How to Land Your First Job and Make a Lasting Impression

 So you’re ready to embark on the journey of looking for your first job. You may be feeling overwhelmed and intimidated, but don’t worry - you can make a great impression in the working world even without prior job experience or much schooling. Here are some tips on how to land that dream job and make a lasting impression. 

Creating Your Resume & LinkedIn Profile 

The very first step to getting your foot in the door is creating an impressive resume and LinkedIn profile. Even if you don’t have any job history, you can still highlight all of your volunteer experiences and extracurriculars. Including your coursework, awards/recognitions, certifications, and any other relevant skills will help paint a better picture of who you are as an employee. Don’t forget to include all contact information such as phone number, email address, etc., so recruiters can easily reach out! 

How to Interview & Follow Up After Rejection 

Interviews are an important part of the job search process – it’s a great way for companies to get to know applicants better than what their resumes tell them. Show up early (at least 15 minutes) so they know you take punctuality seriously; dress professionally; be prepared with questions; and maintain eye contact throughout the interview. Afterward, thank them for their time with a follow-up email or note card. If you don’t receive that job offer after interviewing, stay positive – rejection is just part of life! Take it as an opportunity to learn from mistakes and connect with recruiters again in the future.  I would even suggest connecting on LinkedIn with the person you interviewed with and everyone you met that day during your interview. Keep yourself top of mind, you never know, they probably liked you, but just didn't feel like you were a fit for that specific role, or had already had an internal candidate in mind.  You might just get a call back for another opportunity!

How To Find Jobs With Higher Wages 

When searching for jobs that come with higher wages, look for positions that require more specialized skills. It’s also helpful to look into industries where there is less competition - this increases your chances of landing higher-paying jobs since employers will be more inclined to hire someone who stands out from other candidates! Additionally, research salary ranges within specific fields so that you can negotiate your salary if needed. Knowing what type of compensation range is typical in certain industries helps give leverage when negotiating salaries or wages - it shows employers that you are knowledgeable about the industry and serious about getting fair compensation for yourself! 

Looking for your first job doesn't have to be intimidating - with some preparation and hard work, anyone can make a lasting impression in the working world! Start by creating an impressive resume and LinkedIn profile; practice proper interview etiquette; stay positive through rejections; make connections; look into higher-paying jobs that require specialized skills; research industry salary ranges; and never forget why employers should hire YOU above all else! With these tips in mind, go forth confidently into the working world knowing that success awaits! Good luck!