Beginning your career can be daunting, so starting strong is essential. Co-op or internship experiences can provide invaluable guidance on the way. Your first position can set the path toward your ultimate career goals.
But this transition can be daunting and you might feel daunted by all of it.
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Employers expect applicants attending an interview to ask thoughtful questions of their own; answers that demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and comprehension of the position should be expected. Candidates without questions could give off an impression that they lack interest or preparation for the position at hand.
As part of an interview, be sure to ask about what your role would entail day-to-day and any projects you would be involved with. While it’s tempting to focus on specific questions from the company website or ask about holiday allowance or salary rates, try avoiding doing this too much as these could become easily accessible resources for answers.
Interviewers want to understand how your skills and experience would benefit their company or department, so choose one of your career achievements that relates to this position and discuss its positive effects – just don’t overstate its significance; that could come across as boastful or too boastful!
2. Be Prepared
Once you’ve put in the work and created an impressive resume, networked extensively, and scored interviews with prospective employers, you finally landed an official offer with an affordable salary – it’s time to celebrate!
Before celebrating with champagne, there are a few steps you need to take before celebrating in style. First and foremost, ensure all of your paperwork is in order, including an application, resume, references listed as references on your resume, as well as anything else necessary for your first day at work.
On your initial meeting, you’ll likely be asked to present an overview of your background and experience. This can be an ideal chance for you to showcase your talents, but be sure to relate them back to company priorities; for instance if they mention that their team needs additional assistance then focus on how your skills would have an impactful contribution towards aiding their department.
Also Read: Work From Home Or Work From Office?
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Network
Networking can be crucial when searching for jobs in highly competitive fields. Applications to online jobs often swarm in immediately upon being posted; therefore it is vital that you form a supportive network to assist your search efforts.
If networking makes you anxious, keep this in mind: networking is a two-way street and keeping in contact with those you meet is essential to its success.
As part of your network of family, friends, coworkers and civic club members you already have one in place – don’t hesitate to expand it further! Your first job may be entry level or highly competitive so networking will prove useful when looking for work later on. Your connections may lead to opportunities or provide advice. They’ll appreciate that you were thoughtful enough to respect their time.
4. Be Flexible With Your Schedule
Your first job can have a lasting effect on your career path, so it is crucial that it fits perfectly. Being flexible with your schedule and able to adapt as necessary are keys components of making sure it works out.
Flexibility means being willing to learn new skills or accept additional responsibilities in order to advance in your career and feel more fulfilled at work.
Apply to multiple jobs simultaneously if possible in order to increase your odds of finding something suitable. Also, having another person review your resume prior to submission can give an outside perspective and identify any errors you have missed – this can include spouses, family members, colleagues and professional resume review experts; more time and effort you put into applying, the better chance you have of landing an ideal position!
5. Be Prepared for an Interview
Benjamin Franklin famously noted, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences for everyone involved; to avoid disaster during yours, make sure you prepare. Research the company and position you’re applying for; practice answering common interview questions either with friends or alone beforehand.
Find a method of getting yourself in the right mentality immediately prior to an interview, such as taking deep breaths or listening to music that inspires confidence. Whatever works for you is fine–what matters is feeling confident enough and prepared enough that if an offer were extended to you, that you would be ready for anything that may arise during this important step in your career journey.
Preparing some questions for your interviewers is also key; this demonstrates your interest and engagement while offering you an opportunity to stand out among other candidates.
6. Be Prepared to Answer Questions
Employers ask interviewees questions that help them gain a better understanding of who you are. Employers want to see whether you have enough passion and motivation for the position, how well you collaborate in teams and whether any special talents would make you an excellent addition to their company.
As soon as answering these questions, the key to being effective and honest answers lies within you and practicing is essential so that when the interviewer poses them to you you feel ready.
One common interview question that arises is, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” This question allows the interviewer to gain an understanding of where your career goals lie and whether this position might help reach them. Furthermore, answering this question demonstrates to your interviewer your ambition and willingness to work hard towards attaining them.
7. Be Prepared to Communicate
Employers want to see that you possess excellent communication skills; writing emails, calling on the phone and using social media will all require effective communication abilities.
If you’re anxious about speaking with people over the phone or in person, rehearse with a friend before an interview. Additionally, record yourself so you can listen back and analyze how your tone comes across.
It’s acceptable to let calls go to voicemail if you are rushing or unprepared, as long as you review and return when calmer and ready. Be sure not to use slang or emoticons when sending an email and always write out your name, phone number and email address clearly when replying back.
Establishing yourself for success in the future requires finding your first job – an experience which may prove both daunting and nerve-wracking at first. But with patience, dedication, and persistence you’ll eventually land the ideal position that suits your skillset.
8. Be Prepared to Work Hard
As exciting as starting your dream job is, starting the first day can be downright nerve-wracking. After having your resume pass HR’s scrutiny and passing several interviews back-to-back, now comes the daunting task of showing up (or signing on remotely from home) for work and taking on its demands.
Hard work and talent both contribute to professional success; however, that does not equate to “faking it until you make it”. No one expects new workers to know everything at first and it is far more effective to admit mistakes and seek assistance than attempt to impress by exaggerating oneself with overconfidence.
Being part of a team and treating everyone with respect are also keys to building long-term relationships within your workplace, and could open doors for future opportunities down the road.
9. Be Prepared to Have Fun
Your first job may be hard work, but also enjoyable! It provides you with an opportunity to meet new people while learning what works in the workplace and what doesn’t. Whether you are participating in co-op, an intern at a repertory theater, or have just secured an entry-level position post graduation – your first real job will serve as an essential step toward your career goals – whether or not it turns into your dream career path! Regardless, taking that first real step can open doors of experience you won’t otherwise encounter! So get going!
