First Role Skills is an independent editorial website with practical, plain-language career advice for people looking for, or just starting, their first professional job.
Who we write for
Our readers are students, recent graduates, career changers and people returning to work. Most of them are facing a specific moment: writing a first resume, preparing for an interview tomorrow, deciding whether to accept an offer or trying to make a good impression in the first weeks of a new job. We write for that moment, with steps, examples and templates they can use straight away.
What we publish
Our guides are organized into eight topics:
- Job search: where to find entry-level roles, networking, follow-ups and avoiding scams.
- Resumes and cover letters: presenting projects, volunteering and transferable skills as experience.
- Interviews: preparation plans, common questions and the STAR method.
- Offers and pay: evaluating offers, salary research, benefits, contracts and paychecks.
- First job success: the first day, the first 90 days, feedback and working with a manager.
- Workplace skills: email, spreadsheets, meeting notes, presentations and other everyday office skills, several with practice files.
- Remote work: finding legitimate remote roles and working well on distributed teams.
- Career growth: goals, reviews, mentors, raises and moving on professionally.
How we work
- We explain general principles and processes rather than promising outcomes. No guide can guarantee a job offer.
- Examples, names, companies and numbers in our templates are fictional and clearly labeled as examples.
- We do not publish invented statistics. When a fact depends on law or official rules, we point readers to the official source, such as a government labor or tax agency.
- We update guides as rules, tools and hiring practices change. Our editorial policy explains our standards.
- We correct mistakes. If you find an error, please tell us.
What we are not
First Role Skills is not a job board, recruitment agency, employer, school or certification body. We do not collect applications, list vacancies or charge readers for anything. We are not affiliated with any of the employers, software companies or organizations mentioned in our guides.
Who is behind the site
Guides are published under the byline “First Role Skills Editorial Team”, the name of the small independent team that runs this website. We do not attach invented credentials or personal stories to that name.
How the site is funded
The site may display advertising served by Google AdSense. Advertisements are provided by Google and its partners, are labeled as ads, and do not influence what we write. We do not accept payment for coverage or recommendations. See our privacy policy and cookie policy for details about advertising technologies.
Contact
Questions, corrections and suggestions are welcome through our contact page.