Resources for First…Resources for First Time Jobseekers

Resources for First Time Jobseekers

Whether you’re a new or soon-to-be graduate, new to the job market, or an old dog who could learn some new tricks, we can help! We have a virtual library of guidance, advice, links, and other resources to help you kickstart your career search.  

First things first, let’s talk about why you absolutely should work with a recruiter.

If you have no idea what recruiters do, ask us a question and/or check out some FREQUENTLY ASKED ONES.

If you’re curious about how we specifically help make job seekers' lives easier, FIND OUT HERE.

You don’t have to take our word for it, see WHAT CANDIDATES HAVE TO SAY about Spectrum.

GETTING STARTED

You’re going to need a resume

Your resume tells the story of your education, training, skills, and career. As such it should be engaging, focused and readable. There are plenty of online resources to help get started, including templates and AI assistance like Chat GPT but don’t forget to humanize it and make it your own.

Check out SPECTRUM’S GUIDE AND DOWNLOADABLE TEMPLATE in which we do our best to tell you how much of what to put where and why. Although a good resume is a critical tool in your job search it is much more likely to lose you a job than to get you one. Keep it short, sweet, and professional.

You’re going to have to interview

And you’re going to want to be ready! Practice makes perfect when it comes to interviewing but it’s not something that you want to have to go through a hundred times to learn the hard way. Get help from friends, family, or colleagues. Do some mock interviews and get feedback. Don’t be afraid to take whatever interviews you can get in the beginning, knowing that they are low-stakes, low-pressure situations to prepare you for the big one.

Check out our COMPREHENSIVE INTERVIEW GUIDE, where we help equip you with the essential tools and techniques to instill the confidence needed to conquer any job interview, whether it's in-person, on the phone, or via video. Preparation is the foundation of success, regardless of the interview format and most of the following information applies in any interview setting.

Lean into LinkedIn

If you haven’t done so already, set up and optimize a professional profile. LinkedIn is still the best site for professionals to connect and interact specifically for business purposes. Even after you land a job, you’ll likely want to maintain, update, and utilize your account frequently to cultivate your own personal brand.

Your LinkedIn profile is your online storefront or digital billboard, advertising your skills and experience to potential employers. Enhancing it isn't just about looking good, it's about unlocking opportunities. A well-crafted profile lands in search results, attracting recruiters to discover your potential. It acts as a trustworthy first impression, showcasing your accomplishments and passion. By highlighting relevant skills and achievements, you stand out from the crowd, increasing your chances of getting contacted and interviewed.

LinkedIn itself is the best place to get more information on how to get the most out of it but check out the following links to get going:

-          20 steps to a better LinkedIn profile in 2024

-          31 best LinkedIn profile tips for job seekers

-          42 bajillion videos on the subject

Don’t give up on other social media

But do be careful. Like it or not, prospective employers often check out candidates’ personal online presence and unfortunately may pass judgment or even base decisions on what they find. Keep your accounts and continue to post but consider keeping them clean and keeping your cool. Depending on the type of job you're looking for and who you’re interviewing with, this will hopefully be a non-issue but it is something to be aware of.

Especially as younger generations enter the workforce, other platforms will play a role in finding work and finding employees. From TikTok to Facebook, depending on your situation, location, and goals, there are accounts, groups, and individuals to guide you. Social media platforms beyond LinkedIn are great for making connections and finding networking opportunities of all sorts.

Speaking of networking…

“Your Network is your net worth.”

Get used to hearing this and countless other cliches as you enter the intellectual recycling bin that is the business world. The thing is, many of these tropes a true.

Here’s another one: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

For some folks this is true, but for those of us who are not just lucky dummies, it’s a half-truth. Because it’s about what you know AND who you know. Step outside social media and online networking and go meet some folks. Look for organizations, events, and opportunities that are relevant to your interests and get involved.

PRO TIP: Volunteer for industry associations and organizations that you’d like to be involved with. People aren’t likely to turn down free help, it’s a good way to show your character, and you may get your foot in the right door. You never know when or where you’ll get to know someone who’ll tell you what you need to know to get to where you want to be.

Make sense? No? Doesn’t matter, just get out there and shake some hands.

Job Boards

If you’re already on the market, you’ll almost certainly be hitting the job boards to find opportunities. If you’re in manufacturing or engineering, check out our CURRENT OPENINGS. Better yet, sign up to receive our NEW JOBS NEWSLETTER every other Wednesday.

