As a fresh graduate coming out of university life, it is hard to deny the feeling of anxiety over what the future holds. Having invested your time and effort in years of education, some work per-hour experience, and maybe even sleepless nights of thinking “what now”, makes stepping into the real world and finding your first professional job both exciting and frankly, nerve wrecking.
Get a grip and leave the worrying behind. It will not do you any good. Getting your first professional job can also be viewed as your first step into your actual career, so focus on an optimistic view of your future and follow these tips on how to get started.
1. Don’t be a Headless Chicken. While it is so easy to fall under the trap of mass mailing your resume to a hundred employers, take the adage “Don’t work hard, work smart” to heart. Put some thought into a financial outlook for your first working years. Also, do your research and look into the application requirements, average hiring salary ranges, peak hiring schedules, and preferred skills of your aspired industry. Application deadlines are different for each one, and sending it out without knowing when is best to do so might just put you under a pile.
Tip: Also consider that most applications come right after a term. Take a brave leap of faith and apply early to increase your chances of getting hired.
2. Beef Up Your Skills. Academic background may be a big consideration among employers, but skills and experience are a notable form of advantage in getting your first job. While looking for or applying for your first job, consider taking up related courses or industrial placements to not only make your resume look better, it also hones your attributes that would match your compatibility with your job of choice. If you are not able to land an internship, go for something non-committal so it would be easy to de-prioritize in case you get a call back. Look up language or computer classes, travel, or volunteer. It’s all about providing your future employer the perception that you are not only experienced, you are also a highly motivated individual.
3. Don’t Ignore the University Boards. Whether you are still walking the halls or have just gotten out, find the career assistance office or alumni groups for your course. It is common knowledge that companies reach out to academic institutions to provide both employment and internship opportunities for their students. However beyond that, maximize the seminars, orientations, and even one on one consultation offerings. Being able to show an active interest in your future (without sucking up!) among these offices can not only give your industry specific knowledge, it can also score you a recommendation should an opening comes.
Check your university boards for seminars and consultations.
4. Use a Professional Placement Agency. Going through an agency is a definite advantage if you want to get ahead and worry less in finding a job. In fact, there are industry specific placement agencies which are able to boast of having the right connections for your desired career. For example, if you are looking for a psychiatric position, you could contract with a psychiatry recruitment firm. Being industry specific, they are also top of mind by employers in finding new hires.
Use industry specific placement agencies.
5. Check Your Network. I don’t mean simply asking daddy for a job. Part of the entire academic experience is building strong relationships with your professors, classmates, family and friends. Leaving the university grounds does not include leaving them. Get in touch with them in an honest and personal manner, and seek mentorship and support from them. There shouldn’t be any shame in asking them to keep you in mind in case they hear of any opportunities as long as you keep it sincere and of course, mutual. The first few steps on your career ladder will be rough, and it would not hurt to have a few people propping you up towards your goal.
If you keep a positive outlook and follow these steps in looking for your first employment, you are sure to get a head start in your career path in no time.
Happy hunting!
