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If you’re fresh out of school, you might be fumbling and scratching your head, asking yourself where and how to start looking for your first job. It might look challenging, but nothing’s easy in this world anyway. All you have to do is take the first step.
A first job is like a spring that could bounce you higher and lead you to greater heights, but it could also transport you blindly into the unknown. Getting a job in the cutthroat corporate world is a feat in itself, but not all jobs are created equal. Even if you’re a complete novice, you still have the opportunity to get hired by great companies. It’s just a matter of looking at the right places.
To help you out, here are some guaranteed job-hunting tips to help you land your first job:
1. Create an Effective Resume
An effective résumé will show your credentials to your future employees and highlight your professional experience, educational background, skills, abilities, and accolades. One look at a résumé and an employer or HR specialist can tell if you’re worth interviewing or not.
Taking the time to build a powerful resume is worth all the effort, as this could open many doors for you.
2. Use Job Platform Apps
With the power of technology, your future employer could be at your fingertips. Try looking for a job platform app online, such as Hirect to get the job you want in as few steps as possible. Apps like this let you build a resume, reach out to founders, and set job interviews with them. With instant chat and message features, you’ll know right away if you made it or not. The app also allows candidate recommendations, so employers could be the ones reaching out to you if they see you fit with what they’re looking for.
3. Gather Experiences
Some companies prefer to hire fresh graduates, but some are strictly looking for experienced ones. To give you an edge among others, it’s best to gather as much experience as possible. You may start working with small firms first and gather know-how and industry tricks so you’ll be more confident as you face prominent companies in your career journey.
4. Build Your Portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of your work that shows how strong your skills are. Say you’re a graphic designer, you can offer your services for free to friends and relatives who own a business so you can build your portfolio. The same goes if you’re a web developer, social media specialist, and even a hair and make-up artist.
By giving out free services you’re not only gaining proof of experience for your portfolio but you’re also developing clients, who would be willing to pay next time because of the quality of your work.
5. Write a Strong Cover Letter
A cover letter comes with your resume, and usually, the first document, human resources, will read about you. It’s a 250–400 word paragraph that could spark the interest of your future employer to read your resume and schedule you for an interview.
The purpose of a cover letter is to convince the organization to hire you. It should not repeat what’s already in your resume, instead, it should amplify it.
Think of it this way, if you’re selling yourself to an organization, you need to be creative in presenting your skills, abilities, and background. You have to tell them why you’re perfect for the job and how the company would benefit from hiring you.
6. Prepare for the Interview
Communication skills are crucial in any setting. How you present yourself and your ideas matters a lot to many companies. Being knowledgeable is one thing but being confident sets an applicant apart from others. It also pays that you establish rapport with your interviewer and show sincerity through eye contact.
In an interview, you must listen well. And if you don’t understand the question, feel free to clarify. It’s better than pretending you understand it and giving the wrong response.
You may practice in front of the mirror at home or have a family member interview you with questions you can research online.
It’s also important to know something about the company you want to work for. Doing a little research about the company and incorporating facts about them through your answers will impress your interviewer and show that you are well-prepared.
7. Dress the Part
Showing up to a job interview in an ill-prepared outfit speaks of a lack of regard for the task and may translate to carelessness and inattentiveness. While showing up in a well-thought-out and presentable attire shows preparedness and professionalism.
Perception and first impression are two crucial things in a job interview, and showing up on your Sunday’s best may rack up points for you.
Conclusion
Nothing is accomplished greatly sitting down and doing nothing. Exerting an effort to build your skills, character, and know-how may take time, but it will surely lead you to your dream job if you pursue it passionately. Make this article your guide to pursue your dream job.
