TheJobBored.com

For new job seekers, those who are looking for their first job, realize that nearly everyone has been where you are. Everyone who has ever held a job, had to find that first one.

A couple of the pitfalls of finding that first job include wondering what skills you can bring to the table and having confidence in looking for, finding, applying, and interviewing for a job. Everyone gets nervous, no matter what level of job you are seeking. So realize that this is completely normal.

So, regarding your skills, you need to consider anything you have done currently or in the past. Did you say…ever do volunteer work at a function? What did you do when you volunteered? Did you say… take any extra- curricular topics in school, for instance, working on the school newspaper? If so, what did you do or learn? If you were on the newspaper, maybe you did interviews, editing, researching and the like. These could be valuable and marketable skills!

Did you do any long-term work for a relative or neighbor? For instance, did you spend a summer helping out in your grandmother’s store, even if you didn’t get paid? Did you work in the neighborhood’s community garden all summer and possibly learn about sprinkler repair, landscaping, or something that a hardware store or landscaping company may appreciate?

The point is, don’t sell yourself short. You may have more skills than you realize. Then, when you go to fill out an application or do an interview, remember you have these skills. They will help to give you confidence that you do bring something to the table.

What about the interview? Many sites on the web have sample questions and suggested answers. Practice them with a friend or relative. If you are in the interview, and feeling nervous, take a breath before answering to give yourself a moment.

Two more quick tips. One, keep your resume and cover letter tailored to the job you are trying for. Remember not to skimp on the skills or assume that just because you are trying for a job that the prospective employer knows your background. Tell them each time.

Second, look at every opportunity to fill out an application or do an interview as a learning experience. You may get the first opportunity you try for or you may not. You might feel disappointed and that’s fine but don’t let it keep you from moving forward to the next opportunity.

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