In order to find a serious job immediately after graduating, it is better to start working while studying. Then, by the time you graduate, you will have some experience, which makes it easier to get a job. But how do they find their first job and how will the employer like it?
There is a stereotype: all employers need employees with experience and they do not take anyone without experience — the situation is a dead-end. In fact, not everything is so hopeless. The main thing is to start looking. Do not count on a quick result, but do not take the search process as a waste of time, even if it takes too long. This is also an experience that gives you an overview of employers and their expectations from young job seekers.
We prepared a list of tips a student can use to find their first job.
Try freelance
Applying for a freelance job is one of the easiest options for students. There is a diversity of remote opportunities that require part-time involvement. If you love studying, you can apply to uk.essayshark.com writing service or become an online tutor for children. Nowadays, you can even publish book reviews on particular websites and get paid for this.
Create a CV
If you want to have an official and serious first job, you can create a CV and send it to various companies. A CV for a student is the very first step in their career. The quality of the self-presentation depends on where this path begins. And since the essential block — about your previous working experience — will not be in it, the emphasis should be on other sections. The summary for the student may also include the topics of the coursework he or she has done, the intended topic of the diploma project. The academic work (if any) can be described in this section as well as in Personal Achievements. Write something special about yourself. So, if you were a photographer for a school newspaper, don’t forget to mention it. nijobfinder’s complete guide to writing a CV can help.
Register on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the world’s largest social network for professionals (over 706 million users in 200 countries). Your LinkedIn profile is a “live” online summary with your contacts, references, experience, achievements, and interests. At LinkedIn, recruiters are looking for candidates by keywords. If your profile isn’t optimised (doesn’t contain any keywords related to the job description), you’re almost out of a chance to pass program or robot selection filters that scan candidates.
Use word of mouth marketing
The advice to “ask around” only seems too obvious at first sight. In fact, even though everyone knows about this method, some young people are simply shy about asking friends and family for help in finding a job. Well, they should not be. Such a request is not always a problem for your relatives and acquaintances, and the result can be mutually beneficial.
Tell friends and acquaintances that you are looking for a job, post about it on your social network pages. Maybe, somewhere, they are looking for a person just like you. Do not be afraid to approach university professors with such a question. They often combine teaching with practical work, or at least they have connections in the professional environment that interests you. Practical teachers themselves often look out for promising students and “hunt” them. At a minimum, you can count on the recommendation of a teacher who is known in the professional field if you are a strong student and are looking for a job yourself.
Try internships
Ask the dean’s office if your university has agreements with employers in the industry about internships. If so, don’t miss out on a chance to try your hand at it — some companies will be more than happy to hire you after your free internship.
Internet sources
You can find work not only on different platforms like nijobfinder but also in theme groups in social networks. There is a wide range of them, and students can find jobs in specific professional groups, such as “work for journalists”, “work for marketers”, and so on.
Start something of your own
The modern world offers a wide range of business opportunities for the youth. If you have a bright Instagram account or are at least familiar with social networks, you can try becoming a part-time marketer and offer small opinion leaders or shops promoting and leading their profiles. If you have a handmade hobby, you can start selling your creations on Etsy or eBay. If you are a good singer, you can begin recording covers on YouTube and become a blogger. Don’t be afraid to try various options.
How not to get cheated
Unfortunately, the market is filled with unscrupulous companies that invite inexperienced students for interviews and offer paid training, promising to hire them later. For real employers, staff training is included in the work process and does not require payments on the part of employees. It happens that candidates are used as a free labor force.
To avoid this, search the internet for employer feedback before performing a test assignment. Be skeptical when you are asked for a test assignment that is too large. And take a look at how your employer communicates with you and answers your questions regarding the position.
More advice and tips can be found in nijobfinder’s career advice area.