Land your First Job

Land Your First Job: A Step-by-Step Guide!

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Landing your first job post-college can be challenging. Many graduates are surprised that most positions require a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience. Others discover that entry-level salaries in their field are insufficient to cover expenses. These hurdles are compounded when the extensive job requirements do not align with their limited on-the-job experience, making securing that first role even more daunting.

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As a college student, it’s ideal to begin your job search well before graduation, but now is the time to get going if you haven’t started preparing for your first job yet. While you can’t turn back time, there’s still plenty you can do in the present.

Even if you’re in your senior year, there are numerous steps you can take to enhance your prospects of securing a job upon graduation. In some cases, you might even secure a job offer before you complete your studies.

Job Search Checklist

Current unemployment rates for college graduates vary significantly by major, with some experiencing rates as high as 13%, while others are as low as 5%. However, even at the higher end, this indicates that 87% of college graduates do secure employment. The pertinent question, though, is whether these graduates find jobs within their chosen industry or field of study, which may not always be the case.

Your best chance of securing a job in your industry after graduation lies in planning and launching a targeted job search campaign. Finding a job becomes significantly easier when you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for.

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Create or Update Your Resume

If you already have a resume, great, just update it. If you don’t have a resume yet, you will (obviously) need to create one. There are lots of styles and formats and much depends on any experience you already have (like internships). Experience is important, but your first resume should focus on your college career as well.

Understanding how to effectively market yourself to potential employers is crucial and goes hand in hand with showcasing your skills and qualifications on your resume. However, crafting a substantial resume can be challenging without practical job experience.

Senior students and recent graduates should consider utilizing their school or alma mater’s career center for complimentary resume assistance. College career centers are adept at helping students with limited or no related job experience develop resumes that are both impressive and effective in securing job opportunities.

If you’re a junior or senior, it’s not too late to pursue a summer internship, which can add significant value to your resume. As a senior, even if you don’t have a job offer lined up yet, consider undertaking an internship during the summer after graduation. This experience can be a valuable asset in your job search.

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Where Do You Want to Work?

Understanding where you want to work – be it a specific country, city, or state – is a crucial first step in your job search. Your preferred location might be influenced by factors like your alma mater’s location, your hometown, or the residence of a significant other. This understanding necessitates targeted research to effectively find your first job.

If you have a clear idea of your desired work location, start by researching companies in that area. Gather data on job availability, salaries, and other relevant information. Conversely, if you’re uncertain about where you’d like to work, it’s beneficial to research which cities offer the best opportunities for your industry or job function. This informed approach will help you make strategic decisions in your job search.

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Who Do You Want to Work For?

Identifying and researching aspirational companies is key to a targeted job search. Assessing factors like reputation, salary competitiveness, financial stability, and industry relevance helps align your career goals with the right employers. Don’t overlook career sites of larger companies, especially beneficial for college graduates, offering entry-level positions and developmental opportunities. These firms recognize the value of investing in fresh talent, who can grow into roles that contribute to the company’s growth and stability.

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Second of all, get qualified and certified

Pursuing a career as a personal trainer requires more than just a passion for fitness and a willingness to guide others. It’s not feasible to simply walk into a gym, start coaching, and expect payment. To work professionally as a personal trainer, proper qualifications and certification are essential. Without these credentials, you risk being perceived as merely an overzealous gym enthusiast offering unsolicited advice, rather than a respected and knowledgeable professional. Completing a certified personal training course is a crucial first step in establishing your credibility and expertise in the field.

Social Networks

Now’s the time to leverage all of those social network skills you have to help you find a job. Who do you know that is working for a company where you want to work? How do you get the word out that you are looking for a job? Where can recruiters and hiring managers find you?

These are all important questions and the answer is – your social networks. Sounds easy on the surface (and it is), you just need to spend a little time “working” your networks.

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Networking for job search is under-rated. For some of us, there is nothing I like less than “bothering” a former co-worker, friend, relative, or business associate to let them know that I am looking for a job. There are, of course, many people who don’t have a problem with this.

There are several ways you can leverage your network using some basic networking concepts and methods.

You don’t have to have a Network of hundreds of people to have any hope of finding a job (take a look at LinkedIn these days). While the larger your Network the better your chances, it is the quality of your Network that will improve your job search prospects.

Think of networking as a way to advertise your skills. You must show how you’re a great candidate for jobs in your field, and a great way to do that is by starting a podcast. It’s free to start on SoundCloud, and you can increase the scope of your networking if you get SoundCloud followers to view you as an expert in your field.

Don’t make excuses; create your network list and start utilizing it. Here are some key people to include on your network list:

  • Friends: Friends can provide emotional support and may have valuable connections in various industries.
  • Family: Family members are often willing to go the extra mile to help you find job opportunities and can introduce you to their professional networks.
  • Former co-workers from internships and part-time jobs: These individuals already know your work ethic and skills, making them valuable references and sources of job leads.
  • Teachers and professors: Academic mentors can offer guidance, recommendations, and connections to industry professionals.
  • Friends of friends: Expanding your network through acquaintances can open doors to new opportunities and introduce you to a broader range of contacts.

Now that you have your list, what are the best practices for networking? There are many strategies available, most of which are effective (though some might seem a bit unconventional).

Interviews

Preparing for interviews involves more than anticipating questions; it’s crucial to research the company and understand why you want to work there. Equally important is having a list of thoughtful questions, as a lack of questions can suggest disinterest. Additionally, researching your interviewers, for instance through LinkedIn, can help tailor your approach, demonstrating your engagement and thorough preparation for the interview.

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Elevator Pitch

Having an awesome elevator pitch is so important. You never know who you may run into (and it doesn’t have to be in an elevator).  Separate and apart from having an elevator pitch (just in case), the exercise helps you refine your thought process in terms of what you want to do. This can help you as a lead-in during an interview process as well.

College Career Office

College grads tend to underestimate the importance and value of college career offices. Besides the fact that they are staffed with individuals who have experience in helping college grads find their first job, many employers will leverage college career offices as a lead to grads looking for jobs. While every college is different, the vast majority have a college career office in some form or fashion.

Internships

Internships are a crucial stepping stone in landing your first job. They provide valuable hands-on experience, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Internships also offer a unique opportunity to network with professionals in your field, which can lead to job offers and strong references.

Moreover, they help you develop essential workplace skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, making you more attractive to potential employers. By taking on internships, you not only enhance your resume but also gain a clearer understanding of your career interests and goals. Embrace internships as a pivotal part of your job search strategy, and you’ll be well on your way to securing your first job.

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Working in Other Fields

Sometimes you need to take a detour from your original route. Roadblocks and missing roads may keep you from your selected career but think of it as a short-term change of plans. Eventually, you will get back on track.

Landing Internships and Your First Job: Why Qualifications Are Not Enough
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In this book, you will learn how to: 

  • Develop creative networking techniques.
  • Prepare results-oriented resumes.
  • Compose compelling stories to engage interviewers on an emotional level.
  • Uncover the real goals behind many common interview questions.
  • Provide uncommon answers to common interview questions.
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