How I Got My First Full-Time Job

“Finding a job isn’t hard,” said no one. 

One of the most humbling and demoralizing life experiences most people encounter is hunting for a job. Not only do I find it time-consuming and mind-numbing, it’s also a glaring reminder that I’m not part of the 1% of people who can afford to spend their days doing absolutely nothing and still have their basic needs met. 

Starting Out

The first time I searched for a full time position was in 2021 after I graduated from university. I have a Cinema and Media Arts degree and didn’t live in a big creative arts city at the time, so the odds were sort of stacked against me. I read career articles, watched job-related How-To videos (like the one below), and re-wrote my resume and cover letter multiple times. And even though I had mentally prepared myself for rejections, it still didn’t make reading the words “We are unable to offer you a position…” sting any less. Over the course of three months, I ended up applying for multiple positions and got rejected by 99% of them.

A Turning Point

Things began to look up when my former professor sent me a Videographer job posting for a church an hour away from where I lived. I’d never heard of the church before and although working at a church didn’t appease my “film graduate turned production intern at a media house” fantasy, I was desperate for a win. I applied for the job, obtained an interview, and was offered a position after three weeks. I ended up working in that position for a year and learned so much about myself and others. I created relationships and memories I cherish to this day. Even with certain moments of frustration, I had a great first year as a full-timer in the workforce.  

Finding a job isn’t easy. Especially when you’re new to the work force and have specific expectations for the kind of position you want. But stay encouraged. Also, have an open mind; be willing to step out of your comfort zone. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised.

How long did it take you to get your first full-time job? Let me know in the comments! Also, if you already have a job and aren’t sure how to handle your finances, read this blog post for some ideas.