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Looking for your first job?

If you’re looking for your first job you might be thinking, “I can’t get a job because I don’t have any experience, and I can’t get any experience because I don’t have a job.” Try volunteering. Many employers count volunteer work as job experience. (Employers see someone who is volunteering as displaying initiative.) Some job seekers have even turned volunteer work into their dream jobs.

Career counseling and coaching services are a very useful resource for job hunters. Career counselors or coaching services can help find your strengths and weaknesses about what you really are good at, particularly if you want to change career.

Tips For A Successful Job Hunt

1. Treat job-hunting time as real work. Plan your work – what you’re going to do each day – and do it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much you accomplish and much better you feel about your job search.
2. Get out and meet people. Make your job-hunting into a social process. Talk to family, friends and people who are just acquaintances as well.
3. Look for and demonstrate job experience in your hobbies, your activities and other interests.
4. Be persistent. Even if you’re not comfortable meeting people be persistent.
5. Be positive. “Fake it ’til you make it” really works.
6. Do something every day that moves you towards your goal.

Job Clubs

Job clubs bring people together that are going through the same things you are. They can provide emotional support as well as useful information. Job clubs are a great way to network and can
be very effective in your job search. Check your local library, church, and community groups for help in contacting a job club. Newspapers and the telephone directory are also good places to check. Job clubs are often free; so don’t worry about high membership costs.

Professional Organizations

The benefits of belonging to a group of like-minded individuals can’t be overestimated. Whether it’s the local chamber of commerce, a service club or even the group your go jogging with in the morning, belonging to a group of friends can be a big help in finding your next job. Networking opportunities, social opportunities plus simply someone to talk to, are a few of the benefits of belonging to an organization.

Networking

Networking simply means getting out and introducing yourself to people and letting them know that you’re available for work. If networking is new to you, start with family and friends. Let them
know what you are looking for and ask for their help. Networking doesn’t have to be a rigid, formal process; it can be part of your everyday routine.

Volunteer Work

Volunteering can do more than fill out your resume. Volunteering can expand your networking opportunities, help you learn new skills and gain work experience, which is particularly important if you’re looking for your first job. Volunteer work can also boost your self-esteem and confidence, improve your health, and help you meet new friends.