Did you know many hiring managers will choose a candidate with no formal experience over one with experience if they spot attitude, reliability and a clear willingness to learn? 

Imagine a fresh graduate who landed their first role after volunteering to run a small charity’s social media for three months; no paid work, but clear results and a can-do attitude. 

That kind of story shows why landing a break often comes down to how you present yourself, not just how many past jobs you’ve had.

Getting advice on how to get your first job matters because the early steps you take shape the rest of your career. 

We’ll share practical, proven tactics we’ve seen help beginners move from zero to hired: what employers look for, how to build a resume and portfolio that speaks for you, where to find experience fast, and a tight 60-day plan you can follow.

Understand What Employers Really Look for

When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to think employers only care about years of experience or fancy job titles. But in reality, when it comes to getting your first job, most employers are looking for something much more human: your potential. 

They want someone with a growth mindset, a solid work ethic, and the willingness to learn quickly on the job.

Think about it this way: hiring an entry-level candidate is an investment. Recruiters want to know, “Can this person grow with us?” 

That’s why soft skills like communication, consistency, and reliability often weigh more than past experience. Employers pay close attention to your attitude, curiosity, and problem-solving approach. 

Even simple things like showing up early, responding professionally to emails, or asking thoughtful questions, signal that you’re someone who will add value fast.

In Nigeria, many small and medium-sized companies often hire based on trust and attitude rather than a long list of qualifications. 

A graduate who volunteered at a community project or assisted a local business in managing their Facebook page could easily stand out over someone who only lists academic achievements. 

For instance, a young graduate who supported a local NGO with event coordination may not have been paid, but they can demonstrate planning, teamwork, and initiative which are qualities every employer values.

Before applying anywhere, list out your transferable skills, things like teamwork, communication, organisation, problem-solving, and adaptability. 

Then, match each to an example from your school projects, community work, or even hobbies. You’ll start to see how much you already bring to the table, experience or not.

Build a Strong Foundation Before You Apply

Before you send out your first application, you need a solid foundation that helps you look credible, skilled, and ready, even without formal work experience. 

This section breaks that foundation into three parts: crafting a strong resume and cover letter, creating an online presence, and upskilling through certifications. 

These three steps make employers see you as a serious, job-ready candidate, not just a beginner figuring things out.

1. Polish Your Resume & Cover Letter

Your resume and cover letter are your first chance to prove that you have value to offer; even if your experience comes from school, volunteer work, or personal projects. 

A hiring manager spends an average of 7 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to read further, so you need to make those seconds count.

Start by showcasing your transferable skills: leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and initiative. Instead of listing duties, write brief, results-oriented statements:

• “Organised a university debate team that placed second at the national competition.”
  
• “Created a class presentation series that improved student engagement by 30%.”
  
• “I volunteered with a community NGO, helping to coordinate events for over 100 attendees.”
  

These examples speak louder than just saying “I’m hardworking.” Use your cover letter to tell your short story; why you’re passionate about the field, what you’ve learned so far, and how your attitude aligns with the company’s values.

Use tools like Canva or Hydra-Scola’s design resources to give your resume a clean, professional layout that stands out visually without being flashy.

2. Create an Online Portfolio or Digital Presence

Even if you’re not in a creative field, having a small online portfolio or professional LinkedIn profile can make you more discoverable. 

Employers often check candidates’ digital footprints before inviting them for interviews, and you want them to find something that reinforces your credibility.

A simple LinkedIn page showing your education, certifications, volunteer experiences, and a short summary of your interests is a great start. 

But if your field allows for it, go a step further; create a basic online portfolio. Writers can post short blog articles; designers can upload mockups; developers can share code samples on GitHub; and marketing enthusiasts can display content they’ve created for clubs or local brands.

You can find more detailed portfolio-building advice on Hydra-Scola’s blog, especially in guides for creative beginners.

3. Upskill & Get Certifications

When you lack work experience, certifications become your proof of competence. They show initiative, discipline, and skill. 

