It’s easy to spend months hunting for your first proper job. This is normal, a lot of people struggle to find work. However, if you follow these three rules, you’ll have more chance of finding a permanent job.

Stop Trying To Be A Big Fish
Have you ever heard of the expression “a big fish in a small pond”? What about the other expression “ a small fish in a big pond”?

Both of these expressions are highly relevant to what I’m talking about here. For me, too many people want to be the big fish. They apply for high ranking jobs in small organizations. This is because they get tempted by the salary, and set their sights too high.

It’s natural to want success, and it’s not a bad thing. But, you have to be sensible, particularly when you’re looking for your first real job. Stop trying to be a big fish, and settle for being a small one in a big pond. Why?

Because there’s more chance you can get a less important and sought after job in a big company. Then, you have the chance to move up the career ladder in a successful business. It makes sense, and you have a better chance of finding a job this way.

Alter Your Mindset
The way you see and approach the world is very important. It can have a huge bearing on how you search for work, and how employers perceive you. A lot of people approach things with a laid back attitude. This is shown in their job applications and interviews.

If an employer sees that you’re too laid back, they won’t employ you. They want someone that has their head screwed on and is ready for working life. My advice is to change your mindset and be more focused on finding a job and working.

Did you know there are actually different ways of looking at the world, like appreciative inquiry? This is a way of looking at life in a more appreciative sense. It’s all about using experiences to shape your desires and be open to change.

This is a great thought process to have when looking for a job. And, employers will notice the way you think, and love it. It’s vital that your mindset revolves around wanting to work hard and trying to achieve success. Otherwise, you’ll find it hard to get a job.

Don’t Be Dependent On Qualifications
In general, it’s getting harder and harder for students to find jobs when they leave education. It can be frustrating, as you spend years gaining knowledge and qualifications.

So, you spend months applying for jobs and hoping your degree will get you somewhere. This isn’t the right thing to do. Stop being dependent on your qualifications. Yes, they’re very useful, don’t get me wrong.

However, they aren’t the be all and end all of a job application. You need experience alongside your qualifications. Get the right balance of the two, and you’ll have more job hunting success.

There’s not a great deal of skill that goes into following these rules. Make some slight changes, and you’ll have a job in no time!

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.