6 tips on how to enter or re-enter the world of work

Whether you are a first-time job seeker or returning to the workforce after a hiatus, you may find the process of looking for work brutal.

The longer it takes to secure employment, the more bruised your self-esteem becomes.

Nola Payne, head of faculty: information technology at the Independent Institute of Education, has the following suggestions on how to find work:

1) Skills

Do not let your skills become stale. Find ways to keep them relevant and keep up to date with any developments in your industry.

2) Soft Skills

Work on your soft skills, such as communication and teamwork. There are plenty of great sites that offer free resources to help prepare you for the workplace.

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3) Research

If you do not have a formal qualification, do some research and register for one via distance education.

4) Best Version of Yourself

Read your CV with a super-critical eye. Look for anything that puts you in a poor light and fix it. That does not mean lying about qualifications, it means presenting the best version of yourself.

5) Expand Your Search

Newspapers and websites are good places to start, but you need to spread the net much further. Talk to friends and family and ask them if they know of any vacancies.

6) Be Realistic

Understand that you may need to settle for something that is not ideal. Being employed puts you in a much better position to eventually get your dream job. It may take time, but you never know where even a small job may take you.