How to Successfully Navigate Entry-Level Job Applications: 4 Tips

With 7.1 million people unemployed in the United States as of August 2024 and millions of students also set to graduate this year, the competition for jobs remains fierce. If you are considering entering the job market, keep these four things in mind to navigate the process and increase your chances of success:

Make sure this is an entry-level position

Don’t be fooled by “entry-level” signs and read the fine print of the job ad carefully. After studying over 17,000 job ads for entry-level positions, we found that 37.5% of them required previous experience, with the average duration being 2.5 years. So, if you’re a fresh graduate, look for jobs that only accept applicants with 0-2 years of experience. Avoid positions that list high-level or specialized titles unless they specifically mention entry-level.

Look for the specific skills and experience required and make sure they match what a newcomer to the field should reasonably have. Positions that require specialized knowledge with advanced skills, certifications, or more experience may not be a good fit for you.

Find a job that interests you

Once you’ve found a job that matches your experience, consider how the job aligns with your passions and interests. Some people recommend that you look for a job in your field of expertise, but that’s not necessary. Don’t limit yourself. Pursue a career that matches your interests. This will increase your job satisfaction, improve your performance and create a positive attitude.

It opens doors to unexpected career paths, helps you discover your true strengths and learn new skills that you can use to advance in your career faster. Focusing on your interests can help you highlight your strengths and apply them in new and exciting ways, regardless of your degree.

View a company’s hiring history

Researching a company’s hiring history can help you set realistic expectations about your hiring chances. Companies with a proven track record of hiring new graduates and entry-level employees are more likely to offer you the right position for your experience level, making it more likely that your application will be considered and that you’ll be a good fit for an entry-level job.

A strong employment history for entry-level professionals indicates that they prioritize inclusivity, are open to new ideas, and are willing to invest in diverse talent from the ground up. It also suggests that they have structured training and development programs for career advancement.

On the other hand, a company with little track record of hiring new graduates or entry-level employees may not have seen consistent opportunities, which could signal limited job stability and growth potential.

Pay attention to a good company culture

For 40% of professionals surveyed as part of a LinkedIn study, company culture is a top priority when choosing a new job. Working at a company with a good work environment and good work-life balance can help you fit in well at work.

To assess company culture, you can read reviews from current and former employees on sites like Glassdoor and Indeed, as well as visit social media pages. Look for patterns in the reviews, paying attention to both positive and negative feedback, to see if there are any recurring themes related to company culture.

You can also reach out to employees via LinkedIn and ask them directly (but politely) about the company culture. You can phrase it like this: “How does the company support work-life balance or employees’ well-being?” or “What do you enjoy most about working at this company?”

Transparency, communication and constructive feedback. For beginners, it is beneficial to work in an environment where experienced team members and managers mentor you, support you, share their knowledge and give you feedback to foster your growth.

Starting your career can be daunting, but it is also a unique opportunity to shape your future and discover your true potential. Remember: every application is not just a step towards a job, it is a step towards the life you want. Trust the process and use the right strategies to find a job that matches not only your skills but also your passions and ambitions.