How To Get Your First Job

1. Determine the type of job you want

Based on your interests, skills, and experiences you should form an idea of what type of job you will be a great candidate for. Important things to consider are what jobs align with your experiences and which of your skills will set you apart from others applying to the same job.

2. Create Resume

For many applications, your resume will be your first impression. It is important to clearly list your skills, professional experiences, and any education or certifications you have received. If you’re interested in having your resume stand out from the competition click here to read our article titled, "How To Make Your Resume Stand Out When Applying Online."

3. Network with peers, friends, and family

Good or bad, the phrase, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is becoming more and more true. Take time to think of the positions your peers, friends, and family hold and narrow down some you may be interested in. Then, contact these individuals and ask if they would be willing to discuss their career and the path they took to get there. If the conversation goes well and you think it is appropriate, there is the option of sending this connection a copy of your resume and politely asking them to keep you in mind if they heard of any openings in a position similar to theirs.

4. Search for the job

Use the various job search websites to find a job that you’re interested in. We have ranked the 5 best websites for the job search in our article titled, "Best Job/Internship Search Websites." Many of these websites have a “quick apply” option where the application can be completed in seconds.

5. Prepare for interview

Before an interview it is important to study your resume and be able to explain your role and skills you’ve gained in each professional experience. Next, take time to view the company’s website and read through recent press releases. These press releases will allow you to know the direction the company is headed as these press releases typically cover future initiatives and any current issues the company is facing. Also, it is important to come up with several questions about the role and company itself. Questions make you seem very interested in the role and prepared when you are faced with the question of, “do you have any questions for us?”

6. Interview follow-up

Send an email thanking all employees you spoke with during the interview for their time. Also make sure to note that you enjoyed the conversation and look forward to hearing from the company.

Good Luck!