Get a job after college
Beth Hendler-Grunt, a career development coach and author of ‘The Job Outlook for the College Class of 2024,’ notes that statistics reveal a rise in the average time to secure a job from 5.5 months in 2023 to 6 months in 2024. Furthermore, while there was once a job opening for every applicant in 2022, the landscape has shifted, with 2 applicants for every job in 2024. Given these changes, how can the graduating class of 2024 effectively prepare themselves for employment opportunities? In her article, she emphasizes three key areas for new graduates to focus on.
#1 The Ability to Solve Problems
Organizations are eager to hire candidates who can swiftly offer solutions to a variety of business challenges. In today’s world, organizations grapple with environmental, humanitarian, political, technological, and global issues while striving to remain profitable. Candidates who possess the ‘no box thinking’ ability and offer innovative solutions will consistently be in high demand.
By divine power, Joseph deciphered the king’s intricate dream, and through God’s revelation wisdom, he provided a solution that spanned generations. Lately, organizations are grappling with various challenges that demand solutions, such as establishing clear direction, attracting, and retaining talent, declining profits, diminishing brand identity, fostering collaboration with competitors, and integrating technology, among others.
To increase your chances of getting hired, become ‘the Joseph in Egypt.’ Genesis 41:37-40 says, ‘Joseph’s suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials. So, Pharaoh asked his officials, “can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.”
The prosperity that attended everything placed under Joseph’s care was not the result of a direct miracle! His industry, care, and energy were crowned with divine blessing. Joseph attributed his success to the favor of God, and even Pharaoh accepted this as the secret of his unparalleled prosperity. It is worthy to note however, that without steadfast, well-directed effort, success could never have been attained.
#2 Differentiate Yourself
Organizations expect candidates to define their value early on, as they view hiring the best candidate as an investment. If Daniel handed in a resume for the internship at King Nebuchadnezzar’s’, his resume profile would probably have looked something like this.
Daniel, the exile from Judah, understands mathematics, science, and literature. Interpreter of dreams, proficient in the language of the Babylonians, team player, holy spirit filled and led, 10 times better than the rest.
No wonder the King said of Daniel ‘I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you’ (Daniel 5:14).
In a competitive field of qualified individuals, effectively showcasing your value through your resume and during interviews is vital. This underscores the importance of investing in professional resume writing and interview practice. This reality became clear to Temi when she was not chosen for an internship, despite being shortlisted. The organization’s email response indicated that 230 applicants were competing for only 17 positions, suggesting an approximate ratio of 14 applicants per position.
Without a doubt, Daniel possessed distinctive attributes, but perhaps his most noteworthy was his devotion to God. When it comes to standing out from the crowd, applicants must recognize the divine role that God plays. Isaiah 41:10 comes to mind, ‘so do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ Pure and total devotion to God is a winning strategy. When Joshua felt the weight of his responsibilities, God supported him and unveiled a key to success: ‘this book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success’ (Joshua 1:9).
#3 Be Prepared
Through research, gain a thorough understanding of the organization, its associated challenges, the specific role you are applying for, and then prepare to seamlessly integrate into it. Develop and refine your soft skills, such as written and oral communication, empathy, adaptability, leadership, emotional regulation, listening, time management, conflict resolution, negotiation, mediation, and more. These skills are crucial for your ongoing success within the organization.
Galatians 5:22-23 emphasizes the significance of cultivating the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which serve as the most potent and beneficial soft skills. These qualities, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, can be integrated into various other skills. Jesus led from the heart. He exemplified leadership from the depths of compassion, goodness, and alignment with his father’s purpose. Throughout the New Testament, we witness Jesus actively resolving conflicts, engaging in meaningful communication, adapting to challenging circumstances, and valuing time because he had a set time to complete his assignment. Of a truth, he is an example.
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Prayers
1. Blood of Jesus, cleanse me of all unrighteousness, in Jesus name.
2. O Lord bring me into favor with all those who will decide on my employment, in Jesus name.
3. I claim the power to overcome and to excel amongst all competitors, in Jesus name.
4. Let any decision by any panel be favorable unto me, in Jesus name.
5. I reject the spirit of impossibility, I claim open doors of divine favor, in Jesus name.