First job

A stone figure selling goods at the market

Congratulations! You just finished your apprenticeship, graduated from high school or university and are now ready to jumpstart your professional journey.

Your first job is your door-opener into the world of work. It shapes both your professional and your personal development, lays the foundation for your career and opens up new opportunities. It is important to keep in mind, however, that despite working and earning your own money, you will keep learning new things throughout your entire life. 

The first step to getting a job is applying – usually with a cover letter and a curriculum vitae (CV). In your application, you should emphasize your skills and qualifications. If your application is convincing, you will usually be invited to an interview which allows the employer and the candidate to get to know one another. One of the most sensitive questions during a job interview concerns the candidate’s salary expectations. Before the interview, it is therefore a good idea to inform yourself about the salary range for the position in question. 

Getting your first pay is a major step toward becoming independent and self-sufficient. However, people are often quick to spend it all. This is why it is important to think about what you would like to do with your earnings. Actively planning and keeping an eye on your income and expenses will give you a good overview of your finances. It will also be a first step toward building a carefree financial future.