Does anyone else feel like they just blinked and launched themselves from day one of the term right into the Easter holidays?!
Time warps aside, half term is always an excellent opportunity to refresh and reset – and spend some time thinking about what you can do that future you will thank you for!
And because we’re all big fans of a good To Do list here at Explore Careers HQ, we thought we’d help you by compiling our ultimate checklist of things you can do this break to level up those career plans (and your resume!).
Your Must-Do List to Help Boost Your Resume & Get Career Ready
There are plenty of little things you can start doing now to help prepare your transition from school into your next steps – and the good news is they don’t have to take up heaps of time!
Check out the list below and see how many you can check off this break.
1.Research top employers in your industry.
Get a head start on the best places to kickstart your career by researching employers in your area.
This is a great exercise to start learning more about who’s who and offers entry-level opportunities in your desired industry – and it could lead you to a few new organisations you haven’t explored before.
Bonus points for:
- Checking what early career programs they have and noting application deadlines.
- Ranking the employers by who looks like the best fit for you and noting why they’re the best fit for you.
2. Rate your skills and strengths.Â
For any resume, cover letter or application you write, you’ll likely need to discuss your key skills and strengths. OR respond to specific questions about different skills the employer wants you to demonstrate.
But you’ll struggle with this if you don’t know your skills and strengths!
We’ve got some great resources available to help you with this! Why not start with this blog and check out our Green Light Thinking activity.
3. Research the top-rated skills for jobs you’re interested in.
When developing your resume, you want to draw attention to the skills you have that are most relevant to your chosen industry/job roles.
A great way to learn this is to review job ads and list the most commonly cited desirable skills. Try to find 5-10 live job ads and review them to make a list of the skills they look for.
Bonus points for:
- Listing the skills and matching them with examples from your own experience that demonstrate how you have these skills.
- Reflect on which skills you lack and how to boost these.
4. Explore work experience opportunities.Â
Start with a list of placements you would love to do – match them to your career interests, and then take it one step further by matching them with the employers you’ve already researched.
Check to see which employers offer work experience and the process for applying and getting involved. Keep a note of all the info you find, ready to refer back to when needed.
Bonus points for:
- Preparing an application or introduction email to apply.
- Actually applying!
5. Practice common interview questions.
Why wait until you have an interview to prepare? Setting aside time to practice common interview questions and how you might answer will help you feel more confident and less pressured when the time comes!
Revisit the STAR technique and pick a few questions you want to be able to nail by the time an interview arises. Dedicate a little time a week to practising your answers.
Bonus points for:
- Getting a friend or parent to help you with your answers.
- Asking your school to run a mock interview session with real employers.
6. Volunteer for a cause you care about.
Volunteering is where you give your time and skills to support charitable organisations, not-for-profits, or other good causes in your local community. When many people think of volunteering, they automatically think of working in op shops and sorting through donations, but there’s A LOT you can get involved with!
From administration to social media management, graphic design to fundraising, and even helping at festivals and other community events. Whatever you want to get involved in, there’s usually a pathway through volunteering.
Bonus points for:
- Dedicating some time to volunteer for a cause you care about.
- Reflecting on the skills developed through volunteering.
- Making a regular commitment to volunteer.
7. Listen to a careers podcast.Â
Who doesn’t love a good podcast? They’re perfect to have on when you’re getting some housework done, going for a walk, or stuck on the bus – instead of losing time, you can actively give yourself a knowledge upgrade!
And there’s a podcast for EVERY topic you can think of – yup, including careers. For an easy way to boost your career knowledge this half term, pop on a podcast!
If you’re wondering about the financial side of things, Findex can help! Their Young Money podcast provides short and sweet access to all-you-need-know info for young Aussies seeking information on making money, spending money and planning for the future.
Find Your Balance
Half term is about getting a break and resting, ready to tackle the next term enthusiastically!
So, while we love a good to-do list, ensure you find the right balance for yourself.
Spending a small amount of time on these activities can be a real motivation booster and help you feel more confident about your future plans.
