Toolkit for your first job
How you earn money is a powerful driver of your financial future. Whether it's through a full-time job, a side hustle, creating content, or a part-time gig, the choices you make about your work directly impact your ability to build wealth, achieve financial independence, and live the life you envision.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate different stages of your journey, from starting out to growing your income and building your experience. Use it to get insights into how your work choices impact your finances, how to navigate the associated challenges and opportunities, and explore how to maximise your income potential.
Laying the foundation and getting started
Whether you're fresh out of school or varsity or looking to make a significant career or industry pivot, the initial steps are crucial as they build the launchpad for everything that follows. Think of it as an evolving blueprint where each experience shapes your next exciting move.
| What to do | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Get ready for your first real job by getting clued in on what it takes to get hired and start your professional journey. | Learn more |
| Your CV is often your first impression, see how to make it count. | Learn more |
| Create a LinkedIn profile that helps you stand out from the crowd. | Learn more |
| Building relationships can open doors throughout your career andconnecting with the right people can make finding the right job easier. | Learn more |
The job search and interview process
Once you’ve done the groundwork, it’s time to actively pursue opportunities and get your name out there by strategically targeting roles and crafting standout applications.
| What to do | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Don’t just apply for everything, approach your search with intent and clarity. | Learn more |
| The interview process is your chance to shine, prepare thoroughly to make a lasting impression. | Learn more |
| Ace the interview with our interview and prep cheat sheet. | Download |
| Sometimes the best opportunities are in a new location, here’s your guide to moving for a job. | Learn more |
Making your work journey count
Your job is about more than just earning money, understanding how to make your remuneration and income work for you is essential to growing your wealth, and making smart moves that give you the freedom to build the life you want.
| What to do | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Demystify your payslip and understand what it all means. | Learn more |
| Your initial salary is just the beginning. Knowing how to advocate for your worth can help increase your earning power over time. | Learn more |
| Changing jobs can be financially rewarding but also come with potential pitfalls. Protect your financial wellbeing during these transitions. | Learn more |
How you earn money can be a powerful engine for your financial success and contribute to your overall wellbeing. By proactively managing your earning journey, from building your skills and network to strategically negotiating your income and avoiding financial missteps, you are actively investing in the future you dream of.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax or investment advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to seek financial or legal advice before making any decisions based on the content.
Standard Bank, its subsidiaries or holding company, any subsidiary of the holding company and all of its subsidiaries make no warranties or representations (implied or expressed) as to the accuracy, completeness or suitability of the content of this article. The use of the article and any reliance on the content is at the reader’s risk.
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