When looking through job adverts, you will notice that one of the key attributes many companies look for in their employees is proactiveness. However, many graduates and entry level professionals may wonder, how can I demonstrate that I am proactive when I have limited work experience or whilst I am still studying?

Here are 4 top tips to demonstrate your proactivity;

1. Extracurricular activities

Being part of student associations, helping at career fairs or undertaking any other extra activities during you studies is a great value add. It not only shows to companies that you are proactive but also allows you to develop many transferable skills which will help you to stand out from the competition when applying for jobs.

2. Maximise any opportunities at your current workplace

It may not be possible to get a job in your current company’s IT or accounting department, however that doesn’t mean that there wouldn’t be an opportunity to gain some experience by lending a hand. For example, if you are an IT student, why not offer to help the company with checking and updating new software or volunteer to be the first point of contact for any IT related enquiries in your team. If you are an accounting student, perhaps you could assist with filing invoices or entering data into the company’s accounting software. Going that extra mile will look impressive to potential employers!

3. Volunteer/Community work

Being involved in volunteer or community work shows to companies that you are passionate, want to help others and that you are proactive. This type of work is often more flexible than paid employment which is why it is great for those who are still studying.

4. Internship

An increasingly popular way of gaining relevant, local experience for graduates is to undertake work integrated learning through an internship. Completing an internship will give you an opportunity to gain hands on experience in your field of study, start building your professional network and gain that valuable local reference.

Taking some of these extra steps can play an important part in showing to a potential employer that you are proactive, eager to learn and committed. Additionally, it will help you to stand out from all those other graduates in this increasingly competitive Australian job market.