Whether you’ve always known what you want to do or still have no idea, you may not know where to look or how to find entry-level jobs. Don’t fret! We’ve got you covered. Here’s your guide to finding your first real job! (also check out FlexJobs’ post on high paying entry level jobs)

What Is an Entry-Level Job?

An entry-level job is for people who don’t have a lot of professional experience. These jobs give new hires the support and training they need to grow and advance their careers. Employers will often give entry-level hires training, access to mentors, and opportunities to take on projects that expand their skills.

Though career changers might have a lot of professional experience, they often don’t have professional experience in their new field. An entry-level job is often the perfect solution for them because while they possess some skills, they don’t have all of them and can’t take advantage of the support and development the employer offers.

Do I Need Any Professional Experience?

Theoretically, no. However, many entry-level job seekers may encounter job postings that require some job-related experience.

So, how do you get the experience to get the job when you don’t have any experience? Though you may not realize it, you probably possess some of the skills the employer is looking for. These are your transferable skills, and they are the skills you use in any and every job, even if you didn’t learn them from a job!

For example, if the job posting states that applicants should have “some project management skills,” think about a time when you managed a project. Were you part of a group project in school? Did you help keep things moving? Maybe you created a task timeline or helped teammates overcome challenges they encountered. These are project management skills (not to mention collaboration skills!) you can highlight in your cover letter and resume.

How to Find an Entry-Level Job

While graduation season is often the best time to look for and find entry-level jobs, these kinds of jobs are available all year round. Here’s how to find an entry-level job no matter when you’re job searching. (and here’s some great info on high paying entry level jobs).

Beyond Your Major

When you’re fresh out of school, you might think you have to look in a specific field to find entry-level jobs related to your major. While that’s a good place to start, sometimes looking in career fields outside your major can help you find jobs that are still a great fit for you.

For example, if you majored in anthropology, you may think you have to look for anthropologist jobs. But that career category likely has limited job openings. So, think about all the skills you gained while studying anthropology and how those skills can transfer to another job.

More: How to Answer “What are Your Career Goals?”

You likely flexed your data collection skills, so look for jobs that allow you to take advantage of those. And you probably did a ton of research and writing, so jobs requiring research and writing are probably right up your alley. Looking beyond what you studied and expanding your search to include your skill set can introduce you to jobs and fields you would never have thought about.

Create and Use a Plan

Graduation season is a busy time, so it’s easy to let your job search sit on the sidelines. To make sure you don’t neglect it, create and use a job search action plan to keep your search on track and keep yourself accountable.

Set up goals and milestones for every day, week, and month of your job search. Then log and track everything you do and don’t accomplish. This gives you a record of what you’ve done and what you have to do. It also gives you a record of everything you’ve accomplished along the way to help lift your spirits should your job search get frustrating.

Get Experience 

Even though your goal is a full-time, entry-level job, don’t overlook part-time roles, internships, or volunteering. While these types of jobs don’t pay as much (or at all), it’s an excellent way to build the skills you’ll need for your full-time role and hone your transferable skills. Plus, taking on something that isn’t a full-time job gives you the opportunity to test-drive the role. You never know! You may discover you love the job and choose to follow that career path.

Attend Job Fairs

In-person and virtual job fairs are often designed for entry-level job seekers. Hiring managers attending school job fairs understand that anyone approaching their booth likely doesn’t have much professional experience.

And if you’re not in college, that’s OK. There are plenty of public job fairs that often have entry-level job openings no matter what you’re looking for.

Use Your School

Along with job fairs, schools often have an alumni association and career services office to help you with your job search. They can connect you with companies that are hiring in your major (or outside of it), put you in touch with alumni willing to mentor you, and even offer career coaching and counseling to help you figure out what comes next for you when you don’t know where to start!

Use Job Boards

Job boards are, of course, a great way to find all kinds of jobs. And of course, there are all kinds of job boards. The “big” boards are the obvious place to start your entry-level job search. However, because they are big, many job postings get tons and tons of applications. Make sure you customize your cover letter and resume to help explain why you’re a great candidate for the role and to help you get past the applicant tracking system (ATS).

In addition to the big boards, consider using smaller, niche boards. These boards tend to specialize in a specific field or type of job. While you’ll see many of these openings posted on the big boards, you won’t have to filter and sift through all the job postings just to find the few you’re interested in.

So, if you know you want to work at a startup, try searching on job boards that specialize in those kinds of postings. If you know you want a flexible job, limit your job search to boards that only post flexible openings.

Check Social Media

Many companies have a social media presence. In addition to using it to sell themselves, companies often use their social media accounts to connect with candidates and post job openings. Sometimes the opening is announced on social media before it hits job boards, so follow the accounts of companies you’re interested in working for.

Following a company’s social media is also a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work there. You can see what its culture is like and figure out if you’d be happy.

Network

It’s often said that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know, and this adage still applies to job searching. If you haven’t already created a LinkedIn profile, set one up and start networking with others. Reach out to friends you’ve met at school, and consider connecting with teachers.

But don’t overlook in-person networking events. These are often run by your alumni association, professional groups, or others and are a great chance for you to meet people in your field and learn more about what it takes to get an entry-level role.

The Next Big Thing

Starting your first “grown-up” job is a big deal. Of course, you have to find it first! Following the tips in this guide will help you get started and connect with a job as quickly as possible.

The post How to Find Entry-Level Jobs: A Complete Guide appeared first on Job-Hunt.

That said, landing your first job out of college can be challenging in any job market, so it helps to be prepared with some best practices to improve your chances of success. Here are four tips for new grads to land a job they want. (And be sure to check out our sister site, FlexJobs, to search for remote entry level jobs and learn more about the top high paying entry level jobs).

Approach Your Job Search Like a Job

Your first job hunt as a college graduate presents a perfect opportunity to set a schedule and structure that mirrors the work environment. Don’t just send out a few resumes haphazardly and call it a day—take the time to organize your job search systematically, and block out specific hours of the day for each task that you’ll do.

