Guide to Getting Your First Job Even in the Midst of Competition.
Guide: Have you been wanting to find a job, but you don’t know where to begin? Or has your mom or dad been nagging you to find a job, but you cannot seem to get a call back? This article will help your job search a little less stressful.
Why Is Your First Job Important?
Your first job is important because it teaches you valuable skills and shows you what kind of work you enjoy, which can guide you through the rest of your career. The people you meet and the coworkers you work with are often more important than the money you make.
Your first job is a great place to network as you can make connections to higher-paying jobs. It also exposes you to new situations with customers, inventory and even particular computer systems. You can also add experience from your first job to your resume to make you even more competitive in future applications.
This is How Get Your First Job
The following steps outline the best way of obtaining your first job:
- Fix your expectations
- Network with peers
- Consider a job for the experience
- Write a resume
- Carryout a research for a job
- Get set for the interview
- Dress appropriately
- Do a follow up after the interview
1. Fix your expectations
Higher-paying jobs often require additional education and experience. As you first start your career, consider jobs in retail, sales, fast food, or other entry-level sectors.
These are often competitive positions because many and young adults seek them out. However, these workplaces are almost always hiring, so there are plenty of opportunities for you.
2. Network with peers
Whether you’re just starting your career or are approaching the midway point, networking is always beneficial. Talk to your friends, family and schoolmates and let them know you’re actively seeking a job.
Friends or other students may have connections to family-run businesses or can vouch for you at a local restaurant. Having a connection to a role increases your chances of obtaining the position.
3. Consider a job for the experience
Your first job may not be exactly what you want, but it offers valuable experience you can use later. For example, if you work in retail, you earn in-demand customer service skills and expose yourself to a wide variety of situations. Each one presents unique ways for you to either learn new skills or sharpen old ones.
In a restaurant setting, you might learn basic business like inventory management or food safety. It could even lead to an advanced position, since many restaurants prefer to promote a waitress to kitchen staff rather than hire a stranger.
4. Write a resume
The best way to promote yourself to an employer is to have a resume to show them. You may have little or no professional experience to discuss within your resume, but consider the skills you learned elsewhere. For example, if you’re taking and excelling in a public speaking course, you might include your advanced verbal communication skills.
Also, consider volunteer positions as they provide a similar experience as a paid position. For example, if you volunteered in a soup kitchen, include it in your resume with food preparation skills, customer service skills and more.
5. Carryout a research for a job
While networking is great for making business contacts, it also requires you to supplement it with an actual job search. There are many tools and applications both online on your computer and on your smartphone that can help.
Some solely focus on the job search, while others include other features like social media and networking elements. Look up your desired roles in the local area through job boards. You can even make an online professional networking profile and start showcasing some of your skills, talents and experience.
6. Get set for the interview
Once you select a job, apply and earn an interview, the time comes to prepare. Look over the job description and study the information presented. Take note of particular or skills they look for in applicants. Research the business and discover its history, mission and beliefs.
Find out who may interview you and look them up on networking sites. Read through their interests and get to know them as a person. This information not only helps in an interview but gives you an opportunity to ask questions about the information you found.
Most interviewers prefer applicants who engage and show that they took the time to get to know the business prior to the interview.
7. Dress appropriately
The first thing an interviewer notices about you is often the clothes you wear. Your attire makes a statement about who you are and your intent within the interview. For example, if you walk into an office interview with a T-shirt and jeans, it may look as though you’re not taking it seriously.
Consider the job you applied to and what employees wear on a daily basis. When dressing for your interview, try clothes that are a step above the daily dress code. For example, if the job allows business casual attire, choose business formal attire for the interview.
8. Do a follow up after the interview
It’s not often required, but following up after an interview may sway the company’s opinion of you in a positive direction. Write an email that explains how thankful and appreciative you are for the opportunity to interview with them. Thank them for their time and send them best wishes for finding the right person for the position.
This shows that you really care about the company and the job, them to consider you for the position. Give them an additional reason to hire you rather than nothing at all.
Once you’ve found a job that works with your school schedule, prepare a resume and cover letter for your potential employer. If you catch their eye, they’ll invite you in for an interview to determine if you’re the best fit.
With lots of hard work and preparation, your first job is only one application away. Sharing this with your friends could be helpful to them just try it.
StudentsandScholarship Team.
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