“Coming out from university and going out into the market to find a suitable job for me, is a tough challenge. I know, when I do not have the necessary skills and experience that employers look for. I feel defeated early when I saw the job specifications. The requirements are way higher than what I would offer”. 

 The above situation is what faced by many fresh graduates. The challenge they have will always be matching job requirements with their skillsets and experience. How can you tackle such challenge when it comes to you going out to hunt for a job, after graduating? 

Here are some tips and what you can do: 

• Start you CV by what you are capable of doing that is related to the job. 
• Mention any form of work or role undertook by you. It can be paid or unpaid services you do either in your family or community. 
• Construct your CV with confidence language that you are capable of doing that particular job.
• It is good for you to mention you are quick to learn and flexible to adjust to new work setting and environment. 
• Mention your involvement in school projects, groups or initiative. These can build the key body of your CV.

Just start writing your CV eventually you will come up with good points. Avoid over mentioning your ability – keep in mind interview will be the next stage after your application goes through, and they will ask you about everything in you CV. 

Here is a link about information on new graduates in the job market.

Writing a perfect cover letter can make you a big difference in you job application. All you want is a letter that grabs the attention of you employer. A letter that make you stand out from the rest of the applicants. Keeping in mind when you applied for a job, you could be 1 of 10 or 20 applicants for that specific job. So it is advisable to keep you letter focus on the following areas: 

• Read the job vacancy closely and try and understand what the employer wants. The the key role the potential role will play in their organization or business. 
• Sell your achievements that are relevant to the job. What you did in the past and achieved that relates to the job. Its important to mention this as it will show to the employer that you have the capacity and able to perform in the position they are looking to fill. 
• Add your skillsets and also soft skills like communication and resilience in performing a task.
• Ask your self these key questions: what can I do that this employer would really want? Why am I best for the role and organisation? what experience and strengths can I highlight and talked about?

Here are some ideas to begin your letter with: 

• Highlight the job title and your achievements: eg. As a marketing officer, I increase client numbers for this company.
• Depict your knowledge of the industry and its challenges: eg. With my 7 years in the industry, I have made connections to many businesses across the country. I understand the challenges and how I managed to address them. ( When you mention points like these, employers clear understand that you have the skillsets and experience they are looking for. 
• Show interest in that role/position. Do this by discussing the role inline with your career interest.
• Use keywords: Written and verbal communications are two key strengths. eg. My extensive experience in the public relations has honed my skills in media relations, social media, community engagement and leading a team. By combining these skills I believe I am the best candidate for the position. 
• Research the company and show in your righting that you captured their services. 
• Show enthusiasm to work for the company: eg. I am excited to know that this position is calling for applicants.