Graduation is the end of one era of your life, and the beginning of a new one—the period called building your career. This new chapter entails new obligations and greater responsibilities, but it also means more freedom and more opportunities to pursue your dreams. However, the road from start to finish isn’t clear-cut, straight, and smooth. Along the way, there are bumps, detours, and obstructions that will delay your journey.

A good kickoff is crucial to survive and thrive in the journey and reach the end. If you’re about to begin your career soon, you may want to consider these tips to get off to a good start on your way to your dreams.

Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

Despite how much the workforce or job industry has changed, resumes and Cover letters remain the first two things most companies require from people who want to work for them. Hence, it’s only natural that you create your own resume and Cover Letter if you wish to apply for a job somewhere.

One common mistake that first-time applicants always make is recycling one resume and cover letter for all their job applications. Don’t do it. Every company is different, and it has different needs in terms of human resources. You’ll increase your chances of getting called, interviewed, and hired if you customize your resume and cover letter to meet the needs of that specific organization. Just make sure that what is written the truth.

Prep Yourself

You’ve worked hard to gain expert knowledge and skill and to build up your qualifications for your career. You shouldn’t let anything stop you from pursuing your goals. Ensure that you’re physically, mentally, and emotionally ready before jumping into the hiring process.

Most, if not all, companies will require new hires to pass a drug test before letting them sign a contract. Whether it’s legal or illegal to use substances like cannabis in your state, it never hurts to be careful when you’re applying for a job. Detoxify and stay clean, or use foolproof alternatives to ensure that you meet the company requirements.

It’s always good to get yourself groomed before you meet your future employer. Having a clean and put-together appearance is the first step to create an excellent impression on your prospective employer.

Before applying for a job, you should be sure that it’s what you want and that you’re ready for what you’re getting into. If you’ve just finished school, you may want to rest for a few weeks or months before you jump right into job hunting. Taking a break can be beneficial to both your mind and your body. It will also give you more time to reflect on your goals and search for a position that will help you get closer to them.

Put Yourself Out There

The only way you’ll find the job you want is to put yourself out there. Nowadays, you don’t have to submit a printed copy of your resume and cover letter to companies. You can create professional profiles on employment-oriented platforms like LinkedIn, Opportunity, and Jobcase, where you can get “matchmade” with employers who suit your requirements and vice versa.

You can also visit job listing sites where you can sign up for an account, create your own profile, and apply for jobs without leaving the confines of your home. There are tons of accessible ways to find and apply for a job these days if you have a computer or even a smartphone and Wi-Fi.

The Takeaway

Although the world unemployment rate has gone down this year, the job market remains to be dynamic and competitive. You can’t be complacent about building up your qualifications if you want to get a good and high-paying job. Put in more effort to get yourself noticed by employers. Customize your resume and cover letter to fit their needs and to stand out among the applicants.

Before entering a company, make sure you’re fully committed to the job by preparing yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Last but not least, don’t be afraid to apply for jobs and make your professional profile available to potential employers online. Opportunities don’t always come from nowhere; most of the time, you must look for them yourself.

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