I have watched countless young professionals navigate their first job search, and I want to share what I have learnt, both from my own journey and from helping others in small ways. Landing your first job can feel overwhelming, but I believe the pressure comes partly from outdated ideas about what a career should look like.

Here is my honest take: I don’t personally believe in traditional career paths. I have seen a shift happening, and I think we are moving towards career portfolios instead. What’s the difference? A career path suggests a linear journey, you pick a lane and stay in it. A career portfolio is a collection of diverse experiences that make you increasingly valuable and versatile.

I started in Human Resources (HR), then moved to journalism, and I am currently heading marketing while also running a training and development startup. Was I confused? Did I lack direction? Well, it seemed so. But each role added skills to my portfolio. Everything I learnt in HR helps me understand people in marketing. My journalism background sharpened my storytelling and content creation. It all connects, even when it doesn’t seem to at first.

I have seen this pattern repeatedly with successful professionals I have spoken to as well. The best thing you can do is pursue opportunities, work hard, and pray for guidance, because honestly, we never know what we will excel at until we have tried it ourselves. What you think you want today might not be what brings you fulfilment tomorrow, and that’s perfectly okay.

Self-awareness is crucial, but not in the rigid way career advisers often suggest. Assess your current skills; what did you develop during education, internships, volunteer work, or projects? What energised you? Make a list of transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical abilities.

But here’s what I believe: don’t trap yourself by overthinking ‘fit.’ Your first job isn’t your forever job. It’s an entry point into building your career portfolio. I have seen people stress over finding the ‘perfect’ first role, and they miss opportunities that could teach them exactly what they needed to learn.

Your resume and LinkedIn profile matter more than people admit. For entry-level candidates, I have noticed that clear formatting and honest presentation of experiences make the difference.

In my experience, even ‘unrelated’ jobs matter. Retail and food service teach customer service, time management, and reliability, qualities I value in every hire I make. Don’t dismiss any experience; frame it properly.

Your LinkedIn headline should go beyond ‘Recent Graduate.’ Get recommendations from professors and supervisors who can vouch for your character and work ethic.

Most jobs I have seen filled have happened through connections, not job boards. I tell everyone: spread the word that you’re job hunting. Talk to family, friends, professors, classmates, former colleagues – everyone. Attend industry events, career fairs, and alumni gatherings.

I encourage reaching out to people in roles or companies that interest you. A genuine message asking for an informational interview opens doors. I remember my own struggles finding that first opportunity, and I think most professionals do – that’s why many are willing to help.

I believe in applying broadly but thoughtfully. I have reviewed countless generic applications, and they rarely succeed. Research each company, understand their challenges and values, and customise your cover letter to show how you can contribute specifically to them.

Don’t limit yourself to major job boards. I have seen great opportunities posted on company websites first, shared on social media, or listed on industry-specific platforms. Consider contract positions and temp work; I have watched many of these convert to full-time roles while building valuable experience.

Interview skills improve dramatically with practice. Prepare for common questions using the Situation, Task, Action, and Result (STAR) method. Research the company thoroughly and prepare thoughtful questions. I have conducted hundreds of interviews, and I can tell immediately when someone has done their homework.

For virtual interviews, test your technology beforehand. In my experience, technical glitches create unnecessary stress. Good lighting, professional background, and appropriate dress – these details matter more than candidates realise.

Rejection is inevitable. I have faced it myself, and I have seen it humble even the most qualified candidates. But here’s what I believe: rejection doesn’t always mean you weren’t good enough. Sometimes it means that opportunity wasn’t meant for you.

Some closed doors are a form of protection. What feels like disappointment today might be steering you away from something that wouldn’t have served your growth. Ask for feedback when appropriate, use it to improve, and trust that better opportunities exist. Combine your hustle with faith – do everything in your power while trusting that what is meant for you will find you.

I don’t see internships, volunteer positions, freelance work, or personal projects as ‘backup plans,’ I see them as legitimate portfolio builders. I have watched people create their own opportunities that became more valuable than traditional roles.

Every experience, regardless of title or compensation, adds to your narrative. What seems like a detour today might become your most valuable asset tomorrow.

Finding your first job takes time, usually longer than subsequent searches. Maintaining consistency and mental health throughout the process is crucial. Celebrate small wins: strong networking conversations, second interviews, positive feedback.

Beyond practical efforts, I believe in praying and trusting a higher plan. We can strategise and work diligently, but ultimately, I have learnt that we don’t always know what we will excel at until we experience it. Have faith that the right opportunity will present itself at the right time.

Your first job starts your career portfolio. I have seen how skills transfer in unexpected ways; customer service teaches communication, data entry builds attention to detail. Every experience compounds.

Your career can be uniquely yours, shaped by various roles, accumulated skills, and wisdom from each experience. Stay focused, remain adaptable, trust the process, and know that every step forward builds something valuable, even when you can’t see the full picture yet.