Raise your hands if you’re Gen Z and you don’t know what to do right after grad.
Okay, listen up, most of the people from the batch have entered the workforce as interns or entry-level employees. So kudos for passing on to the next phase of life. But, now you need a plan, *sorry not sorry.*
With grad season here and pushing through, you need a structured guide on corporate life, ‘cuz it’s a complete 180 shift from 15+ years of education that you’re used to.
So if you’re nervous about sending job applications, the interviews and the work environment, here’s a quick Gen Z guide on what to do and what not to do.
Sending Applications
We feel you bestie, finding a good workplace can be…daunting. And you’re not alone. according to RippleMatch, the Majority of Gen Z says nearly 60% of the generation aren’t confident in acquiring their desired job – considering the state of the world. So here’s what you need to do ASAP.
Research, research, research
This might come off as cliché, but it’s the most standard practice that even our parents and predecessors did. Research the top companies you’d love to work for and grow in, and filter those to the most suitable for you. Down to the values, work culture and so on.
Tailor your CV/resume
By now you probs know the power of the CV and resume (research on the diff btw). Your CV needs to be edited according to your skills and the job description because if it isn’t, the HR cops won’t even glance over it *a big no-no*. So make sure you use the right buzzwords!
If you’re into social media (who isn’t) make sure to use keywords that make you stand out. Have you checked the TikTok analytics (insights if you’re an Insta girlie) How many engagements did your posts get daily? Total follower growth over time? Since you’re adding a few tweaks, you need to elevate it with social media metrics and keywords!
And you can do the same for other fields just the same btw.
Power-up that cover letter
ICYMI, when you’re breaking into the corp world CVs and cover letters come in pairs. And btw, the cover letter is totally different from what your CV entails. This is all about you, and your interest. But, from the thousands of applicants, you need to stand out. So share your values, and mindset and mix in how these helped you grow more professionally and what led you to apply.
Don’t fuss over the tiniest bits.
We feel you, sometimes the stress of being pitch-perfect can be nerve-wracking. But don’t dwell too much on minor deets that probably won’t be beneficial to go crazy for. Keep your nerves in check, cause your mental health is still just as important when getting the job.
Don’t forget to re-check the errors
IFYKYK. If you tend to miss out on certain mistakes, it may cost you your one-time chance. From grammar errors, date format, personal information and so on. These may seem like a small part, but they show how detail-oriented you are in crafting your things, and this translates to your work ethic.
Never EVER submit without double-checking
A nightmare everyone gets is sending the wrong deets or without going through the errors. Double-checking will save you the mental torment of sending something your future employers aren’t looking for. Especially when we live in an age where spam submissions are the norm. So save yourself the trouble and double-check.
The Interview
Here it comes girlies. The interview. Take your sandals off cause this is where things can get hectic. Whether you’re taking the interview face-to-face or online via zoom (way easier if you ask us), here’s what you need to do:
Prep your answers ALWAYS
Rule #1 in interviews is to be prepared. If you’re the type of person who has card stacks of Q&As, as you should, keep it up. Preparation is always the key to responding to the interviewer’s questions. However, you NEED to know the tailored questions for your specific field of interest.
Know who you’re talking to
It’s time to bring your stalking A-game. Gen Z, we’re natural researchers, and we can totally apply this here. If you got a go-signal for the interview, you need to research who’s part of the team. From the interviewer, head of departments and your possible future teammates.
Wear the right ‘fit
Bestie listen, we know you need to pop off. But interviewers are keen on first impressions. “Dress to impress,” may be the mantra, but you need to know the right corporate attire. From the right blazer, skirt or pants, you need a wardrobe do-over that fits the job description.
NEVER be late
Imagine this, you got the interview, you got the allotted time, but you’re one hour late to the interview *a corporate girlie nightmare honestly*. Always be on time for your interviews. Minutes can pass by quickly if you’re not well prepared for the D-day.
NEVER Lie
Lying is never the answer. In case ya didn’t know, it’ll be pretty obvious once you start working. And this will quickly lower your rep with the team and that’s a big L, sis.
Ask questions
Interviews aren’t one-sided. You can freely ask questions related to what you applied for. And BTW, this shows how interested you are in joining so those are plus points.
When you’re on the job
It’s your first day and you finally got your dream internship or job. So, here’s what you need to know.
Listen and observe bestie
You need to calm down bb. Your first day or month actually, is just all about you being a sponge. Listen and get as much information as possible to get your tasks properly done. You won’t be an overnight manager.
Ask the burning questions
Never leave a day without asking questions (but not too much that it’s bothersome). Some things can be quite hazy esp when you’re new to the systems, the terms and the work style. So always ask questions when you need clarification.
Organise, please!
When you get tasks, you need to prioritise the items to what is most important to complete and vice versa. It’s a skill you’ll learn as time passes but it’s totally useful in the long-term.
Don’t use too much slang.
Sometimes we need to control ourselves, as sad as it is. Gen Z will take only about 27% of the workforce by 2025, and that means we need to know how to work and blend in with other generations. Take note, you’ll be working with veterans from the fields, so they may not always resonate with TikTok personalities, slang and idioms we use.
DW too much
Gen Z is reported to have the lowest self-esteem and confidence compared to older generations. And this impacts the mental health and productivity of our generation. While corp life won’t be as easy as we’d like, it’s a step forward to maturing and we love love love a #girlboss who focuses on the right stuff.
Don’t show off – Please.
As said by the Kendrick Lamar, “Be humble, sit down.”
You’re still at a stage where you’re technically still a student. So as much as you have amazing ideas and thoughts about something, it’s best to know the correct time and place to suggest those. While you do get chances to shine, keep your tact as usual.
Do you want to learn more on how to turn your internship into a full-time job? Read more here.