How to find your first job or internship: A guide for trainees and graduates

How to find your first job or internship:
A guide for trainees and graduates

A number of graduatees smiling in their graduatin with their diplomas in their hands

Published Date: March 27, 2025

Finding your way in the job market can be tough—even for pros who’ve been around for years. For recent graduates, those about to graduate, or high schoolers thinking about what’s next, it’s hard to know where to start. How do you get an entry-level job when you don’t have much (or any) work experience? The good news is that you bring value to companies even without a long resume. The trick is to show off your skills, take advantage of chances, and leave a strong impression.

Starting your first job or internship is a big step, but it can also mean a lot of changes. Moving to full-time work brings new duties, new schedules, and sometimes even shifts in how you live, who you hang out with, and what you do in your free time. Knowing how to handle this change will help you do well. This guide shows you the key steps to get your first job or internship. You’ll learn how to create an eye-catching resume, excel in interviews, and make the most of chances to network. Here at Coach4Expats, we provide a full service to give you the skills and help you need to shine in today’s tough job market.

Self-Assessment: Understanding your strengths and interests

Before diving into the job search, it’s important to take a step back and assess your skills, interests, and career goals. Understanding what you bring to the table—even without formal work experience—will help you position yourself as a strong candidate.

Identifying your skills and passions. Many first-time job seekers mistakenly believe they have no experience, but skills from school, volunteer work, and personal projects are valuable to employers. To identify your strengths, consider what activities excite you, the skills you’ve developed, and the problems you enjoy solving. For instance, organizing student events builds leadership skills, while volunteering enhances teamwork and customer service abilities.

Assessing your strengths, weaknesses, and career goals. A good way to evaluate your strengths and areas for improvement is by conducting a simple SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). Setting clear career goals will also help guide your decisions. Are you looking to explore different industries, or do you already have a clear path in mind? Answering these questions can help you decide between an internship and a full-time job.

Choosing between an internship and a full-time job. More and more companies are using internships to fill spots that would be entry-level jobs, sometimes even getting rid of full-time junior positions. Internships can be a great way to learn the ropes, but it’s key to watch out for some problems. For example, some unpaid internships might not give you the chance to learn much at all.

Building a strong resume and cover letter

When applying for your first job or internship, your resume and cover letter are your first opportunity to make a strong impression. These documents should clearly showcase your skills, experiences, and passion for the role. Here’s how to craft both to stand out in the competitive job market:

Key elements of an effective resume

A strong resume should be clear, concise, and focused on your most relevant experiences and skills. Here are the essential elements to include:

Contact Information: Start with your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if you do not have one, now it’s time to create it).
Objective or summary: A brief statement about your career goals and what you bring to the table. This is where you show employers your enthusiasm and passion.
Skills: Highlight both hard and soft skills. Hard skills might include software knowledge or technical abilities, while soft skills could be communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Education: Include your school, degree, and any relevant coursework or academic achievements.
Experience (or relevant experience): Even if you don’t have paid work experience, include any volunteer work, internships, or projects. Focus on what you accomplished and the skills you gained.
Achievements and awards: If you’ve earned any recognition, even in non-professional settings (like student awards or volunteer recognition), add them here.

Writing a compelling cover letter that stands out

A compelling cover letter tells a story about your passion for the job and how your background prepares you for the role. To stand out, personalize the letter by addressing the hiring manager, start strong with excitement and a clear introduction, and highlight your skills and experiences. Express enthusiasm for the company and the opportunity, and keep the letter concise and confident. Let your personality shine through while staying focused on the role and the company’s needs.

Need help refining your CV and cover letter? At Coach4Expats, we offer a specific service to help you perfect your resume and cover letter. We’ll ensure they stand out to employers and help you take the next step toward securing your first job or internship.

Where to look for job and internship opportunities

When searching for your first job or internship, consider multiple resources:

Job boards & internship portals: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor aggregate job listings across industries, making it easy to apply directly to multiple roles. LinkedIn also offers networking opportunities with professionals in your field.
Company websites & career pages: Research companies you’re interested in and apply directly through their career sections. Set up job alerts for new openings and follow companies on LinkedIn to stay updated.
University career centers & alumni networks: Utilize your university’s career services for exclusive listings and networking events. Alumni networks are great for advice and job referrals.
Networking events & LinkedIn connections: Attend career fairs, networking events, and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn to uncover hidden job opportunities and get referrals.

Acing the application process

Applying for jobs and internships can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out. However, with the right approach, you can increase your chances of landing an interview. A well-structured application process can help you stay organized and stand out from other candidates. Here are some key strategies to apply effectively:

Need expert help? Coach4Expats offers a Job-Search Abroad Masterclass, a pre-recorded course packed with all the resources you need to craft a standout resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile—helping you land your first job or internship with confidence!

Preparing for interviews

Preparing for an interview requires research, practice, and strategy. Start by learning about the company’s mission, values, and role requirements to align your answers with their expectations. Review the job description to highlight relevant skills and check LinkedIn for insights on the hiring team. Practicing common questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want to work here?” will help you respond confidently.

Many interviews include behavioral questions, which you can tackle using the STAR Method—structuring answers with Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This approach ensures clear and impactful responses. Our Coach4Expats Successful Expatriate Interviews service provides expert tips, mock interviews, and personalized feedback to help you stand out!

Leveraging networking for opportunities

LinkedIn is an essential platform for networking and showcasing your expertise. A well-optimized profile with a professional photo, strong headline, and engaging summary can attract recruiters and employers. Regularly posting, commenting, and connecting with industry professionals can help expand your reach.

Need help standing out? Our Coach4Expats LinkedIn Optimization Service ensures your profile gets noticed and helps you build valuable connections in your field!

Networking is a powerful tool for finding job and internship opportunities, especially for beginners. Start by attending career fairs, industry events, and joining online communities to connect with professionals. Small actions, like engaging with industry content and joining LinkedIn groups, can help you build credibility and stay informed about job openings. We also invite you to join our Coach4Expats community, where you can connect with like-minded professionals, access exclusive job resources, and expand your network!

Securing your first job or internship can seem overwhelming, but with the right strategy, dedication, and mind-set, you can start making a successful career. Being familiar with your strengths, having an excellent resume and cover letter, utilizing networking tools, and preparation for interviews will make you an excellent candidate in the current job market.

Don’t forget, you don’t have to do it on your own. Coach4Expats is here to support you every step of the way! Whether you need help getting your resume and LinkedIn profile in order, interview prep, or building a strong professional network, our expert services and Job-Search Abroad Masterclass provide you with all you need to achieve success. And you can get all the assistance you need from our online community.