You might be searching for your first job if you're a student or a new grad. Whether you're looking into contract work for the summer months, a part-time job you can keep year-round, or a new entry-level career now that you've (finally) nailed down your degree, finding your first job can be intimidating. If you've never held down a job before, it can be challenging to know where to start.
Here are six tips if you're new to job hunting:
1. put together a top-notch resume
Your resume is what represents you during your job hunt. Therefore, it's essential to make sure it reflects everything you have to offer. Writing a resume with no experience is challenging, but even without a long work history, you have your education and core skills that you want to share with potential employers. For instance, are you an extrovert who's great at working with people? Are you the organized one among your group of friends? Do you know how to use Photoshop reasonably well? Let employers know about these skills! If you're not sure how to start, check out our resume writing tips.
2. tap into the hidden market
Did you know some experts suggest as many as 70 to 80 percent of job openings are never publicly advertised? Even if that's an overestimate, how do all these unposted job opportunities find applicants? Often they're filled internally or by friends and family members of current employees. Sometimes, even recruiters don't bother posting niche jobs online if they know they'll be flooded with unqualified applicants – after all, what's the point in receiving an application if it's not worth the time it takes to read?
To tap into this market of unposted jobs, ask friends and family if they know of opportunities at their workplace. Also, consider working with a recruitment agency like Randstad. We have access to many job opportunities, some of which are public, some of which aren't. We can help you find ones that match your skills.
3. consider internships
Between school years? Part-time or seasonal roles don't have to be limited to job titles like "camp counselor" and "burger flipper." These jobs are perfect if you're looking for a way to make some cash for the summer. However, if you're already in school and looking for ways to expand your education, finding an internship or co-op position for job experience may be a great idea. Both paid and unpaid opportunities are available, so keep an eye out for ones that suit you.
4. build a professional online presence
In today's smartphone-driven culture, everyone have a social media presence. Don't make the mistake of thinking hiring managers aren't looking at your profiles and judging what kind of employee you might be based on how you act on social media.
You might think those silly drunk photos you posted last summer are funny, but a hiring manager probably won't see things the same way. Before applying for your first job, give your social media accounts a quick sweep and delete anything that might be seen as inappropriate or hinder your chances. Then create a professional LinkedIn profile showcasing your skills, education and experience. No paid experience? Highlight volunteer work and student leadership roles.
5. focus on a few applications and do them right
The internet is saturated with job opportunities, so it can be tempting to slap together a generic resume and submit it to as many jobs as you can click on, then wait and see who bites. That's the wrong way to look at applying for a job. Hiring managers are looking for passionate people who stand out from the crowd. If you're submitting the same application to every job under the sun, it's a guarantee that won't be the case. Take a little more time crafting applications for jobs you really want and tailor your cover letter to each posting.
6. think beyond city centres
If you're a city dweller, it's easy to forget there's a place beyond the urban jungle you live in. Job seekers often write off jobs that are out of the city limits. Small towns and suburbs need to fill jobs, too, and chances are the competition for these jobs will be much lower than those in densely populated urban areas. Wondering how to get your first job in a different region? Randstad can help, thanks to our extensive national network.