Employers know it takes effort to complete online courses, so adding them to your resume boosts credibility.

Focus on in-demand skills in your chosen field, such as digital marketing, data analysis, design, or software engineering. 

You can explore training programs or short courses through Hydra-Scola’s career-focused courses, or use other global platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning.

Checklist for choosing certifications:

• Choose practical courses with real project work.
  
• Verify that the certificate is recognised or respected in your industry.
  
• Apply what you learn immediately; build a small project, blog about it, or include it in your portfolio.
  

By the time you complete these three foundational steps, you’ll already look more professional and ready for interviews than 90% of first-time job seekers.

Gain Practical Experience Early

One of the biggest challenges when figuring out how to get your first job is the classic loop: you need experience to get hired, but you need to get hired to gain experience. 

The way out of that loop is simple; create your own opportunities to practise, learn, and show what you can do. 

Employers don’t care whether your experience was paid; they care whether it taught you something useful and proves you can deliver results.

Start by looking for entry-level experience in disguise. Internships, volunteering, student projects, freelancing for small businesses, or even personal projects all count as experience when presented right. 

For example, if you helped a local shop set up their Google My Business profile or designed flyers for your church’s youth group, that’s marketing experience. 

If you built a small website for a family friend or assisted in organising community events, that’s project coordination experience.

In Nigeria, many first-time job seekers build experience through the NYSC scheme, campus clubs, or volunteer programs with NGOs such as LEAP Africa or Junior Achievement Nigeria. 

Employers appreciate candidates who’ve contributed to community initiatives or supported small businesses; it shows initiative, social awareness, and teamwork.

Document everything you do: screenshots of projects, emails showing deliverables, or results metrics. These will form a mini-portfolio later when you start applying to paid roles.

You can also gain valuable experience online through freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn Services. Start small, offer to do one project for a minimal fee to get reviews and experience. Over time, you’ll build a reputation that employers respect.

At Hydra-Scola, we’ve seen beginners who combined online certifications with small freelance gigs get hired much faster than those who only applied to full-time jobs. 

Learning while doing gives you both confidence and proof of ability.

Network Strategically & Showcase Your Value

Landing your first job isn’t just about what’s on your resume but it’s also about who sees you and how they perceive your potential. Networking strategically can open doors that applications alone often can’t.

It’s not about sending dozens of cold emails; it’s about building meaningful connections, learning from experienced professionals, and showing you have value to offer.

Start with informational networking. Reach out to alumni, mentors, or industry professionals for short conversations. It is not asking for a job directly, but seeking advice and insights about their career path. 

These conversations can naturally lead to referrals or recommendations. Attend university career fairs, industry meetups, webinars, and online networking events. 

Even LinkedIn can be a powerful tool: share articles, comment thoughtfully on posts, or showcase small projects to demonstrate your skills and interests.

In Nigeria, networking locally works just as well as online. For instance, a recent graduate who connected with alumni working in marketing agencies was invited to a shadowing day, which later led to a junior role. 

Small gestures such as thanking someone for advice, following up after a meeting, or sharing a relevant article can help you stand out in a positive way.

Showcase your value while networking:

• Share short case studies of volunteer or project work.
  
• Highlight measurable outcomes (“Increased social media engagement by 25% during a 2-month campaign”).
  
• Ask thoughtful questions that reveal your curiosity and dedication.
  

Treat networking as a two-way street. Offer help where you can, even if small, like sharing resources or connecting people in your network. This builds goodwill and strengthens relationships. 

By combining strategic networking with evidence of your skills and achievements, you make it easier for employers to take a chance on you, even with minimal formal experience.

Apply Smartly: Where, How & What to Emphasize

Knowing how to apply is just as important as preparing yourself. 

Applying smartly means targeting the right roles, customizing your applications, and preparing thoroughly for interviews. This ensures your effort isn’t wasted on positions that aren’t a fit.

