How to get your first job

For most job-seekers, the search starts online with a job aggregation website like Glassdoor. These websites help you refine your search based on your location, experience level, preferred field, and salary requirements. They also give you a platform to upload your resume, so recruiters can reach out to you. On Glassdoor, job seekers can cross-reference job opening posts with detailed company reviews, which address topics like company culture, benefits, employee satisfaction, and the interview process.

 

But posting and scrolling are not enough. To find the right job for you — and to increase your chances of scoring an interview — you have to employ strategy. For example, did you know that Monday is the best day of the week to look for a job? Or that you should always schedule interviews for the morning?  

 

One of the most important strategies in a job search is to tailor your application — typically, your resume, cover letter, and references — to the job. (Be sure to reconnect with your references first: they might even know someone at the company you’re applying to.)

 

Supplement your online job search with informational interviews. Unlike an interview for a specific job opening, an informational interview is a way of expanding your network to learn more about a career path, employer, or industry.  Remember that anyone who grants you an informational interview is doing you a favor: arrive prepared with thoughtful questions, actively listen to their advice, and send a thank you note after the meeting.

As a job-seeker, consider using AI to analyze the job description, identify the keywords for the role, customize your resume, and create a first draft of your cover letter to highlight relevant keywords. Oftentimes, for recruiters and hiring managers, determining whether someone “fits” the role comes down to whether they used the correct keywords in their resume and cover letter. The job description is your best starting point. And HR pros say that spending the extra time to customize your resume is worth the time and effort.

Related: Check out more on Glassdoor’s new experience to accelerate your job search with AI.

Learn more about future-proofing your career with a solid action plan.

Knowing what potential employers are looking for and highlighting those things in your resume and cover letter is critical to getting a job. Go deeper than just listing grades and education. Detail the following: 

• Technical skills
• Soft skills
• Examples of impact 
• Certifications
• Quantifiable success

In addition, include ​​Generative AI tools (like ChatGPT or Gemini) for productivity or industry-specific tasks in your skills section.

If you read the job posting carefully, you’ll discover that the employer has already explained what they are looking for:

1. Skip the “I’m excited for this opportunity” platitudes and knock your cover letter out of the park by explaining how your skills and experience can help the company advance its goals. 
2. Look beyond the job post to the company’s website and social media accounts for more information on its mission and objectives. 

A little research goes a long way: HR insiders say that being knowledgeable about the company and highly engaged is key.

Glassdoor Community members say competition for entry-level jobs can be tough right now. Experts agree that standing out from the crowd comes down to information— knowing more than your competition about the job and the company. More importantly, it’s about conveying you have that extra knowledge to a potential employer during your interview.

 

Great interview candidates are authentic, consistent, and prepared.

 

The purpose of an interview is to determine whether you have the aptitude to perform a job and whether you would work well with the team, so the best thing you can do in a job interview is be yourself.

You’d never purposefully tank an interview, but you can unwittingly hurt your chances of getting hired by being inconsistent. It’s important to say the same things throughout the interview process—and on your resume and cover letter—to demonstrate why you are right for the job. 

 

You know to expect some standard questions during the interview. (For example: Why do you want this job? What makes you the best person for this role? What unique skills do you bring to the table?) Practice your answers to the most popular questions to minimize your risk of getting caught off-guard.

 

Interview questions to ask

It’s not enough to show up for an interview ready to answer a manager’s questions. Interviewing is a two-way street, so you also have to come prepared with questions to ask your potential employer.  When scheduling an interview, be sure to ask the recruiter or HR contact exactly whom you will be interviewing. Look each person up on LinkedIn, learn about their roles, and think of questions that will be specific to their roles or experiences.

 

What not to say during an interview

Sometimes it’s not what you say but what you don’t say in an interview that matters most. Seemingly harmless phrases such as, “that’s a great question!” and boastful brags such as “I really can’t imagine anyone more qualified than me” can really get under a potential employer’s skin and could even cost you the job.

Your starting salary in your first job could set you up for financial success for the rest of your career. With these negotiating tips, you can confidently walk into your first negotiation and even learn what else you can negotiate for. Plus, using Glassdoor’s Know Your Worth tool will give you a personal salary estimate of how much you should earn given your location, background, and more.

A dream job melds together a company that inspires you with a work environment that energizes you and teammates who support you. With a little research, your first job can be your dream job. 

 

Explore all of Glassdoor’s resources, expert tips, and insider advice for finding your first job.