How to Prepare for Your First Job in Any Industry

Recent graduates may ask themselves, "How do I land a job right out of college without experience?" This is a fair question, especially since navigating the hiring process can be challenging when you're venturing into it for the first time.

How Do I Land a Job Right Out of College?

According to a Grand Canyon University survey, 30.59% of graduates stress over having a successful career. Yet, they may be more advantaged in finding work than they think. Despite lacking certain skills and networking opportunities, young professionals entering the workforce are more knowledgeable about the latest industry trends and technological advancements.

Still, it's easy to become discouraged - especially since landing a job right out of college could take months. This is why it is crucial to have a strategy for seeking employment. You may not initially start in your dream role, or even enter your desired field - however, this could take you where you least expect, and might even end up suiting you better.

As you embark on career planning, learn the ins and outs of the employment landscape, what's expected of you as a job candidate, and how to conduct yourself to prospective employers. 

6 Steps to Starting Your Dream Career

Job seeking is far from straightforward. However, regardless of your field or experience level, the steps outlined below will help you build confidence and leverage your innate strengths to achieve your professional goals.

Know Yourself

Some jobs are better suited to different personalities than others. Do you feel confident presenting in front of a group, or do you prefer to work independently? Perhaps excessive interactions exhaust you, make you anxious, or cause you to underperform. 

The best way to learn about yourself is through some self-assessment. Jot down your interests and passions, then take various quizzes to uncover your individual personality and traits — for example, the Myers-Briggs or Human Design tests. 

Nearly 70% of the population are “Human Design Generators”: people who consider themselves to be workhorses, creatives, and builders. Meanwhile, 56.8% of people lean towards being more introverted, exhibiting a quieter, more independent disposition.

Once you better understand who you are, you can more easily determine whether your personality aligns with your intended field and career goals.

Research Roles in Your Field

Research various roles in your intended field and consider your steps to get there. When you prepare for any job, it's essential to make your employer aware of your goals so they can help you grow. 

Today's workforce has more bargaining power to climb the corporate ladder than ever before. Although recent graduates usually have to earn those prospects over time, there are still areas they can negotiate and plan for when starting on a (new) career path.

Craft Compelling Job Documents

College graduates and experienced workers must create stand-out resumes and cover letters to catch an employer's attention. Your skills and work experience should match the job description to demonstrate your suitability for the role. 

Depending on the field, you may need a comprehensive portfolio representing your abilities, such as in marketing or the arts. Recent graduates looking to land a job right out of college could include special projects they worked on during or outside of their studies. Reference letters from managers, colleagues, or professors may also give you a leg up. 

However, you should never lie in your resume. The interviewer will ask you questions directly related to it, and you'll want to share those experiences confidently and from a place of knowledge. 

Broaden Your Network

Every position you hold is an opportunity to build your professional network, which is critical for pursuing a new career. Of course, your network may be slim when you're just starting out.

Attend hiring fairs, seminars, training sessions, and other industry events to meet people in your field and make connections. You never know if someone can help you get in with a company or become your mentor. 

Utilise Online Resources

The internet is a powerful source of information and preparation for a job in any industry. If you're searching for a new role, sign up for job boards, field-specific professional organizations, and/or publications relating to the field you’re trying to enter. 

Reading through your potential company's website is a must; it’s a great way to learn about a prospective employer, understand the workplace culture and mission, and verify leadership names to help you prepare for your interview. 

Career social platforms, such as LinkedIn (a social media website designed for professional networking), also allow you to message professionals, connect with hiring managers, and discover insights about different career paths. 

Conduct Mock Interviews

Practice makes perfect, especially when preparing for a job interview. After all, you get one chance to make a good impression. Consider yourself a brand — something special you want to sell to a potential buyer. 

The first step is establishing authenticity and trust with the people you're meeting with. You'll want to thoughtfully answer the most critical job questions so they understand what you can actively contribute to the team. Although it's normal to feel nervous, allowing your personality to shine through and maintaining an easy flow of conversation will help them decide if you're a good fit.

Ask friends or family members to conduct mock interviews with you. You can even come up with job or industry-specific questions to ensure you're prepared for anything. 

Remember, you'll likely undergo three or more rounds of interviews over several months within one company, meeting with people at various career levels before being offered a role. Therefore, you'll want to practice interviewing with more than one person.

Preparation Is Key to Launching a Career

A college degree equips you with industry-related knowledge, but you have much more to showcase when preparing for a job. Be confident, believe in your abilities, and find the courage to step outside your comfort zone. You never know what exciting job opportunity could land in your lap!

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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.