When you ’re looking for a job, maybe your first since leaving education, it can be a daunting prospect. Here are six things you need to think about before you even start sending off your CV to potential employers, so that you can begin to prepare for whatever opportunities come your way:
1. Set your goals
It’s good to think about what you want from your future career – both in the short and long term. Ask yourself:
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What am I good at?
- Where do my skills and knowledge lie?
- What characteristics of a job are important to me?
2. Clean up your CV
Every word on your CV needs to work hard:
- Spring clean your education section. If you're a graduate, your degree eclipses your school qualifications, which can be relegated to one line in most cases.
- Amend your CV for each application where that would help. Examine the job description and bring out your most relevant experience.
- Be short and to the point. Employers receive a lot of applications, so lots of detail isn’t necessary and won’t make you stand out from all the other applications.
3. The Google Test
What would an employer find if they ran a Google search on you? Have you set the right privacy settings to ensure your private and professional lives don’t mix?
4. Take a class or volunteer
Boost your employability by taking a class or volunteering. Both demonstrate a strong work ethic and that you’re keen to take the initiative. They’ll also add to your CV, providing talking points at your interview and potential networking opportunities too.
5. Follow brands and recruiters on social media
If you already use sites such as Facebook and Twitter, check out the pages of potential employers and follow them. You’ll not only receive news and job openings, but you will also learn more about their company culture. You’ll get a great idea of what the current job market is like and whether you would actually fit in with the culture of the company you’re applying to. So make sure you follow our Facebook page too!
6. Make connections
People are more likely to do business with individuals they know or people that are recommended. Let friends, family, old school or university classmates and professional contacts know that you’re looking for a job, and don’t be afraid to ask for their help in finding connections. Your profile on LinkedIn will help you build your contacts, but don’t forget that careers fairs, alumni events and conferences are great networking opportunities too.
Youth Initiative FAQs
1. Why are we giving so much attention to the Youth? What is Nestlé’s Youth Initiative based on?
Did you know that 27% of the Youth in the Middle East are unemployed? The Nestlé Youth Initiative is to help young people develop skills and become more employable. It aims to develop young talent and help tackle the youth unemployment crisis.
The Nestlé Youth Initiative is based on four pillars:
a. Providing “Readiness for work” programs delivered at universities such as interview training, CV clinics, job market tips etc.
b. Providing internship and training opportunities across Nestlé sites and in the factories.
c. Partnering with nonprofit organizations and companies who share the same objective and creating a bigger impact
d. Hiring people below 30 across various functions who fit the qualifications.
2. What does it mean for those employed at Nestlé who are above the age of 30?
We are a young market! One third of our employees are below 30 years old. Our main focus for the Youth Initiative is to foster employability and contribute to society by providing support for the Youth. It will help Nestlé identify and attract talent at an early stage of their career.
3. If we are targeting the Youth for our vacancies, does that mean those who are 30 years old and above cannot apply to Nestlé?
Of course they can! We fill our vacancies based on educational requirements, relevant working experience, and behavioral competencies. We have many vacancies in different fields and our job descriptions allow the applicants to identify if they have the skills needed for the role. If applicants fit the requirements and have the passion, they can visit our career website and apply!
4. Since the Youth Initiative is one of the main priorities at Nestlé, does that mean career development and growth will only focus on employees who are part of the Youth category?
Definitely no, there is no discrimination at Nestlé’s future career progression. In fact, all employees are expected to manage their own career development and take the ultimate responsibility for their career path. Employees are coached and empowered by their line managers on their career journey. Last but not least, the performance and potential of all our employees is discussed by leadership teams to facilitate career development.
Looking for a job,
apprenticeship or internship?
Get More Opportunities
The "Alliance for YOUth": With our business partners, we’re building an Alliance for Youth Employment. This opens up even more work opportunities for you at our partners’ companies, in sectors ranging from logistics and administration to production and services. Please have a look at the All4YOUth Facebook page to know more about our opportunities.
Further questions on the Youth Employment Initiative?
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions
A message from our Chairman & CEO
We are truly grateful to have been a part of this remarkable region for over a century. From Egypt to Morocco, and from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to Lebanon and Syria, with a presence in Iraq, Palestine, and Yemen, our journey has been marked by significant investments in our people and business operations. We have consistently driven impactful innovation and wholeheartedly embraced digital transformation across these countries. At the same time, we actively contribute to the community and step-up relief efforts where needed.
Our team of brilliant, talented, and dedicated professionals embody our purpose and values. Their hard work and commitment have been crucial in establishing Nestlé's leading industry position and fuelling our optimism for what lies ahead.
In the Nestlé Middle East and North Africa, we employ over 14,000 people and provide indirect employment opportunities to several thousand more in the 19 countries in our region. Our operations encompass 24 factories and a diverse portfolio of 60 beloved brands, in categories including bottled water, cereals, coffee, food, confectionery, dairy, infant nutrition, and more. We believe in the potential of business to be a catalyst for positive change. Despite facing decades of challenges, our region has shown steadfast resilience and determination, and to us, it means opportunities for growth, talent development, innovation, and a promising future. With our capabilities, our expertise and unwavering determination, we are poised to contribute to our communities in the Middle East and North Africa as well as the broader societal needs by integrating the right actions into our work.
At Nestlé, Creating Shared Value is at the heart of our purpose: to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. We are continually striving to build a business that benefits not only our company, but also the communities, individuals, families, and the planet. Recognizing that this is intrinsically tied to the long-term success of our business.
Our role in the community is to provide quality products and services and meet the diverse needs of our consumers while providing tasty and balanced diets that are accessible to everyone. Our goal is to lead in regional sustainability, accelerating decarbonization to act on climate change, tackle packaging waste, promote a circular economy to close the loop, and care for water. We believe in the power of Youth in the Middle East and North Africa region, and we are determined to empower the next generation of leaders to forge successful careers.
Over the years, we have built trust and credibility with our suppliers, business partners, local institutions, and authorities. We continuously advocate for collective efforts and partnerships and are committed to playing a positive role in our region, driving sustainable change, and value in our communities.
Yasser Abdul Malak
Chairman & CEO,
Nestlé Middle East and North Africa