Choosing your first job can be a big thing. There are so many questions you need to ask about it before you even apply. You need to make sure it's right for you because there's nothing worse than being stuck in a job with people you hate or working doing something you hate. I've come up with a list of things for you to consider when choosing your first job.

What are you looking for?

The first question you need to ask yourself is what kind of job you're looking for. Are you looking for a part-time job just to earn yourself some extra money whilst you're at university or are you looking for something bigger than you can progress in? This is a really important place to start when looking for your first job because if you want to progress you're going to really want to know about the company and how they run.

Knowing the company

Before you even apply to a company you need to think about your first question and then do some research about it. If you're looking at working there long-term and progressing, you need to see if there's room for you to progress and climb the ladder and how the company helps you do it. If it's a long-term thing but there's no room for improvement and growth then it's probably not the job for you.

Does it fit in with commitments

When applying for a job, you need to make sure it fits in with any commitments you may have, like a university for example as that should be your priority. Make sure you read the vacancy properly and see what kind of hour's they're offering. If they don't have any of this information then you could always apply and then ask at the interview. Company's deal with students all the time and many can fit around you.

Characteristics

By asking all the right questions about the company it's going to help you make your overall decision. By learning about them as a company you'll get a more in-depth idea of their characteristics and how they fit in with you. Don't forget about the little things though like the location. You don't want to have to work somewhere that you're going to spend 2 hours traveling to and from every day.

Pay

All though it may not be your top priority, the amount you will be paid is still a big thing to consider. If you're thinking of keeping it as a long-term job you need to ask if it will cover all your bills, rent, food etc after you finish at uni. By planning ahead it's going to set up your future.

 

Five-year plan

 

The 5-year plan is a great way to plan your future and help you find a job that’s going to help or stick with you. The 5-year plan works like this. Throughout the 5 years, you decide what you're planning to achieve each year. For example:

Year One: Pay Rise and More responsibility

Year Two: Promotion to the next level

Year Three: Graduate with flying colours

Year Four: Open my own business

Year Five: Open at least 5 franchises of my business

By planning 5 years ahead, it gives you a goal to achieve. This will help you focus and it will also help you choose your first job. This is because it will help you to see what you're looking to achieve and then you'll be able to look at what jobs will get you there.

These are just a few things's to consider when looking for your first job. Got any stories, hints or tips? Let me know in the comments box below, I'd love to read them!

Charlotte Nichols is a StudentJob blogger and is a student at Southampton Solent University where she studies Journalism and Music Management. Check out her Blog, YouTube and follow her on Twitter!