Hey soon-to-be grads,
Are you excited to graduate but aren’t sure about your next career step? Maybe your professors and family members gave you ideas, but you’re still unsure how to “stand out” against others pursuing the same roles.
Don’t stress, because that’s very common with college graduates. I see it all the time with people looking to start their first jobs. So, I will share some of the best ways to stand out in an ever-evolving job market.
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Make the digital world your friend
No matter your industry, we’re all living in a digital world. My two biggest pieces of advice for graduates:
- Get on LinkedIn. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, create one now and provide detailed descriptions of your skills and experiences. LinkedIn is an important networking tool to use for job seekers. You can connect with friends, past professors, past peers, and family friends — all of whom might be able to connect you with an opportunity.
- Limit your personal social media accounts. Make sure your other social media pages and accounts are set to private. Hiring managers want to know the ins and outs of who you are, and they will search your profiles. You may not want them to see everything (Trust me).
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Create a stand-out resume
Whatever you’ve done, see if it has a place on your resume. If you’ve spent time every summer flipping burgers or scooping ice cream, add it to your resume. If you enjoyed your Excel class and learned how to create a pivot table, add it to your resume. If you were a varsity sports player, add it your … you get the point. Activities and experiences that demonstrate character and leadership are great, and the more relevant information you can put on your resume the better.
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Leverage your network
Start talking to anyone and everyone who will have a conversation with you — friends, acquaintances, in-person, or online. “Shoot your shot,” because you have nothing to lose.
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Attend alumni networking events
Every connection matters, so make an effort to stay in touch with your peers from school, even the friend you barely talked to.
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Keep building your skills
Your formal education is a great start, but it’s not the end. Continue to get certifications in the fields you are passionate about. Take online courses to pick up new insight on current trends. Staying current in your field is how you stay ahead of the competition.
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Prepare for interviews
Even if you dread them, you need to ace them. Here’s some good advice even if you feel this is where you’re weakest:
- Take time to research the company. Not just what they do, but the company’s values, products, and direction. Be able to answer: “What about our company excited you?”
- Do some mock interviews. Practice will help work out nerves and boost confidence. Conduct mock interviews with family members, friends, and recruiters.
- Think of detailed questions. Do not ask generic “What is a typical day?” or “What makes someone successful in this position?” questions. Get specific with questions like “What tools are you utilizing to support the growth incentives you have created?” or “What is your vision for the department?”
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Be persistent
Even for the most-qualified, the job search process can be challenging. Stay positive and learn to improve on the next interview.
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Connect with a specialized recruiter
Recruiters that specialize in the field that you are targeting will give you guidance on your resume, help guide you through the hiring process, and give you the latest market intelligence for jobs you’re seeking. Most importantly, they will be able to introduce you to jobs and opportunities that you likely wouldn’t find on your own.If you are looking for help with your job search in finance and accounting, reach out to KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting for a personal recruiter who knows what’s going on in the local world of finance. If you (or a fellow graduate) are looking in other industry verticals, they can find assistance with any of BANKW Staffing’s family of companies.
Taking the next step in your career can be scary, but with some of the tools above I assure you will have success. Don’t just go through the motions — this is your time to really identify what is important to you in an organization. Anyone would be lucky to have you.
Happy Graduation, you got this.
