Six Steps for First-Time Job Hunters

Starting your job search in a struggling economy can be daunting. But it's important to realize that many businesses are still looking for new talent to fill the pipeline. Additionally, companies are eager to decrease costs by paying entry-level salaries to those just starting out. So while competition may be fierce, there are still plenty of ways to get ahead. Here are six steps to land your first job:

Gather References

Making sure there are three people who are willing to vouch for you can make the job search go smoothly once you reach the HR office. Ideally, references should include both professors and previous managers or anyone who can attest to your skills in a professional setting. Regardless of who your reference is, make sure the person will provide an excellent reference; too often, lukewarm references end up costing a candidate the job, experts say. Alert your reference once you provide their contact details to an employer for a check.

Create a Resume

While you may not have years of experience under your belt, your resume should still be in a chronological format. List summer internships, long-term projects, a semester abroad or any career-related endeavors to show your interest in the field. More importantly, take time to edit your resume; ask several people to look over what you've written because it's easy to miss spelling or formatting mistakes. Additionally, "be dynamic, but not cute -- stay away from silly email addresses," says Alesia Benedict, a resume expert and president of getinterviews.com. Before applying, make sure all contact details are up-to-date and that key info is easy to find. Most hiring managers spend less than a minute looking at each resume before moving on to the next one.

Target Your Applications

It's easy to upload your resume on various Web sites and hit the send button. But with hundreds of applicants vying for each position, tailoring each application to the job requirements can help you get better results. For example, crafting a resume that uses the same keywords that were used in the job posting can help get your application past electronic screening systems.

Start Building a Network

In addition to applying for jobs online, it's just as important to start meeting people who are following your desired career path. Take the time to contact professionals in your field for informational interviews, and stay in touch after these face-to-face chats. It's a good idea to attend career fairs or other networking events where you're meeting recruiters and finding out about new positions. Joining professional organizations like the one for marketers or pharmacists can also help you meet others. Making these types of meaningful connections means you can cast a wider net when searching for a job. Be prepared to spend a significant time building your network because "that's just sort of the way that you are probably going to get your job," says Kent Kirch, global director of talent acquisition and mobility at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

Show Enthusiasm

Chances are your first job title and duties will be less than ideal. It's important, however, to show the hiring manager that you're eager to learn on the job, says John Campagnino, Senior Director of Global Recruitment with Accenture. "When I look at people in our organization who are successful they are really challenging themselves to move beyond just their role," says Campagnino, who seeks candidates who are enthusiastic about their potential offer.

Continue to Build Experience

Even as you're job hunting for the full-time role, demonstrate to potential employers that you're using other avenues to build your career. Look for temporary consulting or internship opportunities to add more experience to your resume. Or start a professional blog or Twitter feed that showcases what you're learning about your field. For example, if you're eager to work in pharmaceutical sales, a blog highlighting recent news about the industry can attract employers. As your job search progresses showing hiring managers how you standout from the sea of recent graduates is key.