For example, while you may not want to spend a full eight-hour day seeking work, it’s not unreasonable to earmark four or six hours a day for this process. Your schedule might look something like this:

• 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Peruse job search sites and targeted company websites for opportunities. From this review, make a list of three to four positions you can apply to.

• 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Draft one to two cover letters based on the job ads you’re interested in. (See the step below on how to tailor each cover letter.)

• 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.: Take a lunch break.

• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Submit one to two applications via online job portals or company websites.

Rethink Your Resume

If you haven’t updated your resume since your high school days and it features jobs you did as a kid, then it’s time for an overhaul.

While you may not have significant professional work experience yet, there’s likely more relevant, college-level experience that you can replace this with, which will be more impressive to employers.

Have you taken on internships, held positions in school organizations, or volunteered in ways that showcase your leadership skills? If so, list these on your resume. Online classes and certifications, conference attendance (either virtual or live), or business experience gained through college coursework are also legitimate to include.

Tailor Each Cover Letter

A poor habit that many job seekers of all ages develop is “boilerplating” their resume and cover letter—in other words, simply replicating the identical copy for each employer, changing only the date and the name of the hiring manager. This is a mistake, since the cover letter is your best chance to show the employer why you’re a good fit for their position specifically.

Instead of just duplicating the language verbatim in every cover letter you send, use the job ad to help you customize the language you use when applying to each position.

For example, if one position calls for project management skills and another requires strong communication skills, be sure to address these points independently in their respective cover letters. That way, the employers receiving them will know that the experience you describe in your cover letter is particularly relevant to them.

Don’t Quit Too Soon

It may be tempting to ease up on your job search—and quit approaching your job search as a job—once you land your first interview. But don’t confuse the victory of jumping through an initial hoop as scoring the opportunity.

An interview is a positive sign that the employer is interested in your experience, but you may still have a long way to go before you learn whether you’ve been offered the job or not. There may be a large pool of other candidates who are also being interviewed, so don’t count your chickens at this stage.

Instead, keep the pressure on your job hunt even while interviewing for a position. For one thing, if you get an interview at another company and a competing job offer, you may be able to use this as leverage with the first employer. Informing the company that you have an offer on the table can lead to a counteroffer, a higher salary, and a quicker resolution to your job search. 

More: How to Find Entry-Level Jobs: A Complete Guide

The post 4 Tips for New Grads to Land a Job appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Students who pursue a communications degree learn how to analyze the preferences and needs of audiences to develop innovative strategies for conveying messages. Studies involve interdisciplinary coursework in humanities and social sciences subjects, such as literature and sociology.

Preparing to enter a specific job market, students may also choose an area of concentration for their degrees offered by their school’s communications department. These can range from public relations to journalism and include classes in social media, business, digital marketing, broadcast writing, video storytelling, and beyond.

In learning such a wide breadth of subjects as a communications major, graduates are well-positioned to enter many diverse industries with a myriad of skills to offer. If you’re thinking about pursuing a communications degree, we’ve compiled a list of the skills you can bring to the workforce, along with 10 common jobs in need of your expertise.

Hard Skills of a Communications Major

Hard skills are defined as teachable skill sets or abilities that are easy to quantify. Hard skills required by jobs for communications majors often align with areas of degree emphasis and include:

• Qualitative and quantitative research
• Analytical writing
• Persuasive writing
• Sales and promotion
• Media literacy and marketing knowledge
• Event planning
• Graphic and web design
• Social media strategy
• Interviewing
• Presentation and public speaking
• Recruiting
• Networking
• Negotiating

Soft Skills of a Communications Major

Strong communication skills are an invaluable asset in just about any job market because they allow us to share information, develop relationships, actively engage as global citizens, sell products, and more. Additionally, in our increasingly digital age of information, new ways to share information, convey ideas, and find and consume data are constantly evolving and advancing.

General communication skills, also known as soft skills and transferable skills, are more difficult to quantify than hard skills and may be of use in multiple fields. For communications majors, examples of soft skills include:

• Written and oral communication
• Organization
• Project management
• Emotional intelligence
• Conflict resolution
• Leadership
• Decision-making
• High attention to detail
• Tolerant of critical work appraisals
• The ability to plan, organize, and execute projects
• Interpersonal skills
• Critical thinking
• Creativity

What Can You Do With a Degree in Communications?

1. Journalist

Journalists tell stories and share information with the public through content across multiple platforms, including newspapers, websites, magazines, television, podcasts, and radio. The field of journalism can include video journalists, photojournalists, data journalists, and more. Journalists need to identify good stories, research and interview the right sources to help tell their stories, and communicate effectively with those sources and their target audience.

2. Brand Strategist

Brand strategists are responsible for positioning brands in certain ways to their target audience or the public at large. They work directly with organizations and agencies to develop strategies to achieve certain brand objectives. Examples include gaining visibility and controlling the damage done by certain incidents and issues. Skills like media literacy, marketing, digital strategy, visual design, and critical thinking may be helpful to a brand strategist.

3. Social Media Planner

Primarily, the function of a social media planner is to determine the best media platform and timing for a specific marketing or advertising campaign. They also communicate with the platform to purchase or sell spots and project campaign performance based on the channel. Social media planners may use skills in media literacy, time management, marketing, social media strategy, negotiating, and promotion.

4. Public Relations Manager

Public relations (PR) managers are often responsible for creating and maintaining a positive public image of their employer or client. They do so by sharing select information with the media, preparing media kids and press releases, arranging for media coverage and interviews, writing speeches, and more. PR managers may also handle crisis communication and deal with negative publicity. Skills needed by PR managers might include written and oral communication skills, brand strategy expertise, media literacy, and promotion skills.

5. Editorial Assistant

Editorial assistants help in supporting a publication, such as a book, magazine, or newspaper. This role includes many tasks, such as proofreading content, writing publicity or social media copy, fact-checking, and more. Editorial assistants leverage their communication skills each day when reviewing text, presenting ideas, strategizing and visualizing content, and beyond.

