Probably the biggest problem millennials face when looking for a job is the lack of experience. Millennials are men and women who reached adulthood around the turn of the millennium, the years 2000s. The job market at that time was not in its best condition, which caused a lot of people to under-work or go back to school. Now that things have improved, they have to compete with new graduates with about the same amount of experience under their belt
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Here are some tips which will help you finally get that job you’ve always wanted or change your career for something better.
Start with a Start-up
Instead of rushing to apply for some big company, why not restart your career with a bunch of people who are also starting something new? (check our job board for startup jobs) and see what opportunities you have, and don’t be afraid of a small company which may not show stability. The experience will be invaluable, nevertheless, and will expand your vision into today’s job market.
Doing some freelance work could also prove beneficial and help you build a more solid resume before you apply for a steady job while bringing in some cash for daily expenses. There are a lot of freelancing websites out there, and getting in the business is not as hard as one might think. Who knows, maybe the freedom freelancing offers may be suitable, and offer you a new career right there.
Build a Network of Contacts
Join The Break Community
Many job consultants consider networking to be an integral part of any job-hunting effort. Look up contacts in the company on social media platforms, like LinkedIn, and ask them for a 15-minute long conversation where you can find out about the job and the company you are interested in. Even if this does not lead to getting a job, you will form connections you can use at a later time.
Target people related to the job you want, though, and don’t invite the whole staff for a coffee. Better yet, use the email as a means of communication. It’s less intrusive and offers better coverage, as well as an eventual first step before a face to face meeting.
Prepare for the Interview
After you’ve decided that a certain company will suit you, you’ve submitted your resume and, even more, they’ve accepted, you need to be ready for the classic employment interview. Failing to prepare for this stage of the application process will dismantle all you’ve accomplished thus far and all the effort you’ve put in.
Get used to standard interview questions and role-play to accustom yourself with the interview state of mind, where your actions and achievements will be put under close scrutiny by the employer. Know the job description by heart, and why you can fill the role, as well as information about the company as a whole. The company’s own website, articles and press releases are a great place to start.
Do Not Rush
Something everyone should do before deciding to look for a new job is to check their current workplace for new opportunities. What if, instead of starting new with a different company, you could start new with a different department in the same company?
Different departments, although part of the same large company, tend to have different cultures, so your thirst for something new will be satisfied in that regard as well, without losing the comfortable feeling of familiarity and letting you keep in closer touch with friends you may have made in the workplace.
Talk to your boss and let him or her know you’re ready for something new. He or she will know better the opportunities the company is offering right now as well as have more in-depth knowledge of what other departments are doing, and will be able to point you in the right direction. Or, who knows, maybe you will end up with a promotion if you did well and your boss is not ready to lose you.
Hopefully, this will help you make an idea of what challenges await you on the road to a new career. Need help polishing your resume? Engage a professional resume writing service for expert advice.
Author: Amanda Wilks is a Boston University graduate and a Contributing Editor at the Job Application Center. She has a great interest in everything related to entrepreneurship, career-building, and job-seeking advice. She loves helping people find meaningful careers and reach their full potential.