Looking for your first job after finishing school can be an intimidating experience. With limited work experience, it can feel like you’re at a disadvantage compared to other candidates. However, with careful planning and preparation, you can stand out from the competition and land an entry-level role in your desired field. Follow these eight tips to help launch your career straight out of school.
1. Make Sure Your CV is Perfect
With limited professional experience, having an error-free CV is crucial. Read job descriptions closely and tailor your CV, highlighting any key skills, software/tools or previous roles desired. Quantify accomplishments from school projects, leadership roles or volunteer work. Include relevant modules, courses and assignments showcasing skills tailored to the role. You can use a CV template for no experience if you’re struggling with this.
2. Research Potential Employers Thoroughly
Before even applying for jobs, take time to thoroughly research companies and roles you may be interested in. Look beyond the job descriptions and explore what each employer does, their workplace culture, and what makes them unique. Follow their social media accounts and read recent news articles about the company. This will give you valuable insights you can reference in cover letters, interviews and conversations with recruiters. Showing genuine interest and knowledge makes you stand out.
3. Use Your Network
Networking is pivotal when you have limited experience. Reach out to friends, family, professors, school career advisors and alumni who may have connections at companies you’re interested in. Ask if they’d be willing to refer you for any suitable openings. This gets your foot in the door and CV seen by hiring managers. Attend industry events, join professional associations and use LinkedIn to expand your network too. Maintain these connections as they’ll continue helping you progress your career.
4. Highlight Transferable Skills
Employers know you’ll need on-the-job training to develop hard skills. However, they look for candidates with transferable soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, adaptability and a strong work ethic. Identify examples from school group projects, sports/clubs or part-time jobs that demonstrate these desired skills. Quantify your accomplishments and impact. Soft skills allow you to get up to speed quickly in a new workplace.
5. Show Enthusiasm and Willingness to Learn
When interviewing for entry-level roles, don’t be afraid to acknowledge your limitations around technical abilities or hands-on experience. However, emphasise your enthusiasm, passion and willingness to learn on the job. Share examples of acquiring new skills and hitting the ground running when faced with new challenges, obstacles or unfamiliar tasks in previous roles. Convey that you’ll bring a positive attitude and strong work ethic to hit the ground running in a new workplace while actively seeking opportunities to learn and grow.
6. Ask Insightful Questions
The interview is your chance to demonstrate genuine interest while gaining insights that will help in your role. Ask smart, thoughtful questions that show you understand the company culture and objectives. Enquire about challenges they face that you could help solve, new initiatives they’re pursuing, or how success is measured in the role. This shows initiative and reflects your preparedness. Avoid questions easily found on their website. Thoughtful questions help position you as the right fit.
7. Follow Up Promptly
After applying for a role or interviewing, always send a prompt thank you note or email. Thank the interviewer or recruiter for their time, reiterate your interest in the role, mention something specific you discussed, and include any relevant information you didn’t get to. Following up shows extra effort. Ask when they expect to make a hiring decision. If you don’t hear back in the timeframe given, follow up again. Persistence and professional follow up goes a long way.
8. Be Open-Minded
While you may have a dream job in mind straight out of school, also apply for roles you may not have considered previously. Focus on positions that offer growth opportunities or a chance to develop skills instead of just job titles and prestige. Entry-level roles in a B2B branding agency that provide mentorship, training and room for advancement can launch fulfilling careers even if they weren’t on your radar originally. Stay open-minded and willing to learn.
The transition from school to the working world can seem daunting. However, by thoroughly preparing, putting effort into applications and interviews, tapping into your network, and showcasing transferable skills, enthusiasm and willingness to learn, you can land a great entry-level job straight out of school. Follow up promptly and stay open-minded when seeking roles. With determination and smart preparation, you can launch a rewarding career doing what you love.