6. Human Resources Manager

Focused on making a workforce successful, human resources (HR) professionals are strategic planners responsible for tasks like hiring staff, maintaining worker ethics and morale, overseeing employee benefits, resolving conflicts among colleagues, planning team-building and professional development programs, supporting diversity and inclusion, and more. Due to the high volume of interaction with employees, along with the handling of sensitive topics, HR professionals will frequently draw upon written and oral communication skills, interpersonal communication skills, emotional intelligence, and more.

7. Event Coordinator

Event coordinators are responsible for planning events like meetings, conferences, weddings, and trade shows. To make sure these events are successful, event coordinators need to leverage their communications expertise to carry out detailed planning, effective promotion, and efficient collaboration and interaction with speakers, entertainers, vendors, and attendees.

8. Web Producer

Web producers make sure websites offer the best possible experience for users. Their tasks focus on improving the user experience of a website by creating or editing content, arranging menus and buttons, changing page layouts, and more. Effective websites share information with visitors or encourage visitors to take an action. Graphic and web design, research, content strategy, and presentation skills may be useful for a career as a web producer. 

9. Customer Service Representative

Customer service representatives help an organization’s customers via phone, text, email, and video chat. Their duties often include answering questions, resolving complaints or confusion, troubleshooting, keeping records, communicating across different mediums in real time, and more. Thus, these professionals should have strong written and oral communication skills, high levels of emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills, and good critical thinking skills.

10. Lobbyist

Lobbyists are passionate about creating change through communication. They craft persuasive arguments and facilitate negotiations to influence government officials to enact legislation that benefits their clients and impacts the democratic political process. This work often requires skills in interpersonal communication, public speaking, research, networking, and negotiating.

Find a Flexible Job That Leverages Your Unique Skills

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in media and communication occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations at 14% by 2030. This is due to the increased need to create, edit, translate, and disseminate information through a variety of different platforms.

More Career Paths:

• Job Opportunities for Healthcare Administration and Management Majors
• Great Jobs and Career Fields for Business Majors
• Great Careers for All Myers-Briggs Personality Types
• Great Jobs and Career Fields for Psychology Majors
• Jobs You Can Get With a Real Estate Agent License
• Great Jobs and Career Fields for English Majors

The post 10 Great Jobs for Communications Majors appeared first on Job-Hunt.

This is where you might find yourself considering an internship to bridge that gap. If you’re a recent college grad or someone considering a career change, chances are you’ve run across an internship advertised. Unsure what exactly an internship is and whether it’s a good fit for you? We’ll break it down for you.

What Exactly is an Internship?

An internship is a structured, short-term learning experience. In fact, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), an internship must be an extension of the classroom. Essentially, an internship is a contract position to explore the job and see if it’s a great fit—both for the job seeker and the employer. Not all internships are created equal, but the general goal should be focused on the intern learning as much as possible.

A quality internship will consist of a set amount of hours, generally full-time during the summer and part-time during the fall and spring semesters. Most often aimed at students just before or directly after their senior year, the law clearly states that internships shouldn’t be more than 25% administrative and have clearly defined goals.

In other words, you shouldn’t be spending all of your time fetching coffee, cleaning, or snagging the dry cleaning.

Why are Internships Important?

There are several reasons an internship is essential, both to the job seeker and the employer. As a job seeker, you have the chance to try on a role, see if it’s a great fit. No matter how much research you do, living the reality day in and day out might cause you to redirect your career goals. An internship is also a great chance to learn from seasoned industry professionals without the same pressure a salaried employee has. 

For a more generalized degree, such as business or communication, you might have several career paths you’re considering. An internship is a great way to try out one of those paths without having a short-term job on your resume later. A prospective employer won’t bat an eye at a six-month internship, but a six-month job might have them questioning why your tenure was so short. 

Offering internships is a convenient way to see how a graduate performs outside the classroom. There are no commitments or expectations beyond the internship, so there’s less at stake if it doesn’t work out. Also, having an intern is terrific career development for tenured staff members. Being in a position of training and mentoring new teammates will also help their career growth and personal development.

Beyond that, you can free up some seasoned team members to complete more complex tasks, with lower-level tasks given to the interns who are still learning. Many companies use internships as a career path to a salaried position. They’ll already have a team member trained and ready to go when they officially come on board. Last but not least, interns are generally coming straight from school, where they’re exposed to the latest industry news and technologies. The company will benefit from that new perspective and energy.

Who Should Consider an Internship? 

There is a lot to be said for an internship, so you might want to consider one regardless of your career level or field of study. As an intern, you’ll get real-world experience, a mentor to help your career development, connections to grow your network, and a chance to see a company from the inside. Not to mention the fact that an internship might help you might discover a different role that you want to pursue. You’ll have an easier time changing directions if you’re not already committed to a permanent position.

However, a big caveat is that college is expensive, and internships won’t pay as well as a regular job. Almost half of them are unpaid. If a financial burden would make it challenging to commit to one, don’t feel like it’s your only option.

More: What Is a Stipend? How It’s Different From a Salary

Another reason not to consider an internship is if you can get that same experience in an entry-level position with similar wages. A salaried position also comes with benefits and HR mediation if you’re feeling that you’re not getting the agreed-on level of impact. You’ll need to consider the entirety of how an internship will fit into your life.

Is there a different role that can get your foot in the door with your dream company? Or, perhaps you’re starting a career where a portfolio would carry more weight than an internship. In that case, can you carry on an unrelated job while you build yours? Perhaps you can consider freelancing along the way to gain experience?

More: How to Find Entry-Level Jobs: A Complete Guide

What About an Internship Later in Life?

Another consideration is if you’re farther along in your career journey. It might feel like you’ve missed out on your chances for an internship, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. You actually might have an advantage over those just entering the workforce. What company wouldn’t want an experienced worker for a fraction of the pay you would typically command? If you’re changing careers or new to a geographical area, an internship might be precisely what you need to launch the next step on your career path.

Where Do I Find an Internship?

If you’ve determined that an internship is the correct next step for you, now it’s time to land one. Not sure where to look? Your first stop should be your college’s career center. As internships are an extension of college, most reputable companies will be actively seeking their next interns in coordination with universities and colleges. You’ll also have a chance to meet with a career counselor who can look over your resume.

