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27th April 2011 by Esther Pinn

Only a couple of weeks ago someone said to me, "Wow. It's nice to meet someone who's actually in the field that they studied in".

Journalism is one of the toughest industries out there. You have to beg to get in there and then beg to stay in there.

It's quite common these days that people don't end up in the industry that they studied. Nearly everyone is going to university these days, there are not many graduate programs out there (depending on what you study) and with the recent Global Financial Crisis employers have been more cautious about hiring new employees.

Finding a job in the career you've chosen is not easy. But that doesn't mean it's impossible.

Don't Panic

If you haven't got an interview after six weeks of job hunting, don't panic. Some companies take time to process their applications.

It often takes quite a few applications to even get an interview – that's normal. When you don't have years of experience to show off, it's common that it will take a while to receive a call for an interview.

Do your research

The idea of facing a panel of judges freaks me out. Generally, most interviews you will encounter these days have at least two people on a panel. This means twice the amount of starring and twice the amount of questions!

It's important to do your research beforehand. Know a bit about the company, know the requirements of the job you are applying for, find out how much money you should be earning, know your resume, put together a portfolio of your previous work from university or work experience and practice questions!

Some of the questions you will be asked in an interview can be quite daunting. What's your biggest weakness, how much money do you think you should earn and where do you see yourself in five years?

No one actually admits a weakness in an interview, so instead say something plausible that can be turned into a positive. For example, "I am a perfectionist". Explain that you are particular with detail and that you always want it to be right, even if it takes time.

Know how much money you should be earning as it is quite common they will ask this. Since it's your first job, say that you should be earning between an amount that is common for an entry level position in your field.

Think about where you want to be in five years, job wise. Tell the panel you want to have a career, you are interested in staying with the company and would like to be given further opportunities in the future within the company.

These are just some examples of advice. Go to My Career for further interview-help questions and answers.

Trust God

It took me seven months to land a job as a journalist. I was ready to give up, but then God came through at the very last minute.

A week-and-a-half before my wedding I received a job interview and that same day they offered me the position.

God has your life worked out and he will always come through, even if it's at the last minute.

During this time of waiting, I learnt to hold onto God and give control over to him. Daily I reminded myself of his goodness with this Bible passage:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

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