How I Landed My First Job: Insights for New Graduates

Three years ago, I graduated and started my career. Since then, many people have asked how I secured my first job and what the process was like. Having worked in my field for almost three years now, I want to share my experience to help new graduates navigate their job search and interviews.

How I Got My First Job Offer

Looking back, I realise my journey to landing my first job was relatively smooth. I submitted only a few applications and received two offers. While I am grateful for how things worked out, I believe luck played a significant role. However, I also understand that every job search is unique. My biggest piece of advice to new graduates is: keep going! Persistence is key, and your opportunity will come.

What Employers Are Looking For

For recent graduates, many companies are less concerned with your technical skills, especially in entry-level roles. Employers assume that you have a foundational knowledge based on your degree and previous experience. Instead, they focus on what makes you a good cultural fit.

Here are three key traits that I found are highly valued by employers:

1. Drive and Ambition: Show your passion for success and your willingness to go the extra mile.
2. Creativity: Demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and provide innovative solutions.
3. Analytical Skills: For technical roles, highlight your problem-solving ability and critical thinking skills.

How to Approach Technical Interviews

Technical interviews are a standard part of the hiring process for many roles, especially in tech. Be ready to showcase your knowledge. But what if you don’t know the answer to a question? Don’t panic. Interviewers often assess how you approach problem-solving. Stay calm and focus on showing your critical thinking and commitment to finding a solution—even if your answer isn’t perfect.

Cultural Fit: A Key to Success

Remember, interviews aren’t just about your qualifications—they’re also about your personality and how you align with the company’s culture. In my case, I talked about my extracurricular activities and personal interests. This helped me connect with the interviewer on a personal level, which made the interview more engaging.

Building Rapport is Crucial

Successful interviews are often human-to-human interactions. Instead of focusing solely on formality, I approach interviews with a casual and conversational tone. Building rapport with your interviewer can set you apart from other candidates. For example, at my job with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), my manager once told us that each one of us was hired because we brought something unique to the team. This further reinforced my belief that showcasing your personality can be a game-changer during interviews.

Final Thoughts for Graduates

Every job search journey is different, but I hope sharing my experience gives you some encouragement. Remember to stay persistent, showcase your personality, and embrace the learning process. You’ve got this!