Beyond college, it would be best if you were on LinkedIn before looking for an internship. Even if you’re not officially a workforce member, it’s never too early to start networking. This is a great time to hone your connections and ask your groups about recommended internships.

Have a dream company you’d like to work for? Start looking through their website and social media to investigate their internship opportunities. Check with the company that you currently work for. Frequently, retail companies will offer internships at a corporate level to their college-level team members.

An Internship Can Be a Great Choice

Ultimately, an internship can be a great choice—as long as you’re choosing one because you’re excited about this next learning step. While you might feel that it’s a requirement to get your foot in the door, there are other ways to start your career. Being realistic about what an internship offers, and what it doesn’t, is key to developing a successful internship. With the right planning, it can help supercharge your career momentum.

The post What Is an Internship? How to Find One and Why They’re Great appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Whether virtual or in-person, here are some tips on what to bring to an interview and what you should leave behind.

What to Bring to a Job Interview

Names and Phone Numbers

Sometimes the person coordinating your interview isn’t the person you’re meeting with. You might have multiple interviews in a day or even have a panel interview with several people interviewing you at once.

Bring the name of your contact and their phone number (or email if that’s all you have) on a separate piece of paper or as a note on your phone. If you’re running late or something goes wrong on the day of the interview, you have an easy way to get in touch, and you don’t have to waste time searching your messages to find the information.

Likewise, you may have to give the name of the person you’re meeting with when you arrive at the interview. While that could be your contact, it could also be someone else. Having everyone’s names handy makes it that much easier for you to get in the building and to your interview.

Your ID

While you shouldn’t give anyone a copy of your identification until you’re hired, it’s possible you’ll need to show your ID before you’re allowed in the building. Some buildings have strict security procedures that require your identification, so it’s best to be prepared.

Address, Directions, and Parking Info

Was it 102 South First Street or 120 South First Street? Keeping a copy of the exact address handy will stop you from going to the wrong building in case your memory fails you. Also, bring directions (no matter your transportation) and parking information if you’re driving.

Pens and a Notepad

Taking notes is an essential part of the interview. Not only will it help you formulate questions at the end of the interview, but you can also refer to your notes when you write thank-you notes after the interview. Bring multiple pens (just in case!) and at least one full pad of paper to write down questions, take notes, and get everyone’s full name, title, and contact information. 

Multiple Copies of Your Resume

Though you’ve emailed everyone your resume, it’s always a good idea to bring several paper copies to the job interview, along with any supplemental materials you’ve shared or want to highlight (like your portfolio).

Sometimes, interviewers ask for a paper copy of your resume as a test to see if you’re prepared. Other times, interviewers forget their materials, so having extra copies of your resume makes things easier for you and them.

Your Questions

Most interviews include time at the end for you to ask questions. Knowing that this is the case, it’s wise to prepare a few questions in advance, write them down, and bring them with you to the job interview.

First, while you might think you’ll remember your questions, you might be so overwhelmed at the end of the interview, anything you want to ask may fly out of your head!

Second, having questions at the ready shows that you’ve prepared and demonstrates that you’re truly interested in the job.

And finally, you can refer to your written list of questions throughout the interview to see if your questions are answered or not (and form new ones on the fly!).

A Water Bottle and Snacks

Sometimes interviewers offer you a drink, but not always. And because you’re probably doing a majority of the talking, bring a water bottle in case you get a case of dry mouth or even a cough. 

After the interview, you might be a little worn out. And if it’s been a series of interviews, you might even be a little hungry. A snack to eat afterward will help keep your blood sugar and spirits up!

Emergency Items

No matter how much you prepare, sometimes things go awry. But a few emergency items can help you manage the unexpected. Consider bringing:

• Breath mints or mouth wash
• Dental floss (or floss picks)
• Cash
• Deodorant
• Band-aids
• A phone charger or external battery
• A change of shoes

A Bag

As you review this list of what to bring to an interview, you can see you should bring a lot of stuff!

You’ll need a bag to help you organize and carry everything. While you could use a grocery or beach bag, that sends the wrong message. Use a professional bag, briefcase, or even backpack to corral everything you’re bringing to the job interview.

What to Bring to Your Virtual Job Interview

Virtual interviews are different from in-person ones in that you won’t need to worry about transportation or parking. But there are items you should bring to your virtual interview that you may or may not bring to an in-person one.

An Up-to-Date Computer

You don’t need the latest model computer for your virtual interview, but you should find out what platform your interviewer uses. Make sure you have the current version installed on your computer, then give it a test run for good measure.

A Professional Background

No matter where you are for your virtual interview, make sure you have a professional background. It doesn’t need to be full of books and diplomas. As long as whatever’s behind you is neat, clean, and professional, you’ll send the right message.

Unfortunately, however, being neat, clean, and professional isn’t always an option (say you have to conduct the interview from your car). If that’s the case, blur your background, or select a virtual one that’s interview appropriate.

A Solid Internet Connection

The last thing you want during a virtual interview is a laggy connection that skips, buffers, or even cuts out. Again, no matter where you are for your virtual interview, you also need to make sure you’ve got a solid internet connection.

Privacy (or Peace and Quiet)

You don’t want to bring your pets, kids, or the barista to your job interview. Find someplace that is private or, at a minimum, quiet and interruption-free. That could be your car, the closet, or a private study room at the library.

Good Lighting

To make sure the interviewer sees you in a positive light, make sure you’re well lit. You don’t want your face to appear shadowed or have an image that’s difficult to see. Before your interview, test out your webcam settings and adjust your lighting accordingly. 

You might need a ring light, but in a pinch, a few well-aimed lamps can do the trick. Likewise, sitting by a window with natural lighting will help put you in the spotlight.

Paper Copies

You might want a paper copy of your resume and portfolio handy. Even if you have two screens, one will be devoted to the interviewer’s video, and the other might have a copy of a job description or project on it, making it impossible to refer to your resume if you need to.

Paper copies can sit on your desk and are easy to refer to if needed.

Pens and Paper

Of course, you’ll take notes in your virtual interview. But the best way to do this is with paper and pen! While you could type your notes, the clicking of the keyboard may prove too distracting to you and the interviewer.

