School-leavers and graduates face a tough time finding employment, especially in the current economic climate. To further prepare young people for the workplace and help them stand out during recruitment, graduates should invest time in building their online personal brands and setting up their social media accounts and CVs.

As we move into an increasingly digital future, building an online presence and personal brand, positioned towards potential recruiters, is vital to ensuring employment success. 

1. Personal branding
Invest time and effort into building your own brand and thinking about the messages you want to convey about who you are as a person. 
Decide what channels you want to activate, what makes you unique, set goals and know your values. This will help you create a game plan and set short-, medium- and long-term goals.
 

2. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great online platform to build your professional brand. 
Also, it provides opportunities to network meaningfully and be proactive about finding jobs. It is a great avenue for employers to headhunt potential staff with the required skills set.

3. Facebook and Instagram
Recruiters are more than likely to look at your online presence when making decisions on hiring you. 
If you don’t take yourself seriously, chances are your potential employers won’t either. Be constantly aware of what you post on public platforms, as this could create a lasting impression of you.

4. Create a winning CV
Recruiters often receive thousands of CVs. It can take less than 20 seconds to decide whether to continue reading or not. 
It is important to make your CV stand out. Keep it simple and represent yourself accurately. 
Your CV is an advertisement of yourself. Don’t be shy to highlight your strengths.

5. Acing your interview
Graduates need to prepare for the many methods of recruitment, including face-to-face, Skype or even online video interviews. Remember to be yourself throughout the recruitment process. 

Do you want to pursue an exciting career in retail?

Applications for the 2020 intake of the Professional Retail Programme are now open.

The 10-month internship develops specialised management skills that are critical but scarce in the retail industry. Open to graduates, the programme blends 18 weeks of classroom-based learning with 24 weeks of work-based learning. After completion, candidates can enter junior retail occupations – a head start in the industry.

The programme develops:

• An understanding of the complex and sophisticated world of retail;
• An understanding of key roles and responsibilities in the retail value chain and how they add value to business and consumers;
• Skills in applying strategies and processes found in varying retail environments to produce professional results in line with the industry’s expectations.

If you are interested in pursuing an exciting career in retail and think you have the passion, commitment and creativity to succeed, apply by midnight on October 14, 2019. Successful candidates must be willing to relocate. 

The internship is open to graduates or final-year students with BCom degrees, business management, BSc degrees, business science, stats and mathematics majors, entrepreneurship majors, retail management and graphic design.

Spaces are extremely limited. Apply at https://www.mrpfoundation.org/prp

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