In this lesson: You will pick two or three realistic jobs to aim for, so your applications are focused instead of scattered.
Applying for “anything” sounds flexible, but it makes your CV vague. An employer reading a CV wants to see quickly that you fit their job. So choose two or three job targets and shape your applications around them.
Good targets for a first or second job are roles that hire many people and train on the job, for example:
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Cashier, shop assistant or merchandiser
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Petrol attendant
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Call centre or customer service agent
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General office assistant, receptionist or data capturer
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Waiter, kitchen assistant or barista
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General worker in a warehouse or factory
How to choose
Ask yourself three questions for each possible target:
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Can I get there? Think about transport costs and travel time. A job that eats half your salary in taxi fare will not last.
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Do I meet the basic requirements? Read a few real adverts. If most ask for matric and you have it, good. If most ask for a driver’s licence and you do not have one, that target can wait.
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Would I turn up every day? You do not need to love the job, but you need to be able to do it reliably.
Write your targets at the top of your skills list. From now on, every application should clearly point at one of them. You can always change your targets later as you grow.
Key takeaways
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Applying for “anything” makes your CV vague — choose two or three job targets.
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Check three things: can I get there, do I meet the basic requirements, would I turn up every day?
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Targets are not forever. Start with jobs that hire many people and train on the job.
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