A Whole Interview Outfit

Though your interviewer will likely only see you from the waist up, pants (or a skirt) are not optional during a virtual job interview. You never know when you might have to stand or lean during the interview, and the interviewer will see that you’re only half-dressed.

While there’s nothing wrong with superhero PJ pants, only getting half-dressed for the interview may signal that you’ll only do half the job. 

To make a great impression, follow these tips to choose the right interview outfit.

What Not to Bring to an Interview

Though the list of what to bring to an interview is extensive, there are several things you also shouldn’t bring to your interview.

Your Phone

Of course, you’ll have your phone with you during the interview. But make sure you turn it off or, at least, mute notifications before the interview. Likewise, if you’re in a virtual interview, mute desktop notifications, or exit instant-messaging programs.

Earbuds

It’s fine to listen to music, a podcast, or even a guided meditation before your interview using earbuds. But once it starts, stow them in your bag. Even if you use the wireless kind, keeping your earbuds in during an interview sends the message that you’re not totally invested in the job.

Lunch

Small snacks, like a granola bar or bag of chips, are fine to have stashed in your bag after the interview. But a full lunch is probably not a great idea. Not only will it take up a lot of room in your bag, but there’s also a chance it could leak and damage the other items inside. Or, worse, it might start to smell.

Odors

Speaking of smells, you want to leave all kinds of odors at home. So, don’t eat a garlic and fish meal right before the interview. And try not to use perfumes, colognes, or any other personal care item with a strong smell. Your interviewer may not find them as pleasant as you do, or worse, they could be allergic.

Bring Your A-Game

You know that the key to wowing your interviewer is to bring your A-game. And while that includes excellent answers that illustrate why you’re the best person for the role, including (or excluding) the items from this list will help you shine as a well-prepared candidate.

The post What to Bring to a Job Interview: In-Person or Virtual appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Does the idea of formulating a resume that demonstrates experience you don’t have yet seem impossible? What do you even put on it? Do you need a cover letter to go with it? We’ve got some answers to those questions and more.

First Resumes for High School Students

It turns out, there are lots of ways for high school students to get experience that will look great on their resume, even without a formal work history. Have you been assigned to be an office aid or helped a teacher by filing papers? How about teaching little kids basketball skills at a summer camp? Have you done any babysitting, lawn-mowing, or house-sitting? Beyond that, have you led teams at school, organized the school newspaper, or worked collaboratively on a project?

These experiences result in some tangible skills that will add value to any company you work for. Any volunteering you’ve done also counts as work experience and looks great on a resume. Ultimately, you might be surprised at how many employers are eager to see your resume, even if you don’t have official job experience.

What to Include on a Teen Resume

There’s no one way to format a resume for high school students, as everyone enters the job market with different experiences. However, you can get inspiration by brainstorming categories to see what you might include. Every resume should have your name and contact information. After that, determine which of the following you want to list.

• High school GPA (if it’s above 3.5!)
• Education that matches the job you’re applying for
• Extracurricular activities in which you’ve participated
• Volunteer experience or community service work
• Interests outside of school
• Important awards or accolades you’ve won at school or in an extracurricular activity

Resume Template for High School Job Seekers

You’ll start your resume with an attention-grabbing resume headline. Essentially, it should be a short blurb that describes you. Afterward, you can follow with a section highlighting skills relating to the role. Your resume skills section will be followed by sections for education and informal work experience. We’ve got some ideas below for inspiration.

The Attention-Grabbing Headline

Your first resume headline should state who you are and a significant skill you’re bringing. In practice, that will look something like this:

Friendly High School Junior With Exceptional Time-Management Skills

The headline explains who you are (a friendly high school junior) and what essential skill you have (exceptional time management).

The important thing is to back up that claim with your skills further down the resume. You’ve claimed time-management skills. So, balancing coursework with other duties is an excellent way to support that claim in a profile section.

• Editor of school newsletter
• Experienced teacher’s aid
• Excellent team collaboration skills
• Member of the Community Performing Arts Guild

Additional Resume Sections

Afterward, include sections for any awards and honors, extracurricular activities, and applicable skills or certifications you’ve gained throughout your studies. That might look something like this:

Awards & Honors

• Winner of Regional Debate Competition
• Honor Roll, with a GPA of 3.8

For more tips on listing awards and honors, read How to List Awards, Scholarships, and Honors on Your Resume.

Skills & Certifications

• Adobe Photoshop
• Time management, balancing coursework and extracurricular duties
• Microsoft Office Suite
• CPR-certified

Lastly, include any informal work or volunteer experience that you have, from babysitting to working in the nursery at church to mowing lawns. The employer is looking to see that you committed, held a schedule, and completed assigned tasks.

More: What Are Professional Certifications?

High School Resume Example

Sarah Sutton
Address
Address Line 2
Phone
Email

Friendly High School Junior With Exceptional Time-Management Skills

• Editor of school newsletter
• Experienced teacher’s aid
• Excellent team collaboration skills
• Member of the Community Performing Arts Guild

Awards & Honors

• Winner of Regional Debate Competition
• Honor Roll, with a GPA of 3.8

Skills & Certifications

• Adobe Photoshop
• Time management, balancing coursework and extracurricular duties
• Microsoft Office Suite
• CPR-certified

Professional Experience

Russell Family, Dalton, GA
BABYSITTER For more than 4 years, regularly cared for two children aged 3-11, including pick-up and drop-off from school and activities and homework assistance.

Should a High Schooler Have a Cover Letter?

You might be surprised how many business owners are willing to offer the first position. Everyone had a first job, and many professionals and managers enjoy supporting teens seeking entry into the workforce.

However, they will want to get to know you to understand what kind of employee you are likely to be. Do you have exceptional problem-solving skills? Are you diligent and organized, or likely to be late continually? Have you balanced multiple priorities before, such as school and extracurricular activities? Do you understand the nuances of interacting in a social setting beyond high school?

