10 tips for finding your first job in 2014.
28 February 2014
Read by 2538 persons
It's time for your first job! To find an employer, you need a solid search strategy. The internet alone is not always enough. So, try many different ways to find a job.
1 - A well-defined professional project
Every job applicant must know themselves and be able to determine their professional project before applying. If your project is not yet well-defined, you can ask for help from your family and friends. For example, ask your family, friends, and former internship colleagues about their jobs and the skills needed to do them. This will allow you to assess your own skills, on the one hand, and to imagine yourself or not in their profession, on the other hand. Also, take stock of your strengths and weaknesses (languages, technical skills...). You will then be better able to sell yourself later in an interview.
2 - Find out about market trends
Researching the job market is necessary to target companies that are hiring. There is no point in applying to companies that do not offer opportunities, for example, or that are undergoing restructuring (social plans). There is very little chance that they will invite you for an interview.
3 - Target offers
Identify the job offers that best match your profile and aspirations. Select companies that may be interested in your professional project. Search for information on the Web, contact your network. There is no need to send your resume everywhere. “There is no point in applying if you have no real chance of being called for an interview: you waste your time and the time of those you contact,” warns consultant Fabrice Carlier, a specialist in job searching. You can also determine a geographical area for your application by selecting departments near your home or regions where you could consider relocating.
4 - Write a resume related to the position you are applying for
In the “Experience” section of your resume, include the information that is most relevant to the position you are applying for. This is not an easy task, but you must transform your diplomas into skills. “If, literally, the curriculum vitae is your ‘life path’, the recruiter must not see only a succession of diplomas, experiences, and activities. They must clearly identify the skills that you offer,” explains Manuelle Malot, Director of Careers and Prospective at EDHEC. Do not hesitate to illustrate your points with concrete results that reflect the expectations specified in the offer. You must therefore clarify and enhance your resume by adapting it to the offer. Understanding the scope of a position will allow you to design, through your resume, a real marketing tool. As a reminder, your resume must be precise, sober, concise, and free of spelling mistakes!
5 - Meet employers
Trade shows, forums, job dating, conferences, workshops organized by organizations such as Pôle Emploi, APEC, or recruitment firms… Many events are organized throughout the year. This is an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the business world, to question professionals about their activity and company, and to develop your network. But before attending one of these events, make sure that it matches your professional project. To do this, identify the companies and consult their websites. This will allow you to learn more about their activity, values, different professions, opportunities, and career paths. These elements will help you make a choice: by only going to the stands that meet your professional aspirations, you will optimize your time on the day. And adopt a professional attitude. Don’t forget that you are facing potential recruiters. Be clear and concise in your exchanges, and show your motivation to join the company.
6 - Make yourself known online
In addition to general job sites or those specialized in your sector, you can make yourself visible on professional social networks such as Viadeo or LinkedIn. They are increasingly used by companies for recruitment purposes. Job offers are also published there. You can also maintain professional relationships developed during the various trade shows and forums. Business games and online contests are also informal “meetings” that can change the game. L’Oréal, BNP Paribas, Danone, Safran, Thales, Société Générale… have launched their business games to find new talent. Some of them even reward winners with internships. It's up to you to use strategies to get noticed and land an internship or your first job.
7 - Consider employee referrals
Employee referrals are an excellent way for companies to recruit. The principle? An employee recommends your resume to the company, and in return, you are contacted for a job interview. Teachers, alumni associations, companies where you have completed internships or summer jobs, family relations… no lead should be neglected. Let people know that you are looking for a job and regularly update your information on job sites and professional social networks.
8 - Prepare for the job interview
Show interest in the position for which you are being interviewed by carefully preparing for the interview. Don’t come empty-handed on the day of the interview. It is essential to learn about the company, its activity, its international presence, its main competitors, for example. Most companies have a website or a section entirely dedicated to the group's professions, its activities… Take advantage of this to gather as much information as possible and prepare some questions to ask the recruiter on the day. Not asking any questions can be interpreted as a lack of interest in the company and the position.
9 - Be flexible
Be open, adaptable, and mobile. Don’t refuse a temporary assignment or a short-term contract too quickly. Temporary work is a good way to gain experience. And don’t insist on joining a large company at all costs; consider SMEs. They recruit many young graduates every year, all over France! Flexibility is also needed in your salary expectations. Given the large number of applications and tight budgets, don’t only focus on your starting salary. You will be able to skillfully negotiate your salary once you have proven yourself in the company.
10 - Assert your motivation
Make your motivation your great advantage over more experienced candidates. An application must always be personalized: standardized answers should therefore be avoided. Also, take the time to follow up on all your applications by contacting each recruiter. To facilitate your follow-up, keep a daily dashboard (in Excel, for example). List all the companies contacted, the applications sent (references, job titles, and sending dates). You will then know which companies to contact and when (generally wait 7 to 10 days). And don’t forget to thank your contact each time for their time. Whatever the duration of your search, don’t lose confidence. Stay professional, determined, and positive!
