Importance of the first job

Your first job feels like the first day of school. You are awkward, curious and scared at the same time. You may have second thoughts about the job, worry about the job’s suitability for your personal growth, want to turn back and head straight home. 

Common challenges for graduates

As a new bee you may not have the necessary strength or skills to face competition. You will not be able to tackle all the issues at work, because you lack experience. With lots of information out there, you might find entering the job market a challenging task. You will be new to the professional work environment. You will always be thinking, “How or where do I apply what I learned at university?” To get rid of all your confusion, here is a step- by-step guide to help you land your first job in Sri Lanka.

Step 1: Know your strengths and interests

You can start assessing yourself using different tools such as journaling, mindfulness, personality tests like Myers-Briggs (MBTI) or the Big Five, and asking feedback from others. You can reflect on what you have written in your journal, from deep self-thinking, personality test results and feedback from others to understand your strengths and interests. It can be anything from being a great listener or making handmade crafts. Find diverse entry-level jobs by industry which fits your strengths and interests.

Step 2: Build a Standout CV

A strong CV that stands out from the rest is one of the main keys to land your perfect job. You can use templates from various sites to write a CV that attracts the hiring team. Your CV must be suitable for the job you are applying for. For instance: An entry level job may require a casual CV while a professional job may require a CV with demarcated sections for previous jobs you held. Make sure to add your interests, skills and strengths in your CV with confidence.

Step 3: Use Trusted Job Portals

You need to have a clear picture about the kind of job you want before applying for one. Tailor your CV and cover letter for the specific job. Research each company, institution or organization you apply for. Build your career network by hunting down professionals or experts in your field and try to get their insights and experience about their career. You can now find your dream job at CareerFirst.lk across private, public and foreign jobs available in various locations. 

Step 4: Prepare for interviews

• Research the company
• Practice interview questions
• Prepare questions for your interviewer
• Review the job description
• Conduct mock interviews
• Print your CV
• Move your body with confidence
• Dress appropriately. If you want guidance on how to dress appropriately for an interview read How to Dress for a Job Interview

Last but not the least, be persistent in your efforts and keep learning about current trends and attitudes in the job market.

You can explore CareerFirst.lk to explore jobs, enroll in courses and similar informative and helpful blogs and build your career and overall personality with us. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn to empower people and careers across the country.