Handshake is a job search platform designed specifically for college students and recent graduates. It connects students with employers through job postings, events, and career fairs. You can search for jobs and internships, get recommendations for relevant opportunities, and connect with recruiters and other students.

Indeed is a massive job board and employment website launched nearly twenty years ago. It's considered one of the world's most popular job search platforms, attracting millions of job seekers and employers globally and locally.

LinkedIn Jobs is a great place to look for current openings. You’re going to be spending some time on there anyway, right?

Career Fairs are still a thing. Think of these events as analog job boards. A great way to get face time, practice networking, and put your finger on the pulse of the market.

Companies looking to hire the best talent don’t rely entirely on job boards (at least they shouldn’t) and neither should you! Here are the TOP TEN REASONS recruiters are better than job boards.

What more can you do?!?

Don’t stop learning! If you have an opportunity to get further education, training, or experience in the area you would like to enter, do it!

Certifications and endorsements: These validate your expertise and add credibility to your profile. Research industry-recognized certifications and opportunities to earn them. Endorsements from colleagues or previous employers on platforms like LinkedIn further solidify your skills.

Internships: Get real-world experience in your desired field! Internships offer valuable hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and a glimpse into your future career. Plus, they impress employers by showcasing your initiative and passion. And the best ones are PAID!

Personal projects: Fuel your passion, take control, and demonstrate your skills. Work on independent projects related to your target field. Showcase your problem-solving, creativity, and technical abilities through coding projects, freelance work, or volunteer initiatives.

Remember, continuous learning keeps you relevant and opens doors in today's competitive job market. Invest in yourself now, and reap the rewards later!

Resources & Associations

Universities, tech colleges, and trade schools often have dedicated career centers that offer resume and cover letter writing workshops, mock interviews, job fairs, and networking events specifically tailored to students and alumni in nearly every discipline.

The Department of Workforce Services (DWS): This state agency connects you with over 40,000 job openings, career counseling services, and training programs to help you land your dream job.

Utah 211: This confidential service connects you with various community resources like job training, financial assistance, and childcare, removing potential barriers to your job search.

Utah Career & Technical Education (CTE): Explore career and technical education programs in high schools and colleges, equipping you with valuable skills for in-demand fields.

Launch My Career Utah: Access career exploration tools, college planning resources, and financial aid guidance to map out your educational and professional journey.

Workforce GPS: Career exploration tools, training resources, and job search assistance across the US, aiding you in your nationwide job search.

ACTE Utah: The Association for Career and Technical Education advocates for career and technical education, potentially linking you to relevant programs that align with your skills and interests.

Utah Manufacturers Association (UMA): The leading alliance for the manufacturing community in Utah since 1905. We represent over 1200 manufacturing and service providers, big and small, in every inch of Utah. We understand that as a manufacturer and service provider, a lot of hard work goes into running your company, and every company faces unique challenges.

47G: At 47G, we’re building the world’s premier ecosystem for aerospace, defense, and cyber companies. Our mission is to foster talent, fund entrepreneurship, and fuel innovation in Utah, America’s deep tech frontier.

EDCUtah: A private, non-profit organization acting as a catalyst for quality job growth and increased capital investment in the state. This means they bridge the gap between businesses and talented individuals like you, helping you find your dream job in Utah.

iMpact Utah: This non-profit transforms Utah's manufacturing businesses, making them thrive and creating exciting opportunities for you.

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): (https://www.nspe.org/) This organization provides resources, certifications, and networking opportunities for engineers of all disciplines, helping you advance your engineering career.

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): (https://nam.org/) This organization represents the manufacturing industry and advocates for its growth, potentially leading you to relevant careers in this dynamic sector.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE): (https://www.ieee.org/) This world's largest technical professional organization caters to individuals in electrical, electronics, and computing fields, offering valuable resources and networking opportunities if your interests lie in these areas.

Check out our CURRENT OPENINGS here. 

Can't find the job you're looking for? UPLOAD YOUR RESUME and we'll set up a time to chat.

Hiring managers and HR friends, please don’t hesitate to REACH OUT for assistance with all things talent acquisition.

You can now choose to receive this HIRING MANAGER HACKS  newsletter every other Wednesday, our NEW JOBS NEWSLETTER on alternating Wednesdays, TOP TALENT candidate spotlights every Tuesday, or ALL OF THE ABOVE.

ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS HERE to sign up or update your preferences.