Graduates learn about building a professional online presence
Graduates from the 2019 Professional Retail Programme stand alongside Jessica Turner, owner of Confab Digital Marketing Agency (third from the left). Jessica, along with other industry experts, shared tips and tools for building an online presence. Image: MRP Foundation/ Pierre Tostee
School-leavers and graduates face a tough time finding employment. To further prepare young people for the workplace and help them stand out during the recruitment process, graduates from the Professional Retail Programme participated in mini-workshops about building online personal brands and setting up their social channels and CV’s.
As we move into an increasingly digital future, building an online personal brand, positioned towards potential recruiters, is vital in ensuring employment success. The graduates are part of the ten-month Professional Retail Programme that orientates them for careers in the retail industry.
During the workshops, industry experts shared tips and tricks in their area of expertise. Jessica Turner from Confab Digital Marketing Agency discussed the rules of Facebook and Instagram, some tips on how to get a head start on LinkedIn, and how to leverage social media platforms for employment opportunities. Matthew Haswell, Co-founder & Managing Director of Yreeka Pty Ltd, taught personal branding with the purpose of building a career and entering the job market and Aimee Foss, Mr Price Group Talent Specialist, presented on how to create a winning CV and ace your interview.
Tips for building a professional online presence
Personal Branding
Invest time and effort into building your own brand as recruiters will look at your online presence. Decide what channels you want to activate, what makes you unique, set goals and know your values.
LinkedIn
Linkedin is a great online platform to build your professional brand. It also provides opportunities to network meaningfully and be proactive about finding jobs.
Facebook and Instagram
Recruiters are more than likely to look at your online presence when making decisions on hiring you. If you don’t take yourself seriously, chances are your potential employers won’t either.
Create a champion CV
Recruiters often receive 1000’s of CVs and takes less than 20 seconds to decide whether to continue reading or not. It’s important to make your CV stand out, keep it simple and represent yourself accurately.
Acing your Interview
Graduates need to prepare for the many methods of recruitment including face-to-face, Skype or even online video interviews. Remember to be yourself throughout the recruitment process.
About the Professional Retail Programme
This 10-month internship develops specialised management skills that are critical but scarce in the retail industry. Open to graduates, the programme blends 18 weeks of classroom-based learning with 24 weeks of work-based learning. After completion, candidates can enter into junior retail occupations — a fast track within the industry.
The programme develops:
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An understanding of the complex and sophisticated world of retail
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An understanding of key roles and responsibilities in the retail value chain and how they add value to business and consumers
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Skills in applying strategies and processes found in varying retail environments to produce professional results in line with industry’s expectations
