Have you recently graduated? Or are you looking for a part time job to help finance your schooling? Looking for work can be tough, especially if you’re entering the workforce for the first time.
You may not have the most experience or be the most qualified candidate as compared to those who have been in the workforce for years, but that’s no reason to be discouraged. Everyone has to start somewhere.
Here are a few tips for job seekers entering the workforce for the first time.
1. Add Any Applicable Experience to Your Resume
As a first time job seeker, you may think that you don’t have a lot of valid information to add to your resume. Don’t sell yourself short. While many candidates that first enter the workforce have limited professional work experience, there are other avenues which can definitely add value to your resume.
One avenue to explore is volunteering. Have you volunteered in the past? Any volunteering experience that you have can be added to you resume, even if the volunteer position is unpaid. This will show potential employers that you are hardworking, dedicated, and understand the importance of community involvement.
2. Be Realistic about Pay
As a candidate entering the workforce for the first time, it’s important to be realistic about pay rates. Depending on your education and the job opportunity, an entry level position can pay anywhere from $11.25 (minimum wage) to $31, 000 (starting salary).
It’s all about growing and moving up in the workforce. If you are a first time job seeker, be realistic about the pay rate that you are looking for. Also keep in mind that many positions have yearly, or sometimes even monthly, wage increases.
3. Be Open to Any Type of Work
You may have an idea of what you would like to do as a job/career, and that’s great, but remember to keep your options open, especially as a first time job seeker. You may not land a job in the field that you were hoping for, but you never know what could lead from the opportunity. Any experience that you can add to your resume is a benefit, and there’s nothing wrong with gaining experience in different departments.
4. Be Professionally Active on Social Media
If you haven’t created a LinkedIn account before, now is the time to do so. LinkedIn is a great way to connect with potential employers and working professionals. You can also add your LinkedIn account to your resume.
5. Use a Staffing/Employment Agency
It’s a good idea for first time job seekers to use a staffing/employment agency in order to gain employment. Agencies have many employment opportunities which do not require previous experience, and recruiters will work on your behalf to find you a job.
Liberty Staffing Services is a staffing agency with multiple locations across southwestern Ontario. We offer jobs in office, warehouse, and industrial settings, in temporary and permanent opportunities. Many of the positions that we have available are entry level, or require no experience. Get in touch with us today to schedule an interview! 