How to find your new workplace

Use LinkedIn

The smart thing about LinkedIn is that you can find inspiration by searching for people with the same educational background as you, or people who work within some of the areas you’d like to work in.

LinkedIn is the best research tool to identify your possibilities, because you can see what others with your professional profile are doing, what companies they have worked (or are working) for and the competences linked to their profile.

Look for professional networks

It’s only natural to use your trade union if you’re unsure about what jobs you can apply for and in what companies. They are experts and know your professional community, because their job is also to talk to their members. You can also join professional events held by your trade union.  

These events will give you an opportunity to talk to other people in your professional area. With a little preparation, you can get talking with people who can inspire you and show you new ways to use your competences. If the conversation goes well, you could also ask whether the person knows any companies you can contact. Find these professional events on ida.dk.

Networking can be very uncomfortable for some people. Fortunately, these events are a safe place to start. You could prepare three questions on a professional topic before you take part in an event. Set yourself a goal to talk to at least two people. Perhaps bring a friend for mutual support. You’ll be surprised of how kind and open people are. 

Video: Pitch yourself

Use the job databases as inspiration

You probably already know that you can search for vacant positions in various job databases. But there’s much more to gain from them. In many job databases, you can search in their archives for companies that have previously looked for employees with your background. Perhaps they need one more?

If you want to submit an unsolicited application, it may also be good to see what companies have previously looked for in an employee.

Take a deep breath

Most people start their career in one place and end in a totally different place than expected. Our working life is not like in the past when we worked at a factory or an office in the same job for forty years.

Most people change jobs regularly, are given new responsibilities in the same companies, change their career path as opportunities arise, specialise in unexpected ways and generally have a far more dynamic working life. 

It’s therefore likely that your first job will not be your last. It’s usual to test different jobs and types of jobs in the first five to seven years and find out what tasks, ways of working, management styles and settings you thrive in best. You will get to know your strengths and weaknesses – and perhaps you’ll find an undiscovered talent.

Your first job is not the culmination of your studies and your crowning achievement after you get your diploma. Your first job is the beginning of your career, and don’t worry, there is plenty of time to achieve all your goals, even if the first couple of years consist of jobs where you don’t quite feel you’ve found your calling.