Searching for your first job can seem really daunting. When I first started applying for my first work position, I was terrified that my lack of experience would prevent me from getting hired anywhere. On top of that, I did not even know how to properly build a resume or what to include on it! Since then, I have gained a lot of job experience and experience with the job application process that I would like to share with others.
So, for all those looking to jump into the job market for the first time, here are some of my personal tips and tricks that I have gained from my own experience applying to jobs.
Take Advantage of Resources
It can be difficult to know where to start when applying for jobs, where to look for potential positions, how to write a cover letter and craft a resume. That is why you absolutely need to take advantage of all the resources that you have at your disposal when embarking on a journey to find your first job!
Luckily, as a UBC student, there are tons of resources that you can access that will help you during every step of your job search. The Center for Student Involvement and Careers offers career advising appointments and drop-in sessions to students who need help with anything from general career counselling to reviewing resumes! They also have a resources page where you can find information about the skills you need to get a job, networking, skills to be successful in your work, like presentation skills, and more.
Another great advantage that we have as UBC students is that we can apply for student jobs on campus, which is a great place to start when looking for a job. Check out the Work Learn program for part-time positions across campus that will work with you to schedule work around your courses to allow you to balance work and school. The AMS also posts student positions on their website that would be great for individuals with little to no prior experience. Lastly, you can find even more on and off-campus positions by looking at CareersOnline.
Keep Track of Transferable Skills and Positions
Building a resume for the first time is scary, especially when you have no prior experience. You may not be too sure what to put on your resume to help you seem like a good fit for a position or what skills you have gained that can be put on an application.
In reality, you have been gaining skills that can be transferred to any new job throughout your life and even just by attending classes at UBC! Do not be afraid to include things like relevant courses or workshops that you have attended on your resume. Do you have a position in a club on campus or have you done any volunteer work? These are great to include on your resume and can help show employers how involved you are in your community and your initiative.
Take every opportunity that you can to build employable skills and keep track of the skills you have gained! Before applying for my first job, I was able to go out and get certified for first aid, which is something that helped distinguish me from other applicants when I included it on my resume. I also keep a list of workshops, volunteer positions and clubs that I have taken part in that may be helpful when applying to jobs.
Furthermore, write down difficult situations or problems that you have overcome in your positions or classes to use during job interviews. For example, if you took the lead during a group project or helped
resolve a dispute between group members, you may be able to use these as real-life examples of your transferable skills.
Pace Yourself & Stay Motivated
Job hunting is not an easy job in itself. Make sure to pace yourself when applying to jobs and find ways to keep yourself motivated even when things seem to not be going well.
A couple of years ago, I had a goal to get a job before the summertime. Then, I ended up procrastinating until the month before the semester was over to apply for jobs. This resulted in me applying for over twenty positions in the span of a few weeks, which only left me feeling exhausted and disappointed that I was not able to get a job! Ultimately, I was able to find a position, but only after I decided to stop rushing and spend more time crafting the perfect resume and preparing for the interview.
To keep yourself motivated, I recommend setting small goals for yourself and integrating time for job applications into your calendar. For example, you could set aside some time each day to work on your resume or to contact a company to see if they have any open positions. Also, remember that even if you do not get a job or hear back about an interview, you have still been gaining valuable experience! Your job search skills improve with every job that you apply for and you will eventually find a position that fits you well.
Additional Chapman Learning Commons Resources
If you are interested in reading about more job experiences from other students, the Chapman Learning Commons has a few blog posts that you can check out! Read Madeleine’s articles about The Pros, the Cons, and the How-To’s of Work School Balance and Why Working on Campus is a Great Idea to find out about her experiences balancing on-campus work and school. You can also take a look at this helpful infographic on landing a summer internship if you are looking for a summer position.