Graduate Opportunities

Marketing is a huge part of selling a product successfully. The same goes for selling yourself. Landing a job is about convincing an employer of the value of your skills and qualities. To do this you need a strategic and personalised marketing plan that throws the spotlight on your employability.

You need to become a walking, talking advertisement of yourself!

Presentation is a big part of your marketing. Remember, first impressions count. Maintain your professionalism in unfamiliar environments.

• Address people you meet in a courteous, professional manner – they could turn into a potential employer or helpful contact.
• Use a friendly, professional greeting on the phone and on your voicemail. An unknown caller could be a potential employer!
• Web-based communication is now the major means of business interaction. Avoid the trap of casual correspondence. Maintain a professional and formal style in emails. Use correct spelling and grammar, even if a potential employer does not. This could distinguish you from the pack.
• Use a professional email address.
• Research indicates up to 45 per cent of employers research candidates online through sites such as Facebook during the application process. Be aware that information you post online may be accessible to potential employers and used to judge your candidacy.
• Proof-read all documents you send to employers. This is a test of your communication skills.

This article contains edited extracts of a piece by Lee Miles (MilesLeeAustralia), a professional member of the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA), that appeared in Graduate Opportunities 2009.