Having been through it ourselves, we all know that putting yourself out there to find, maintain or progress in a career can feel more than a little intimidating. Luckily, there are some great hacks, tips and services that your young adult can get around to make it a little less painful for them.
Did you know, for example, that Careers NSW offers access to their dedicated Careers Practitioners, who offer tailored career advice, as well as linking your child up with their experienced Industry Experts for industry insights?
With that in mind, we’re sharing our best kept secrets to make your gen z’s life easier, transitioning into that confident go-getter and landing the career they deserve.
- Help them break it down into more manageable tasks
The first thing to think about when diving into the world of employment – whether your child is just entering the workforce or needing ongoing support – is breaking the process down into achievable tasks.
Did you know, for example, that Careers NSW offers young adults free, tailored career advice, no matter the stage they’re at in their journey? From invaluable info on how to land a job to resume writing and interview techniques, they don’t need to go it alone.
In fact, NSW Careers offers free advice from their Industry Experts who share their knowledge, experience and insights gained through their career journeys, which could definitely help your gen z get a better idea of what a career in that industry actually involves.
There are Industry Experts from 8 priority industries at the moment – with more industries to be added in the near future. The 8 current industries are:
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Disability and aged care services
- Energy and utilities
- Hospitality, tourism and recreation
- Information technology
- Manufacturing
- Public service
Appointments with Industry Experts are available to all NSW residents aged 18+, so if your child is keen to get their start or to gain some perspective, they can make an appointment right here.
After chatting to one of the dedicated Industry Experts at Careers NSW, your child might feel empowered to decide which industries and roles they’d be interested in, then create a resume or two tailored to those industries.
- Know their worth
One of the biggest mistakes people make going into the workforce is not knowing what their skills and experience are worth or how to navigate salaries and future roles.
Of course, when your child is just starting out, they can’t always expect high wages – but sometimes it helps to check what other companies are paying their employees for the same responsibilities to see if they’re getting a fair salary.
It’s always worth keeping an eye on the current job market to see what’s out there – and Careers NSW can give you and your child a hand in understanding the current and even future job market.
Not only that, but they can also keep your child in the loop about any employment opportunities in emerging industries that might suit their skills and interests, giving them a massive advantage over competition.
- Use their transferable skills
You might not think that your child’s bartending skills could help them start a career in engineering or construction, but in fact any skills they’ve learned throughout their lives are transferable and beneficial in the workplace, and it’s important to highlight them when they want to set themselves apart.
Careers NSW actually offer expert guidance on pathways to employment after school – including education and training options and ways to help you and your child use their existing skills to their advantage.
Take for example interpersonal skills – that includes good communication, being professional and relating to others well – these are invaluable skills that are extremely valuable to employers. Lifelong learning is an invaluable skill to master, and aids in elevating existing skills as well as learning new ones, putting your child in prime position with future employers.
- Determine their USP
A Unique Selling Point, or USP, is a term businesses and entrepreneurs use to describe who they are, what they offer and why it’s unique.
It’s important for your child to think about what they can offer that no one else can – like, for example, knowledge from connections with Careers NSW’s Industry Experts, who can guide them by providing advice on the industry they’re going for – which can make all the difference.
Careers NSW has Industry Experts with heaps of helpful insights in eight in-demand industries, which will give your young adult a massive edge when it comes to their career. There are always personal experiences that add to their USP that set them apart, which Careers NSW will support them with all the way.
- Help them believe in themselves
Last but certainly not least, it’s fundamental that your child believes in themselves. It’s not always easy to hunt for the right job, face rejection or do 3 interviews only for them to go with someone else.
Job-hunting can be cut-throat, demotivating and confusing – but the main thing is to remember, is that everyone has been in this position and everyone has gotten through it – and there is help available to guide you and your child through every stage of their career.
Landing the right job is one of the most rewarding experiences a person will ever have, and your gen z absolutely get there whether it takes days, weeks or months.
For more relevant and practical career info from the experts over at Careers NSW, as well as career hacks and success stories, head to our free careers expo – you won’t regret it.
To make an appointment with one of Career NSW’s Industry Experts, who are available to all NSW residents aged 18+, head to Service NSW.
