Once you graduate from university, landing your first job is the next step. However, the market is saturated with qualified graduates, and it is important to stand out from the rest.
How can you do that? That is where I come in. Below I have listed some insightful tips for landing your first job that you can implement. So, if you are eager to get ahead of all other candidates who are aiming for the same job, these tips are extremely valuable to you.
Make the best out of social media
While most people think that social media is just for catching up with friends and family, many social media platforms are actually valuable networking tools.
Before applying for your first job, create professional social media profiles and become active in job communities that are part of your industry. Use your social media profile to showcase your skills, achievements, and recommendations, in addition to communicating with other people in your industry.
With the rat race for graduate jobs that we are currently witnessing, you cannot afford to be passive in your approach to hunting jobs.
Be confident but stay humble
Having confidence in your skills and abilities will definitely give you a leg up when applying for jobs. Confidence is visible to your potential employer, and during an interview, it will make you seem like you can be trusted to get the job done right.
Having confidence is important in all jobs, from receptionists to website designers, to marketers.
However, your confidence should not be demonstrated as over-confidence, as this makes you seem like less of a team player and will put any employers off. Humility is key!
Make a good first impression
When applying for your first job, it is important for you to make a good first impression. Firstly, ensure that your appearance is clean, smart, and appropriate, as personal grooming will influence the way you are perceived.
Apart from making sure that your hair and clothes are neat and clean, also make sure to be respectful to everyone that you meet. Being courteous is a forgotten art, and a simple please and thank you will make sure that you are remembered by those you come across.
One other obvious tip which many people seem to forget is to turn their phone OFF in the interview room.
Landing your first job by staying persistent
When you apply for your first job you will hear the word ‘no’ more than once, regardless of your skills and grades.
In spite of this, you need to remain persistent amidst the rejection. Every time you receive a rejection to a job application that you have submitted, take the following steps:
- Ask the company or potential employer to contact you in the case that another job opening occurs
- Leave your resume in case they decide to look over it again
- Thank your employer for giving you their time and attention
Landing your first job by getting experience
As you already know, experience is a necessity when applying for any job. Make sure you get the experience during your time at university, and you can do this through the following methods: part-time work, volunteering, internships and leadership roles on campus e.g. student council.Apart from getting jobs and internships that will teach you responsibility, commitment, and time efficiency. You should look for
Apart from getting jobs and internships that will teach you responsibility, commitment, and time efficiency. You should look for an experience that is significant for the career you are venturing into. For example, if you are aiming for a career in education, look for work as an instructor at a summer camp, or search for a job as a tutor. If you are looking to become an accountant, look for work at local stores where you can learn how to handle the books. Career-related experience is very important!!
For example, if you are aiming for a career in education, look for work as an instructor at a summer camp, or search for a job as a tutor. If you are looking to become an accountant, look for work at local stores where you can learn how to handle the books. Career-related experience is very important!!
Improve your writing skills
Many employers in the PR, advertising, and marketing communications industry, demand for excellent writing skills from their employees.
If you are looking forward to landing your first job in one of these industries, then you need to ensure that you have solid writing skills. You can do this by writing at every chance you get so that you have numerous samples for your portfolio. There are many opportunities for you to write, including for the student newspaper, for several writing competitions, and for your local magazine.
Whether or not you are published, practice makes perfect, besides, it helps you increase the chance of landing your first job.
As you can see, landing your first job is possible when you know what to do to stand out. The expert tips given above will be helpful for graduates in all industries, including engineering, human resources, accounting, PR, and marketing.
So, if you are looking forward to landing your first job, be sure to put into practice the tips given above.
Now that I’ve graduated and are struggling to find my first job, I reliazed I lack too much experience and skills. I regret not taking part time jobs and doing more internships while I was still in university.