This is where a cover letter comes in. As a high school student, one of the best ways to support a resume without formal work experience is to write a cover letter. This is where you’ll introduce yourself to the manager and share your interests outside of school, your post-high school ambitions if you know them already, and why this position is of interest to you.

Teen Job Seeker Cover Letter Example

Ideally, your cover letter will include your contact information and around three paragraphs. Impress with a professional format (you can use the example below), which begins with your contact information and then, ideally, includes contact information for the manager or HR representative.

Afterward, you’ll include two to three paragraphs in a professional font, keeping it under one page. In the first paragraph, you’ll start with why this job interests you, lead on to share more about yourself in the second paragraph, then wrap it up in the third paragraph/conclusion.

Cover Letter Template

Name
Address
Address Line 2
Phone Number
Email

Date

Contact Name
Title
Company
Address
Address Line 2

Dear Dr. Connor,

I am interested in applying for the weekend receptionist position at the Connor Veterinarian Hospital. I was very excited when I saw the posting when I brought our two family dogs, Max and Otis, in for their checkups. As you know, we’ve been bringing them here for over 10 years, and I love the friendly staff. After checking with Lindsey at the front desk and discovering that the position is open for any experience level to apply, I am taking the opportunity to submit my resume.

As a junior at Dalton High School, I understand the challenges of juggling multiple priorities and the need for time management. This year, I’ve had the opportunity to work in the office during one of my periods, where I’ve learned essential office skills. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned and put those skills to use for you. From answering phones, maintaining a professional and mature demeanor, and correctly filing documents, I believe my skills line up well with your job description.

As an animal lover, I look forward to helping others enjoy supporting their animal’s health through this role. I have an outgoing and friendly personality, and I’m always eager to learn and improve my performance. I appreciate your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you further.

Sincerely,

Name

Landing the First Job

Many teens find that the most straightforward first jobs to land are retail or fast food because of the evening and weekend availability. Also, auto dealerships often need receptionists, and hotels are open during hours that complement classwork.

If working at a store or restaurant is not what you’re looking for, consider these possible options: babysitter, housekeeper, pet caretaker, yard worker, swim instructor, lifeguard, camp counselor, or tutor. A less formal position might be a better option if your school commitments are demanding.

More: How to Introduce Yourself in a Job Interview

Start Building Your Resume

This is a fantastic time for students who have a dream career in mind to get an entry-level position that can add value down the road. Suppose you have ambitions to be a veterinarian? Inquire about receptionist opportunities at the local animal hospital. Do you dream of being a teacher? Childcare is a great choice. A career aptitude test can help you figure out which jobs you might thrive in. While these roles might not be glamorous, they will help you start building your experience to support your resume down the road.

The post Job Search and Resume Tips for High School Students appeared first on Job-Hunt.

But as you start to speak, you’re lost. Which skills do you talk about? Do you talk about your education? Do you focus on your current job or what you want to do? How do you sum up your entire career in the length of one elevator ride?

What Is an Elevator Pitch? Definition & Meaning

An elevator pitch, or elevator speech, is a brief summary of who you are as a professional. It’s similar to the summary of qualifications on your resume or the “About” section of your LinkedIn profile. In 30 seconds or less, you give the listener enough information about your skills and abilities to get them interested in learning more about you.

Why You Need an Elevator Pitch

You may only have 30 seconds to grab someone’s attention, and a well-crafted and perfectly delivered elevator pitch can do just that!

While you may be prepared for some situations (like a job fair), you never know when a fantastic opportunity may come your way, and having an elevator speech puts you in the driver’s seat. As the name implies, you could end up in an elevator with someone who could help you land your dream job, and you’ve got this one elevator ride to “wow” them!

How to Write an Elevator Pitch

The number one rule of an elevator pitch is to keep it short. And because your time is limited, you may be tempted to squeeze in as much information as possible. 

However, just like you can’t fit everything on your resume, you can’t include everything about yourself in your elevator pitch. The idea is to hook the listener, so stick to the basics and highlight the top one or two things someone should know about you.

Here’s what to include in your elevator pitch.

Who Are You?

It sounds obvious, but many elevator pitches skip this important step!

Start your pitch with who you are. Many people jump into what they do and where they do it but neglect to introduce themselves. And while the person listening to your pitch may be fascinated with your pitch, if they don’t know who you are, they may not connect with what you’re saying.

What Do You Do?

After you introduce yourself, talk about what you do. You can limit this to your title and where you work, though you can include how long you’ve been in your position if you’re comfortable with that. Save the details about your skills for later in the pitch.

What Do You Want to Do?

This is the “first course” of your elevator pitch. What do you want to do next? You don’t have to spend a ton of time on this, but you should give a brief mention of what you’d love in your next job. Do you want to move into management? Learn new skills? Change careers? Throw it in so the listener understands your career goals.

What Are You Good At?

Explaining what you’re good at is the “main course” of your elevator pitch. This is the section you’ll want to devote most of your 30 seconds to, but you’ll also have to pick and choose what you include.

Select one or two skills that explain why you’re good at what you do. Help the listener see why your skills matter and how they add value to your current employer.

What Are You Looking For?

Just before you end your pitch, include a brief mention of what you’re looking for from this particular listener. 

This is slightly different than telling someone what you want to do next. Though what you’re looking for could include information about a job, that’s not always the case. You might be looking for a mentor, a new network connection, or an informational interview.

How Do You Connect?

The end of your pitch should include a call to action that invites the listener to connect with you and continue the conversation.

For example, you can ask them to get together for coffee or a phone call. Whatever it is, make it clear you’re asking for their time and that it’s OK to turn you down.

And if the listener can’t get together, give them a way to contact you. You can go old school and hand the other person a business card (paper or virtual). Or, share your email or personal website address if it’s easy to remember. Likewise, you can mention you’re on LinkedIn and suggest connecting there, possibly with you initiating the connection.

Elevator Pitch Examples

Not every situation will rely on the same elevator speech. So, it’s best to have a few ready to go. Here are a few examples to get you started.

New Graduate

My name is [Name], and I recently graduated from [Name of College] with a degree in [Major or Field of Study]. I [talk about any related activities or internships] and am now looking for a job as [title or field]. Can we meet up for coffee so I can learn more about the field?

