It’s true what they say: Looking for a job is a job itself. Unfortunately, it doesn’t pay anything, and the health insurance plan (e.g. don’t get sick) leaves a lot to be desired. And considering everything that goes into it – from creating a resume to preparing for the interview – it’s not an easy one. In fact, it can be downright overwhelming – particularly if it’s your first job search and you’re starting from square one.
The secret is to take it one step at a time. Use this step-by-step guide to break down some of the work that goes into your job search.
1.Create a resume. Creating a resume is particularly difficult when you’re just out of school and have little to no “real world” work experience; however, you may have more experience than you realize. In addition to internships, consider any volunteer work you’ve done or leadership positions you held as part of a campus organization. Try these tips for creating your first resume or get hands-on help building your resume with CareerBuilder’s free resume-building tool.
2.Build your professional network. There’s some truth to the cliché, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” After all, referrals are one of the top ways in which people find jobs, which is why building your professional network is both necessary and rewarding. While the idea of networking may sound forced and painful, it doesn’t have to be. Try out some of these unconventional ways to build your professional network and remember these networking tips for young professionals. Informational interviews are also a great way to make new connections and get inside information about the job of field in which you’re interested.