1. Identify the Right Entry-Level Roles

Not every position labelled “entry-level” is suitable for someone just starting their career. Look for roles that include mentoring, training, or internships. Junior roles in small firms or contract-based positions often provide more hands-on learning than larger corporations that expect prior experience.

For instance, positions like Junior Marketing Associate, Graduate Trainee, Social Media Assistant, Customer Service Representative or Software Development Intern are often ideal for beginners. 

Read job descriptions carefully: notice if they mention “training provided” or “mentorship available,” which indicates a beginner-friendly environment.

2. Tailor Applications to Each Role

Generic applications rarely get noticed. That extra 1 – 2 hours spent on tailoring applications is totally worth it. Customize your resume and cover letter to each role by:

• Matching keywords from the job description.
  
• Highlighting relevant skills and experience (even from school projects or volunteer work).
  
• Explaining how your attitude and potential align with the company’s mission.
  

Applying for a marketing role? Emphasize your experience running social media campaigns for a school club or community project. Include metrics if possible: “Increased engagement by 20% over 2 months.” Tailoring demonstrates effort, attention to detail, and genuine interest.

3. Prepare Well for Interviews

Interviews are your chance to bring your application to life. Preparation shows professionalism and readiness:

• Practice common questions: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want this role?” or “How do you handle tight deadlines?”
  
• Prepare stories from projects or volunteer work that demonstrate problem-solving, leadership, or teamwork.
  
• Research the company’s culture, mission, and products/services to answer questions intelligently.
  

Local tip for Nigerians: Mock interviews with friends, mentors, or university career services can help you become comfortable answering questions in English or Pidgin, depending on the employer’s preference. 

Documenting past projects or achievements visually can also leave a strong impression. Even if you haven’t held a paid role, quantifiable examples from volunteering, internships, or small projects can make you memorable to interviewers.

When you combine smart targeting, tailored applications, and strong interview prep, your chances of landing that first job increases dramatically.

Overcome Challenges & Mindset Blocks

Applying for your first job can be tough. Rejections, slow responses, and the feeling of being inexperienced can shake your confidence. 

Knowing how to get your first job isn’t just about skills and applications, but it’s also about mindset. 

Handling these challenges effectively separates successful job seekers from those who give up too soon.

Rejection is normal. Even highly qualified candidates face multiple “no” replies before landing a role. 

Treat each rejection as a learning opportunity. If possible, request feedback, review your application, and adjust. Staying persistent is key. A beginner might apply to 30–50 roles before receiving an interview; that’s not failure but rather it’s practice and exposure.

Imposter syndrome can also creep in. Remind yourself that you bring value, even without paid experience. Document your achievements, certifications, volunteer work, and project successes. These tangible examples prove you’re capable.

Set weekly goals. For instance, “Apply to 5 roles, network with 3 professionals, complete one online course.” 

Small, consistent steps reduce overwhelm and keep momentum. 

At Hydra-Scola, we support learners in developing not just skills but also the resilience and focus required to stay motivated during this early career stage.

Use Tools, Resources & Support Systems

The right tools, platforms, and support networks can dramatically shorten your journey from beginner to interview-ready. 

They help you apply efficiently, showcase your skills, and stay informed about opportunities, thereby, making your job hunt smarter, not harder.

Job Search Platforms: Start with local and global sites to access beginner-friendly roles:

• Nigeria-focused: Jobberman, MyJobMag, Hot Nigerian Jobs
  
• Global & remote-friendly: LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, Glassdoor
  

Resume & Portfolio Tools:

• Canva or Microsoft Word for professionally-looking resumes
  
• GitHub for showcasing coding projects
  
• Behance or Dribbble for design portfolios
  
• LinkedIn profiles optimized to highlight projects, certifications, and volunteer work
  

Learning & Upskilling Platforms: 

Hydra-Scola provides tailored courses and programs for beginners across marketing, software engineering, design, advertising, etc helping you gain practical skills and certifications that impress employers.

Communities & Mentorship:

• Join LinkedIn groups or Facebook communities relevant to your career interest.
  