Career Changer

I’m [Name] and currently work in [name of field or title]. Though I’ve enjoyed the work and honed my skills in [mention a transferable skill that’s useful in your new field], I’ve decided I want to switch things up and work in [name the field or a job title]. Would you be able to meet with me so I can learn more about your success in the field?

During an Interview

My name is [Name]. Thanks for meeting with me today. I have a [name of degree if applicable] and [X] years of experience in [your career field or the job you’re interviewing for]. I’ve [list one or two top accomplishments and how they benefited your employer]. I’m interested in this role because [state what it is that’s interesting about the job].

How to Give an Elevator Pitch

You might be surprised at all the times your elevator pitch comes in handy. But having an elevator pitch isn’t enough. You also need an effective delivery to get results.

Practice

Practice your pitch out loud a few times and listen to what you’re saying and how you say it. Do you speak in a natural, conversational tone, or are you speaking in a low, monotone voice that’s hard to understand? Are you speaking too quickly? Too slowly? Are you rambling and off-topic?

Record yourself and listen to it a few times to pinpoint what you need to improve. Or, ask some trusted friends or family to listen to your pitch and give you feedback.

Go Slow

You’re limited to about 30 seconds, which may make you think you have to “speed speak” to get every single word in there. But once you practice a few times, you’ll see that 30 seconds is a lot longer than it seems.

Slow your speech down. You don’t have to go slo-mo slow, but make an effort to speak at a natural pace or rhythm that’s easy to listen to. Again, listening to recordings or having live listeners can help you figure out if you’re speaking at the right pace.

If after several trial runs you find that you can’t fit everything in or are having trouble slowing down, try cutting a few things from the pitch. It’s better to leave a few things out and be understood than cram everything in and be greeted with a quizzical look when you’re done!

Stay Positive

When you’re giving your pitch, you may concentrate more on what you’re saying than how you’re saying it.

In addition to speaking in a natural tone and at the right pace, watch yourself deliver the elevator speech in the mirror or watch a recording. Do you maintain eye contact (without staring)? Are you frowning? Do you look like a deer in headlights?

Practice until you look and feel comfortable and confident delivering your pitch.

Make Your Elevator Pitch Short and Sweet

While your elevator pitch may not be “sweet,” it is short and entices the listener into connecting with and learning more about you. Having an elevator pitch at the ready is useful in numerous job search and professional situations. Spend some time crafting a few, so you’re prepared for any situation.

The post How to Write an Impressive Elevator Pitch (with Examples) appeared first on Job-Hunt.

To help pay her college tuition she has a part-time sales job at a furniture store.

Sadly, her employer is going out of business next month so Loretta is looking for a new job in sales.

The Details About This Business Management Student Resume Sample

Loretta created a resume that made the most of her experience, both on and off the job.

To highlight and to emphasize her qualifications for the sales job she wants, she put a professional brand statement at the top of her resume and highlighted some of her sales achievements.

• Placed Education High Up

Loretta wanted to highlight that she’s currently in school and about to achieve her degree in business. This implies that she’s probably a young woman full of energy and ambition. And because her degree is in Business Administration, the employer will see that she could have potential to move into management if they like her performance on the sales floor.

By putting “Concurrent with Education” in her job entry, Loretta is telling the employer that she is a hard worker – excelling at a professional job while carrying a full course load at college.

• Used Professional Achievements Heading

Loretta could have chosen many titles for this section: Experience, Work History, History, Accomplishments, or Achievements.

Loretta chose “Highlights of Professional Achievements” and “Professional Experience” because she wanted to be perceived as a professional rather than an entry-level college student.

And because she is seeking a sales job, she included the word “Achievements” in the title because that’s exactly what sales is all about.

• Incorporated Volunteer Fundraising

Loretta incorporated her volunteer work into the Professional Experience section rather than placing it under a new section such as Community Service. She did this because her volunteer work in fundraising is so relevant to her job objective in sales.

Her volunteer work also rounds out her sales qualifications by adding cold calling, writing, and Internet marketing to her in-person sales experience at her paid position.

Her volunteer fundraising also indicates that sales/business development is in Loretta’s blood. Why else would she do it for free when she already has such a busy schedule?

• Quantified Achievements with Lots of Numbers

As with any good sales resume, this one has lots of quantified achievements. By using numerals (for example, “60” instead of “sixty”), Loretta draws visual attention to her achievements. And she gave her achievement statements even more graphic appeal by using the % symbol instead of spelling out “percent.”

• Used Bullet Points for Emphasis and Organization

Notice the use of bullet-point statements. This technique helps organize information, avoids long paragraphs, and highlights each entry. The eye goes to these excellent points, simply because they are indented and use the dash symbol to guide the eye.

With this excellent resume, I don’t think it will take long for Loretta to land her new sales job!

The Bottom Line on College Business Student Resumes

Highlighting accomplishments, both on the job and off, Loretta draws employer attention to what she has done, emphasizing her skills and work ethic.

  The Resume Samples for Loretta:

• Sample Formal Resume for College Student in Business Administration
• Sample Simplified ATS Resume for the College Student in Business Administration

More About Job Search for College Students and Recent Grads

• New Grad Resume
• 7 Deadly Resume Mistakes for New Grads to Avoid
• Improving Your GPA After Graduation
• Competing with Older Candidates
• 3 Steps to Job Search Success for New Grads
• 5 Reasons LinkedIn Is Not Optional for New Grads

About the author…

Erin Kennedy is a Master Career Director (MCD), Certified Master Resume Writer (MCRW), Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), and Certified Empowerment & Motivational Coach (CEMC). She has been helping clients since 1999. Erin is also the President of Professional Resume Services, Inc.. Visit her website and connect with Erin on LinkedIn and Twitter.
More about this author…

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Everyone has a reputation they’ve developed over time.

Over your work life and personal life, you’ve become known for being a certain kind of person, being driven by certain values and passions, and offering certain skill sets and strengths.

More than ever these days, in job search you need to stand out from your competition.

