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How to Land Your First Job
Jul 26, 2024
How to Land Your First Job - Summary
Introduction
Story begins with a relatable scenario of wanting to buy things but lacking funds.
Introduction of the topic: how to land your first job.
The Importance of a Resume
Your resume is your sales pitch to employers.
Key components to include:
Education
: High school/college details, GPA, SAT/ACT scores.
Experience
: Prior jobs or relevant extracurricular activities (clubs, sports, community service).
Skills
: Highlight traits such as responsibility, organization, and teamwork.
Employers expect you to highlight extracurriculars rather than experience, especially at a young age.
Resume Length and Structure
Keep your resume to
one page
Typical structure includes:
Contact Information (Name, Phone, Email, Website)
Education
Experience (or Activities if no work experience)
Skills
Use bullet points for descriptions, starting with action verbs.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Resumes are often screened by ATS before reaching employers.
Tailor your resume keywords to reflect the job description using a word cloud generator.
Keep descriptions clear, concise, and relevant.
Building a Portfolio Website
A personal website can enhance your job application.
Showcases your work, projects, and professional appearance.
Hostinger’s AI website builder is an option for creating a portfolio easily:
Choose website type (Portfolio)
Customize layout, content, and domain name.
Professional email address demonstrates credibility.
Job Search Strategies
Use platforms like
LinkedIn
and
Indeed
.
Main categories for students:
Fast Food
and
Retail
.
Factors to consider:
Distance
: Ideally within 15-30 mins commute.
Responsibilities
: Ensure job role matches personality preferences.
Hours
: Balance work with academics.
Application Process
Understand that applying may require several attempts.
Typical application documents needed: Resume, Cover Letter, References.
Cover Letter: Explain suitability for the job.
References: Individuals who can vouch for your character (e.g., teachers, coaches).
Keep track of applications using a spreadsheet.
Interview Preparation
Arrive
10-15 minutes early
; dress business casual.
Show friendly, energetic composure, maintain good posture, eye contact.
Prepare to answer common questions, including:
"Tell me about yourself."
Use
STAR method
(Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses, especially for behavioral questions.
Post-Interview Steps
Expect to hear back within a week or two.
Follow up if no response after two weeks.
Rejections are common; persistence is key.
Conclusion
Reminder to save and invest money earned from jobs, beyond just spending on clothes/sneakers.
Potential for future discussions on finance-related topics if there is interest.
Final Thoughts
Encouragement to believe in oneself and keep pushing through the job market challenges.
📄
Full transcript