What is one skill to master before applying for entry level jobs?
To help you master the necessary skills to land an entry level job, we asked CEOs and small business owners this question for their best insights. From learning how to write to developing an attention to detail, there are several recommendations that may help you prepare to apply for entry level jobs.
Here are 12 skills to master before applying to entry-level jobs:
- Learn How to Write
- Write an Effective Resume
- Master Your Elevator Pitch
- Understand Basic Computer Programs
- Be Comfortable With Research and Preparation
- Gain Leadership and Management Skills
- Learn to Adapt Easily
- Create Enticing Cover Letters
- Master Time Management
- Work On Your Data-Gathering Skills
- Be Able to Communicate Effectively
- Develop an Attention to Detail
Learn How to Write
In order to be taken seriously for a position, you must first learn how to present yourself properly, and this is usually done by email. Written communication is the first thing a recruiter sees, and if you don’t have a competent grasp of writing, your application may find its way to the bottom of the pile. You don’t need to be Charles Dickens, but a candidate should have the ability to clearly communicate their thoughts with good grammar and proper spelling. These are basic things that point to a candidate’s general level of competency.
Bill Mann, Restore Privacy
Write an Effective Resume
One skill to master before applying for entry level jobs is how to write a clear and concise resume. By mastering this skill, applicants will be able to showcase their strengths and qualifications in a way that is easy for potential employers to understand. Additionally, those with a well-written resume are more likely to be called in for interviews.
Matthew Ramirez, Rephrase
Master Your Elevator Pitch
When you start applying for jobs, make sure to master your elevator pitch, or your 90 second introduction. Without fail the interviewer will ask some version of, “Tell me about yourself?” A polished and clear introduction creates a great first impression. Instead of rambling or oversharing, have a clear, concise overview of your experience and skills. It will start your interview off on the right foot and help you stand out from other applicants that don’t take the time to prepare.
Logan Mallory, Motivosity
Understand Basic Computer Programs
Those applying to entry level jobs should be able to perform clerical duties, or to at least have some skills that apply to these kinds of duties. For example, knowing the basics of MS Excel and MS Word (or Google Sheets and Google Docs) can definitely help. These are very common tools used for people in entry level positions to assist their managers.
Jared Hines, Acre Gold
Be Comfortable With Research and Preparation
The art of research and preparation is crucial to master before applying for entry level jobs and is essential for successful interview experiences. Candidates must show employers that they are resourceful and trustworthy by coming to interviews prepared. One way to do this is to realize the interview process starts the day before. Prepare for the interview beforehand by researching the company, coming with good questions, and practice your responses to best align your experience and skills with the job description. This shows employers that you are detail-oriented and organized and could make or break your case for securing the job.
Michelle Arnau, Rowan
Gain Leadership and Management Skills
Graduates need to have leadership and management skills before entering the workforce. In many cases, entry-level workers will manage interns and serve as a mentor to them. They need to be able to give direction in an effective way to begin climbing the career ladder. To gain these skills, turn to managers that you admire and their work ethic. What are their day-to-day tasks and how do they manage their staff in a way that you admire? Replicate those qualities and make them your own.
Sara Adam Slywka, Nestig
Learn to Adapt Easily
The ability to adapt is imperative for anyone applying for entry level jobs. Things will constantly be changing, so being able to adapt to meet those changes head-on will make you much more successful. Remaining rigid and incapable of pivoting will set yourself up for failure.
Leo Livshetz, Unhide
Create Enticing Cover Letters
Any career counselor will tell you that a dazzling cover letter is one of the best ways to grab the attention of hiring managers. Learn to write a good one if you want to land an interview. Anyone who knows how to write an attention-grabbing first paragraph should take advantage of that skill when writing a cover letter. Then describe how well your skills, experience and interests fit with the open position. Flesh that out across a few paragraphs, but don’t meander. Then close with a convincing paragraph about what makes you an ideal selection. Hiring managers can glean a lot about a candidate based on the cover letter. Make it count.
Scott MacDonell, Bambee
Master Time Management
One of the most prevalent job criteria for entry-level workers is time management, particularly for occupations that require no experience. While the ability to efficiently manage time has always been important, the fast expansion of remote work has brought it to the forefront. Your boss now wants to know that you can organize your workplace, manage your time, and complete tasks without the continual supervision of a team lead.
Time management includes planning, punctuality, prioritizing activities, delegating, the ability to say no, and meeting deadlines. You must demonstrate that you can plan your time and stay proactive even while working remotely in today’s world of continual distractions.
Leslie Radka, GreatPeopleSearch
Work On Your Data-Gathering Skills
Irrespective of the job position, the company, and the industry, there is a high probability that today, even that entry-level position will need someone who knows at least a little bit about gathering data. Polishing your research skills is a surefire way to project yourself as a valid candidate. Moreover, with good data-gathering skills, you can also widen your job-hunting horizon and apply for positions that, despite being entry-level, also promise growth opportunities.
Danielle Bedford, Coople
Be Able to Communicate Effectively
In almost any job you’ll need to communicate with someone – an external client, an internal team member, at the very least the person who interviews you. The main two components of communication are content and delivery. Content is what you say or the actual information you’re conveying. Delivery is how you say it. Paying attention to both of these components and working to master them is a great idea! It will serve you well in business and in life.
Quick tip on content: Identify the key information you want to convey. What is the most important thing for your listener to understand? Quick tip on delivery: Make sure you deliver this information in a way that is easy-to-understand for your listener. This could depend on different factors such as how much does your listener already know about this subject, what is relevant information vs. unnecessary information, are you delivering good news or bad news, what tone of voice would help your message “land” best.
Emily Sander, Next Level Coaching, LLC
Develop an Attention to Detail
One of the great skills one should master before applying for entry jobs is a great attention to details. Why this? Well, every content should match with the title, if you do not pay attention to every detail about what you are asked to write about, you will fail to impress your audience. Here are some tips: Stay focused, ask questions, don’t plan what to do while listening, and keep your mind open. Paying great attention to every detail will help you develop good content.
Stephen Okyere, stressreliever.club
Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published.
