Desperation is No Good? Here are Proven Methods to Secure Your First Job
Guidance and advice for succeeding in your first professional role or when aiming to progress in your new career path.
Hate to be the one to point it out, but: been there and done that. Three years ago, I was attending job fairs and facing those challenges. It was tough, no doubt. But things have changed since then.
This article is for those who’ve been striving to attain their first professional role but haven’t quite made it yet. If you’ve taken a break and are now gearing up to re-enter the professional arena with a renewed mindset and fresh perspective, know that you have evolved. You are prepared. You’re not the same person anymore. You are ready.
So, let’s dive into three tips to help you score your first big break in the professional world.
Networking Done the 80%
In my first year within the insider’s community, I quickly grasped the importance of networking for securing a job.
For example, I once applied for a job and didn’t hear back for a month, so I moved on. However, I unexpectedly got the same job within a day, all thanks to a friend who worked there and recommended me.
Additionally, there’s a group chat in the industry where people with similar values and interests connect. This chat serves as a valuable resource for sharing information, including upcoming events, recommendations, and the latest trends and news in the industry.
This “network” not only aids in immediate job opportunities but also contributes to long-term career growth and opportunities.
“Research states that some 80% of jobs are landed through networking. This means that the bulk of your time should be spent networking, and you should use different networking strategies so that you can keep getting good traction in the job search. When you have multiple ways to network, it will increase your chances of landing an offer faster.” — Forbes
You can imagine how networking can increase your possibilities. Realizing the power of networking based on this information, I’m motivated to expand my network further! You should consider doing the same.
Matt Youngquist also exclaimed, “At least 70 per cent, if not 80 per cent, of jobs are not published,” he says.”And yet most people — they are spending 70 or 80 per cent of their time surfing the net versus getting out there, talking to employers, taking some chances [and] realizing that the vast majority of hiring is friends and acquaintances hiring other trusted friends and acquaintances.”
Desperation is a Turn-off
Desperation often makes you feel like you’re lacking or haven’t achieved enough — yet. Think about industry experts; do they ever come across as desperate? Rarely. They exude confidence because they know their worth.
Imagine you’re eager to break into an industry and you have been applying but hearing crickets. It’s normal to start feeling desperation, especially after receiving rejection emails or worse: facing complete silence.
But don’t show it to the potential recruiters! Or any new people you meet in the networking event. Who knows who they might be? You never know who you are talking to or their significance in the industry.
Always project confidence and belief in your abilities. That’s why you always have to be someone they can trust to contribute positively to their company, self-assured, and confident in your skills.
I remember once, chatting with someone I assumed was just a casual attendee at a game tryout event. I engaged in a relaxed conversation, showing interest in the game on display.
As our conversation progressed, he asked to see my portfolio. It turned out he was the CEO of the company! I’m grateful that I came across as confident and self-assured while discussing my background and skills.
“But one of the most universal turn-offs for employers is candidates reeking of desperation. It’s that subtle aura of someone who just wants “anything” they’ll take any job, without considering the future, their finances or their desire.
This desperation isn’t just unattractive, it’s a red flag. It whispers of insecurity, neediness, and hints that you’ll leave when something better comes along. A company wants to feel chosen, cherished, desired specifically for who they are, not as a placeholder for the job you “really” want, nobody wants to be your temporary job.” — Sam Carlson, ex-Amazon Lab126 / Technical Recruiting / Talent Acquisition / Employee Retention / Hiring Process Guide / DEI Recruitment Leader
At a job fair in Finland, a recruiter shared an anecdote about a candidate who applied for every available position in their company, including janitorial roles.
His level of desperation was perplexing. It showed that he didn’t know what he wanted to do and was unconfident in their skill.
If a candidate’s skills are aligned with a janitorial role than the company’s specialized field, hiring them for an unsuitable position wouldn’t be beneficial, wouldn't it?
Market Yourself — Be Confident
One valuable lesson I learned about university life and career development is that everyone is watching and paying attention to you. You never know who might have a potential project or opportunity that could benefit you.
Therefore, it’s important to always present yourself in the best possible light, starting with dressing professionally.
Engage in conversations confidently, showcase your positive character, and be mindful of how you present yourself. While it’s great to make loyal friends, it’s also essential to consider how you market yourself to others, as this can open doors to various opportunities in the future.
What type of person you are, what they perceive, matters.
After university, I landed a job through a girl I barely interacted with during my four years there. She recognized my potential in illustration and appreciated my confidence and demeanour when we spoke.
She revealed that she was part of the stakeholder in her business and wanted me to take a part in it, working as her illustrator.
Don’t hesitate to promote yourself at events. It’s surprising how many talented artists my age are hesitant to showcase their work, despite receiving praise from professors.
When you confidently present your skills and passion to potential recruiters or contacts, you’re likely to capture their interest at the very least.
“Marketing gets the right people to know, like and trust your product. When done effectively, it encourages those people to invest in what you’re selling. At its least strategic, marketing fails to send the right message to the right people at the right time.
It works the same in your career. When the right people know, like and trust you, more professional opportunities will come your way. Your job application will leave a stronger first impression with recruiters and hiring managers, ensuring that you’ll score an interview.” — Forbes
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