Like you, I once struggled with landing my first job. Luckily, through my broad network, I established a link to a well established entrepreneur that mentored me into what I am today. You might be thinking that I was fortunate in this respect, but if you take a step back and examine your contacts, including family and friends, you may just end up in this position.
This was, of course, not my first job, as I worked as a caterer and as a camp counselor, but this was the first job where my work would boost both my character and standing in the workforce. For those of you who do not have this opportunity, you must take positions, where you are a “servicer” instead of a “producer”. I differentiate these by the role they play in an organization. A “servicer” is one that gets paid to interact with the consumers and aims to make a sale, while a “producer” actually facilitates the operation behind the scenes. Examples of servicers are waitresses or selling clothing at a retail store. By taking these jobs, a hiring employer (for a “producer” position) will be impressed that you have worked in the past, instead of being passive or unmotivated. Basically, you will increase your chances for getting the positions you seek by sacrificing now.
It took me three internships and two service jobs, in order to take an internship relating to my field (marketing). I had to make cold calls as a salesman, create websites and help run accounts payable, in order to be in a position where I could acquire a marketing internship with another company.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to sacrifice time now to achieve potential success in the future.
Ok now take a deep breath and follow along with me as I demonstrate to you the most effective way to position yourself so you get more interviews and acquire a new corporate position. First, remember to use what you already have to your advantage when constructing your resume. If you see job descriptions that are close to what you have, but you are lacking certain criteria, either build around it or seek the technical skills before applying. Second, take practice interviews with your friends, parents, mentors or guidance counselors in order to gain both confidence and experience. If you find yourself interviewing for a position that doesn’t interest you, always use it as practice as well and you might even find yourself taking the job, as a sacrifice to get what you really desire. Resumes should display your skills, achievements, work experience, grades/honors, school work and classes and technical expertise. After constructing your resume to cover all those areas in a story-like manner, it is time to start applying for jobs.
From my experience, there are three routes to applying for jobs:
- Verbal: Calling companies and expressing interest, while trying to pinpoint key contacts within the group you would like to work with.
- Electronic:The proper way to handle electronic submissions is to spread your resume like a virus through as many relevant websites as possible that have what your looking for. From my experience, the top 3 websites where to post are Monster, eRecruiting and Yahoo Hot Jobs.
- Networking:The quickest path into a new company is by already knowing an internal employee. Internal employees, like me, have networks built within a company and access to referring candidates to others.
Next, you will be screened by all the companies you applied to. If you applied to a large corporation, they have a crawler that picks keywords, customized by the manager that is seeking a candidate, such as yourself. Smaller companies will usually email you back if they are interested. The screening process usually places all the applicants that have the right skills for the job into a job bank, from which the employer either calls for a phone interview (large company) or bring into their office (small firm). If you have been selected to interview, do the best you can do and the worst that can happen is that you met another contact for the future. At this point, you will be notified within weeks if you were accepted to fill the position or rejected. Sometimes further interviews may occur, when the pool of candidates is large. If you are rejected, just keep interviewing, and at some point, you will get a job. If it is not the job you intended to obtain, you must work there as a sacrifice to further your career.
REMEMBER: Always think long-term when contemplating which jobs to accept!
Guide: Navigating Your Early Career Journey
As someone who has been through the struggles of landing that first significant job, I want to share a guide based on my experiences. This guide will help you navigate the early stages of your career journey.
1. Leverage Your Network
- Examine your existing contacts, including family and friends
- Don’t underestimate the power of broad networks
- Seek mentorship opportunities from established professionals
2. Embrace “Servicer” Roles
- Take positions that involve direct consumer interaction
- Examples: waitressing, retail sales
- These roles impress future employers by showing initiative and work ethic
3. Gain Diverse Experience
- Be open to internships and jobs outside your desired field
- Each experience builds skills and enhances your resume
- Remember: It might take multiple roles before landing your ideal position
4. Craft an Effective Resume
- Highlight skills, achievements, work experience, grades/honors, relevant coursework, and technical expertise
- Tailor your resume to job descriptions
- Present your experiences in a story-like manner
5. Master the Job Application Process
Utilize three main routes:
- Verbal: Cold-calling companies and identifying key contacts
- Electronic: Submitting applications through job boards (e.g., Monster, eRecruiting, Yahoo Hot Jobs)
- Networking: Leveraging internal contacts for referrals
6. Prepare for the Screening Process
- Understand that large corporations often use keyword-based screening
- Be patient; responses may take time, especially from smaller companies
- Be ready for phone interviews or in-person meetings
7. Interview Strategies
- Practice interviews with friends, family, or mentors
- Treat every interview as valuable experience, even for less desirable positions
- Follow up after interviews with thank-you notes
8. Adopt a Long-Term Perspective
- Be willing to make short-term sacrifices for long-term career growth
- View each job as a stepping stone to your ideal career
- Continuously build skills and expand your network
Remember: Always think long-term when contemplating which jobs to accept. Your early career choices are investments in your future success!
By following this guide, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of early career development and position yourself for long-term success in your chosen field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is personal branding?
Personal branding is the practice of marketing yourself and your career as a brand. It involves consistently presenting your skills, experiences, and unique value proposition to stand out in your professional field.
Why is personal branding important?
Personal branding helps you differentiate yourself in a competitive job market, attract career opportunities, build professional credibility, and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
How often should I update my personal brand?
Your personal brand should evolve with your career. We recommend reviewing and updating your brand elements (online profiles, resume, portfolio) at least every 6 months or whenever you achieve a significant milestone.
Can personal branding help me change careers?
Absolutely! Personal branding can highlight your transferable skills and showcase your passion for a new field, making you a more attractive candidate for career transitions.
Do I need a website for personal branding?
While not mandatory, a personal website can significantly boost your personal brand. It provides a centralized platform to showcase your work, share your thoughts, and control your online narrative.
How can I measure the success of my personal brand?
You can measure your brand’s success through various metrics such as increased job offers, speaking invitations, social media engagement, professional network growth, and recognition in your industry.
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