How to Land Your First Job and Make a Lasting Impression

a confident young woman sits at a table across from her interviewers

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!

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How to Figure Out What You Want in Life (Without the Overwhelm)

By Alex Koupal • April 16, 2025

Let’s be real—figuring out what you actually want in life can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. If you’re a busy mom juggling a million things or a twenty-something stuck in “what’s next?” mode, the pressure to have it all figured out is exhausting . But here’s the thing: You don’t need a five-year plan. You just need a starting point. 1. Stop Stressing About Having the "Right" Answer No one wakes up one day with a perfectly clear vision of their future. Life is messy, careers change, and passions evolve. Give yourself permission to explore instead of forcing yourself to commit to one path forever. Take the pressure off—it’s not that serious. 2. Follow What Feels Good What are you naturally drawn to? What do you find yourself Googling or watching a TikTok at 2 AM? Pay attention to the things that spark your interest—that’s where the magic starts. 3. Try Before You Decide You don’t have to quit your job or go back to school tomorrow. Test things out! Take a class, volunteer, start a side hustle—get a feel for what excites you before making big moves. 4. Talk to Real People I know, I know… talking to people can be awkward, but real opportunities don’t just knock on your door. Reach out to people who are doing something that interests you. Ask them how they got there. You’d be surprised how many are willing to share advice—and how much clarity you’ll gain just by listening. 5. Just Take the First Step The biggest thing holding people back? Overthinking. (Yep, shocking, I know.) Stop waiting for the perfect plan and just start —sign up for that workshop, send that email, go to that event. Clarity comes from doing , not from obsessing over every little detail. You don’t need all the answers today. Just take one small step and trust that you're figuring it out as you go. 6. Don’t Do It Alone Big decisions feel less overwhelming when you have someone in your corner. A mentor, coach, or even just a trusted friend can help you see things from a different perspective. If you’re feeling stuck, let’s talk! Book a clarity session —sometimes, all you need is a little guidance to get moving in the right direction.

Tiktok, Social Media & Teens: How to guide without just saying, "Get off your phone!"

By Alex Koupal • April 9, 2025

Let’s be real: telling teens to “get off your phone!” doesn’t work. Social media is part of their world. For our teens, social media is how they connect, learn, and express themselves. So how can we help them use it wisely without sounding and being the villain? There’s a way to help them navigate social media mindfully, and no, it doesn’t involve a complete ban. 1. Start the Conversation, Not the Battle Instead of becoming the enemy and banning social media out of the blue, talk to your teen about what they’re doing on it. Is it for learning, creativity, or just entertainment? Understanding their “why” helps guide them to use it more purposefully. 2. Set Healthy Boundaries Together Instead of enforcing rules, involve your teen in setting healthy screen-time limits. It gives them ownership and responsibility over their habits. For example, “I’ll spend 30 minutes scrolling up on TikTok after school, and then I’ll switch to doing homework” can be a much better strategy than enforcing a rigid rule that feels like punishment. When your teen has a say in the boundaries, they’re more likely to stick to them. 3. Be a Role Model What adults do, Teens do! If we’re glued to our phones, constantly checking social media, it sends the message that it’s okay to get lost in the digital world. Model healthy habits, like setting phone-free times, taking social media breaks, or just being present during family time. Show them how to use social media in a balanced way by setting phone-free times and modeling healthy habits. 4. Encourage Real-Life Activities Social media is great for staying in touch, but it can never replace real-life experiences. Encourage hobbies, sports, or family time to keep them grounded. This way, they can create a well-rounded life that isn’t centered solely around the screen. Plus, those real-world experiences will give them something to post about on their feed! 5. Be Their Guide, Not Their Warden At the end of the day, we can’t control everything teens do online. But we can provide guidance, support, and resources to help them use social media in a positive and mindful way. Keep the lines of communication open and encourage them to have trusted mentors—whether it’s a teacher, coach, older cousin, or life coach—who can provide advice beyond just Mom or Dad. If you’re worried about your teen’s social media habits, let’s talk! Book a free parent support session.