If there’s one thing that fresh grads find daunting, it’s landing their first job. We know how it feels. We’ve all been there. The entire process is agonizing, not to mention tedious. If you are yet to find your first job, you’re on the right page. Read on for some helpful tips you can use when applying for your first job.

Determine your options
Before taking the first step to finding a job, one of the first and most important things you need to do is to weigh your options. Think about what you want to do and what kind of job you are looking for. Sure, you have finished a degree but maybe pursuing a career in that field isn’t where you exactly see yourself in the near future. Make a list of the positions and jobs you’re considering, write the pros and cons and narrow the options from there.

Make use of your school resources
Oftentimes, college students do not make use of the career resources offered by their university. You may actually have been missing on some valuable career advice. Does your school have a career center? Don’t hesitate to use it. Join events and job fair related to the career you’re interested in.

Create your resume
Whether or not you’re applying for your first job, you should know that a resume is one of the important factors that determines your chances of landing a job. So if you haven’t drafted your resume yet, now is the best time to create one.

When writing your resume, it’s imperative that you make it short and concise. Get rid of unnecessary information. Make it fit in one page if possible. Only include relevant information such as your contact information, educational background (since you just graduated from college), relevant skills and maybe an internship experience or professional experience if you’ve gotten the chance to work while studying.

Use your connections
Job search is one of the instances where your connections and network will best come in handy. Reach out to friends, family, former classmates and professors who can help connect you to the industry you’re interested to work in. They might know of job openings that might fit what you’re looking for. Tap on your network. It’s a valuable resource in helping you land your first job.

Be prepared for the interview
Besides your resume, your interview is another important determining factor in your job search success. Whether it’s a phone interview or an actual one, you should always come in prepared. Do research about the company and position you’re applying for. Rehearse answers to questions you may possibly be asked.

Applying for your first job can be both an exciting and daunting phase. Use these tips to help you land your first career!