How to search and apply for your first job

When you first enter the world of work, it can be difficult to know where to start your job search. In this day and age, people often stay with a company for a matter of years before moving on to try something new. So, moving between jobs to find something you love isn’t unreasonable. However, the experience that you gain through your first years of work will undoubtedly shape your future career and enable you to move forward to become a specialist in your field.

So, how should you begin your job search and what can you do to make sure that your application stands out against the competition once you’ve finished studying?

How to make your application stand out for the right reasons

Putting together a stellar application for any job can be done if you put the effort in. All jobs are slightly different, and it is important for an employer to feel as though you have applied to work for them for a specific reason.

Here are some top tips to make sure you stand out against the competition when applying for your dream role:

1. Tailor each application to match the job spec and business you are applying for.
2. Write a detailed and personal cover letter that proves you have researched the business in question.
3. Make sure your CV and cover letter are free from grammatical errors.
4. Showcase your skills and experience in a way that highlights how well you can do the job you are applying for.
5. Remember that you are selling yourself, your skills, and any relevant experience. You should write your CV in a way that best promotes this to a potential employer.

How to use keywords effectively when applying for jobs

From the moment you press ‘apply’ for a role with your CV, you are usually submitting your CV to a system that checks through the content you have submitted.

These systems read for information in your CV that are relevant to the job spec. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your most relevant skills stand out and are the main focus of your CV, as you will then show your capabilities of fulfilling the role.

Be sure to match some of the words and phrases used in the job description throughout your CV and cover letter, this will give you a better chance of getting through the first stage of vetting, and have your CV put in front of the key decision-makers who will then further assess your suitability for their vacancy.

How to use LinkedIn to search for jobs

LinkedIn is a great place to look for new opportunities, and the advanced filtering options mean that you will be able to find suitable and exciting opportunities very quickly. Searching a desired job title or business that you are interested in is the best place to start, so, searching through LinkedIn opportunities can be a quick and fun way to apply to roles that you are interested in. LinkedIn advertises for roles at all levels, and in every sector, so you are more than likely to find roles that you want to apply for.

It’s important to start applying as soon as possible and to keep up with your applications. If you want further advice or you’re interested in connecting with unique graduate and apprenticeship opportunities, sign up to Page Talent today.