5 leads you should follow when choosing your first job

Acquiring a university degree opens up an entirely new world of professional possibilities for those who are ambitious enough to seize them. Nevertheless, you should prepare for your first job and decide your career path wisely before jumping into the workforce. In this article, we will discuss five essential pieces of advice that will help you get started.

1. Never Settle for a Position You Dislike

It is common for graduates to fear unemployment. We live in a world where securing a job is hard even when you have a degree from a prestigious university. Figures published by the Office for National Statistics reveal that more young people are struggling with joblessness in the country than ever before.

Nevertheless, you should never settle for a profession you aren’t drawn to. Define your interests and expectations in terms of field, workload, salary, and other relevant options, and keep them at the back of your mind during the job hunt. When you work for a company you believe in, your performance increases visibly.

2. Envision a Five-Year Career Plan

Where do you see yourself in five years? You don’t have to attend job interviews to be familiar with this age-old question or answer it, for that matter. In fact, it is advisable to establish a career plan for yourself before setting out on the job hunt. Not only will it help you ace meetings, but it will also give you a clear idea of the path you should start on.

Your first position won’t be the last one you ever hold, but it’s important to begin on the right note. You will want to avoid looking back at your line of business years from now and realizing that you wasted two precious years on a job that got you nowhere. An established five-year strategy is the way to ensure that doesn’t happen, even when you outline it in broad strokes.

3. Network with People in the Industry

Networking is the most efficient way to secure a position with a reputable company in the 21st century. You need to start forming connections with relevant people in your industry of choice as soon as you graduate, if not prior to obtaining your diploma. In this way, you will gain insider information and be granted easier access to coveted positions.

There are quite a few ways to go about this. The most accessible resource is represented by your alma mater itself. Universities often collaborate with various places of business in the field, so you can secure an internship during your formative years and ease your transition into the workforce. Ask your professors about this opportunity and attend as many job fairs as possible.

Fortunately, modern technology has your back even when your school doesn’t. There is one platform on the Internet that is perfect for networking. We’re talking about social media, of course. LinkedIn is a great way to start out, and Facebook discussion groups are useful as well. Besides, if you want to keep it fresh and modern, try socialising with pros on Twitter.

4. Ask Questions During the Interview

Once you’ve found a few opportunities that interest you, it’s time to attend interviews. It might seem daunting, but the best way to avoid being caught off guard is to do your research. The Internet has you covered in this respect as well, as you can easily discover handy tips and tricks on how to prepare for the occasion.

What you need to focus on the most are the questions. Websites such as JobInterviewAdvice are a valuable resource on the subject, as they provide detailed step-by-step accounts of interviews from various fields of interest. Still, don’t forget that you can inquire to the recruiter yourself. Seize this opportunity to scope out the firm more thoroughly and see if it is a good fit.

5. Consider the Company’s Culture

Your job hunt doesn’t end with one interview. Before accepting a company’s offer, consider their corporate culture. According to Investopedia, this is what determines the dynamic between employees and management within the firm. For example, Google is known as a very friendly and flexible place of work, while Exxon is more conservative.

What is the rest of your team like? Do you see yourself fitting into the collective? Does your boss seem like someone you will get along with smoothly? Depending on what your career plan is and what makes you feel most comfortable on the job, you will need to decide accordingly. Don’t worry too much about it, you will find your tribe eventually.

Your job hunt needs to be thorough in spite of the increasing rate of unemployment. Don’t settle for a position you dislike, or else you will risk messing with your five-year career plan. As long as you weigh in on all the opportunities you are offered and form connections in your field, you will secure interviews and eventually find your dream job.

About the author: Dianna Howell is a non-conformist HR Manager. She runs JobInterviewAdvice, a collection of job interview resources for career searchers. Dianna graduated from MBA Managerial and Organisational Behaviour, the University of Chicago.