Are you job ready?

A qualification is no longer the be-all and end-all guaranteeing you a job after graduation. According to the SAGEA Employer Benchmark Survey of 2 052 businesses, several South African employers complain that even though they receive thousands of applications, there's a shortage of candidates with the right employability skills.

With graduation season at Rosebank College coming up this May, many of you should be looking at how to improve your chances of securing a job. Rosebank College is an educational brand of the Independent Institute of Education.

Studies show people can make an unconscious decision about you within the first 10 seconds of meeting you - so you have to make it count.

Making a good impression in those first 10 seconds can be accomplished by doing the following simple things:

Dress appropriately for the job you want

During your interview or on your first day of work, it is a good idea to "over-dress" until you find out what is appropriate for your workplace. Generally, your dress should reflect the kind of work you do.

Appropriate piercings and non-visible tattoos

It is inappropriate to chew gum or to have other objects inserted into your mouth that may distract employers during an interview. If you have a tattoo, make an attempt to cover it, and remove piercings that may be distractive. Make sure you smell nice, and you have clean and trimmed fingernails.

During the interview

Always remember* Do not lie in your CV.* Leave out unnecessary or unrelated information.* Don't fiddle with your cellphone.* Stay calm and answer the questions asked.

Remember: the interview starts the moment that you walk through the door.* Give a firm handshake.* Maintain eye contact.* Ask questions.* Be confident.

When you do land the job, remember you will most likely be placed on a three-month probation period. This is also the time to make sure your employer doesn't change his/her mind about employing you. Below is a list of workplace ethics that are expected in the workplace.

Know your employer's expectations* Understand what your employer requires from you. Perfect your job duties and work within the stipulated guidelines.

Learn from your mistakes* We all make mistakes, but how can you learn not to repeat them.

Accept constructive criticism* Constructive criticism is feedback that you can use to make you a better employee.

Stay busy* There is always something that needs to get done. Make sure you manage your time responsibly and that there is always something to keep you occupied.

Take initiative* If you notice that something needs to be done, do it. A valuable employee finds ways to make improvements or assist in some way without being asked.

Confidentiality* When you join an organisation, you are expected to keep company information private and to protect the interests of the organisation that has employed you.

Be efficient* Get started on new tasks as soon as you understand what's required. Do all tasks as fast as you can and as best as you can.