How to Land your First Job
The News and Observer ran a special edition (April 24, 2005) in the Careers section of the newspaper on how to land your first job. They identified 9 helpful tips for securing first-time employment.
- Dress Appropriately
- Tone Down the Jewelry
- Talk Like You Mean Business
- Fill Out Application Carefully
- Bring a Resume
- Carry a List of References
- Find the Right Job
- Follow Up
- Don't Give Up
While high school graduates are not expected to wear a suit to an interview, they are expected to be polished and presentable. Ironed clothes, polished shoes, and conservative attire are a must.
First impressions are important and flashy or cumbersome jewelry can detract from your professional appearance. Keep your jewelry light, simple, and conservative.
Speak clearly by annunciating your words at a volume that is easily heard by the recipient. Mumbles and slang do not convey a strong candidate.
Mistakes on a resume or application are the first sign of a bad candidate. Take your time when filling out paperwork. After you leave the interview, paperwork is often the only memory that is left with the recruiter. Make sure its neat, legible, and accurate.
Always have a polished copy of your resume when entering an interview.
Job applications often ask for 3-4 professional and personal references complete with addresses and phone numbers. Without a cheat sheet, this information is often hard to remember.
Think of what you enjoy and search for a job in that category. If you enjoy sports, look for a job at a racetrack, baseball complex, or clubhouse. If you like to spend your time outdoors, search for employment as a lifeguard or landscaper. The important thing is that you find a job that is in a suitable environment and tailored to your skills.
Be proactive. If you haven’t heard from the company in a few days, then call. An unassuming way to check your status is to call and say, "Hi, this is _____, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to interview me. I also wanted to see if the position I applied for is still under consideration."
You may find your dream job on the first or second hit. However, if you are like most, the process will be a bit longer. Place your hope in the fact that everyone can find a job, if they take the time, so don't quit.