How to Secure Your Dream Entry-Level Job After College: My Personal Journey and Tips for Success
Around this time last year, I was a ball of stress. I was an A student with job experience in both the corporate world and more creative fields, but I still feared it might not be enough. As many of us do, I found myself comparing my journey to that of other students landing jobs left and right, regardless of whether they were even in my field or not. Now, you might wonder why a 22-year-old recent grad would be giving you advice. You might be older, or have more work experience. But I know I can help, because this past year, I dedicated myself to researching everything I could about landing an entry-level job.
From career coaching sessions at my university to reading books by professionals, talking with industry experts, and watching countless YouTube and TikTok videos, I made it my mission to understand how to find a position that fit me. I knew the job market of 2024 would be challenging. After months of networking, researching, and applying, I not only found an entry-level job, but one in my dream industry, and I’m thrilled with the position. So, let me share what worked for me so you don’t have to waste time randomly applying to hundreds of jobs. Here’s a strategy that actually works!
1. Narrow Down Your Industry and Desired Position
The first step is crucial: you have to decide on your industry and the type of position you want. For me, I knew that my heart was in the makeup/skincare/cosmetics industry. From there, I aimed for an entry-level marketing/sales role. But you can go even further—there are many different types of marketing positions out there. Some examples include:
Digital Marketing: Social media, content creation, paid ads, etc.
Product Marketing: Working closely with products to promote and create brand awareness.
Market Research: Analyzing consumer behavior and trends.
Public Relations: Building and maintaining relationships with media and the public.
If you're still unsure, do your research! Look up people’s personal experiences in different roles. Take something you’re already passionate about or good at. I had always loved skincare, so when I started applying for jobs in this field, I felt confident because it was something I genuinely enjoyed.
Once you find your target industry and role, create a document or spreadsheet (I used a Google Doc called “My Job Search 2024”) where you can track your thoughts and progress. I filled this out with ideas for job applications, lists of companies I was interested in, the locations, and recruiter emails. This document became my job-search bible.
2. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you can use during your job search, and I learned a ton about it while attending a university that specialized in business and networking. Here are some tips I found essential:
Craft a Concise About Section: Get straight to the point about who you are and what you're looking for. It should reflect your passion and skillset clearly.
Feature Your Resume: Upload your resume to the featured section so recruiters can easily find it.
Job Experience: Include all your job experiences, and for each, describe the accomplishments and tasks that align with the job roles you're targeting.
Professional Picture: A clear, professional headshot is non-negotiable.
Create Posts: Share updates, your accomplishments, or insights into the industry to get noticed.
Your LinkedIn profile should be more than just a list of your jobs—it’s your opportunity to build your professional brand and engage with people in your field. You can connect with me on my Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-north-29b346229/
3. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Don’t just send the same resume and cover letter to every job. You need to tailor them to each position, especially if you’re applying for different types of roles. Here are some extra tips:
Friendly Cover Letter Template: Find a template you like, but make sure to personalize it. Switch out the job title, company name, and any specifics to make it tailored to each position.
Career Coach Review: If possible, get a career coach to look over your resume and cover letter. They know how to phrase things to help you stand out.
Use Numbers and Tangible Results: Employers love to see measurable outcomes. If you increased sales or engagement at a past job, make sure to showcase that in your bullet points.
Keep It Simple: Avoid fancy online resume templates. Stick to a basic, clean design that’s easy for recruiters to read.
4. Reach Out to Recruiters (Even If You Haven’t Applied)
Reach out to recruiters whether or not you applied to the job. This is one of the most important parts of job hunting—networking! You need to talk to recruiters like they're real people. I always voiced my passion for cosmetics and marketing. People don’t like to feel like you’re asking something from them. Just have a one-on-one conversation. If I didn’t see a job application, I would request to connect with recruiters on LinkedIn who worked for a company I was interested in, and I’d say:
"Hi [Name],
I came across your profile and am truly inspired by your experience in [industry]. My name is Nicole and I’m a senior at Bryant University with a marketing major. I’m passionate about the beauty industry and would love to connect and hear about your experience with [Company] and any advice you may have for someone entering the field. Thank you!"
By doing this, I got over ten face-to-face Zoom calls with people in the industry. Don’t expect to be offered a position on the spot—often companies aren’t hiring but will keep you in mind. You can also email recruiters, though I find LinkedIn works better for me. Here’s a sample email template for reaching out if you’re interested in working for a company but haven’t seen a job posting:
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Career Opportunities in [Field]
Hi [Name] or [Company] Hiring Team,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Nicole North, and I’m a graduating student majoring in marketing with a minor in [Your Minor] at Bryant University. I’m very interested in [Company] due to its reputation and innovative approach in the [industry].
Through my academic coursework and my experience at [Relevant Experience or Job], I have developed a strong foundation in [skills relevant to the company]. I would love to connect and learn more about your work. If you have any upcoming opportunities, I’d love to be considered.
Thank you for your time!
Warmly,
Nicole North
Keep it short, direct, and to the point. Recruiters are busy, so you want to make it easy for them to quickly see your passion and interest.
5. Apply, But Be Strategic About It
When it comes to applying, be strategic. I highly recommend using multiple job platforms to broaden your search. In addition to LinkedIn, take advantage of other job sites like Indeed, Google Careers, Handshake (especially if you're still in college), and niche industry boards. Make sure to set up alerts for job openings so you're one of the first to apply. One of the most helpful tips I got was to track each application in an Excel sheet. Include:
Date applied
Position
Company name
Location
Recruiter email
Follow-up dates
If you don’t hear back right away, don’t give up. I kept track of my applications and followed up several times. Persistence is key!
Also, don’t just apply to hundreds of jobs randomly. Career coaches call this “junk job searching”—it’s tiring, ineffective, and can sometimes show employers that you’re not passionate about the role. Take your time and focus on jobs you genuinely want.
A Must-Read for Job Seekers: Entry Level Boss by Alexa Shoen
Before I wrap up, I want to highly recommend a book that gave me most of the tips and strategies I’ve shared with you here. It’s called Entry Level Boss: How to Get Any Job You Want by Alexa Shoen. This book was a game-changer for me and helped shape my approach to job hunting. It’s filled with practical advice and strategies that I used to land my dream role. If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed by the process, this book is definitely worth the read! You can click on the image below for the link to get your copy.
Conclusion: Don’t Settle for Anything Less
Finding your first job can feel like an impossible journey. Trust me, I know—it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But one thing I swear by is to not settle for a job you’re not excited about. The job search process might take longer than you expect, but remember that this position is a big deal. You might have it for years, and it’s worth waiting for the right one.
I’m so glad I didn’t rush into something. Now that I’ve been working at my dream job for seven months, I can confirm it was worth the wait. Sometimes, you just need that first experience to open doors to many other opportunities.
So take a deep breath, create a plan, and trust that the right job is out there for you.
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