Looking for your first job out of school can be a daunting experience. With limited work experience, you may feel you are at a disadvantage compared to other candidates. However, with careful planning and preparation, you can stand out from the competition and land a key role in your desired field. Follow these eight tips to jump start your career right out of school.
1. Make sure your resume is perfect
With limited work experience, having an error-free resume is crucial. Read the job descriptions carefully and tailor your CV, highlighting any key skills, software/tools or previous roles you desire. Quantify accomplishments from school projects, leadership roles, or volunteer work. Include relevant modules, lessons and assignments that demonstrate skills tailored to the role. You can use a no experience resume template if you are struggling with it.
2. Research potential employers thoroughly
Before you even apply for jobs, take the time to thoroughly research the companies and roles you may be interested in. Look beyond the job descriptions and explore what each employer does, their workplace culture and what makes them unique. Follow their social media accounts and read recent news articles about the company. This will give you valuable knowledge that you can refer to in cover letters, interviews, and conversations with recruiters. Showing genuine interest and knowledge makes you stand out.
3. Use your network
Networking is vital when you have limited experience. Reach out to friends, family, professors, school career counselors, and alumni who may have connections at companies that interest you. Ask if they would be willing to refer you to any suitable openings. This gets your foot in the door and your resume seen by hiring managers. Attend industry events, join professional associations and use LinkedIn to expand your network as well. Maintain these connections as they will continue to help you advance your career.
4. Highlight transferable skills
Employers know you'll need on-the-job training to develop hard skills. However, they look for candidates with transferable soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, time management, adaptability and a strong work ethic. Identify examples from school team projects, sports/clubs, or part-time jobs that demonstrate these desired skills. Quantify your achievements and impact. Soft skills allow you to move up quickly in a new workplace.
5. Show enthusiasm and willingness to learn
When interviewing for leading roles, don't be afraid to acknowledge your limitations in terms of technical ability or practical experience. However, emphasize your enthusiasm, passion and willingness to learn on the job. Share examples of acquiring new skills and accelerating when faced with new challenges, obstacles or unfamiliar tasks in previous roles. Convey that you will bring a positive attitude and strong work ethic to hitting the ground running in a new workplace while actively seeking opportunities to learn and grow.
6. Ask insightful questions
The interview is your chance to show genuine interest while gaining knowledge that will help you in your role. Ask smart, thoughtful questions that show you understand the company's culture and goals. Ask about challenges they face that you could help solve, new initiatives they are pursuing, or how success in the role is measured. This shows initiative and reflects your preparedness. Avoid questions that are easily found on their website. Thoughtful questions help you position yourself as the right fit.
7. Continue immediately
After applying for a role or interviewing, always send an immediate thank you note or email. Thank the interviewer or recruiter for their time, reiterate your interest in the role, mention something specific you discussed, and include any relevant information you didn't understand. Tracking shows extra effort. Ask when they expect to receive a hiring decision. If you do not hear back within the time frame given, please continue again. Persistence and professional follow-up go a long way.
8. Be open-minded
While you may have a dream job straight out of school in mind, also apply for roles you may not have considered before. Focus on positions that offer growth opportunities or a chance to develop skills rather than job titles and prestige. Lead roles at a B2B brand that provide mentoring, training and room for advancement can launch rewarding careers even if they weren't initially on your radar. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn.
The transition from school to the working world can seem daunting. However, with thorough preparation, putting effort into applications and interviews, leveraging your network and demonstrating transferable skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, you can land a great entry-level position right out of school. Watch immediately and keep an open mind when looking for roles. With determination and smart preparation, you can start a rewarding career doing what you love.