That means differentiating your own unique combination of top personal attributes, qualifications, motivating skills (those you excel at AND love doing the most), strengths, values, and passions.

This set of traits represents your promise of value to your target employers. That’s your brand.

It’s not so hard for seasoned professionals to identify these distinguishing characteristics in themselves. They’ve probably had to think about these things, and have most likely received performance reviews from employer(s), confirming what they already knew were their best assets.

But what if you’re a recent grad or someone seeking your very first job, do you even have a brand yet? You bet you do!

I received the following blog comment when I cross-posted my Job-Hunt article, Personal Branding Hype and Myth vs. Reality on my Executive Resume Branding blogsite:

“I wonder, is a personal branding statement at all useful to people who don’t have previous work experience? Forgive me if my question sounds a little naive…I am looking for my first job, and it’s been tough going to present an appealing ‘point of difference’ based on my very general skill set.”

My response:

“No matter what your professional level, even without work experience, you have a personal brand.

People know you, and rely on you, for certain things. This is why getting feedback from the people who know you best is so important.

Ask them what they feel your top strengths and personal attributes are. Look at the feedback for cross-over. Which points stand out? These can help you differentiate your value in the market place over others with similar backgrounds.”

Define Your Personal Brand

So, the process of defining your brand is the same for you as a new grad or entry-level job seeker as it is for a senior level executive with 30+ years experience.

• Begin to determine your unique promise of value by asking people around you, who have seen you in action, for feedback. This means tapping your classmates, teachers, professors, mentors, supervisors of internships, people you’ve known for some time, people you’ve worked on projects with, etc.
• Pay attention to what they say when they introduce you to someone new. Ask them what they think your best qualities are, and what things they know they can always rely on you for.
• Meantime, sit down and work on identifying your differentiating factors yourself, along with all the components that go into defining your personal brand. My 10-Step Personal Branding Worksheet will guide you through.
• And remember, as with job seekers at any professional level, building your brand requires first identifying your target career and the target companies you want to pursue, researching their needs right now (through job descriptions, company websites and Google search), and determining how you’ll be a good fit for them.

Your brand and all your job search communications (resume, cover letters, online profiles, personal web pages, etc.) will resonate with your target employers, if you align their needs with your qualifications.

Also, make sure that your brand and good-fit traits carry over to your online brand communications – your professional social networking and social media activities. Pay particular attention to LinkedIn, the most important social network for professionals.

Bottom Line on Personal Branding for Students and New Grads

Professional level, years of experience, and age don’t determine whether you have a brand. We all already have a personal brand. Chances are, others know what your brand is all about. It’s up to you to do some work, uncover what makes you unique, and use that information to market yourself to your target employers.

Using LinkedIn for Personal Branding

• Branding with Your LinkedIn Profile
• Make Your LinkedIn Summary Dazzle with Personal Branding
• Keep Your Personal Brand Top-of-Mind with LinkedIn Updates
• How to Use Your New Degree to Make a Career Change

About the author…

Meg Guiseppi, Job-Hunt’s Personal Branding Expert and 20+ year careers industry veteran, has earned 10 certifications, including Reach Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Reach Social Branding Analyst – LinkedIn Profile Strategist, and Certified Executive Resume Master. Meg is the author of “23 Ways You Sabotage Your Executive Job Search and How Your Brand Will Help You Land.” Connect with Meg at ExecutiveCareerBrand.com for c-suite personal branding and executive job search help and on Twitter (@MegGuiseppi). And, you may also download Meg’s free ebook – Job-Hunt Guide to Smart Personal Branding with LinkedIn.
More about this author…

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Their clients typically ask them to find someone with at least three to five years experience with some very specific skills learned on-the-job. After all, most companies do not employ recruiters for the jobs they can easily fill themselves. Most companies have connections to universities and alumni for tapping into the college candidate pool.

Should a New Grad Bother to Contact a Recruiter?

If you have a connection to a recruiter through family, a friend, or a colleague, you should leverage it.

• Inside InformationRecruiters have insider information and market observations on who is hiring in your geographic area and how much demand there is for your skill set. They may even be able to set up an informal meeting between you and one of their clients. This may not be an interview, but meetings like these can lead to interviews and/or more insights on who is hiring. As you’ve heard, it’s all about networking.
• Free CoachingRecruiters also act as informal job search coaches. A few months ago, I got a call from someone in my congregation. She had a son who was graduating soon and wanted to know if I could help him in any way. I received his resume and gave him a call. As it turned out, he needed some help with presenting his experiences in his resume. I was able to provide him with ideas on where to network to find hiring managers. We also talked about how to discuss past jobs (and school projects) during interviews to have a stronger impact in addressing the “experience issue.”

Obviously, the smaller group of recruiters who help place new grads is the place to start, but most recruiters can be helpful in those ways.

The Reality and the Future

New grads should also realize they are not being singled out. Recruiters are emailed and called by many job seekers every month. Many of these potential candidates are only to be considered for future jobs, not ones that the recruiter is presently working on.

Building a strong relationship with one or two recruiters may not help find your first job (directly), but may help with your second. Keep the recruiter up to date on your professional situation so that you might be considered for a job down the road. Remember, just a few years experience puts you in a different category in their mind.

Just like more experienced candidates, make sure to pick a recruiter who places people in your field. If you only have one choice, then you might ask that recruiter if they have a colleague who specializes in placing candidates in your field.

Bottom Line on Recruiters for Recent College Graduates

Like every job search, recruiters have their place. Since they work for companies, not candidates, they are only going to place you in unique situations. However, being networked to them allows that to happen…at some point in your career. Leverage them as best you can now knowing it is likely to be a long-term investment.

About the author…

Job-Hunt’s Working with Recruiters Expert Jeff Lipschultz is a 20+ year veteran in management, hiring, and recruiting of all types of business and technical professionals. He has worked in industries ranging from telecom to transportation to dotcom. Jeff is a founding partner of A-List Solutions, a Dallas-based recruiting and employment consulting company. Learn more about him through his company site alistsolutions.com. Follow Jeff on LinkedIn and on Twitter (@JLipschultz).
More about this author…

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