Getting Your Foot in the Door
How to nail your first job—or a new job in a new industry
No matter what industry you’re aiming for, you need to get your foot in the door. Most articles make this sound very easy to do. But the truth of the matter is: It takes a lot of determination and effort to turn your career dreams into reality. So, grab a cup of high-test and let’s get going. You’re going to need all the energy you can get to make it through this trying, yet rewarding period.
Attitude Adjustment Time
Before you get going, make sure your attitude is in check. Most people approach a job search kickoff with trepidation. But it doesn’t have to be this way. This is a wonderful and exciting time for you. You have the opportunity to fulfill your dreams. Remember that it’s all about choices and you are taking the first steps in controlling your destiny.
Tips to Get You Going
Before you start knocking on doors, make sure you have a plan. Here are some tips for getting started:
- Take time up-front to do your homework about the job, company and industry.
- Make sure you have a well-written resume and cover letter.
- Use the Internet to determine your target market.
- Put together your plan of attack so you are ready to hit the ground running.
- Start networking. Everyone with whom you come in contact, including parents at the soccer field, may be of help in your search. You’d be surprised how many great contacts are made at after-school soccer games.
Starting at the Bottom
We all know that we can’t just walk in and start at the top, but do we really have to start at the bottom? That depends. Consider the following:
- What does the current labor market look like?
- Are there more jobs than there are candidates?
- What does your skill set look like?
- Will your education allow you to move to the next step, without starting at the very bottom?
The answers to these questions will give you a good sense of where you might need to begin.
People tell you, "Just get your foot in the door and you can move up from there." But be careful where you step. If you enter an organization as an administrative employee, you will probably be viewed as an administrative person until the day you leave. Yes, a few secretaries make it to the top, but not many.
Entry-level Opportunities
So what are some of your options if the job market is fairly strong and you have the basic education necessary to move right into an entry-level position in your field? Begin by identifying those companies that offer training programs. Retail organizations are near the top of list of companies that offer effective training programs
Of course, this advice is fine if you are just coming out of college, but what do you do if you are going through a career change?
Repackaging Yourself
The experts say you should take a broad-based approach to making a career change. In other words, do EVERYTHING!
You should also consider looking at opportunities that might not meet your salary expectations. See it as a way of gaining more experience so you can move ahead.
Be Good to Yourself
It’s important to your mental health—and continued effectiveness in the job search—to be good to yourself during this exciting, yet stressful time. So go for long walks, do non-work-related activities, like going to the museum, so that you can approach your search with some energy.
Getting your foot in the door is a process. Set realistic goals so you are not disappointed. Be prepared to have a lot of doors slammed in your face before one is opened. Then, don’t forget this difficult journey, so when you are approached for help, you will be there with open arms for another job hunter.
