Job hunting for the first time can feel like stepping onto a stage without a script. “What should my resume look like? How do I network without sounding desperate? What do I say in the interview?” Relax—we’ve all been there, sweating bullets over what to wear and nervously rehearsing answers to “Why should we hire you?”

The good news? You don’t have to stumble through the process. Whether you’re applying to your dream company or trying to figure out how to phrase “I babysat my neighbor’s kids” as job experience, we’re breaking it all down for you. Grab your Starbucks (or energy drink of choice), take a deep breath, and get ready to stand out with these resume, networking, and interview tips that are designed with you in mind.

Step 1: Build a Resume That Makes Recruiters Say “Wow.”

Before you even get to the interview stage, your resume does the talking for you. Think of it as your personal highlight reel. If done right, it’s your golden ticket to getting noticed.

Keep It Clean and Snappy

Recruiters spend about 7 seconds skimming resumes. They don’t have time to dig through a pile of paragraphs about your middle school awards (sorry). Your goal? Make it short, punchy, and visually appealing.

What to Include:

  • Name and Contact Info: Make sure your full name, email, and phone number are easy to spot at the top. Include your LinkedIn if it’s polished (read: not loaded with selfies).
  • Objective Statement: A one-sentence why they should care about your awesomeness. Example: “Passionate marketing graduate eager to bring creative skills to a fast-paced social media team.”
  • Skills Section: Show off up to 8 relevant skills. Think Adobe Photoshop, Excel wizardry, or killer teamwork abilities.
  • Experience: List your most relevant work, internships, or volunteer gigs. Not much experience? No sweat! Highlight projects, part-time jobs, or transferable skills like “managed scheduling for school events” or “handled difficult customers at a coffee shop.”
  • Education: Keep it simple. School, graduation date, and major or noteworthy coursework apply here.

Pro Tip: Use action-packed words like initiated, created, or streamlined. Saying “Managed Instagram account that gained 3K followers” beats “Posted photos online.”

Make It Aesthetic

Recruiters are humans (surprise!) and love resumes that are pretty without being over-the-top. Want yours to stand out? Use free templates on Canva or Zety. Just avoid neon colors and Comic Sans, okay?

Step 2: Master the Art of Networking Without Feeling Awkward

Networking used to mean showing up at stuffy events in uncomfortable blazers, pretending you actually like eating tiny sandwiches. Thankfully, your networking game today is way more dynamic (and less cringe-worthy). Whether it’s online or IRL, connections can help you land your first gig faster than you think.

Social Media Is Your New Bestie

Platforms like LinkedIn aren’t just for people with years of experience. Get your profile set up, even if your only job so far was running fundraising campaigns for your college club.

How to Level-Up Your LinkedIn:

  • Use a clear, professional photo. No blurry selfies, no group pics where you crop out your bestie’s arm.
  • Write a killer headline. Example: “Creative writing graduate | Storytelling enthusiast | Aspiring content creator.”
  • Add a short “About Me” section that explains what you’re passionate about and the kind of roles you’re looking for.
  • Start connecting! Search for professionals in industries you love, alumni from your school, or people whose careers inspire you. Don’t be afraid to send a quick, polite message to introduce yourself.

Slide Into Industry Chats (Professionally)

Don’t underestimate the power of Instagram or Twitter. Tons of creatives, marketers, and even tech pros share wisdom on these platforms. Here’s how you can get in on it:

  • Follow people in your dream field.
  • Join conversations when they ask for opinions or advice.
  • Share industry-related content on your own feed to show engagement with what’s going on.

Real-Life Networking Tips

Find meetups, job fairs, or low-key events where you can mingle. But before you panic about what to say:

  • Have an Elevator Pitch: A quick, 30-second summary of what you’re about and what you hope to achieve. Keep it casual but impressive!
  • Ask Questions: People love talking about themselves. Asking, “How did you get started in your role?” shows curiosity and takes the pressure off you to do all the talking.

Remember, networking isn’t about begging for a job. It’s about building relationships.

Step 3: Nail Your Job Interview With Absolute Confidence

Congratulations! Your resume won over the recruiter, and they want to meet you. This is the make-or-break moment where YOU take center stage. It’s equal parts terrifying and exciting, but don’t worry—we’ve got tips to walk you through it.

Set the Stage with Prep Work

Know the company like you know the lyrics to your old Spotify playlists. Research their mission, values, and recent projects to show you’re genuinely interested.

Things to Figure Out Beforehand:

  • What does the company do? (Basic but crucial.)
  • What’s the job description asking for? Highlight any skills or achievements you have that match.
  • What’s their vibe? For instance, startups might love someone creative and scrappy, while traditional firms value professionalism.

Practice, but Don’t Sound Like a Robot

Rehearse answering common questions like these until you feel confident but not rehearsed:

  • “Tell me about yourself.” (Focus on school, experience, and what excites you about the role!)
  • “What’s a challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?”
  • “Why do you want to work for us?”

Also, prepare questions to ask them! Example? “What does success in this role look like?” It shows you’re in it for more than just the paycheck.

On Interview Day

  • Dress to Impress: Wear something clean, professional, and just a step up from what employees might wear day-to-day.
  • Arrive Early: Start off on the right foot by being there 10-15 minutes early, leaving time for a deep breath.
  • Body Language is Everything: Sit up straight, make eye contact, and smile. No crossed arms or slouching like you’re in math class.

During the Interview

  • Be Honest, Be You: A recruiter can spot fake answers a mile away. If they ask about weaknesses, be honest but spin it positively. Example? “I used to struggle with time management, but now I use planning tools to stay on top of deadlines.”
  • Tell Stories: Instead of saying “I work well under pressure,” share a time you crushed a tough school deadline. Stories are memorable!
  • Show Enthusiasm: Say why you’re excited about the role. Employers love candidates who care.

Don’t Forget the Follow-Up

No, the interview doesn’t end when you walk out. Within 24 hours, send a quick email thanking them for their time. Mention something specific from the interview to remind them of how amazing you are.

Step 4: Extra Pep Talk (Because We’re Rooting for You!)

Landing your first job might take time, and that’s okay. Everyone starts somewhere, and even rejections are valuable learning experiences. The more you practice crafting resumes, connecting with others, and stepping into interviews, the better you’ll get. Don’t be afraid to chase opportunities that excite you, even if you feel a little out of your comfort zone.

Oh, and one last thing? It’s okay to feel nervous. Just remember, they’re not interviewing some flawless robot. They’re looking for someone who’s skilled, teachable, and, most importantly, human.