How to Land the First Job?

You should start long before you graduate

I often receive questions from university students and recent graduates about how to get their first job. Employers ask for work experience, without which you won’t get a job. But without a job, you can’t get experience. It’s a vicious circle. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this situation.

I will explain below how you can build up experience, little by little, and prepare yourself for the job or career you want. It will also show you how every experience counts, whether related or unrelated to your field of study. You can start with any job at any age. You will learn to take responsibility, earn respect, and become independent at every step while preparing yourself for your career.

Preparing for the job market

The fundamental rule is don’t only study; always find something else to do alongside your studies without neglecting your studies. Try to become independent. Be sincere in whatever you do. No one can guarantee your success, but the points below may help you find your first job and build your career.

The first job will rarely be the dream role, and you should be prepared to spend time in less desirable jobs while looking to move upward from there.

You should also expect not to get a paid role immediately. Offer to intern or volunteer for free for a few weeks to build experience.

Taking responsibility at home

The first thing to learn is to take responsibility. Whatever you do, take the responsibility seriously and complete the task diligently. Others should find you a dependable person. It’s good to start this at home or within the extended family. It can be anything — tutoring your younger siblings or cousins or doing household chores such as shopping, washing, ironing, watering the plants, caring for the cows, or cleaning a car. Carrying out such tasks will prepare you for stepping outside the family.

The next step – outside the family

Venture out with such works as tutoring the neighborhood kids, forming a social club, or carrying out charity activities. It will give you valuable experience in socializing, networking, and financial management. Besides, you will enjoy it whenever you achieve something, such as winning a contest or managing an event.

Getting out of comfort zone

Find a job in a restaurant or a supermarket. Such work is hard and requires strict discipline. You will survive in any workplace if you can manage such a situation. Many of you are tutoring to support yourself. However, tutoring alone won’t give you the diversified experience the industry needs. Diverse work experience will significantly improve your confidence and self-esteem. You will also find that providing value to the employer and earning money in exchange could be hard. It is a life lesson.

University projects

If you are doing a project at the university, select a topic relevant to the industry. Ask your seniors who are already working in different sectors for suggestions.

University projects are a simple way to be more creative and think outside the box. They are also an excellent opportunity to learn something from students with more industry experience or people already working.

Managing personal finances

Learn how to manage personal expenses with a fixed amount of money. If you have any savings, put them aside; they will help you during any volunteering or unpaid work you might be doing. Some of you may be supporting your family, and such savings will be helpful for that as well.

Preparing a professional CV

Keep your CV up to date. Add all your jobs, whether small or large, paid or unpaid, charity or social work. However, note that your CV or resume should be within two pages. Tailor it to each position you apply for.

Reading to improve communication skills

Improve your communication skills. Learn how to express an idea most effectively with the correct language. Read contemporary literature and news magazines and practice speaking and writing.

Already a graduate? Still looking for a job?

The best time for you to act is now because you can’t go back in time to do the things I have discussed above. Ask any employer to allow you to get experience and accept whatever salary it may or may not offer. Consider it volunteering, but give the best value to the employer. At the same time, you will also be helping yourself by being diligent about your work. If you can prove your worth, you will get better offers soon.

No job is too small. Start with whatever opportunity you get.

What skills do the employers want?

It depends on the nature of the employer and its business. However, most employers like their recruits to be proactive, self-learners, and excellent communicators. All these qualities need some time to develop. Working outside your studies, such as those I have discussed above, will greatly help you. If you are outstanding, employers will offer you a position before graduation. But that will need hard work and sincerity.

Bottom line

There is no single formula for success. But one thing is sure: real-life experience is a must. Deliberately seek it based on the opportunities around you.

Start today.