It is sometimes difficult for first-time job hunters to obtain a position in their field or even to decide what position they want. If you fall into this category, you may want to try one or more of the following approaches:
Internship
Whether you are still in school or have already graduated, you may be able to obtain an internship in your field of study. Most internship is unpaid or includes only a small stipend. Some count as credit toward your degree. While working for free may not seem appealing at first, consider this: many top executives got their start through an internship program.
As an intern, you may be saddled with some of the less glamorous tasks of the job you aspire to have one day, but you'll be getting firsthand, on-the-job experience. You'll be making contacts and developing the skills you need to succeed in your chosen career. Many interns are hired once a position opens up there's something to be said for being in the right place at the right time. If an internship is financially impractical for you, consider arranging a part-time internship that would allow you to keep a paying job at the same time.
Part-time Work
Even though you are most likely seeking full-time employment, a part-time job in your field may be a good way to get your foot in the door. You'll be well positioned should a full-time job become available, and you'll be learning about your chosen career. Your best bet is to obtain such a position with a growing company, which will more likely provide an opportunity to expand your hours.
Volunteer Work
Another way to get your start may be through volunteering your time. Many organizations can use the help but can't afford to pay the extra salary. Nonprofit organizations in particular frequently make use of volunteers. While you certainly won't get rich by volunteering, you'll be gaining valuable experience in your field; if a position in the organization becomes available, you may be considered for it. You can also include this volunteer work on your resume as part of your career experience. Furthermore, you may meet contacts in the field that can steer you toward a paying position.
Clerical Positions
While secretarial or mailroom work may not be your idea of the perfect job, it may be a way to land that first career position. For example, if you've studied advertising, you might seek a job as an administrative assistant in an ad agency. You'll get to know the firm's clients, its methods of doing business, and the specific types of accounts it handles. Many people call this stage of career development "paying your dues." You've realized by now that you're not going to start out as a president or chief executive officer of a firm. An entry-level position for which you may be somewhat overqualified could be a springboard to great things.
Temporary Help
If you're unsure about what type of job you think you'd like, you might sign up with a firm that provides businesses with temporary help. You'll be sent to a variety of companies, usually to perform entry-level tasks. While the work itself may not be exactly what you want to do forever, this arrangement allows you to visit different companies in the area, to learn about different types of businesses and corporate cultures, and to determine what most appeals to you. If you "temp" for a company you'd like to work for on a permanent basis, let those people in a hiring capacity know. When a position becomes available, you may be the person they call.
Set Goals
Keep your purpose in mind and work toward it to stay productive. Write down your goals and review them periodically. Perhaps your daily goal might be to make three new contacts. A weekly goal might be to mail out 25 resumes and cover letters. Whatever you choose, make your goal specific and measurable, and set a deadline.
Take Care of Yourself
Aside from searching for a job that's right for you, there's something else you should take care of-yourself! A job search takes time. People seeking entry-level or generalized positions can expect their search to take three to six months; those seeking higher-paying or more-specialized jobs can expect a search period to last a year, eighteen months, or more. Also, the state of the employment situation in your field and locale will affect the length of your search. How does one survive such a long and potentially stressful period of time? Concentrate on the following four pieces of advice.
