How to Overcome the Biggest Challenges in Finding Your First Job

Walking. Algebra. Wakeboarding. It’s hard to do anything for the first time, but searching for your first full-time job could very well top the list of the scariest, most confusing, and most daunting endeavors you’ll face.

You’ll be applying for jobs that will undoubtedly impact the trajectory of your career, interviewing with strangers in positions of power, and likely dealing with rejections along the way to signing an offer letter. So it stands to reason that it’s going to be a little nerve-wracking.

With these concerns in mind, we spoke with experts who gave us their tips for overcoming the top five job search challenges for entry-level employees.

Challenge #1: Not knowing which jobs are right for your major

How to overcome it: Does it seem like there are no perfect jobs for your major? Then it’s time to set up some meetings with the people who can help you figure out how to match your education with a job you’ll love.

“Talk to alumni and network with industry professionals to find out where your background fits into the workforce, especially for liberal arts students,” says Kimberly Brown, associate director of employer outreach at Princeton University. And if you haven’t been to your university’s Career Services Office, make an appointment, now! These professionals can help you find the right field and job for you.

Challenge #2: You have no work experience

How you can overcome it: So you’ve decided on a job – or a variety of jobs – that you can see yourself in. Now comes the ultimate predicament. If you’re just entering the workforce, you probably don’t have any work experience yet, which means you’re in the same situation as countless others. But if you’re willing to go the extra mile – and maybe work a little for free – you can stand out from the crowd and land a paying job in your field sooner than your peers.

“Approach companies with a proposal for a project you can do on your own at their company pro bono (for free),” says Brette Rowley, a career and business coach for young professionals in Charleston, South Carolina. “Not only does this give you experience, but you also make valuable connections in the industry you’re interested in.”

Challenge No. 3: You don’t have interview experience

How you can overcome it: OK, so you’ve done the work for free – and gained valuable experience in the process. Now it’s time to interview for the job.

In-person interviews are perhaps the most important part of the job search process. Interviews are the crucial moments when hiring managers – and other members of your potential future team – get a sense of whether or not you’re right for the job. That can make an interview pretty scary, possibly the scariest part of the entire search process.

“Do a mock interview with your friends, or ideally with someone you don’t know, and go on as many interviews as you can,” career coach Anna-Jane Niznikowska recommends. “When it comes to interviews, a lot of practice really helps.” Even if you don’t get every job you apply for, you’ll hone your skills at selling yourself so much that soon you may not have interview jitters at all.

Speaking of interviews…

Challenge #4: You’re overwhelmed by the number of people you have to meet

How you can overcome it: In many cases, even for entry-level positions, companies use hiring teams to conduct interviews – sometimes three, four, or more employees. The people you’ll talk to can range from basic managers to people in the C-suite, depending on the size of the brand. But either way, you need to make sure you know how your role would help each person in the company.

“Make sure the initial recruiter gives the names and titles of the interviewers, [and] the background of each interviewer. ” says Elaine Krehmeyer, owner of her career coaching company Career Revelations Research in Atlanta. “Prepare tailored, thoughtful questions for each interviewer. Understand that what’s important to a high-level hiring manager will be different than what’s important to a peer teammate, with both playing an important role in the hiring decision.”

Challenge #5: You’re shocked and appalled by starting salaries

How to overcome it: Congratulations, you got the job! It’s one of those hard truths: Entry-level workers are often underpaid. But don’t worry, these situations are often temporary. “Understand that this will pass, that this position is a stepping stone to get into your chosen career,” says Laurie Berenson, founder of Sterling Career Concepts, a job search consulting firm in New York City. “Don’t take it personally. Look for ways to cut expenses in all other areas of your life. These positions tend to last 1-2 years, and then it gets better in terms of salary and responsibility.” And, remember to always negotiate – even for entry-level jobs. You can probably get more than you think.

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