October 2024

19 18 Networking can be as simple as talking to your teachers, joining school clubs, or attending career events. “Start small by making connections with people you know—teachers, family friends, or even classmates who have similar interests. You can also use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in fields that interest you.” Volunteering, internships, and part-time jobs are excellent ways to meet people who can help you later on. The key is to build relationships over time, so when opportunities arise, people think of you. The Role of Technology in Hiring Technology is making it easier for companies to find and hire the right people. Here are a few tools recruiters use: • Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS):These systems help companies screen resumes to find candidates that match their job openings. They are programs that scan resumes for keywords. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your resume simple and easy to read—no fancy fonts or graphics that might confuse the system. • AI in Recruitment: AI can help match your skills with jobs and even conduct initial interviews through chat sessions or video interviews. • Social Media: LinkedIn is a crucial platform for job searching and networking. It’s also where companies look for talent, so having an optimized LinkedIn profile is important. Why Personal Branding Matters In today’s digital world, personal branding is more important than ever. “Personal branding is the way you present yourself online and off-line. It includes your social media profiles, resume, and how you interact with people professionally.” Start by identifying your strengths and what makes you unique. Maybe you’re great at solving problems or you have excellent communication skills— whatever it is, make sure that comes across in your online profiles, resume, and the way you talk about yourself. Preparing for job Interviews Getting an interview is only half the battle. To do well, you need to prepare. Research the company, practice answering common questions, and make sure to dress appropriately. Being on time and showing enthusiasm for the role can set you apart from other candidates. Starting Early is Key It’s never too early to start building skills and gaining experience. Volunteer, look for internships, or try parttime jobs to help you understand what you enjoy doing. “Explore different career paths and stay curious—you might find your passion where you least expect it!“ And most importantly, don’t be afraid of setbacks. Every experience, good or bad, can help you learn and grow. By starting to think about these things now, you’ll be better prepared to make smart decisions about your future career. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be the talent companies are scouting for! Essential Skills Employers Look For Communication: Being able to write and speak clearly is crucial, whether it’s for an interview or a group project. # 1 # 2 # 3 # 4 Digital Literacy: Knowing how to use basic tools such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Office will give you an advantage. Critical Thinking: Employers love people who can think through problems and come up with solutions. Adaptability: The job market is always changing, and being able to adjust is key to long-term success. According to Simi, whether you’re thinking about going to college, starting a job, or both, certain skills are essential. Here’s what you should focus on developing:

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