How to find your first job?

You need the experience to get a job and you need a job to get experience, been in this loop before? Let’s break this right away!

Finding your first job can be a daunting experience in these uncertain times. As you’re all set to enter the corporate world and see what possibilities to claim what’s yours, but before you land your dream job role in your dream company, just a heads up, your first job may not be your dream job. And it’s okay! Higher-paying jobs often require additional education and experience.

So, what’s a fair decent first job?

Your first job is a career launcher on your corporate ladder as you learn to make the most out of it. It doesn’t necessarily need to be your dream job. It is the first time you are getting acquainted with the corporate culture. It helps you identify what kind of work you enjoy and what you don’t, what are your strengths and weaknesses etc.

Now that you know your first job has a chance of not landing you your dream job so what’s an ideal age to start working?

There's no particular age to be a fresher. You can start working while you’re still at school or graduating college or even after pursuing masters. There’s no age bar to working on what you love!

What could be an ideal job for the first time?

As you first start your career, consider jobs in various sectors such as retail, sales, fast food, or other entry-level sectors. These are often competitive positions because many teenagers and young adults seek them out. However, these workplaces are almost always hiring, so there are plenty of opportunities for you.

Jobs for 10th pass- 10th pass students may work as interns or assistant roles in various industries or companies.

Jobs for 12th pass- 12th pass students may work as clerks or helpers in various industries/companies etc.

Jobs for freshers- Freshers may consider jobs such as data entry operators, software/hardware engineers, accountants, sales/marketing executives, etc.

Jobs for women- Women may consider jobs such as home tutoring/teacher, helper, cooks/chefs, receptionists, client relationship managers, etc.

How can I get my first job with no experience?

Here’s a checklist on how you can get a fresher job-

Do your own job search

Before you start hunting for what companies you wish to work in, look out for roles you are willing to offer to those companies. Basically, list down all the things you like or think you like so that you get clarity of what you can offer to the company. Now that you know what appeals to you, you must go through the job descriptions of those roles and build those skills.

Bonus point: Try connecting with people in those domains and build a network on various professional/social networking sites. In this way, you get better clarity of knowing what you’re about to get into. Plus, it helps you collect referrals for the future.

If you are still not able to find what you like, it’s okay. I’ll repeat that again, your first job doesn’t need to be your dream job. It’s okay to pick up certain things and try them out and see if that suits you or not.

Build your resume

Hiring managers will know you’re just starting out but would expect good intent from a potential candidate. How’s that possible? By tailoring the resume according to the job role. They see if the candidate is serious about the job and has clarity about the job description given to him. You can add relevant skills (both hard and soft skills) to your resume and back it up with the suitable role you’re applying for.

Apply on job portals and hiring apps

Once you have clarity of what you’re entering into, what skills are required, your resume which is basically, your first impression for the recruiter is ready all you need to look out for companies to which you can add value. For searching out the right companies you can use the best use of job boards, professional networking sites or career pages of companies. You can also make the best use of job fairs or career events for offline professional networking.

Preparing for interviews

Once you select a job, apply and earn an interview, the time comes to prepare. Look over the job description and study the information presented. Research about the company and discover its history, mission, and beliefs thoroughly.

Bonus point: Everyone loves a pinch of personalization so how about finding out who may interview you and look them up on networking sites? Read through their interests and get to know them as a person as it will help to have a better conversation, hence a better interview in general.

Follow up

Don’t undermine the value of a follow-up. Everyone likes a little appreciation, it's a good practice to send a thank you email after your interview as it puts you in the good eyes of the interviewer. Use this letter as an opportunity to reinforce your potential value to the company and enthusiasm for the role.

Bonus point: As you wait to hear back, it’s a good idea to apply to other jobs. It’s rare to get a job in the first place you apply, and it’s better to open up more options for yourself.

In this intimidating process just don’t start devaluing your own capabilities in case you didn’t clear an interview or your CV didn’t get shortlisted and follow the drill again if you didn’t get selected.

Before accepting the job offer of your first job just ask these six questions yourself:

Will this job teach me new skills?
Can I switch departments in order to try out new things?
Will this job support me financially?
What are the working hours for the job?
How much is the commute time?
Will this job help me broaden my professional network?