The time has come to make your first steps in starting your career. Whether you’re still currently studying, or have just finished your studies, there comes a time when we all have to face one of the greatest challenges of adult life: job hunting. You might feel uneasy about this step since, like any usual hunt, you don’t know what you will get in the end. However, I can assure you that a job hunt always ends up with success (as long as you don’t give up).
First step
Before applying for a job, think about what you would like to do. Think about your studies and what you can do with the degree that you will get/have already gotten.
But what if you don’t know what you would like to do? Well, this is a good moment to evaluate your skills and personality. For example, if you’re a people person, you will want to do a job that requires communication skills. Or maybe you have a talent that requires maximum attention and solo work. Even if you’re applying for a job, and you still don’t know if it’s the right choice, take it as an opportunity to gain experience in a new field
Build your CV
Let’s say you more or less figured out what you would like to work as. Now it’s time to build your document portfolio. Here is what you need:
- CV
- Motivation Letter (depending on the job)
- Previous work samples (if required)
- Diplomas
- A lot of patience
Compiling all these documents is not a task that can be done during a coffee break. So take your time and think about all your achievements in your past years. Write in detail about everything: your studies, work experiences, personality, hobbies.
If this is your first job hunt, and you don’t have much work experience, think about volunteering projects you participated in or any significant work you have accomplished. Write anything that you feel is relevant and might help improve your chances to get the position you wish for.
Another rule of thumb that you should always follow is that you should never lie about anything in your CV. Not only that it is unethical, but you might also end up working a job you have no idea how to handle.
Motivation Letter
For me, this was the toughest document to write during my job applications. Every motivation letter takes time to write. While you can keep the same CV for multiple job applications, the motivation letter has to be different for each application. However, you can keep certain templates of motivation letters and use them when you apply to similar job positions.
Keep it short and simple. Recruiters may receive a large number of applications and don’t have time to read all of them thoroughly. The best way is to format your text so that your thoughts and intentions become clear at a first glance.
Where and how to apply?
Most job offers can be found on LinkedIn (for which you should definitely create a profile), but there are also other job portals like cv.ee or cvkeskus.ee that might appeal to international students or graduates.
Before applying, read the job requirements carefully and make sure you adapt your CV and motivation letter according to these requirements. Even if you are missing one or two requirements from the list, you should still consider applying. No employer expects the applicant to fulfill all the requirements to the fullest extent. If they do…then they will have a hard time finding anyone suitable.
Once you have applied, don’t just stop at one application. Keep searching every day for new jobs and keep applying. Job offers come up all the time and sometimes, the earlier you apply – the better!
Interview time
So you have been invited to an interview! Congratulations! However, it is not over yet. The interview is the most crucial part of the job application process because this is the moment when the employer can figure out whether you’re the right person for the job or not, based on your discussion. Here is my input, based on my experiences:
- Whether the interview is online or offline, always dress formally. Even if the job doesn’t require you to dress smart every day at work, formal attire will show that you take the interview and the job seriously.
- Before the interview, read the job details thoroughly. You need to show that you know what you’re applying for and have a strong grasp of the job responsibilities. Also, don’t forget to learn a bit about the company’s values and mission. One of the employers’ tasks is to determine whether your values align with the company’s; therefore, keep this information in mind when you’re talking with the employer.
- Be calm. It may not seem like it at first, but the people in front of you are humans just like you. Speak calmly, relaxed, and make eye contact. Even if your recruiters don’t look interested in what you have to say, don’t lose hope. Continue with your interview with a positive attitude, regardless of their attitude.
Do not look desperate
It could happen that you are looking for a job for a very long time and all your efforts come to no avail. You might be tempted to accept anything or just get a job for the money. Regardless, no recruiter wants to hire someone who is just interested in getting paid and not in the actual job. During the interview, recruiters might ask you: “Where do you see yourself in X years?”. The rationale behind this question is that they are looking for people who value loyalty and consistency, people who wish to stick to their team for as long as possible.
Again, even if your goal is to secure an income, don’t forget that every job involves teamwork and cooperation between people, which is something to genuinely aim for. Try to see yourself as a long-lasting member of the company you are applying for.
Smile! Of course, don’t overdo it.
Not only that it makes you look more beautiful/handsome, but it will make you feel more confident! It will also help you relax, in case the interview feels too stressful.
Learn Estonian (or at least be willing to do it)
In Estonia, most of the companies communicate internally in, obviously, Estonian. If you are planning to stay for longer in Estonia, you should begin learning Estonian or, if you are learning already, start improving it. Even if you started studying the language, but you’re still at a beginner’s level, keep going! Employers could be willing to accept you on the condition that you achieve a higher level of Estonian in the future. Plus, it will help you with anything you do in Estonia.
Honesty is key
You might be asked: “What are some of your weaknesses?” Be honest about your weak points, but in a way that shows potential strengths. For example, you might say that you have difficulty asking for help. Framing it the right way shows that you are the kind of person that likes working individually, that you recognize that you should learn to ask for help more often and you are committed to fixing the issue.
So you got rejected…now what?
So you’ve sent your application, you’ve had the interview, and now you have finally received that long-waited email with the final answer…and it turns out to be a rejection. Of course, nobody is happy to receive such a message in their inbox, and thinking that you put effort into an application only to be rejected can be incredibly disheartening. It may even make you stop applying altogether.
Before landing my first job, I got rejected more than 70 times, over the course of a year. I’ve had my share of despondency and self-sabotaging thoughts, thinking that I can never be good enough or that I will never land a good job. However, looking back on it, I realize that job hunting is not meant to be easy and rejection is a normal part of this process. After all, not everyone who applies for a job can be hired. What is important is that you keep on improving your documents, keep on getting more experience from internships or courses and keep on applying.
Don’t forget that employers can also be incredibly biased when choosing a candidate over others. Knowing that you can’t have any control over the employer’s prejudices or biases can ease the negative feelings that come after a rejection.
So you got accepted…you made it!
The day you’ve been waiting for has arrived: you got the job! This calls for a celebration.
However, it is safe to say that the job hunting ends as soon as you sign the contract. Until then, make sure to carefully read the contract that you will be offered and agree to all terms and conditions. If you think something in the contract needs to be addressed or if something is unsatisfactory, always address your concerns to the employer.
Final thoughts
If you have reached this far into the post and if you think to yourself “Job hunting is painfully complicated and frustrating”, then you’re absolutely right. But again, most of the stuff that involves “adulting” is complicated and frustrating. Nevertheless, progress and inner strength come only with great trials and effort on your part. Therefore, keep your spirits up no matter the circumstances, and fight for your dream job.
