Are you a recent grad or about to graduate? Looking for the first job of your career? Revision Resume has 7 tips as you enter the job market for the first time.
1) Decide on a Location
Where do you want to live? Do you want to stay in the town where you went to school? Would you like to live near family? Are you interested in exploring a new city or a new country? Do you want to live in an area with many jobs in your field, so you can potentially switch companies without relocating?
Cost of living is also a factor to consider. How far you can stretch your income will depend on where you live. What will it cost to rent an apartment, park your car, or pay for food and entertainment? Evaluate all of these details to help determine which location best meets your needs.
Once you have identified where you would like to live, you can start searching for jobs in the area.
Is remote work your priority? Although there are many remote positions out there, many companies are beginning to call remote workers back to the office, at least part-time. This is something you'll want to discuss with the hiring team, once you've been extended the offer.
2) Evaluate More Than Just Income!
When considering a job offer, look at more than just the income. It is likely you will also be offered benefits. Is healthcare included? Vision? Dental?What about vacation time? Consider how much money will be deducted from your paycheck to cover these benefits and what services they include.
If vacation time is important to you, you may want to consider how your vacation benefits grow with years of service. Also ask if sick time comes out of your vacation benefits, or is from a separate "sick bank."
All of the details are important when considering a job offer. If you love the position being offered, but aren't as excited about the benefits, consider negotiating to see if you can make an agreement that more closely meets your needs.
3) Consider Job Growth Potential
Many recent grads are so exciting about getting a job offer, they overlook considering long-term happiness. Do you see potential for this position leading you down the path to a subsequent position? You likely won't want to stay in the same role until retirement. Spend a few minutes thinking through your long-term goals. See if this job lines up with them.
If you would like to continue to grow and learn, you may want to inquire about employee training and development opportunities.
4) What is the Company Culture Like?
Typically, you will get a feel for the company culture during the interview process. How do people work together as a team? What is communication like? How is the office arranged? Can you sense if there is respect among employees? You can also get an idea of company culture by reading their website and social media posts, as well as attending any public events they may offer.
5) Find Out About Schedule and Flexibility
Each employee has different work-life balance needs. Are you looking for a hybrid work arrangement, or are you OK with being in the office full-time? Do the work hours align with your preferences? Are you OK being in the office every day at 6 am? What are the company's expectations or policies for work hours and flexibility?
6) Send a Thank You Letter After the Interview (Even if You Don't Want the Job)!
The interview is for you, too! It is important to get your questions answered and determine if the job is a good fit. Pay attention to how you feel after the interview. Are you looking forward even more to a possible job offer? Or did you get a feeling that set off red flags? Listen to your instincts. You may decide during the interview that the job is not the right match for you, and that's ok.
We here at Revision Resume suggest that even if you don't want the job, you should still professionally conduct yourself. This includes sending a thank you note within 24-48 hours after your interview. Be sure to thank the interviewer or team for their time. You never know who you may re-encounter in the future as your career progresses. Leave everyone with a positive impression, even if you won't be accepting the job offer.
Eager to start the moment they offer you the job? Great! In that case, write a Value Proposition Letter instead. Not only does this note thank HR for their time, it conveys how you will use your talents to help the company thrive. Not sure where to start? You can find Value Proposition Letter tips from Revision Resume here.
7) It is OK to Turn Down the Job Offer
You are not required to accept a job offer. If you decide the role is not the right fit, or the benefits package isn't adequate and they aren't willing to negotiate, you can turn the offer down. Remember, however, to be professional during the process. You don't need to expound on the reasons you didn't like the business. Instead, provide a brief response. Be honest, but don't provide any more detail than necessary. Consider the following examples:
If the salary was not what you expected, you can indicate that is your reason for declining.
Have you decided to accept a different position? Just state that that you accepted a role at a different company.
Do you not have another offer but the red flags are too large to ignore? Keep it simple. Just state that the role isn't the right fit for you at this time.
It is always a good idea to thank the hiring manager for their time, and for considering you for the role. Being polite is always good practice. It may even pay off in the future, should you encounter this same hiring manager for a different position.
Revision Resume would be happy to assist you in the application process, including creating a targeted resume for each job posting that interests you. We offer discounted rates to college students and recent grads. Contact us for information about how to get started!
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