With many applicants vying for the same positions, standing out to job recruiters and potential employers is crucial. Here are some actionable tips to help recent graduates make a lasting impression.
Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are often the first points of contact with a potential employer. Make sure they are:
Concise and Relevant: Tailor your resume to highlight experiences and skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. And try to keep it short. Remember that the recruiter is looking through hundreds, maybe thousands of potential job seekers.
Error-Free: First impressions matter and an error-prone resume gives off the impression that your attention to detail is lacking. Proofread meticulously to avoid any typos or grammatical mistakes. There is plenty of free software and tools like Grammarly that can help in that regard.
Visually Appealing: Again, recruiters are looking at hundreds of these resumes. You need to catch their eye. Use a clean, professional format. Consider using resume templates from platforms like Canva or Microsoft Word.
Build a Strong Online Presence
In today’s digital age, having a professional online presence is non-negotiable. Every recruiter and member of human resources will scour the web to grab as much information as possible on you.
LinkedIn Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and mirrors the information on your resume. Write a compelling summary of yourself, and ask for endorsements and recommendations. And don’t forget to add a professional photo of yourself. It might even be worth investing in some headshots from a local photographer.
Personal Website: Create a personal website or portfolio showcasing your projects, achievements, and a bit about yourself. This is especially useful for those in creative fields or technology. If you aren't too familiar with site building, there are plenty of affordable options like Wix that include templates for just this type of website.
Clean Up Your Social Media: Yes, you had fun in college. But it’s time to remove those photos doing shots and passing out drunk on the floor. Potential employers want to know that you’ll be reliable, and anything that shows you’re a risk will get you discarded quickly. Clean up your social media and remove anything that might be controversial. Or better yet, just make your profiles private. Future employers don’t need to know how your 21st birthday went down.
Network, Network, Network
Building a network can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. It’s your chance to skip to the front of the line.
Alumni Associations: Leverage your college’s alumni network to connect with professionals in your field. Recruiters love to work with a fellow alum.
Professional Associations: Join industry-specific groups and attend their events to meet potential employers and mentors.
Social Media: Engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Comment on posts, share relevant articles and start conversations. Sure, it’s not the best way to spend an afternoon, but it only takes one connection to find that dream job.
Gain Experience Through Internships and Volunteer Work
If you lack professional experience, internships and volunteer work can fill that gap.
Internships: Even unpaid internships can provide invaluable experience and connections. They demonstrate your willingness to learn and gain practical skills. Just be careful not to get taken advantage of. Ensure there is a future at the company after a period of time or that you’re sure the internship will lead to opportunities elsewhere.
Volunteering: Volunteering can also help you build skills and network while contributing to a cause you care about. And potential employers love someone who cares about a charitable cause and their community.
Tailor Your Job Applications
Generic applications rarely catch a recruiter’s eye.
Customized Applications: While it can be enticing to just throw your resume out to everyone and hope someone bites, it’s much better to tailor each application to the specific job. Mention the company by name and explain why you’re excited about the position and how your skills align with their needs. Jessica Marshall, President of promotional product company Custom Comet says, “The applicants that have researched our company immediately jump to the top of the list. It shows initiative on their part, and they usually have a better grasp on what the position entails”.
Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description into your resume and cover letter to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Just be wary of using any AI tools that make it seem unnatural.
Prepare for Interviews
An impressive resume gets your foot in the door, but a strong interview performance can seal the deal. This is where it’s time to strap in and really show your worth.
Research: Learn about the company’s history, values, and recent developments. Then, be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with its goals. And don’t be afraid to bring up stuff you’ve found so that they know you’ve prepared.
Practice: Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or career counselors. Prepare answers for common interview questions and have a few thoughtful questions ready for the interviewer. A quick Google search can turn up the most common interview questions.
Follow Up: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview, expressing appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role. They’ll be interviewing plenty of other applicants and this not only shows your passion for the position, but keeps your name fresh in their minds.
Develop Soft Skills
What exactly are soft skills? They are skills that relate to how well you can potentially work with others. So while technical skills are important, it’s those soft skills that set candidates apart.
Communication: Practice clear and effective communication, both written and verbal.
Teamwork: Demonstrate your ability to work well in a team setting.
Adaptability: Show that you can adapt to new situations and challenges.
Problem-Solving: Highlight your ability to think critically and solve problems.
Utilize Job Search Resources
Take advantage of the resources available to you. Job seekers have access to an endless number of free tools.
College Career Centers: Many colleges offer career services for alumni, including job boards, resume reviews, and networking events. Some schools even offer classes on resume building and interviewing with business leaders from the community. These classes can even count as college credits towards your degree.
Job Search Engines: Use platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to find job listings and apply directly. If you work in a specialty field, sites may be tailored specifically to that industry.
Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: Consider working with a recruiter or staffing agency to help you find job opportunities and prepare for interviews.
Stay Positive and Persistent
Job searching can be a lengthy process. Stress can build up over time as those hefty student loans loom in the future. Stay motivated and persistent.
Set Goals: Set daily or weekly job application goals to keep yourself on track. Without it, you may fall into a period of laziness that can cost you precious time.
Stay Organized: Keep a record of the jobs you’ve applied for, interviews scheduled, and follow-up actions.
Self-Care: Job searching can be stressful. Take breaks, exercise, and engage in activities you enjoy to maintain your well-being. If you are overwhelmed by the process, reach out to friends or doctors who can help you get back into a positive mindset.
Entering the job market as a recent graduate can be challenging, but with determination and strategic effort, you can stand out to recruiters and secure your desired position. Remember, every application is an opportunity to learn and grow. Good luck!