From Student to Employee: How to Land Your First Job (and Actually Get Noticed) 

Leaving high school or finishing Uni is exciting… but also a bit overwhelming! You’ve worked hard for years, and now it’s time to put all that effort into action. But where do you even start? Whether you’re looking for your very first job or trying to break into your industry after graduation, this guide is here to help.

1. Know What You Want (Even If You’re Not 100% Sure)

You don’t need to have your entire career mapped out, but you do need a direction.​ Think about what kind of environment you want to work in. Do you like working with people or prefer numbers and data? Do you want something creative, hands-on, or structured? Once you narrow that down, you can start exploring roles that fit, even if they’re entry level stepping stones..

💡 Tip: Search job ads on SEEK or LinkedIn and pay attention to the skills employers keep mentioning. That list is gold for building your first resume.

2. Build a Resume That Shows Potential (Not Just Experience)

If you’re a student or recent grad, it’s completely normal to feel like you “don’t have enough to put on a resume.” The truth? You probably have more than you think.

Include things like:

• • Part-time jobs or volunteer work.
  • University or TAFE projects.
  • Internships, placements, or group assignments.
  • Awards, leadership roles, or community involvement.

Employers don’t just look for experience — they look for attitude, reliability, and transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and initiative.

💡 Tip: Use strong, active language — words like organised, supported, contributed, and managed go a long way.

3. Tailor Your Resume (Every Time)

Sending the same resume to every job might feel efficient — but it rarely works.​ Each job ad has its own key words, focus areas, and “wish list.” Your resume should reflect those. It doesn’t mean rewriting everything from scratch, but small tweaks (like adjusting your profile summary or highlighting certain skills) make a big difference.

💡 Tip: Always match your resume language to the job ad wording. That’s how you pass the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) — and catch the hiring manager’s eye.

4. Be Confident in Applying — Even If You Don’t Tick Every Box

Most employers know that earlycareer candidates are still learning. Use your cover letter to show enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine interest in learning on the job.

💡 Tip: Confidence beats perfection. Employers hire people they believe will grow with the team…not just tick boxes!

5. Network and Get Visible

Networking doesn’t have to be awkward. It can be as simple as:

• • Connecting with professionals on LinkedIn.
  • Attending local job expos or university career events.
  • Letting friends, teachers, or mentors know you’re looking

Many first jobs come from word-of-mouth or referrals so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

FAQ… Should I Use AI to Write My Resume?

It’s the million-dollar question: Should you use AI to write your resume? The short answer is YES… and NO. AI tools can be incredibly helpful; they’re fast, accessible, and can generate content at the click of a button. But here’s the catch: a racing car is only as good as the driver. There’s a reason Formula 1 drivers aren’t replaced with cruise control. It’s not just about the car… it’s about the precision, timing, and instinct of the person behind the wheel.

It’s the same with AI.

• • Too much AI, and your application lands in the bin — generic, robotic, and full of fluff.
  • Too little AI, and your resume may struggle to get past automated systems like ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) that screen applications before a human even sees them.

That’s where we come in.​

At The Resume Boss, we know exactly how to balance the power of AI with the human strategy behind a winning application. We use smart tools to speed things up where it makes sense — but every word, sentence, and example is checked, tailored, and refined by real people who know what hiring managers are actually looking for. So if you’re overwhelmed by ChatGPT prompts or resume generators, don’t stress. We’ve got the tools and the human touch to help you stand out — the right way.

Need a Hand Getting Started?

If the thought of writing your first resume or cover letter feels intimidating — we get it.​ At The Resume Boss, we work oneonone with high school leavers and graduates to create ATS friendly resumes that help you stand out.

We know what employers are looking for, and we’ll ask the right questions to uncover your strengths and highlight what makes you employable — even without years of experience. Just like having your trusted hairdresser, doctor, or personal trainer, we’ll be your go to for all things career related — guiding you every step of the way as you grow, apply, and move up in your career.

Ready to land that first job? Let’s make it happen.