If you’re searching for your first full-time job, the process can be a little intimidating. Between all your application materials and the seemingly dismal chances of a real person reading your resume, it’s easy to start thinking you’ll never land your dream gig.
But with a few key strategies, you’ll have a much better chance of getting in that role—and maybe quicker than you’d think. Check out these “shortcuts” for how to get your first job faster and stand out in the hiring process.
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How to get your first job: 4 shortcuts to boost your chances
These are the actions you can take to land your first job faster—beyond just crafting the perfect resume or cover letter, which should be a given.
1. Get experience while still in school
It's sad but true: A lot of companies require prior experience for entry-level positions. Candidates often find themselves stuck in the paradox of not having experience but needing it to have their first job. So, what can you do?
Gain experience in a non-tradicional job while studying. If you're in high school, enroll in extracurricular activities that could be relevant to your resume. For example, a code club or robotics competition can teach you skills you could leverage in a software engineering internship. Voluntary work in your community could be evidence that you have the communication and leadership skills necessary to work a retail job.
The key here is to pick an activity that relates with your professional aspirations. If you don't know what you want to do yet and just want your own income, avoid anything too specific (like robotics or blacksmithing). Instead, choose activities that develop a broader range of skills. This way, you'll have the experience the market demands—even if you've never worked before.
Read this next: 16 Good Skills to Put on a Resume With No Experience
2. Use personal projects as portfolio
Your hobbies and passions can help you get a first job faster. Maybe you love baking—this could open the door to an entry-level position at a local coffee shop. Or perhaps your biggest passion is writing blog posts about the movies you watch, and your posts get decent traction. That could serve as your portfolio for a social media or copywriting position.
People often make the mistake of dismissing their personal projects as silly or irrelevant. But there's a big difference between an experienced professional and a college or high school student just starting out. In other words, what might not be impressive on a 37-year-old’s resume could stand out on a 17-year-old’s.
3. Ask a professor, friend, or relative
If you have someone in your life who could directly recommend you, ask them for help. Maybe the uncles you see on Thanksgiving know the owners of a local business that needs someone young to answer the phone and emails. Or perhaps a professor you’ve built a great rapport with in college could recommend you for a paid internship. Is your parents’ friend opening a business? Ask if they need any help or if there's an open position you could fill.
If you don’t want to ask for a job outright, simply let them know you’re looking and would be incredibly grateful if they shared any opportunities they come across. Try to narrow down the types of jobs you’re interested in so they know what to send your way.
Read this next: 4 Questions to Ask Your Network Besides, "Can You Get Me a Job?"
4. Contact recruiters or employers directly
Get the competitive edge by writing a letter of intent. Similar to a cover letter, you send it to a potential employer in the hopes of getting a job. However, there's one key difference: Letters of intent aren't tied to a specific open position—they express your interest in working for a particular company or organization.
It's like when a telemarketer cold-calls your house to offer a service or product, but in this case, you’d be cold-emailing an employer to say, “Hey, I really admire your company and would love the opportunity to work with you. Let me know if you ever need someone with my skills and education.”
If you can’t find the company’s HR email address, try reaching out to recruiters or hiring managers on LinkedIn. To find them, just type the company name plus the position (e.g., “hiring manager” or “recruiter”) in the search bar.
Send a connection request along with a well-crafted, professional message about your interest in working for their company. It might feel slightly awkward at first, but remember—LinkedIn is a networking platform. Most people are there to make professional connections and find job opportunities. As long as you’re polite and professional, recruiters are unlikely to be put off by this approach.
FAQs
How to make a resume for your first job?
A resume for a first job should highlight relevant non-work experiences and transferable skills. Include any relevant education and certifications, along with volunteer work, internships, extracurricular activities, and even standout college or personal projects.
For extra guidance, read this next: How to Write a Resume for Your Very First Job (Plus, an Example!)
Do you need a resume for your first job?
Yes, you do. Even if you apply through a company's website or an online platform, chances are a recruiter will ask for an updated resume at some point. So always have one ready.
Read this next: 15 Best First Jobs to Try When You're Just Getting Started
How to apply to your first job with no resume?
If you're filling out an online application, you might not need a resume right away. However, a recruiter may request one later in the process. If you’re worried about not having work experience, you should still create a resume that includes relevant volunteer work, certifications, or extracurricular activities. Even a little experience is better than having no resume at all.
Read this next: How to Get Your First Job: The Guide You've Been Looking For
Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.