This woman used TikTok to land her dream Job

Getting your first job might seem scary and nerve-wracking. It's common to feel like there's a lot of competition and question why they will pick you. 

But here's a secret: the person interviewing you wants to hire you.

For businesses, hiring is tough, takes a lot of time, and costs a good amount of money. They likely need you more than you realize and want to get the hiring process done quickly. 

In today’s edition, we will talk about

1. 3 Strategies to Get Your First Job (and Nail it)

2. 4 Rookie Interview Mistakes to Avoid 

3. How did 22-year-old Jenna get a job at TikTok by posting a TikTok

A quick note from Recruit.net 

Hello, if you are looking for your first or your next job, we might have something for you.

At recruit.net we add tens of thousands of jobs daily and we honestly think your next job is just waiting for you to apply to.

So, if you want to start your journey, just click on the button below and search for the role you are looking for.

Cheers,

Team Recruit.net

3 Strategies to Get Your First Job (and Nail it)

1. Don’t be afraid to network and ask for a referral 

• Networking is super important for finding job opportunities. Talk to your college alumni, friends, family, and people who work in the field you're interested in. Don't be afraid to ask them if they know about any job openings or if they can introduce you to someone who might help.
  

• When people who already have jobs refer someone for a role and that person gets hired, they often get rewarded! It's like a bonus for them. So, if someone refers you for a job and you get it, it's a win-win situation!
  

• Use LinkedIn to meet new people and grow your network. But don't just send a boring message asking for a referral. It’s not going to get you any replies, rather keep the message to the point and the other person should understand that you have done your research beforehand.

Use this template to reach out to professionals on LinkedIn to ask for a referral:

2. Don’t accept the first offer that you get

Getting your first job offer is super exciting! But before you say yes, it's important to look at the offer closely.

Check out things like how much they'll pay you, what benefits you'll get, what you'll be doing, and if there's room for you to grow.

Instead, use your first few offers to help you get a better deal. You can negotiate for things like more money, extra vacation days, or flexible hours.

When you're negotiating, don't just focus on the salary. Think about other things that are important to you, like getting time off or opportunities to learn new skills. Do some market research to find out what's fair for someone in your position.

Negotiating a job offer is a chance for both you and the company to find a deal that works for everyone. So be confident and speak up for what you want!

3. Competition is way less than you imagine 

It's normal to feel overwhelmed when you're starting and wonder if you even stand a chance in the job market. You might look around and think everyone else is way more qualified or experienced than you. 

But in reality,

Believe it or not, most job seekers don’t put in the effort or have the right skills. So, if you're willing to go out there and give it your best shot, you're already ahead of a lot of people.

Companies are looking for enthusiastic beginners who are eager to learn and grow. They're not always expecting you to have years of experience or a laundry list of achievements. Sometimes, just showing up with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn can go a long way.

Remember, The bar is often set lower than you think.

4 Rookie Interview Mistakes to Avoid 

1. Do not show up late or show up too early

Being on time is super important. Don't be late, but don't show up too early. It can be awkward for the interviewer if you're waiting around for too long. Aim to arrive just 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time to show that you're responsible and respectful of their time. 

2. Saying you have no weaknesses

It's tempting to say you have no weaknesses, but that's not honest or helpful. Everyone has areas they can improve on. Reflect on a weakness you've had in the past and share how you worked to overcome it. 

Maybe you struggled with public speaking, so you joined a Toastmasters club to improve. Or you had trouble with time management, so you started using a calendar or notion for setting priorities. 

By showing how you've tackled challenges in the past, you demonstrate resilience and a proactive attitude towards self-improvement. It's a great way to turn a potential weakness into a strength and impress your interviewer.

3. Not doing your research 

Imagine going to an exam without studying – not a great idea, right? The same goes for interviews. Make sure you research the company, its values, and what they do. 

Check out their recent news, product launches, or any notable achievements. Understanding the company's current events and industry trends shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.

It also gives you valuable insights to tailor your responses and ask informed questions during the interview. 

4. Not being prepared to ask questions 

Interviews are a two-way street. It's not just about them asking you questions; you should also have questions for them. But don’t jump straight into questions about salary and benefits during the first interview. 

Focus instead on questions about the company culture, growth opportunities, or what a typical day looks like. It shows you're engaged and interested in the role itself, rather than just the perks.

Learn about their professional journey, achievements, and any shared interests or connections you may have. When they say if you have any questions for them ask them about their experiences and seek their advice. It not only shows your genuine interest but also helps build rapport and a memorable connection with the interviewer.

How 22-year-old Jenna got a job at TikTok by posting a TikTok

Jenna, a recent college graduate from Kent State University, landed a job at TikTok by doing something cool – she made a TikTok video. 

In her video, Jenna shared stuff about her internships at Sherri Hill and University Tees, and she even talked about how much money she helped make for those companies. Her video went viral, with over 1.6M views. 

What made Jenna's video stand out was how she made her resume look like a TikTok – it was colorful and fun, just like the app itself. Her video wasn't just about dancing; it was about showing off her skills and personality in a creative way.

And guess what?

TikTok's team saw her video and liked what they saw. They wanted to talk to her more, and after a few interviews, Jenna got the job to work for TikTok as a brand development manager.

What's cool about Jenna's story is that she didn't just stick to the usual job-hunting methods. Instead, she used TikTok, to show why she'd be a great fit for the job. Sometimes thinking outside the box and using your creativity can pay off in finding your dream job.

A note from the Founder of Recruit.net: Navigating the new Maze

It’s scary huh?

Stepping into the job market for the first time can feel like entering a vast, uncharted maze. Doubt, excitement, and maybe a touch of overwhelm – it's all perfectly normal. But trust me, you're not alone in this journey.

At recruit.net , we've witnessed over 100,000 first-time job seekers like you land their dream positions. We understand the unique challenges you face, and here’s my advice to any of you trying to land your first job:

• Embrace your journey. Don't be discouraged by rejections. Each application is a learning experience, honing your skills and refining your focus.

• Highlight your potential. You may not have years of experience, but focus on your transferable skills, volunteer work, and academic achievements. Showcase your enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and adaptability.

• Seek guidance. Leverage our resume builder and cover letter templates to create impactful application materials. Our career tips and expert advice are just a click away.

• Network your way in. Connect with alumni, attend industry events, and reach out to professionals you admire. Building relationships opens doors and provides invaluable insights.

• Practice makes perfect. Master the art of the interview. Utilize our mock interview platform and practice answering common questions confidently.

Remember, your first job is not just a stepping stone, it's a springboard. Approach it with enthusiasm, optimism, and a willingness to learn.

So, take a deep breath, first-time job seekers. The world of opportunities awaits, and we're here to help you navigate it with success.

Onwards and upwards,

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Best,

Team Recruitment Letter