by deViant

Created on: March 22, 2006   Last Updated: July 31, 2010

1. Finding the first job is particularly hard, so don't be depressed. Unfortunately you will have to go through hundreds of applications until you even get an interview.

2. Work experience does not equal pay - volunteer/seek internships in the area that you'd like to work in or an area where you can earn some crucial experience that will count towards your skills needed to get a paid job - even internships/placements aren't easy to get these days, depending on your industry, but easier than a job straight-off.

3. Work temping jobs while doing the internships so you don't get into too much debt and who knows, the temp job might actually become your first permanent paid position or at least you get to know some people and learn from their good moves / mistakes career wise - never a bad idea to save yourself a few mishaps.

4. Choose internships at smaller companies (easier to get in to) that are relevant to your career (much more responsibility and skill development in a short amount of time, rather than making coffee for the various bosses in a big company) - often a well-chosen placement results in your first paid job, or at least you can build crucial networks that, if maintained well, you'll be able to rely on later on - you always meet people twice in your life!

5. While doing work experience/placements, try and get some additional education - either your local council/college/university or online, as long as you show that you're willing to put in some effort to make the best of your life/career, people will appreciate you and the more you'll have a chance of 'branchin out' to slightly different areas - the more open doors you have the better!

Hope this helped a bit - good luck!

NB: I know how frustrating looking for a job is, believe me, but sometimes the ones you don't get are a blessing in disguise (you might have had the boss from hell, or bullies as colleagues) - or during the search you'll discover some neglected wishes/needs of your personality and it'll cause you to rethink your career plans.

Learn more about this author, deViant.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.