Applying For Your First “Real” Job? Be Sure To Follow These Tips…

The National Center for Education Statistics estimated that in 2017, “20.4 million students [were] expected to attend American colleges and universities, constituting an increase of about 5.1 million since fall 2000.” Each year, HR professionals review millions of applications from the brand new job seekers who have just graduated from these institutions.

If you have recently graduated from a college or university, or are preparing to do so, these numbers might seem a bit daunting as you seek out your first “real” job.

While change can be scary, the right knowledge can help propel you through this exciting new time in your life. Explore top HR strategies for securing the best possible entry-level position.

List all job requirements on your resume

Now that you’ve mastered the world of student loans, exams, and student housing, it’s time to move to the next level: the “real” world. When applying for your first professional position, something that can cause anxiety is creating a resume to send to potential employers.

Because only “35% of applicants are actually qualified for the jobs they apply to,” HR professionals have developed strategies for quickly sorting through stacks of resumes.

They’ve become so skilled at this that the “average time spent by recruiters looking at a resume [is] 5 to 7 seconds.”

So, how can you get your resume past this crucial first step?

Provided that you are indeed qualified for the position, there is one strategy that you must use for every job application. Although it may seem time consuming and unnecessary, list each specific required job qualification on your resume.

For example, if the job requires 3-5 years of experience in customer service, you must state how many years of customer service experience you have.

Cover letters are not optional

• Have you ever applied to a job online where it is stated that a cover letter is optional?
• Or how about a job application that doesn’t request one in the first place?

Unless the employer specifically says not to send a cover letter, always be sure to include one. Why?

One study found that “53% of employers say a resume doesn’t provide enough information for them to assess whether someone is a good fit for the job.” Applicants who do take the time to write and send a cover letter are far more likely to be considered for a position than those who send only a resume.

Take the time to show why you are the best candidate

For the average position, “only 2% of applicants will be called for an interview.”

Tempted to just send the basics when applying for a job?

Now more than ever, it is crucial to prove to HR recruiters why you are the best fit.

How can you achieve this?

Take the time to proofread every document that you send, list specific results that you’ve achieved for organizations you’ve worked with, always demonstrate professionalism in your communication, and send a ‘thank you’ note or email after each interview.

By following the proven HR strategies listed above, you can take the stress out of searching for your first entry-level position.

Listing all job requirements on your resume, taking the time to send a cover letter, and demonstrating why you’re the best candidate are all excellent ways to find the perfect job for your qualifications.

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