First job: how to start your career in the job market

The first job represents a gateway to adult life . It opens the doors to building a professional future, providing an opportunity for young people to enter the job market.

However, this rite of passage can present challenges and generate insecurity. Therefore, the more prepared the young person is, the greater the chances of success in this endeavor.

In this text, we will cover the age for your first job, how to get a job and start your career. We will also give you tips on where to look for jobs in a competitive market, even with a short CV. Good reading!

How to get your first job?

Internships and trainee programs are the first options for entering the job market, but they are not the only ones. Other strategies exist for landing your first job. Check out 12 tips to win him over quickly and simply.

1. Sincerity

As we said before, having little experience is not an impediment. After all, the candidate is just starting his career. In situations like this, it is common to feel insecure. The candidate may be tempted to put unnecessary information on the resume to compensate for a lack of experience.

However, this is an attitude that is frowned upon by recruiters and the candidate may be exempt from the selection process. Therefore, it is better to demonstrate sincerity and intention to seek new knowledge to qualify.

2. Resume

The CV of a candidate at the beginning of their career must be consistent with the desired position. In addition to not including information unrelated to the job, try to adapt your CV to the requirements of the role and the needs of the company.

Include strengths, skills and competencies that you have mastered to create a good CV, always with a focus on hiring.

3. Professional posture

The job interview is an opportunity to learn and demonstrate the transition from student life to the professional world. Maintain a cordial attitude, remembering that your profile is under development and your behavior will be evaluated by the recruiter.

4. Anxiety

Controlling your anxiety and not asking about salary and benefits makes a good impression, especially as it is your first job. Of course, these topics are important for the candidate, but showing an interest in learning about the position is advantageous.

Bureaucratic issues will be brought up for discussion as the selection process progresses. Therefore, take advantage of the interview to find out more about the vacancy and role responsibilities. Previous information about the company always helps.

5. Education and punctuality

These are fundamental attributes for anyone entering the professional market. Demonstrating politeness in dealing with people and punctuality when meeting commitments conveys security to the employer and demonstrates responsibility.

After the interview, even without a guarantee of hiring, sending an email to the recruiter thanking you for the opportunity is a kind attitude. Bet on your personal marketing and show your best version.

6. Qualification

Anyone looking for their first job can qualify before they even get it. Investing in knowledge is a way to prepare yourself for professional challenges.

Many companies tend to value candidates who have technical courses or a degree. Speaking more than one language also brings good results and makes the candidate stand out in the selection processes.

7. Preparation

After the initial stages of recruitment, the company calls the first candidates for the interview phase. It is an opportunity for the parties to get to know each other better and the interest must be mutual.

Therefore, it is necessary to prepare in advance by researching information about the business, organizational culture, values ​​and mission of the company. When looking for your first job, it's worth showing proactivity and surprising the recruiter.

8. False information

Including experiences in your resume to make it more interesting is a risky procedure. Recruiters know how to check whether information is true and can identify contradictions.

If finding your first job is your goal, there’s no point in inventing a professional path you don’t have.

9. Self-knowledge

In interviews for their first job or not, recruiters often ask candidates what their weaknesses and qualities are. This is when insecurity hits and talking about yourself can become a difficult task.

The best way to prepare is to invest in self-knowledge. Recognizing your skills and areas for improvement demonstrates maturity. In addition to reducing the occurrence of predictable responses such as “I’m a perfectionist” or “I like to help”.

10. Volunteer work

The UN defines volunteering as action carried out by young people or adults, for personal and civic interest. Volunteering consists of dedicating time to various activities without receiving money.

During the selection process, revealing your participation as a volunteer in social projects, for example, makes a difference. It is an experience that adds unique knowledge and experiences that will be put to good use in professional life. Not to mention that volunteer work helps fill a gap common to young people: the lack of experience.

11. Professional contacts

Maintaining good relationships with people whose careers are already established can bring benefits. Networking also makes a difference for those looking for their first opportunity  .

In the professional world, referrals tend to count a lot. It is common for People Management to seek references from employees themselves, prioritizing people recommended by them. This practice speeds up the recruitment and selection process and favors candidates who have professional contacts.

12. Job search

Job platforms work, as long as young people are proactive and look for available vacancies. The search begins with the application of search filters, including experience level.

This way, it is possible to access specific opportunities for those who want to enter the job market.