If you are reading this, then you already know that looking for your first job can be awfully intimidating ….writing resumes, creating cover letters, thinking about your skills, worrying about work experience you don’t yet have, speaking with people about job prospects. Everyone has different ideas for you. It is an overwhelming and certainly very confusing process. Especially now, during the pandemic. Working with career clients for the past 20 years has highlighted eight challenges that new job seekers often face.
You only use job board sites in your job search. Networking is the crucial skill in job search because at least 70 percent of jobs are not listed on job board sites. Some experts say that 80 percent (or more) of jobs are found through networking. While employers do use job board sites, the statistics tell us that your job search will be more efficient and MUCH shorter if you build and use your networks. Make a networking list that includes experienced workers in your field, people you know that are just a few years into their career, and anyone you know who is connected to lots of people.
You probably underestimate what you have to offer an organization. You bring a lot! Even if your resume does not list tons of specific work experience employers tell us they value specific qualities. These qualities include the ability to write well, a willingness to learn, problem solving skills, and ability to collaborate / get along with others. These “soft” skills are not represented on your resume but employers assess them nonetheless. In fact, when employer are asked about what they look for in new hires, these are the qualities they often list first, before any experience.
You’ve not developed a general long term goal when applying to your first job. Your goal does not have to be terribly specific but a general direction is very helpful as you determine the positions for which you will apply. In many fields, the jobs you take early in your career help you to build the requisite experience that you will need for later positions. Those jobs that look appealing but require 2-3 years experience? This first job helps you to build that.
You use the same resume for every job. Tailor your resume to each job description. Tweak it. Every time. At first this will feel cumbersome but over time it will become easier, if not automatic. You may even have two resumes, based on your field. If you are an international relations grad with graphic design skills and a creative flair, for example, consider one resume for research or policy jobs, and one resume for arts or graphic design jobs.
You only apply to jobs that seem very interesting. No one wants a boring tedious job. As you read job postings rate your level of interest in them. Apply to jobs in which your interest is a 6 or higher. If you receive an interview your perception of the job could very well change in the room. And if not, you will have had job interview experience!
You apply to just one job at a time. Cast a wide net - once you have a few applications out and have a few cover letter templates from which you can pull, shoot to complete at least 2 applications per day. Be sure to include the qualities and skills you have to offer in your cover letter.
You underestimate the importance of organizational culture. Getting a sense of the climate of the company will help you assess whether the job is a good fit for you. What is the supervisory style? What is the attitude toward change or new ideas? Is the work environment fast-paced or relaxed? You may love the tasks of the job, but if the culture is not aligned with your style or preference, the job may be right for you.
You bypass mock interviewing. It’s important to think through and practice your responses to common interview questions, and then practice your responses out loud. Speaking your responses will help you to identify what you want to tweak. But remember prospective employers are also trying to get a sense of you, so perfectly rehearsed answers are not ideal.
Career coaching exists because the process of looking for a job is difficult. Sometimes even 3 or 4 sessions of coaching can help you in a stalled job search. The skills required are not intuitive — but they are easily learned.