You’re either fresh out of your university days or maybe you’re still studying, either way, you feel that you’re ready to get to work. But where do you begin? Sure, you can send resumes and cover letters. But if this is your first time applying for a job, there may be some things you don’t know about how hiring works.
Who do you contact? How do you get in touch with hiring managers? What do you wear to an interview? In this article, we’ll share five great tips to help you get your first job.
Tailor your resume
When you are trying to obtain your first real working experience, it may seem like submitting a resume with no previous work to mention is pointless. However, there is a specific way you can go about writing your resume even with no previous experience. There are also handy internet tools like a first resume template to make sure you don’t add anything you shouldn’t.
You should include all relevant education, training, and certificates you may have received in school or elsewhere. If you do not have any previous work experience but would like to include something on your resume, try adding a list of volunteer activities or community service projects that demonstrate specific skills such as organization and teamwork.
Write an objective instead of a summary statement at the top of your resume. A resume objective focuses on your skills and how you would help a business or company. This can help cover up a lack of experience by stating how much you want to work for that company and what skills you have.
Take advantage of university resources
Once you’ve figured out what career you want and where it might be, it’s time to start looking. The best way to get a foot in the door is through networking and making connections with people who can help you get hired. Let’s say you want a research position. Ask your career center for advice on how to network at university events for those types of careers.
Many universities offer job boards that list available positions at local companies, as well as internships and entry-level positions. Your university’s alumni network might also provide helpful contacts; don’t be afraid to reach out! Your educational institution may also be able to set you up with an internship which can give you some experience.
Find hiring businesses and companies
The first step to getting a job is finding businesses that are hiring. You’ll want to look around your area and see what companies are hiring. You can also contact local businesses to ask if they have any positions available for students, such as part-time work during school breaks.
If you find a company that is in your area but is not hiring at the moment, it’s a good idea to give them your resume anyway. Another way to gain experience is to freelance or even try to start your own business.
Use social networks
Social networks are one of the best ways to find a job. You can search for open positions on LinkedIn, which was designed specifically for this purpose. If you’re not sure how to use LinkedIn for finding jobs, check out their resources page.
LinkedIn is also a great resource if you’re looking for information about upcoming opportunities or events in your area. It is also a fantastic way to search for specific positions in your area and send in your resume. This makes it simple to get in touch with hiring managers and recruiters.
It’s also a great website for building your professional network. You can connect with people you know and anyone working in the field you are interested in.
Prepare for your interview
Let’s say you’ve handed in your resume and a manager liked it. That means you’ll have an interview and that would be the last step to take before getting hired. There are several things you can do to ensure a successful interview.
Practice interview questions beforehand. It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected, so practice your answers to common interview questions. You can also find some sample behavioral-based interviews online and use them as a guide when practicing how you would answer those questions.
Dress appropriately for the job you’re applying for. If they’re looking for someone who dresses conservatively or wears suits every day, don’t show up in jeans and clothes that can be considered too casual. Be sure to wear something professional and appropriate, even if it means spending more money than usual on an outfit.
Remember to also be confident in yourself and your abilities when speaking with hiring managers at interviews.
The key is to make sure you are prepared and have a solid plan in place when it comes to searching for your first job. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, use the resources available to you, and believe in yourself and your qualifications.
