendy Hansen says some graduates fret because they no longer have the same goals as when entering study. "If things have changed, then ask yourself about what is now important to you. Change is fine, it is part of life."

Hansen is against using further study as a stopgap. "It is easy and feels safer to stay in student mode sometimes but isn't necessarily the answer." She believes graduates need work experience, particularly if they haven't worked part-time.

Transferable BA

Porrer says graduates should ask themselves how important it is to have a job directly concerning their major subject. That answer may shape their job search.

The desire to work directly with history, for example, means looking at careers such as teaching or museum research. Others need to assess transferable degree skills and pinpoint industries of interest.

For example, investment banking and history skills fit well.

"Historians look back in time, collect information and make analysis on information based on economic, social and political data.

Investment bankers look forward in time to collect information and make analyses based on economic, social and political data."

Contacts, contacts, contacts

AUT Careers Centre counsellor Serena Tiaiti says that once you have decided on the type of jobs you are after, don't depend on just one avenue. As well as newspaper employment sections, contact your lecturers. "They should have good knowledge and contacts in their industry. Ask them about upcoming seminars and offer your CV and contact details so you can go on mailing lists if they have them."

Talk to former classmates. Those in jobs will know of likely vacancies in their company or other companies. Informational interviewing is another useful technique, says Tiaiti. This involves approaching the manager or boss of a company you would like to work in and requesting a short meeting to talk about their industry and market - you're not asking for a job but researching the marketplace. You can also ask to job-shadow someone, Tiaiti says. This makes your name and face familiar. She also recommends CV and job-search workshops, the KiwiCareers website and signing up with Jobs4grads.

Overseas experience

Another popular option for new graduates is the big OE. Nothing wrong with that, says Porrer, as long as you recognise what you can gain from a career perspective. Traditionally travellers get work involving customer service, communication, team and language skills. But most types of work will give you valuable insights.

Getting motivated

* Career counsellors at institutions and schools are available, usually free, to recent graduates.

* General career counsellors and recruitment agencies.

* Career self-reflection books, such as What Color is my Parachute by Richard Bolles.

* Internet sites about CVs and interview techniques. Check they are New Zealand-based as different countries have different approaches.