Getting The FIRST Job Is The Hardest
Breaking into tech
Apply for a ton of jobs. When I was applying for my first job out of college, there were days when I applied to hundreds of jobs. Not only did it give me tons of interview and communication practice, but it loaded me with opportunities.
Network. Not many people enjoy networking. It’s not my favorite thing to do either, but I try to do it now and then to give me a boost. There have been times when I got a job without effort due to who I knew. Many people get jobs without trying because of the people they know. Who you know can be a positively dangerous tool in the job search.
Write out your responses. If you suck at interviewing, start writing out responses to typical interview questions you might receive for the roles you’re applying to. I used to get very nervous during interviews. Still, after I started writing out my answers and recording myself communicating them in an interview format, the nerves fell off like scales. You might even memorize your answers. At this point, you can freestyle your answers and sound more eloquent.
Consistently update your resume. The resume is never complete until you land the role, sign the offer, and start your job. And even then, you should keep your resume up to date. Add projects and experience to your resume when the details are fresh on your mind.
Become immune to rejection. I’m used to hearing and seeing the word “no.” I don’t let it phase me. The more no’s you get, the closer you get to receiving your “yes.” Stay the course.
Keep applying. You’re going to get a lot of rejections. The most important thing you can do when you see these is to continue applying. Don’t let the rejections phase you — even the ones from the companies you liked most or invested a lot of effort in.
Keep applying AFTER you get the job. Many people stop applying for jobs once they get a job, but it’s essential to stay relevant in the market by consistently applying, learning new trends, and keeping up to date on what tools are being utilized. Sometimes jobs don’t work out — especially the first one. Keep interviewing for the first several months to keep your options open in case you don’t like the gig; they don’t like you, etc.
Leverage others. If you know someone in your industry or experiencing a successful career, learn from them. They can help you get to where you need to be. People are frequently more willing to help you than you might think — especially those who remember those who helped them get to where they are today.
At the end of my first/second job search, I applied to over 3,000 jobs. It took a lot of dedication, a lot of rejection, and a lot of persistence, but I finally landed exactly where I needed to.
The same will happen to you.