Every career starts somewhere. If you’re getting ready to join the workforce for the first time this summer, it’s important to prepare for the adjustment. Taking the right steps now will help you find a better job and will let you transition seamlessly into an exciting new chapter in your life.
Your first job is a stepping stone. One study found that about 55% of young people with a college degree left their jobs within the first year. Even if you don’t keep your initial position for long, it’s important to being your career journey on the right foot.
As you jump into the workforce this summer, here are some things to add to your checklist, raising your chances of finding the ideal first job:
Determining Your Best Course of Action When Entering the Workforce
Research the Market
Going into your first job hunt, you should learn as much as possible. The economy and the labor market can change quickly. Digest the current data so you can target your search effectively.
Set Your Longer-Term Career Goals
Even though you’re entering the job market for the first time, consider your long-term plans. Where do you want to be five years or ten years from now? This vision will inform what opportunities you pursue now.
Decide What You Want from Your First Job
Sketch out your ideal first job. This process involves determining the type of job you want and what role makes sense given your goals and qualifications. You should also think about the structure of the position, considering factors like schedule and location.
Of course, you might not get everything you want. In some cases, you could end up taking whatever job you can find. However, a wish list will let you focus on your best opportunities and give you a framework for ongoing career development, even after you land that first job.
Prepare Your Resume
Once you’ve done your research and pinned down your job-search goals, you can start getting ready to apply for positions. This begins with your resume. Use what you’ve learned in your preliminary process to frame your skills and experience in a way that will maximize your chances of matching with the right employer.
Build Your Network
Finding a job often means knowing the right person. As you’re joining the workforce for the first time, you likely won’t have an extensive professional network. Still, there are plenty of opportunities to talk to contacts about potential jobs. This list includes folks like friends, family, teachers, and your broader acquaintances.
Practice Interviewing
To land a job, you’ll likely need to ace an interview. You might not have a lot of experience in this area at this point in your career development. As such, a little pre-game preparation will help significantly.
Look up common interview questions. With that as a guide, start crafting answers that will highlight your best qualities. At the same time, run through the process with family and friends (or with a professional coach) to develop a more polished approach.
Engage Your Support System
Finding a job can turn into a lengthy, grueling process filled with lots of rejection. You’ll need emotional support along the way. Reach out to friends and family. Talk to them about your job-hunt journey — they can give you a boost when you need it and offer how to improve your chances.
Prepare Your Non-Work Schedule
Once you land a job, you’ll need to commit to the necessary hours. You might not get the schedule you want — being flexible will help you find something sooner. As such, remember the logistics involved in holding a job. Think about things like transportation and childcare.
Looking to Further See How You Can Best Enter the Workforce?
Finding the perfect first job can be difficult. A top recruiter, like ABLE Associates, can direct you to the ideal place to launch your journey into the workforce.
Contact ABLE Associates today to learn more.