Are you a first-time job seeker eager to ace the interview but lacking experience? You may be aware of your knowledge, but could you use more self-confidence when speaking with HR or the employer? In that case, you’re in the same stage as most newcomers to the business world.
The harsh reality is that most employers prefer candidates with prior experience. And we’d be lying if we said this is the only roadblock you’ll face on your way to your dream job. However, there is a silver lining!
As the saying goes, knowing the problem is half the battle. To avoid being caught off guard, learn more about the difficulties you may face and how to deal with them.
Invisibility on Job Search Engines
Let’s start from the beginning. How do newcomers learn about open positions and apply for them? You may have heard from others that word of mouth or referral is a trustworthy strategy. It is at times. But what if that’s different from your case?
If you have not researched the market, you have yet to determine where to begin. And there goes your first task. Once you’ve learned which companies are hiring for positions that match your qualifications, the next step is to contact them. Oh, do you have a LinkedIn account? You don’t have a profile on any job search engine, do you? Roll up your sleeves!
You may feel insufficiently qualified to emphasize your knowledge of employment-related social media since you have yet to gain experience. The biggest mistake, however, is to shy away. Nowadays, the only way to be noticed is to network with people in the business world. Remember that being hesitant to make contacts is a mistake that will only prolong your unemployment.
A Great Deal of Competition
Assume you discovered you have a lot of competition while researching the job market. They may not have more knowledge or talent than you. Still, they are more confident in interviews because of their prior experience – which gives them a leg up. This could be a big deal if your profession is not in high demand and there are few advertisements for the position you are seeking. To overcome this obstacle, you must highlight the skills that may give you an edge over your rivals. Communication and problem-solving abilities, for example, can give you a competitive advantage.
The problem is that you don’t have a portfolio to back it up, whereas your competition most likely does. Of course, you can only create work experience where there exists. So which way to go from here? Try making your resume professional and engaging. Recruiters appreciate conciseness and modesty!
Not Getting Interviews or Getting Them With No Follow-up Offers
Suppose you finally sent your CV and cover letter to a specific company. You wait a while, checking your inbox and phone for an interview invitation. But it never pops up. Although it can be discouraging, it is an unwritten rule. What should you do in such a situation? Examine your resume and cover letter again, and seek advice from an experienced professional on best presenting your skills and motivation for the job.
After that, you may be given the opportunity for the interview. The best-case scenario is that you pass the questions and are hired. But what if you believe you did everything correctly, but the offers never come? Another reason to pause and reflect. Examine whether you have exaggerated your skills and can back them up. And don’t automatically assume you’re not good enough! Because you still need to look at another side of the coin.
What if you do have sufficient skills, but your (online) presentation could be improved, or your nervousness caused you to overlook your strengths?
This is How You Conceal Insecurity as a First-Time Job Applicant
Have you ever heard the phrase “fake it until you make it”? The good news is that you can apply this principle to interview preparation. You can simulate an actual interview on the Fake Interview platform. Because first impressions are frequently decisive, you can collaborate with industry experts to best present yourself, your skills, and other qualities that make you suitable for the desired job. That way, you get relevant feedback about your performance – plus a confidence boost.Now that you know what challenges you are likely to face as a first-time job applicant, there is one thing to keep in mind if your hopes begin to dwindle. Even without all of these obstacles and with thorough preparation, finding jobs takes time. In the meantime, look into ways to enhance your knowledge and keep up with industry trends so you’ll be ready when that offer finally hits your inbox!