Your first job is usually the most difficult to find. With little to no professional experience behind you, convincing a hiring manager that you’re the one they want can seem like an impossible task. It’s also your first time tackling the interview process, another difficult undertaking. To get yourself as amped up and prepared as possible, the following are some do’s and don’ts of finding your first job.
Be meticulous. Any mistake or error found on your resume will rule out your chance of getting an interview. Ask your parents, your mentor or a peer to comb through your experience to make sure grammar is correct, everything is formatted in a clear and organized manner and everything is spelled correctly. Also, be sure to update your resume with your most recent experience as well as your most up-to-date contact information.
Try your best to apply to each job with a fresh approach. Look closely at the job descriptions and make an effort to edit your cover letter to reflect what the company is hiring for. Never lie, but instead play up the skills and experience the company is most interested in. The key to finding your first job is to customize your application materials per company that you’re applying to.
In some ways, finding your first job is easier than it’s ever been. There are so many job websites and search tools that you can use to find openings around the country – and world. Make sure to create a LinkedIn profile and search for jobs that way, especially jobs connected through your networks where you might have an “in.” Indeed is a solid search tool, as are Glassdoor and CareerBuilder. Check alumni groups (Facebook, LinkedIn) and listservs from your university that also might post job openings and opportunities. There are also industry-focused sites where you can find listings for just your career field.
With hundreds of applicants for most jobs, sending an online application is often not enough to really grab a hiring manager’s attention. That’s why you should always check to see if anyone in your network works, or knows someone who works wherever you’re applying. If you do know someone at the company, be sure to reach out to that person and maybe ask some questions about the company before you send in your cover letter. Another strategy is if there’s a company in your city that you really want to work for, go ahead and reach out to someone in your area who works there and ask if they would mind getting coffee. Pick their brain about what made them successful and let them know what ambitions you have. Next time there’s an opening you’re qualified for, you’ll have a connection.
In-person connections are always better than virtual ones. That’s why it’s also important to go to networking events where you can meet and mingle with other industry professionals. Practice a short introduction speech before you approach people in an assertive and respectful way.
Quality is always better than quantity when it comes to networking. It’s better to write one thoughtful email reaching out to someone than 100 generic emails. Networking at its core is relationship-building. Relationships need time and labor in order to flourish.
Never rule out the possibility of a professional internship, if you’re seeing that most employers aren’t giving you the time of day when finding your find job. Internships are becoming the standard in many industries. Internships are a great way to develop professional relationships, boost your resume and gain professional, real-world experience that employers are looking for.
Remember to keep your mind open when you’re applying to your first job. You’re just starting to climb the career ladder, so there are bigger and better things to come. Appreciate the chance to learn from your peers, even if you’re not at your dream job yet.
Sources: https://www.thebalance.com/top-best-job-websites-2064080
Photos:
1. based on Girl Using Laptop in park, by CollegeDegrees360, CC-by-SA 2.0
2. based on 2006-02-14 005, by Michael Nutt, CC-by-SA 2.0
3. based on Networking, by Fruitnet.com, CC-by-2.0