Landing your first job is not always an easy task. Some employers might hesitate to hire someone who lacks experience. And it takes reasonable effort and a calculated approach to put your education into a meaningful full-time job.
In this guide, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks on how to navigate the work market and make the best of it.
Choose a Path
The first step is to figure out what you want. It is always good to start as soon as possible, preferably before graduation. Based on the skills and qualifications achieved in college, consider what you are good at and what you’d like to do.
Every major has a range of opportunities. Think of what careers they offer and what is most appealing to you. This is important not only so you can get the position you’ll enjoy but also to narrow the search. And to answer the question of “why this position attracts you/why you are a good fit”.
Take into consideration the following factors:
- Career prospects;
- Job requirements;
- Your skills and experiences;
- Internships;
- Potential employers.
Also, consider if you prefer office work, a flexible schedule, or a position involving a lot of traveling.
Prepare for Writing
As a recent graduate, you might be a bit tired of writing already. Colleges are notorious for the number of assignments. And when you are dealing with academic writing, there is always help put there. A lot of students collaborate with WritePaper.com on their papers to get the best results. It is a professional academic writing service that offers assistance with all types of college papers, from essays to case studies.
Expert advice and guidance ensure a smooth process. Also, one can enjoy writing, editing, and proofreading help on the shortest notice. Use all of that experience to work on your resume and cover letter.
The texts here are going to be different in style, terms, and objectives. But do not neglect to put the effort in. These documents serve as the first impression on the recruiter. And based on that, you’ll get an interview or won’t get a call. The best choice is to adapt them to each particular employer and application, so start with finding the opportunities.
Explore the Opportunities
There are several ways to explore the possible job options, such as:
- Offline networking like career fairs and consultation with alums;
- Career advice from college professionals;
- Online job boards;
- Exploring companies’ sites directly;
- Posting your resume on a credible platform.
Overall, the majority of graduates look for opportunities online because it is faster and easier. And there are plenty of sites to navigate. To save time, search on job aggregators like Jooble or Indeed. They collect the postings from all over the internet in one place.
So whether you are a machine learning specialist or nurse, there will be a lot of options there. Both websites also allow posting your resume so that potential employers can find you. They get matched based on the skills and competencies they are looking for. It is a passive search, but it adds more chances.
Learn About the Companies
If you have a target list of companies you are willing to work for, research them. A great advantage is to know someone who works for them already. Then you can ask about opportunities for graduates, ways to get hired, as well as the pros and cons of the business.
Adjust Resume to the Posting
Usually, recruiters spend several seconds scanning through a resume. So it needs to be outstanding to catch attention. Here are some tips to improve your resume:
- Keep it short. Usually, one page is enough;
- Avoid irrelevant points. Do not include things that are not connected to the position you’re applying for. They will only distract focus;
- Use keywords and skills from the posting in your resume;
- Include internships and volunteering as experience;
- Use numbers. If you managed an Instagram account during your internship, use metrics to showcase your impact. For example, the conversion rate grew by 15%, or the following grew by 2,000 people. Numbers are an impressive way to illustrate the level of skill;
- Select a traditional readable font;
- Add personal projects if they have relevance to the job. For example, if you are looking to become an SM manager, you can use your personal pages as a portfolio.
Always adjust the resume to each employer based on who they are looking for.
Nail the Cover Letter
Not every company requires a cover letter. But if it does, this can be a great opportunity. You get to introduce yourself and showcase motivation, and passion for work. Also, it is a place to explain a gap in experience or the change of major if applicable.
Do not start with “to whom it may concern”. Do some research and address it personally to a recruiter. Showcase how your competencies and skills can bring value to the company. It is also the place to state why you are interested in this position.
Ace the Interview
There is no ultimate solution on how to impress every recruiter out there. But being honest, direct, and open is a good way to start. To gain confidence and feel less anxious, one might train with friends or relatives.
Look through common questions online and prepare the answers to them. Also, think of questions to ask the recruiter. It can be about the type of clients they work with, corporate culture, major milestones, or career development prospects. This illustrates your interest in the company and professionalism.
Prepare for the Day One
Starting a full-time job is exciting and a bit scary. Be ready to participate in onboarding events, meet new people, and ask a lot of questions. There might be some internal training sessions or orientation. Be perceptive and focused.
Do not stress too much about it. Communicate with colleagues and establish good relations. Meet your supervisor and concentrate on the responsibilities.
In Summary
Getting the first job after graduation is not as frightening as some might describe. Sure, there might be ups and downs along the way. But with determination and preparation, you can do it.
