So… you’re applying for your first job!

With your degree certificate in hand, a sparkling graduate CV in the other and the world at your feet, applying for your first role is a truly exciting endeavour.

Once you’ve decided on the kind of role you’d like as a first job and where you’d like that to be (e.g., office jobs in Gloucestershire) and you’ve successfully found several options that tick the boxes, it can be all too easy to get swept up in all the excitement and start the application process without any forward planning.

In fact, there are a number of several important things you should keep in mind when you sit down to apply for your first job, all the way from the initial application form to your very first job interview.

Read on to discover top tips and advice to consider when applying for your first job:

When applying for your first job:

1. Consider enlisting the support of a recruitment agency

As well as being an exciting time, applying for your first job can be daunting, too. So, if you find yourself sitting down to start an application but aren’t entirely sure where to begin, registering with a recruitment agency can be a good call.

Not only will they be able to support you on all the points outlined below, they’ll also have the knowledge, experience and connections to help you find and apply for a role that suits you from the beginning, thus saving you plenty of time and taking a ton of stress out of the process!

2. Keep an open mind

While you might have an idea of what your perfect first job looks like, it’s important to consider all the different options available to you. For example, if you’re planning to work as an accountant, you might not have thought about office jobs in Gloucestershire as a viable option.

However, every job comes with opportunities to build upon your current skillset or learn entirely new skills that you can transfer to other roles in the future – so it’s good to keep an open mind when you start applying!

At the same time, don’t be put off applying to jobs where you’re missing a couple of “desirable” skills, as some employers will be looking for a can-do attitude and the potential you might have to develop in these areas. Never underestimate the impression your hobbies, interests and volunteer work can make!

Similarly:

3. Apply for more than one role at a time

Applying for jobs can be tiring, especially if you’re new to the process. Unfortunately, competition for jobs – graduate roles especially – has become much fiercer lately (particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic), so it’s important to apply for as many relevant roles as you are able to.

This way, you won’t miss out on any brilliant opportunities, and will make the best use of your time working on applications whilst waiting for the outcome of another.

4. Take your circumstances into account

Aspects such as where you live and your access to transport are important things to consider before you apply for a job.

For example, if your ideal job is an hours’ commute away, are you going to be happy spending two hours a day of your free time travelling? And if you haven’t learned to drive yet or are unable to drive, do you have a plan on how you will get to work on time and get home every day?

These are questions prospective employers are likely to ask too, so it’s worth taking this into account before you start an application.

5. Read the application form and requirements carefully

Much like an A Level exam paper, “read the questions carefully” is sound advice to follow when it comes to completing a job application.

Some companies will simply request your CV and a covering letter (make sure you include some of the keywords from the job application in these so they get picked up in an online search!), while others will use website forms or application packs to complete and send back.

Ensure you follow the guidance included carefully for each individual application so that you submit the right information in the right places. Take your time; an employer will quickly see if your application has been completed in a rush and subsequently cast it aside!

On that note:

6. Research the companies you’re applying to

It can be tempting to jump right into an application without reading up about the company you’re applying to first.

However, the more research you do, the better an idea you’ll have about whether the placement is right for you, and the more reflective of the company’s values, ideals and goals your application will be!

What’s more, you’ll have a strong foundation on which to answer the question “What do you know about the company?”, which is commonly asked in interviews (more about that below).

7. Be prepared for additional assessments

Sometimes, an application for a role isn’t simply a case of submitting a form or your CV and being selected for an interview.

As companies can receive hundreds of applications for a single role, they may implement additional stages to the application process before wanting to speak to you face-to-face.

For example, if you apply for a Junior Software Developer role, the company might ask you to complete a few technical challenges to assess whether you have the basic skillset required.

Similarly, if you apply to work as a copywriter for a marketing company, your prospective employers may ask you to complete a series of writing tasks.

Whatever the task set in front of you, take your time, carefully consider what is being asked of you – and don’t be afraid to contact the company to ask any questions if you get stuck!

8. Be (and remain) professional throughout the process

This might sound obvious, but be sure that you write and speak in a professional manner when applying for your first role.

Avoid using casual language in both written and spoken communications, and check for grammar, spelling and punctuation throughout any written work.

Also be sure to ask someone else to have a read through everything for a second opinion or to spot anything you may have missed before you click “submit.”

9. Been invited for an interview? Prepare and practice to impress!

If your initial application (and post-application assessments where applicable) is successful, you’ll very likely be invited for an interview.

As your first interview, it’s understandable that you’ll be nervous (and you probably still will be at any other interviews you attend throughout your career!). The best way to combat this is with preparation and practice!

We have more detailed blogs about intervew preparation on our website, but just some quick tips include the following:

• Prepare and memorise answers to the most popular (and unusual!) interview questions.
• Ask a friend or family member to run some practice interviews with you.
• Read up on the company you’re applying to work for.
• Get plenty of rest the night before.
• Prepare a smart outfit to wear.

Plan your journey to the interview location to ensure you arrive with enough time to spare before the interview start time (arriving ten minutes before is about right!)

If the interview is taking place online, make sure your device is fully charged, your internet connection is stable, and the environment you choose to have the interview in is quiet and distraction free.

Try to relax and enjoy the experience!

10. Don’t be disheartened if your application is unsuccessful

Getting turned down for a job is disappointing, and can be even more so if it’s the first time you’ve applied for a role. As mentioned above, competition is fierce and companies can often receive hundreds of applications for one role, so it’s important not to take this to heart!

Some companies you apply to will provide feedback from your application and/or interview; be sure to take any advice you are offered on board so that you can implement it in your interviews and applications going forward and boost your chances of getting hired.

Other companies may receive so many applications that they will not have the time needed to provide you with individual feedback; however, it’s always worth asking them what you need to do to improve for next time!

Either way, ensure that you respond to the rejection in a timely and professional manner, thanking the interviewers for their time. Not only will this leave a good impression, but it will help to keep you at the forefront of the employers’ minds if another role becomes available with them in the future.

And remember: every application you submit is good practice and adds to your experience, so a failed application should never be seen as a waste of time. As the saying goes: if you don’t succeed, try, try and try again!

Looking for more first job application support?

At i2i Recruitment, our recruitment consultants are available to support you through the entire process of getting your first job – in fact, as we mentioned in point 1, they’ll make it easier for you!

We have some amazing connections in a wide variety of industries and locations (for example, office jobs in Gloucestershire), and can help you to develop your CV, cover letters and support you with your applications – our first-time job hunters and graduates are often invited to interviews really quickly!

So, if you’re on the hunt for your first job, be sure to register with us for free to meet with one of our consultants and kick-start your career, or browse the jobs we currently have available here.