Starter Jobs: How to Find Your First Full-Time Gig

By Neil MacIntosh

Getting that first "real" job – also known as an entry-level position – can be tougher than blocking lame advertisements on your Facebook page. To find employment that you like and which pays a reasonable wage, you'll need to create an action plan for yourself.

You can break down your plan into three manageable stages: deciding what kind of work you want to do, getting ready to market yourself, and doing a targeted job hunt.

Stage 1 – Deciding What Kind Of Work You Want To Do

Are you hoping to become an astronaut or rock star? Or maybe the creator of the next videogame sensation like Fortnite? To get there, you're going to need a starter job that hopefully puts you on the right path. Everyone has to begin their career somewhere. It starts with figuring out what you think you might like to do with your life.

If you can merge something you're passionate about (outer space, music, gaming) with the work you end up doing, you get the best of both worlds. Check-in with your school's career centre or guidance department for help on identifying possible occupations that fit with who you are as a person.

Stage 2 – Getting Ready To Market Yourself

Everyone knows that you need a resume when you're job hunting. But did you know it can be helpful to have a " transitional business card " you can give out to people you meet during your search? Not to mention cleaning up your online profiles so employers who Google you won't be shocked by what they see. Here are some ways to prepare for a successful job hunt campaign:

Create Good Marketing Material

  • Develop a resume that captures the highlights of your achievements in school and any outside activities (including volunteer work, part-time or summer jobs, etc.)
  • Get a transitional business card printed up so you can give these out when you're networking with people face to face.

Clean Up Your Digital Dirt

  • Make sure your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other online profiles don't portray you publicly as some party-animal.
  • Change your privacy settings so that only friends of yours can access your inner profile
  • Search for public photos of you that are tagged with your name on your friends' pages. Ask them to remove the ones of you that might look unprofessional.

Prepare For Job Interviews

  • Practice giving answers to the most commonly asked interview questions
  • Put together responses to difficult questions you might be requested (such as "why are you naked on your Hi5! Profile?")
  • Get a clue about salaries and benefits before you negotiate the job offer

Stage 3: Doing a Targeted Job Hunt

Just about anyone can find a lousy job quickly. But if you want one that pays o.k., has prospects for growth and challenge, is with a recognized employer and doesn't require a two-hour commute each way, you have to focus your job search and hunker down.

Begin by searching for posted positions on Monster.ca. Tip: check out our PowerSearch (Beta) on the homepage. Type in a location and job title. Then use the "Experience" drop-down list to select only entry-level jobs – ones that require a limited amount of experience, such as "zero" or "one year."

Lots of people apply for these kinds of jobs, so there's no guarantee an employer will contact you for an interview. That's why at the same time you're replying to job ads, you should also look into the hidden job market, where you can find unadvertised positions. The way to penetrate this market is by networking with your contacts.

This is where your online social networks come in handy. Let the people in your network know you're looking for a certain kind of job in a particular location. See if they know anyone who works in the field or industry in which you're trying to get hired. Chat with these referred contacts and see if some of them will meet with you in person to give you helpful information or introductions to others.

A Foot In The Door Beats Being Unemployed

Here's a harsh truth but one worth knowing: your starter gig may not look anything like the dream job you've been imagining. But that's fine. Eileen Collins, the first-ever female commander and pilot of a Space Shuttle, began her career as a part-time math teacher. Lady Gaga (born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) performed in burlesque shows in seedy underground bars in New York alongside strippers. Meanwhile, DOOM co-creator John Carmack, one wealthy guy these days, took a part-time job at a pizza parlour while coding his first few practice games.

Regardless of which entry-level position you're seeking, go after it as if you mean it. Use all the tools at your disposal. Follow the stages outlined above. And shoot for the stars...but be prepared to start with your feet firmly planted on the ground.