• Attend webinars, workshops, or university career events.
  
• Seek mentors who can provide guidance, recommend opportunities, or offer interview practice.
  

Treat tools and resources as part of your personal career ecosystem. For instance, track applications on a spreadsheet, combine your portfolio links in your LinkedIn summary, and schedule weekly learning goals. These small organisational habits improve your consistency and make your job search look professional even before you’re hired.

Sample 60-Day Plan: From Zero to Interview Ready

Having a clear, actionable timeline keeps you focused and prevents feeling overwhelmed during your first job hunt. 

Here’s a practical 8-week plan to move from beginner to interview-ready while building skills, experience, and confidence.

Weeks 1-2: Polish Your Profile & Resume

• Update your LinkedIn profile with education, volunteer work, and certifications.
  
• Create a clean, professional resume and cover letter highlighting transferable skills.
  
• Decide on your target industries, roles, and companies.
  

Weeks 3-4: Build Online Presence & Gain Small Projects

• Start a portfolio, blog, or project-showcase relevant to your field.
  
• Volunteer for small local projects, freelance for friends, or create personal projects.
  
• Begin networking: reach out to alumni, attend events, and engage on LinkedIn.
  

Weeks 5-6: Start Applying Smartly

• Identify roles with training, mentorship, or internship opportunities.
  
• Tailor applications for each role, matching skills to the job description.
  
• Continue networking and seek referrals where possible.
  

Weeks 7-8: Interview Prep & Feedback

• Practice common interview questions and prepare stories showing skills, initiative, and problem-solving.
  
• Conduct mock interviews with mentors, peers, or online platforms.
  
• Review applications, iterate on your resume, portfolio, and interview strategies based on feedback.
  

By following this plan, you’ll systematically build the foundation, gain practical experience, and position yourself for interviews within two months which is a realistic and achievable approach for first-time job seekers.

What Employers Might Expect & How to Demonstrate You’re Worth Hiring

Even without prior work experience, you can show employers that you’re a safe, capable, and motivated hire. 

Understanding what they expect and demonstrating those qualities can give you an edge over other beginners.

What employers typically look for:

• Reliability: punctuality, follow-through, and professionalism.
  
• Learning potential: curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to take feedback.
  
• Communication skills: clear, concise, and professionally written and verbal communication.
  
• Alignment with company values: showing you understand and care about the mission.
  

How to demonstrate these qualities:

• Share examples from school projects, volunteer work, or personal initiatives. For instance, if you led a class project that required collaboration and deadlines, explain how you coordinated tasks and delivered results.
  
• Use measurable outcomes wherever possible: “Increased attendance at a student event by 40% through social media promotion.”
  
• Include references or testimonials from project supervisors, lecturers, or volunteer coordinators. Positive feedback shows credibility.
  
• Show initiative and responsibility even in small tasks: consistent communication, meeting deadlines, or taking ownership of a challenge demonstrates reliability.
  

This approach turns informal or volunteer experience into clear evidence that you can deliver value, making it easier for employers to take a chance on you.

Conclusion & First Steps You Can Take Today

Landing your first job may feel overwhelming, but by understanding what employers look for, building a strong foundation, gaining practical experience, networking strategically, and applying smartly, you position yourself as a capable and motivated candidate. 

The journey is as much about mindset and persistence as it is about skills and experience.

If you’d like structured support, Hydra-Scola offers training, mentorship, and portfolio guidance designed to help beginners move confidently from zero to hired. 

By taking deliberate, consistent action, you can transform the challenge of landing your first job into an achievable goal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need work experience to get my first job?

A: No. Employers often value attitude, potential, and transferable skills over formal experience. Volunteer work, internships, personal projects, and certifications can all demonstrate your capabilities.

Q: How long does it usually take to get your first job after graduation?

A: It varies, but many beginners land a role within 1–3 months if they actively build skills, network, and apply strategically. Persistence and consistent effort is key. Also, applying for internships, building connections and growing one’s network while still in school increases their chances.