Four Things to Look for in Your First Job
- Jackie Vermeulen
- Aug 16, 2016
- 3 min read
When you’re on the verge of graduating, it’s time to find a job and figure out what this “real world” thing is that everyone’s been talking about. Talk about pressure.
Of course you want to like your job and feel like your education was worth the four (give or take) years you put in. But then you start looking for jobs and discover the market is saturated with openings that aren’t quite what you dreamed of for yourself… except in your nightmares. Let’s prioritize:
1. A livable wage.
This should be number one on your list. Get your budget in order. How much do you need for rent, groceries, student loans, and every other monthly expense? Your bottom line is what you need to make—otherwise you’ll go into debt while working 40+ hours a week.
Some companies offer their salary range up-front in the job description. Others don’t. And when a job listing doesn’t give an indication of salary, head over to glassdoor.com to get an idea of what it might be; it’s imperative to know a ballpark number before disclosing your requirements.
Determine your worth and then aim high, within reason. Remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t receive. Plus, you should expect the company to give you the minimum amount you request—not the higher.
2. A mentor on the inside.
Truth time. You learned many things in college, and perhaps had more than one internship, but you still have a lot more to figure out. It is extremely difficult to have the skills you need to be the sole accountant, marketer, salesperson, or (enter your position here) for a company right after college.
Reporting to someone who can give you critical feedback and teach you is going to be a key to your success if you find yourself as the lone wolf.
You might not know if you’ll have that strong leadership when you first apply for the position or have an interview, but it’s a good sign if there are multiple people who will have the same title as you.
3. A way up.
Millennials have a bad rap for jumping ship on companies quickly. Climbing the ladder, seeing compensation increase based on hard work, and making a difference is important…to everyone, not just a certain generation (hello, critics!).
Starting in a company that has a place for a promotion is a good thing to tactfully ask about in an interview or research beforehand—company size and other job listings could be a good indication—if you’re not interested in searching for another job any time soon.
4. Company culture.
You are about to spend (quite possibly) over 40 hours a week at your job. While work is often just that, work, finding a company that has a culture and something they stand for can make your experience that much better.
What are current and past employees saying online about their experience with the company? When you go in for your interview, is there a “buzz” in the air? Or are you getting sympathy yawns as you walk through the office?
People will tell you beggars can’t be choosers. But you, friend, are no beggar.
Be mindful of the positions you are applying for, and instead of casting an enormous net, spend your time tailoring your resume and cover letter for the positions that meet your checklist.
Work is more than work; your job is about to become one of the biggest pieces of your life and part of your identity. You deserve to have a say in what it is, thankyouverymuch.
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Jackie Vermeulen is the founder of The Career Mint.
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