So you’ve just graduated college. Now what? Well, it’s time to enter into the real world. Finding a job right out of college can be difficult – especially with lack of relevant experience. That’s why Software Advice CEO, Don Fornes, offered up his best advice for young professionals trying to find a job that will eventually launch into a career. Check out these tips to help prepare you in your search for your first job.

1. Have your resume proof-read by someone who pays attention to details

First things first. If you even want to land an interview – much less the job – you need to have a polished resume. Hiring managers will be reading it to learn about your education and experience, but they’re also going to notice your typos — and will toss the resume of a candidate who represents themselves with sloppy punctuation and organization.

This may seem like obvious advice, but sometimes the most obvious thing to remember is the most easily forgotten. Grab a teacher, friend, or someone else you trust to give your resume another look. They will often catch mistakes that you didn’t see.

2. Have a 10-year plan in mind – it’s okay if it doesn’t play out

There are many different kinds of jobs out there. The best way to sort through these is to narrow down your search. Thinking about where you want to be in 10 years will allow you to focus on the jobs that will help you get there. Also, having a plan like this sends a positive signal to hiring managers. They like to see that you’re career-minded and have an idea of where you are headed. They also respect that you’ve thought through how the role you’re applying for plays into that plan.

3. Practice interviewing

Your answers in an interview can often make or break your opportunity — interviewers learn a lot about you in this time. The good news is that you don’t have to come up with every answer on the spot. Prepare for interviews by actually writing out your answers to some common interview questions beforehand. Then, you can practice saying them aloud to a friend to make sure you sound natural.

Searching for a job can be a daunting task for anyone — especially graduates. But if you plan ahead, it can become much more manageable.

Guest post courtesy of Aundraya Ruse of the New Talent Times Blog