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A Step-by-Step Guide to Landing Your First Job Out of College

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Landing Your First Job Out of College

You’ve wrapped up your final year of college, and with a sense of pride and relief, you’re ready to move on and pursue your first job. This is an exciting time, but excitement comes in many forms, and one of them is anxiety.

So, as you celebrate your accomplishments, a part of you may be fearful of beginning that all-important job search. That’s understandable, but there’s no need for you to hit the panic button. There is a process for finding your first job, and if you follow a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to that first job offer.

You’ve got everything you need to start a successful career. Here are some tips for organizing them:

Decide what you want to do

Maybe you’ve spent the last four years focused on something you’ve always dreamed of doing. In that case, you can ignore this step and move on to the next one.

For those who aren’t sure what you want to do, now is the time to give it some thought. Just remember one thing: You’re not planning your entire life right now, just figuring out where you want to work first.

Think about things that interested you in school. Were you passionate about specific subjects? Did some classes put you to sleep? Going through this thought process will help you come up with industries you would consider. You can narrow it down from there.

Create an online presence

Get yourself set up on LinkedIn and become active on it. Most hiring managers today are going to be looking at that and your social media accounts. So, clean up your Facebook page (and any other platforms) by removing all those posts and pictures from the sorority and fraternity parties.

You should also have a personal website that includes your portfolio. It’s a way to gather your accomplishments, interests and previous part-time work experience in one convenient location.

Begin your job search

There are many excellent job search websites from which to choose—Monster, Indeed, CareerBuilder, etc.—and on each one, you’ll be able to search by industry, location or specific companies. If you’ve already established your niche, some websites cater to your particular job search.

Start networking

You can attend job fairs, connect with professionals on social media and contact friends you haven’t seen for a while. Get your name out there, and let everyone know you’re in the market for a job. The more people you can meet with and talk to, the better your chances of finding someone who knows the right person to help you.

Create a resume and cover letter

There are also many websites dedicated to building a resume and creating an appealing cover letter. Just keep in mind that both of these crucial documents should be designed specifically for each employer to whom you are applying.

Could you use some professional help finding your first job?

Contact Pro Resources for the light industrial or technical/professional position you’re hoping to find. We’ve been in business for over 30 years, so let us use our expertise to help you find your next job.

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