There is no specific time to apply for your dream job. No one will care about your career success except you. The more time and care you give to planning, the higher the chance of your getting successful. Having a plan in hand gives you peace of mind and removes anxiety since you will be aware of what to do in a given situation. Entering the business environment can be a massive change for you and at times, overwhelming as well. You will not be the only one to be anxious when thinking about your initial steps into the workplace. It may be something out of your comfort zone at first, but with time, you will learn your way around.
It is highly likely that your first job will be at the beginner level. This may not be what you expected, like something exciting. However, this will just be the way to achieving your final goals. It is important that you stay positive throughout the journey and use that time to learn as much as possible. Avoid changing your job within a year. Here are some tips for getting your first job.
Use Your Connections
The easiest way to land yourself a job is through your connections, especially your first job. Think about those you know who have connections and can support you.
Consult Your School’s Career Advisors
Your success would be equal to their success. Book an appointment with the advisor, attend a career fair to find the appropriate opportunity, etc. Get more connections by using your school’s alumni data. School career advisors can introduce you to alumni who are employed in similar fields. They will be highly helpful for you. You can also search for them by yourself on LinkedIn.
Look for Internships
Look for internship opportunities. Check with your school’s career advisor to help you connect with an opportunity. You can also use Google to find such opportunities where you will find websites with a list of them. Search for opportunities in the companies you want to work with, especially those that have greater brand recognition. Having such a brand name on your CV will add reliability.
Go All Out
Going all out will get people to notice you. There will be a higher chance of getting a job and better referrals, as well as building a positive image. It will open doors for you in places you wouldn’t have imagined. Companies will want to hire you. You can also drop your resume in the companies you are applying to the hiring manager. Through this, you will be able to make a personal connection. When applying to larger companies, email the manager by giving an introduction about yourself. Add them on LinkedIn. Drop your introduction there as well.
Resume tips
Highlight your skills and experience. Make it apparent. List any classes that you have taken for the job you are applying for and your extracurricular activities. Include your GPA if it is above 3.5.
You should be able to communicate the reason for choosing a certain career path, both verbally and written. Add this to your cover letter or LinkedIn profile. Share your motivation drivers through a story but keep it short and captivating.
Also, be more visible to people online by writing blogs, building an online portfolio, making a personal website, and so on. Make a LinkedIn profile. Write your ambitions regarding your career goals. Endorse people on LinkedIn.
Once Hired
Enter your workplace with the mindset that you are there to learn. Your employer would want you to do that. If you are confused about a task or the workplace structure, find your answer through the resources available to you or simply ask for help. Your boss and colleagues would understand what you would be going through. They must have faced a similar situation. Don’t go about pretending you don’t need to be saved. Employers will see right through you.
Going with a mindset of learning something at the end of the day is what you need. Learn from the people that surround you. It will only enhance your skills. To be successful, be curious about all characteristics of the job and the people working there. Lastly, value people’s time and yours too. Time won’t come back.