How can you nail that first job interview or take a new career step? - Taking the first steps in your career isn't always easy. Whether it's because you lack experience, or because the competition is high, the road to landing a job can be tough.

Even if you have already been working for some years, but are looking to take the next step in your career, there are several challenges to face.

Here is some advice to help you overcome these problems, whether you're starting out in the job market or are just looking for the next stage. Check out the tips now!

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Graduate - If you are a graduate looking for your first job, an internship can be a great way to start.

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Internship opportunities - You can get a lot of information from your university or college on partner companies offering internships for students.

Who knows, you could even land a job while you're still studying!

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Internship opportunities - Another option is to look at the websites of companies you would like to work for, to see if they have opportunities on there for you to apply to.

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Internship opportunities - If the company doesn't have opportunities displayed on their website, you can always email them to express your interest and send your resume to Human Resources.

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Volunteer work - If finding an internship is proving difficult, why not look for voluntary work to start off with? Institutions such as AIESEC, for example, offer these sorts of leadership opportunities.

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Volunteer work - Even though you won't be paid, you'll be gaining a lot of experience and boosting your resume which will help when applying for other jobs in the future.

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Recent graduates - A lot of students feel lost when they finish their studies, and aren't sure where to start in the world of work. If this is your case, check out the following tips.

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Search for a speciality - If your undergrad course didn't have a specific career focus, how about looking to specialize in a certain area? This could help you find a placement in a firm.

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Trainee programs - Many big companies offer trainee programs, and there is often a specific type of program for graduates. Want to know how these work? Keep clicking!

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Traditional trainee program - Traditional training programs focus on young individuals with big leadership potential. If you are proficient in other languages this can help you stand out from other candidates.

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Searching for a new job? - If you're a professional who is looking for a career move or change, then read on!

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Senior trainee program - This program is common in multinational corporations. Young professionals with an average of three years of experience will be recruited for this position, which will prepare them to take managing roles in the short or mid term.

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Senior trainee program - For this program, having previous experience is crucial. In the majority of the selection processes, the ability to speak a second language and having a masters could be necessary.

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International experience - If you're at a stage in your career where you're looking for international experience, here's a good program for you!

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International trainee program - This program is offered by some multinational companies. Candidates get the opportunity to work abroad.

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International trainee program - You could even completely change countries on this trainee program, depending on the aims of the company.

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Technical areas - If you are a professional in more technical areas such as engineering, finance or buying, then there are also specific trainee programs for this.

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Technical trainee program - These types of programs are focused on training future leaders for these specific technical areas. In this case, the best way is to look on the websites of the leading corporations in your field.

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Trainee program benefits - As well as offering you the opportunity to work in a large company you will get a good salary and an executive career path. The trainee programs normally include a series of training too.

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Training - Training is important not only to help you do your job better in the company, but also for your personal development.

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How to find trainee opportunities? - You can search for information directly from the companies websites which interest you, on other portals such as Trainee Programs or even social media focused on careers, such as LinkedIn.

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Best companies - Another tip can be to check out the Forbes list of the biggest companies in the world. You'll understand the business field better and be able to do targeted research on hiring processes in the areas which you find the most interesting.

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Tips during hiring - Now that we've seen tips on how to find your first job or to help you make a career change, here is some advice for when it comes to the application process.

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Resume: focus - One of the common problems with resumes is a lack of focus. Be clear about what you're applying for and make sure you have the relevant training and experience for that area.

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Resume: correct information - Be honest about your skills and areas in which you are stronger or weaker. Saying that you are fluent in a language when you are not is only creating a problem for you to face later down the line. Even if you do pass the initial selection process, if your lack of ability is found out about in the interview, it will look bad to Human Resources and they may not consider you again for future positions.

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Resume: format and editing - Don't use colors or extravagant fonts when you are formatting your resume. Less is often more, though make sure you adapt it according to the industry you are applying for. Always double check your resume for spelling errors, which can make the difference between getting an interview or not!

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Hiring: social media - Many companies check out your social media profiles to see if they think your personality and views fit with their ethos. Making sure your profiles are appropriate for employers to see is key in our digital age.

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Interview tips - If you've managed to land an interview with your application, congratulations! But there is some important advice to consider when it gets to this stage. Read on...

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Interview: punctuality - The first tip is the most basic. Make sure you arrive on time - punctuality is key to making a good first impression!

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Interview: what to wear? - Job interviews usually call for formal wear. But make sure you adapt according to the company. If you know a firm is more informal, then wear more casual clothes so you fit in.

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Interview: preparation - Knowing about the company where your applying to work will help your conversation with your interviewer go more smoothly, and show that you are interested.

Don't just look on the company's website, read news related to the firm so you are well informed!

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Interview: preparation - This tip is relevant not to specific companies, but all companies. Keep up to date with current affairs, as interviewers could choose random topics to see if you read the news.

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Interview: body language - During the interview, make sure you aren't giving off visible signs that you are nervous, such as rocking your legs, or scratching your head.

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Interview: cellphones - Don't even think about looking at your phone when you're in an interview. Your entire focus should be on the conversation with your interviewer.

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Interview: know how to listen - Wait for your turn to speak and don't keep interrupting the interviewer when they are asking you something, or weighing up your answer. Don't use slang or overly casual language in the interview.

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Interview: no food - Don't eat or chew gum during an interview.

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Interview: be yourself - Of course there are some basic behavioral rules which can help, but don't pretend to be something which you are not. It's hard to keep up pretenses for long periods of time and recruiters are looking for all sorts of different character traits. 

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Interview: group dynamic - If you're in a group interview, make sure you are always being proactive in the activities, but don't speak too much and end up constantly interrupting  other candidates.

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Good luck! - Whether you're making your first career steps or starting a new chapter of your professional career, good luck!

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