A recruiter´s advice on landing your first job - Part 2

Searching for your first job can feel overwhelming, especially when you're about to graduate or have recently entered the job market. This blog post features essential tips from Lotta Saxe, an experienced recruiter at Knack Konsulter & Rekrytering. With Lotta's expert guidance, you can approach your job hunt with confidence and make the most of your efforts. Keep reading to learn valuable strategies for landing your first job.

How can you create a strong LinkedIn profile that can help in your search for your first job?

Remember that LinkedIn serves both as a search engine and a platform to showcase your professional identity. To optimize your visibility, identify the keywords relevant to your career goals and incorporate them into your profile headline, 'About' section, past experiences, studies, skills, and even recommendations, if possible. Also, think about the impression you want to make through your profile. Whether a potential employer actively reviews your application or someone stumbles upon your profile by chance, ensure it communicates who you are, what you aspire to achieve, what motivates you, and what skills you bring to the table. Ideally, anyone visiting your profile should immediately recognize that you are the right candidate they’ve been searching for

How can you prepare for a job interview when you don't have much experience to talk about?

It's crucial not to compare yourself to those with more experience. Instead of exaggerating your qualifications, approach the interview with openness, humility, and curiosity. Ask the interviewers about their key priorities and the challenges they hope the new hire will tackle. Share your thoughts, ideas, and how your unique skills and knowledge can contribute to solving these challenges.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid in an interview?

The most common mistake is stressing out too much. Remember that the interview is for both of you to find out if you are a good fit, not just for them to evaluate you. The best interviews feel like comfortable conversations where both sides get to know each other. Don’t worry about being caught off guard; most interviewers aren’t looking to do that, and if they are, they might not be the right fit for you anyway.

How can you follow up in a good way after an interview?

Moderation is key. Avoid following up without a good reason and maintain a humble tone in your communications. If you haven't received a response a week after the interview, consider sending a polite email like, "Thank you for the opportunity to meet. Please let me know if you need any more information from me or if there are any further questions I can answer.”

Closing words from Lotta:

When you finish your education and start looking for a job, it's easy to feel lonely. Seek support from each other, form small job seeker groups where you can review each other's applications to provide feedback and encourage each other when needed.

Also, you can reach out to people who completed the same education as you a few years earlier. See what they are doing now and ask for advice. Consider inviting someone you admire, or someone who holds a position you want to, for a coffee to discuss your resume. Most people are flattered and happy to help. They have been where you are.

My mantra is, "You don't need to find a hundred jobs; you just need to find the right one." It can help to remember that when it feels tough. Good luck!

Thank you, Lotta, for sharing your valuable insights and advice!

If you haven't already, explore part one of the job application guide for even more tips and strategies to enhance your chances of securing your dream job.

Good luck with kickstarting your career!