How To Land an Entry Level Job

Landing an entry-level job would seem like an easy task right? Well, for the most part it is, but there are some things to definitely consider when searching for this job and landing it. You will want to research the company, write an incredible resume and go into the interview with confidence!

1. Research the company. To begin with, researching the company is vital to getting the job. I mean, sure, if you are unemployed, any job sounds good, right? Wrong. The last thing you want to do is get into a job you aren’t really sure you want and have the job you actually want pass you by. Some things to consider during your research of the company are:
   • Do you have the ability to move up from this position?
   • If so, how long until you would be able to do so?
   • Also, what is the pay for this position?
   • Will you be able to live off of these new wages?
2. Have a game plan. Now, not only do you need to have those questions answered, but to impress your prospective employer and better your chances of getting this job, you should also have suggestions available during the interview. Coming to an interview with a game plan shows that you really are ready to work. Just be sure not to step on any toes. Show that you’ve done your research on the company.

   For example, if you are trying to get a job as a writer for the sports page of a newspaper, go in with ideas of what you could write on and why that would make the newspaper better. Don’t go in with something as simple as covering local sports, but add some ideas for contests you can have with the readers or surveys you could do or even different ways of presenting the statistics so they are more easily understood.

3. Lastly, it’s all about confidence. Go in to the interview being sure of yourself. If the employer sees doubt, they will doubt you in return.
   • Look the employer in the eye during the interview.
   • Shake hands firmly at the beginning.
   • If the employer asks you a question and you aren’t sure of the answer or just don’t know it, don’t make something up – the employer will be able to see right through that. Instead, admit that you don’t know the answer and you will get back to them as soon as you do.
4. Follow up! Then, after the interview, go out and find the answer and do a follow-up email thanking them for the chance to interview and learn more about the company and position available, and also mention your answer. Following up on an interview is one of the best ways to land a job because it not only reminds the employer who you are, but also reinforces your dedication and desire to work for that company.