I am not going to tell you about the market condition and challenges one has to face if he/she is looking for a job, especially if he/she is a fresher. Instead, I would like to tell you a story.

Once upon a time (for the classic beginning), there was a fresher named Anu. She had just graduated from college and was eager to start her career. She spent weeks applying for different jobs but didn’t seem to have any luck. Anu was beginning to lose hope and was ready to take any job that came her way.

One day (yes, that ‘one day’ we all wait for), while browsing through job postings, She came across a position that caught her attention. It was for a marketing assistant at a fast-growing startup. The company’s mission and values aligned with her own, and the job responsibilities were exactly what she was looking for.

Anu knew this was the job for her and decided to put in extra effort to tailor her resume and cover letter to the position. She also took the time to research the company and the industry and even reached out to some of her connections who worked in the field.

With her newly polished resume and cover letter, Anu applied for the job. A few days later, she received a call for an interview. Anu was nervous, but she had prepared well, and her hard work paid off. She nailed the interview, and the company was impressed with her enthusiasm and knowledge.

A few days later, she received an offer for the job. She was overjoyed and couldn’t wait to start her new role. She was grateful for the opportunity and was eager to learn and grow with the company.

From that day on, Anu was no longer a fresher but a professional who found a good job that matched her skills and passion. She always remembered the lesson she learned while searching for a job: hard work, patience, and being open to different opportunities can lead to a satisfying career.

Wow, a fairy tale.

Many of you are about to leave this page, and others are cursing the writer, saying, ‘only if it was that easy.’ let me tell you that it is not entirely a fairy tale.

How to prepare?

Preparation is a constant process. You can only prepare so much, remember your exams? But a few tips may help streamline it and make your life easier.

• Network: Networking is a key way for freshers to find a job. Attend industry events, meet-ups, and job fairs. Connect with people in your field and ask for advice or introductions to potential employers.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter: When you apply for a job, it’s important to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific position and company. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have that align with the job requirements. Also, tons of videos are available on YouTube and elsewhere that can help you create a good resume. You can also use sites like Canva to create an excellent resume with good design, but I will suggest you to keep it simple, focus on content and convert it into a PDF before sending.
• Build a robust online presence: In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to have a solid online presence. This includes having a professional LinkedIn profile, a well-maintained blog or portfolio, and active social media accounts.
• Research the company and the industry: Before applying for a job, it’s necessary to understand the company and the industry you’re applying to. Look at the company’s website, social media profiles, and any other information you can find online. Try to understand the company’s mission, values, and culture.
• Develop your skills: Take the time to develop your skills and knowledge in your field. This can include taking online courses, attending workshops or training, or volunteering for related projects.
• Be prepared (I hate this word) for interviews: Practice your interviewing skills and have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. It’s also essential to have a clear understanding of the role and how you can contribute to the company.
• Follow-up: After an interview, it’s important to follow up with a thank-you note or email. This shows your interest in the job and keeps you top of mind with the interviewer.
• Be open to different job opportunities: Sometimes, freshers limit themselves to a particular field or job type. It’s essential to keep an open mind and be willing to consider different job opportunities that align with your skills and interests.
• Try to get an internship: An internship is an excellent way for freshers to gain experience, skills, and knowledge of the field they want to work in, and it can lead to a full-time job offer.

By following these steps, freshers can increase their chances of finding a job that matches their skills and passions. It’s momentous to be persistent and keep going even if it takes longer than expected. Keep applying and networking, and the right opportunity will come your way. By the way, did you notice that you are only increasing your chances even after doing so much? What else can you do? Pray…I am serious. Only luck can help you add the X-factor required to find a job. And praying does increase focus too, in case you are an atheist.

What not to do?

Just don’t do the opposite of everything I wrote above, simple.

• Not networking
• Not doing enough research
• No follow-ups
• Sending generic resume, cover letter etc.
• Not being patient: Finding a job takes time and effort. Keep going even if it takes longer than you expected. Keep applying and networking, and the right opportunity will come your way.

The write-up is becoming too long, but I can only end it by adding a critical section about fake offers and scams. Nearly 60% who get trapped in such scams are freshers.

Do not get robbed!

Job scams are becoming increasingly common, and freshers are especially vulnerable. Here are some red flags to watch out for when searching for a job:

• Requiring payment for a job: Legitimate companies will not require payment for a job. If a company asks for money for a job, it’s most likely a scam.
• Offering a job without an interview: Legitimate companies will always conduct an interview before offering a job. If a company offers you a job without an interview, it’s most likely a scam.
• Asking for personal information: Legitimate companies will only ask for personal information that is relevant to the job. If a company asks for personal information that is not relevant to the job, it’s most likely a scam.
• Asking for a deposit or a transfer of money: Legitimate companies will not ask for a deposit or a transfer of money. If a company asks for a deposit or a transfer of money, it’s most likely a scam.
• A job offer that is too good to be true: If a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate companies will not offer very high-paying jobs to freshers in most cases.
• Pressure to make a decision quickly: Legitimate companies will not pressure you to make a decision quickly. If a company pressures you to make a decision quickly, it’s most likely a scam. However, I must add that there are cases where a company may have a dire need of professionals due to some ongoing project or high attrition; in these cases, the company does create a sense of urgency.

It’s vital for freshers to be aware of these red flags when searching for a job. If you suspect a job scam, report it to the appropriate authorities. It’s also important to protect your personal information and not share it with anyone you don’t know.