13th June 2023

How to get your first job: Tips on applying for your first job 💪

Q: How do you get your first job?

- Social media: Before you begin looking for jobs online, make sure that you create a profile on websites like LinkedIn and Indeed. These websites allow you to search for jobs, and also allow recruiters to search for you. - Are all your applications the same? Hiring managers receive hundreds of applications for every job they advertise, so your application must stand out from the crowd. So, tailor ever CV and cover letter to match the job, company, and industry you are applying for. The detail will be appreciated! - The details are everything: As obvious as it may seem, you must pay attention to the small details like spelling and grammar. You can use free software to make sure your sentences are grammatically correct and sound articulate. Or, get your applications checked over by friends and family. - How to nail the interview: Before going to an interview, take plenty of time to research the company and the role. Find out their values, if they’re involved in any CSR initiatives and their corporate culture. Hiring managers often ask why you want the job, so it helps to know about the nature of the business. It’s also useful to know what sets it apart from other companies in the industry, as this often comes up.

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The first time you apply for a job can be nerve-wracking.

Maybe you’re a recent university graduate on the path to an exciting career.

On the other hand, you may be self-employed, with a wealth of industry knowledge and work experience, now looking for a job.

Since the pandemic, many small businesses suffered and were forced to close.

While many people tried to keep their businesses afloat with the help of government funding or a payday loan for self employed people, it wasn’t always possible.

This meant that more experienced people were out of work and looking for new job opportunities.

But, securing a new job is not easy.

Knowing where to look and how to apply for a job is crucial. As someone new to the job market, those two things must be considered.

Does applying early to a job help?

It can do!

This depends on the process of the company that is hiring. But, in many cases, getting your CV in front of the hiring manager early on can be a big advantage.

Either way, you need to create a CV that’s going to leave a lasting impression.

Because, if you apply early, it’s going to have to stay in the memory after they’ve worked through all of the other applications.

If you follow these tips below, the timing won’t matter as much!

How do you get your first job?

There is no one set way to go about finding your first employment.

But, there are a set of steps that will help you navigate this difficult period.

We’ve spent years in the recruitment industry compiling expertise and job-hunting tips.

And, as a result, we’ve found certain strategies help in securing that first job!

Social media

When used effectively, social media is an excellent tool for securing a job.

Before you begin looking for jobs online, make sure that you create a profile on websites like LinkedIn and Indeed. These websites allow you to search for jobs, and also allow recruiters to search for you.

Particularly for creative and media industries, sites like Twitter and Instagram can be surprisingly useful for finding new vacancies from some of your favourite brands.

It is also a convenient method, as you only need to save your details once, and then use that information to apply for multiple jobs.

Are all your applications the same?

Given the number of job applications each person applies for, most people send out the same general CV when applying for a job.

But this doesn’t help you to stand out or tell the recruiter why they should consider your application.

Hiring managers receive hundreds of applications for every job they advertise, so your application must stand out from the crowd.

So, tailor every CV and cover letter to match the job, company, and industry you are applying for.

The detail will be appreciated!

By doing this, the hiring manager (who typically scans CVs and decides whether they want to interview you within a few minutes) can immediately see that you may be a fit for the role.

The details are everything

Again, recruiters receive hundreds of qualified applicants for each job, so the small details on each application will be used to decide who to invite to an interview.

As obvious as it may seem, you must pay attention to the small details like spelling and grammar.

You can use free software to make sure your sentences are grammatically correct and sound articulate.

Or, get your applications checked over by friends and family.

Also, ensure that you use a professional font and that your CV is easy to read.

If you need to submit a portfolio of your work, make sure that it only contains your best work and is easy to access.

Having the right experience is one thing, but you have to make sure the hiring manager’s eyes are drawn to your application.

How to nail the interview

Before going to an interview, take plenty of time to research the company and the role.

Find out their values, if they’re involved in any CSR initiatives and their corporate culture.

Hiring managers often ask why you want the job, so it helps to know about the nature of the business.

It’s also useful to know what sets it apart from other companies in the industry, as this often comes up.

Also, have a few questions prepared that you can ask, since hiring managers will always expect this.

Good examples can include: what a typical day in the role you are applying for looks like and the opportunities for growth and promotion.

Ultimately, you want to appear attentive, enthusiastic, and thorough. Companies want to hire someone who knows what they’re signing up for.

So, never be afraid to go the extra length, even asking stuff about the company’s long-term plans.

For more interview tips, check out our hub of interview advice!

How can I get a new job quickly?

Unfortunately, speed is often out of your control.

The job market is as competitive as ever, and hiring involves a lot of thought and admin.

Nevertheless, utilising tips like these, you’re setting yourself up for a more proactive and engaged job hunt.

Nobody enjoys how stressful it is to find your first job.

But, unfortunately, scrolling passively through Indeed a couple of times a week just won’t cut it anymore.

So, get ahead of the game, use the tools you have at your disposal, and be optimistic!

If you’d like to speak to a recruitment expert and get more career guidance, register to our site! We can read through your CV, get to know you, and see if you’d be a fit for any of the graduate roles we’re hiring for!