It's hard being a new graduate. So many entry level jobs require experience and many don't pay particularly well. The competition is also fierce with other recent grads, who might have more work experience or internships under their belts. But it's certainly not impossible to land a job that will jump-start your career, and these five tricks will help make that happen.

Take the Time to Find the Right Job

You may be desperate for money and to be able to move out of your parent's house, but if you can at all take the time to find a good entry level job in your field, you should. Your starting salary and promotability are important factors in the specifics of your next job, and if you start out outside your field you will be at a disadvantage.

Career Coaching

Career coaching can definitely give you a leg up when it comes to getting your career started. Career coaches from firms like Ace-Up and similar businesses can help you find a job by improving your interview skills and resume crafting ability, as well as give you general career guidance so you can zero in on the positions that are right for you.

Carefully Craft Your Resume and Cover Letters

Never send out the same resume and cover letter to multiple jobs. Every single resume and cover letter you send to employers needs to be customized to match that company, who you're sending it to and the job description itself. Your application materials are much more likely to catch a hiring manager's attention if they are specifically tailored to the job in question.

Freelance

If you're having a hard time finding a more traditional job, consider freelancing either on the side or even begin doing it as a full-time deal. You don't need any experience to get started freelancing as long as you are skilled and have samples to display to clients. Freelancing can help you gain invaluable experience and skills that improve your marketability.

Work Your Way Up

You can't expect results overnight. You have to get hired and prove yourself a talented, good employee before you get the best assignments, or even the exact job that will lead to the career path you want. Prove yourself capable by being productive, going above and beyond what you are asked to do and by providing innovative ideas.

Getting started at a decent paying job in your field as a young graduate can be tough in this job market. But don't get discouraged! With the right preparation, guidance and plenty of persistence, you should be able to pull it off. And these five tricks will help make it happen.