Rachida Soussi.
Studyrama-emploi.com
Posted online February 28, 2014.
1 - A well-defined professional project
Every job applicant must know themselves and be able to determine their professional project before applying. If your project is not yet well-defined, you can ask for help from your family and friends. For example, ask your family, friends, and former internship colleagues about their jobs and the skills needed to do them. This will allow you to assess your own skills, on the one hand, and to imagine yourself or not in their profession, on the other hand. Also, take stock of your strengths and weaknesses (languages, technical skills...). You will then be better able to sell yourself later in an interview.
2 - Find out about market trends
Researching the job market is necessary to target companies that are hiring. There is no point in applying to companies that do not offer opportunities, for example, or that are undergoing restructuring (social plans). There is very little chance that they will invite you for an interview.
3 - Target offers
Identify the job offers that best match your profile and aspirations. Select companies that may be interested in your professional project. Search for information on the Web, contact your network. There is no need to send your resume everywhere. “There is no point in applying if you have no real chance of being called for an interview: you waste your time and the time of those you contact,” warns consultant Fabrice Carlier, a specialist in job searching. You can also determine a geographical area for your application by selecting departments near your home or regions where you could consider relocating.
4 - Write a resume related to the position you are applying for
In the “Experience” section of your resume, include the information that is most relevant to the position you are applying for. This is not an easy task, but you must transform your diplomas into skills. “If, literally, the curriculum vitae is your ‘life path’, the recruiter must not see only a succession of diplomas, experiences, and activities. They must clearly identify the skills that you offer,” explains Manuelle Malot, Director of Careers and Prospective at EDHEC. Do not hesitate to illustrate your points with concrete results that reflect the expectations specified in the offer. You must therefore clarify and enhance your resume by adapting it to the offer. Understanding the scope of a position will allow you to design, through your resume, a real marketing tool. As a reminder, your resume must be precise, sober, concise, and free of spelling mistakes!
5 - Meet employers
Trade shows, forums, job dating, conferences, workshops organized by organizations such as Pôle Emploi, APEC, or recruitment firms… Many events are organized throughout the year. This is an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the business world, to question professionals about their activity and company, and to develop your network. But before attending one of these events, make sure that it matches your professional project. To do this, identify the companies and consult their websites. This will allow you to learn more about their activity, values, different professions, opportunities, and career paths. These elements will help you make a choice: by only going to the stands that meet your professional aspirations, you will optimize your time on the day. And adopt a professional attitude. Don’t forget that you are facing potential recruiters. Be clear and concise in your exchanges, and show your motivation to join the company.
6 - Make yourself known online
In addition to general job sites or those specialized in your sector, you can make yourself visible on professional social networks such as Viadeo or LinkedIn. They are increasingly used by companies for recruitment purposes. Job offers are also published there. You can also maintain professional relationships developed during the various trade shows and forums. Business games and online contests are also informal “meetings” that can change the game. L’Oréal, BNP Paribas, Danone, Safran, Thales, Société Générale… have launched their business games to find new talent. Some of them even reward winners with internships. It's up to you to use strategies to get noticed and land an internship or your first job.
7 - Consider employee referrals
Employee referrals are an excellent way for companies to recruit. The principle? An employee recommends your resume to the company, and in return, you are contacted for a job interview. Teachers, alumni associations, companies where you have completed internships or summer jobs, family relations… no lead should be neglected. Let people know that you are looking for a job and regularly update your information on job sites and professional social networks.
8 - Prepare for the job interview
Show interest in the position for which you are being interviewed by carefully preparing for the interview. Don’t come empty-handed on the day of the interview. It is essential to learn about the company, its activity, its international presence, its main competitors, for example. Most companies have a website or a section entirely dedicated to the group's professions, its activities… Take advantage of this to gather as much information as possible and prepare some questions to ask the recruiter on the day. Not asking any questions can be interpreted as a lack of interest in the company and the position.
9 - Be flexible
Be open, adaptable, and mobile. Don’t refuse a temporary assignment or a short-term contract too quickly. Temporary work is a good way to gain experience. And don’t insist on joining a large company at all costs; consider SMEs. They recruit many young graduates every year, all over France! Flexibility is also needed in your salary expectations. Given the large number of applications and tight budgets, don’t only focus on your starting salary. You will be able to skillfully negotiate your salary once you have proven yourself in the company.
10 - Assert your motivation
Make your motivation your great advantage over more experienced candidates. An application must always be personalized: standardized answers should therefore be avoided. Also, take the time to follow up on all your applications by contacting each recruiter. To facilitate your follow-up, keep a daily dashboard (in Excel, for example). List all the companies contacted, the applications sent (references, job titles, and sending dates). You will then know which companies to contact and when (generally wait 7 to 10 days). And don’t forget to thank your contact each time for their time. Whatever the duration of your search, don’t lose confidence. Stay professional, determined, and positive!
Rachida Soussi.
Studyrama-emploi.com
Posted online February 28, 2014.
