Getting your first job or landing a long-term career is no longer just about where you went to school. As businesses adopt skills-based hiring, they’re focused more on what you can do than the name on your diploma. For high school graduates, college students and parents trying to help their kids succeed, this shift opens up new pathways to getting work ready and finding opportunities in the talent development marketplace.
Why Skills-Based Hiring Matters for First-Time Job Seekers
If you’re preparing for the workforce for the first time, understanding what companies look for is key. More employers are moving away from requiring college degrees and are instead focusing on whether candidates can actually perform the work. That means demonstrating skills—whether they’re learned in school, online or on the job—is the fastest route to getting hired.
For jobs for high school graduates and entry-level jobs for college grads, this means you can compete even if you didn’t attend a traditional four-year college. Instead of waiting until your last semester to think about your career, now is the time to get work ready by building skills in real-world areas employers care about.
Forget Career Pathways—Here’s How to Actually Prepare for Work
Looking For Your First Job? Start with Goal Planning
You don’t need to have your whole life figured out, but you do need a plan. That includes identifying the lifestyle you want, understanding what industries align with that lifestyle and setting goals to build the right skills to get there. Whether you’re looking at how to get your first job or preparing for a long-term career, knowing what you want helps narrow your focus.
If you're unsure where to begin, a career coach can help you explore options and create a roadmap based on your interests and strengths. When paired with tools in the talent development marketplace, you’ll have a clear plan forward based not just on education, but on earning potential, personal fulfillment and job growth.
Know the Skills and Tools That Matter for Finding a Job
Every industry has its own language, tools and software. Whether you’re aiming for a role in digital marketing, healthcare, IT or logistics, it’s important to get comfortable with the tools of the trade. The good news? You don’t need to spend years in school to learn them.
Many jobs for recent college grads and jobs for high school graduates list essential skills like communication, problem solving, project management or proficiency with specific software. You can build these skills through short courses, job shadowing, internships or mentorships. A strong foundation in relevant tools and technology makes you competitive, regardless of your formal degree.
Mid-Year Career Checkpoint: Are You Ready?
Now’s a great time to ask: Are you on track to find your goal job? If not, now’s the time to pivot. Use this mid-year check-in to review your goals, assess your current skill set and get help if needed.
Here’s how you or your child can get started:
- Define a goal job and research the skills required.
- Create a learning plan to build those skills.
- Join a talent development marketplace like pepelwerk.
- Connect with a career coach for personal guidance.
- Track your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Why pepelwerk Makes Career Planning Easier
When it comes to preparing for the workforce, pepelwerk gives students, parents and job seekers an advantage. With features like a personalized learning plan, skill matching and direct access to employers, pepelwerk helps you focus on what matters most—landing the right job, not just any job. Whether you go with a Monthly or Preferred membership, you’ll get support, coaching and tools to help you meet your goals faster.
