Finding a job and applying for it
The process of finding your first job is often intimidating for young people who are facing the job market for the first time. A strategic approach and following a few important steps can lead to the results you want and reduce the pressure you feel.
Step 1
Develop Your Career Plan and Think About the Type of Job You Want
Before you start searching for a job, you first need to think about the type of job you would like. This process includes two main parts:
Developing a Career Plan
Creating a career plan is an important step in understanding yourself and building your professional path. A career plan helps you understand your interests, values, skills, and motivations, and identify the fields or job roles that match them best. First, you need to look at your passions, goals, and abilities to understand what kind of work you would enjoy. Then, you should explore different fields and professions to understand their requirements, responsibilities, and growth opportunities. Based on this information, you can set short-, medium- and long-term goals, and plan the concrete steps you need to take to reach them.
Analyze the Practical Aspects That Can Influence the Job You Are Looking For
What type of schedule do you want? Think about whether you need a full-time or part-time job, or if you only want an internship or a practice placement. Having clear requirements will help you filter job options later.
Where do you want the job to be located? Think about any geographic limits you might have. Do you want a job in your hometown, another city, or a remote job? Do you prefer working fully online, on-site, or hybrid? These details help you understand what jobs fit you and which ones don’t.
Step 2
Start Your Search
Based on your answers from Step 1 and the list of job roles or industries that interest you, you can now begin your actual job search. Make a list of organizations, companies, or institutions active in your desired field, check if they have open positions, and apply.
Tips for a more successful job search
Don’t rely on just one source for job openings. Use online job portals, but also check the official websites and social media pages of the companies or organizations.
Even if you find a job posting on a job portal, check if it also appears on the company’s official website. Sometimes online listings are outdated or missing details. Applying directly on the company website often increases your chances of being seen.
If you are a student, use the resources offered by your university or school. Attend career fairs and events, talk to alumni or teachers, and reach out to the career counseling center.
Most universities require students to complete internships or practice. Use this opportunity to connect with potential employers and experience the job first-hand. Internships, practice, and volunteer work help you build your skills and your CV.
Attend events, conferences, and workshops related to the job or field you want. These events give you the chance to meet professionals and potential future employers.
Make sure the organization and the job are real and safe. Signs of a fake job may include: pressure to sign documents without reading them, requests for money, or vague information about the company. Always check contact information and the company’s online presence.
Examples of online job portals: |
|---|
Networking and its importance in finding a job
The concept of “networking” is sometimes seen negatively today, but in reality, networking happens naturally throughout life, from friendships and personal relationships to professional ones. Building professional connections helps you better understand how the job market works, get recommendations, and hear about hidden opportunities that are not posted publicly.
How can you build these connections naturally? Start with people you already know, friends, colleagues, teachers, alumni, or career advisors. They can connect you with others who can give you advice or tell you about helpful events. Internships, practice programs, and volunteer activities are also great networking opportunities. Events in your field conferences, workshops, and career fairs also give you the chance to meet professionals. Look up the participants and prepare relevant questions.
If you have people you can talk to but don’t know what to say, start by explaining who you are, what you want, and why you reached out. Tell them what you would like to learn from the conversation. You can start with a simple question asking for advice. Let the conversation flow naturally.
You can also use online platforms for networking, and the most popular one is LinkedIn. Create a profile that reflects your goals, your skills, your experience, and who you are. Follow accounts that are relevant to the fields or jobs you want whether they are individual professionals or organizations. Look up alumni from your university as well.
Step 3
Apply for the Job
After finding places where you can apply, the next step is to actually send your application. To increase your chances, check the recruitment cycles of the companies you apply to. Not all employers have fixed recruiting periods, but many do.
Don’t rely on only one application. You might get accepted on your first try, but you can also be rejected. Don’t be discouraged by rejections. Many factors influence the selection process, not just your skills. Be confident and prepare your portfolio, CV, and cover letter carefully to increase your chances.
Customize your CV and cover letter for each employer and each role. Even if jobs seem similar, tailoring your documents shows that you’re truly interested.
Be proactive. You can apply through job portals, but also directly through company websites. Even if you don’t see an open job posting, you can still send a message to the company they might reply.
Apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. If you meet most of them, are willing to learn, and seem like a good fit, you may still be selected.
Temporary or intermediate Jobs
Sometimes you need to find work quickly, before landing your ideal job. Some good starting points, easier in terms of required experience include:
Mentoring younger students
Working in tourism, such as a tour guide
Jobs in the service sector (shops, restaurants, cafés)
Step 4
Navigate the Offers if Your Application Is Accepted
Once one or more applications are accepted, you move to the final stage: the interview.
Prepare for your interview early. Research the company, look up common interview questions, and prepare your answers. Ask a friend to help you practice a mock interview. But also be ready to adapt on the spot to the interviewers’ questions and reactions.
If the interview goes well, you will receive a job offer. Don’t accept the first offer immediately. Review it, see if it fits your needs and goals, and compare it with other offers if you have them. If you like the offer but it doesn’t fully meet your needs, you may be able to negotiate. Prepare clear arguments based on your needs and market standards.
Once you receive an offer that fits your goals and needs, you can accept it.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully landed your first job!
Do you want to access other resources as well?
Explore a list of online resources helpful for planning and developing your career.