Being a fresh grad is no easy task. You might just have graduated college and learned all that is to learn, only to know that you’re back to being an infant in the “real world.” That’s the sad truth that every new graduate should accept. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the road for you, because your journey has just started. The only thing is, you might need to go find a needle in a haystack to finally get your career break. Trust us, it’s going to be overwhelming, but fun as well.
In this article, we’re going through seven things that every first-time job seeker must know and do to land their first job.
1. Clean up your social media
We’re living in the digital age where information about ourselves are literally scattered everywhere. And what better place to know more about you than in social media!? Because of this, it’s important that you ensure that your social media profiles are clean as silk. According to a study, 93% of job recruiters search for an applicant’s social media profile to assess them as a candidate for the job. Check your profile and look at it from the perspective of an HR specialist. There might be posts, photos, or tagged videos that’ll embarrass you and taint your reputation as a candidate for the job.
You can also tweak your account’s privacy settings or perhaps delete posts and photos altogether. And instead of only having Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, you might also want to have your own LinkedIn account. It’s where professionals connect with each other.
2. Make use of your network
No man is an island. No matter what you do, there will always be people everywhere. Why not use these people as leverage for you to get a job? Fresh graduates have strong connections from their classmates, teachers, and peers. Ask guidance from them and use them as referrals. Recommendations from reputable people will bring you a long way. It’s through this that you’re able to go ahead of the competition and get a job as soon as possible.
3. Know the company and ensure safety
Many first-time job seekers are great when it comes to creating stunning resumes, jaw-dropping cover letters, or perhaps answering interview questions. However, not all are good when it comes to doing research on the company that they’re applying to. Know more about the company. What they are, what they do, as well as where and how did they start are important things you should know. Also, see to it that you know the workplace where you’re possibly going to work. Ensure workplace safety above anything else, because after all, it’s your life that’ll hang in the balance.
David Rowland, Head of Marketing at Effective Software, is one of the foremost proponents of a stringent health and safety policy. He claims that a positive health and safety culture is vitally important, and that it can have a knock on effect on your businesses KPIs and bottom line.
4. Beef up your resume
Your resume is your personal branding. It’s where you’re going to pour out all the things that you’ve learned in school. In short, it’s the summary of what you have become. Use it as a means to convey your importance. State your awards, achievements, degrees, and put valuable referrals in your resume. Beef it up if possible, but don’t get to a point where you’re faking your resume. Remember, once the company spots something inaccurate, your application will surely be tossed out in no time.
5. Related experience is key
One of the things that many fresh grads struggle with is their previous working experience. This is a huge problem because most of them don’t have any, at least, from the traditional perspective. Unknown to many, new graduates do have experience — in the form of internships, volunteer work, or support projects. Add them to your resume. They’ll count as well!
6. Practice. Practice. Practice
Preparation is key to acing your job interview. And as a first-timer, it’s important that you take this seriously. Practice answering interview questions. Be eloquent and develop loads of self-confidence. You might experience a jitter now and then, but the only way to break that is to keep on practicing. Be comfortable in hearing yourself speak. Write out possible questions and prepare for the best answers. Take note; practice makes perfect.
7. Go out of the ordinary
Getting a job doesn’t mean that you have to work from 9 am to 5 pm. We are now living in a world full of opportunities where office jobs aren’t anymore the best options. Now, there are lots of freelance, part-time, and online jobs that pay better than regular white-collared jobs. Open your horizons and consider applying on these kinds of jobs. Not only are they likely to pay better, but you’ll also be more comfortable with them. And yes, you can get as many clients as you can!
Knowing what to do as a first-time job seeker will not only keep you inspired and motivated, but it’ll also increase your chances of finding the ideal and fit job for you.
With the help of the strategies mentioned above, not only will you be readier to getting your first job, but you’ll also improve your skills and build your own personal brand as a productive citizen of the country.
About the Author
Holly Shaw is part of the content team at Effective Software. Holly has worked in the health and safety industry since graduating from university. When not writing about health and safety practices, Holly can be found researching new travel locations.
