Graduation is such an exciting time for students. A lot of recent grads might think that taking a break to rejuvenate is a good idea when that is almost the exact opposite of what you should be doing.
Just think…..you don’t have to wake up early and stay up late cramming information to pass that exam or have to deal with the daily stress of trying to find a parking spot just to attend class -which is a vacation all on it’s own.
But only half the battle is over unfortunately.
Now it’s time to find a job.
There are many ways you can impress an employer and stand out from the rest of the crowd to make the cut. Here are some examples on how to set yourself apart in this highly competitive job market.
1. Overly Prepare
- Candidates should conduct research on the company’s history, as well as any recent challenges. By going a step further, it will help you stand out amongst other candidates and show the employer that you’ve taken the time to gain a better understanding of their business and how you might help the company reach its goals.
- Record your own mock interview and play it back, to watch for fidgeting, eye contact and how many times you’ve said, ‘um,’ ‘you know’ and ‘like.’ Listen, slow down, take a deep breath and think before you answer.
2. Mind Your Manners
- Companies want to hire people with positive attitudes that will work well with others and be productive. Make sure to tell the employer that you fully understand the job responsibilities and are flexible and open to anything this role will ask of you.
- Many hiring managers fear that some of their new hires — especially entry-level ones — are simply testing out the waters at their company. To avoid being perceived as a turnover risk, it’s crucial to communicate a strong commitment during the interview.
- At the end of the day, all employers want to hire a person who really wants the job. Make sure to be energetic, express your interest and show excitement.
3. Show Confidence, Flexibility & Commitment.
- Don’t let a lack of experience hold you back. When you are interviewing for entry-level positions, employers are aware that you are a recent addition to the workforce. They want to hire fresh talent with the skills, education, and ideas that will help grow their business. During the interview, confidence is the key to standing out in an interview. When you are confident in yourself and your abilities, others will be too.
- Many employers feel you can teach someone how to perform at a job, but you cannot teach certain leadership, confidence and communication skills.
4. Apply Your Skills
Use the work you’ve completed and the skills you’ve learned in college classes and apply them to the professional world.
- Proposals: Ever create a business or marketing proposal for a college class? Talk about the project and how you worked to develop that proposal and what came out of it.
- Presentations: In front of the class or public speaking, explain how you had to research and be convincing. What was the audience’s/professor’s reaction, and how did your ability to present information change from freshman year to graduation?
- Project management skills: Knowing how to carry out a project from start to finish is a great asset. If you have functioned as a project leader, emphasize that point.
- Team skills: This can be a real deal breaker for many employers. If you have experience working with a team, whether in a student organization or a part-time job be sure to mention this in the interview.
5. Go Beyond The Résumé
- If you want to stand out as a recent college graduate, think big-picture. Your résumé might not be quite as detailed as you’d like it to be right out of school, so it’s important to make the most out of the experience you have.
- Grads that have business cards, a blog, references or a video profile, show creativity and a little extra effort to make them remember you.
6. Don’t Forget The Details
- Send a handwritten thank-you note to the interviewer or if you are applying for a customer service position where you will be on the phone a lot call and leave a voicemail thanking them for their time. This will allow them to listen to what your customers are going to be hearing and give them a reason to think about you again without having to get back to you just yet.
- Have a professional email address such as firstname.lastname@…com instead of Hotmama25@…com.
- Practice your handshake. Make sure it’s firm and confident.
- And ALWAYS SMILE!
Being a recent college graduate, you’re more than likely not a stranger to competition. Trying to fit in and make friends, playing sports, writing the best paper in the class, internships, scholarships, the list can go on and on…..
Finding a job however, is a different kind of race, and one of the most competitive environments a recent graduate has ever faced. Finally having to use all the knowledge you’ve learned within the past few years and making the right decision can become difficult.
So with a few helpful tips, determination and a positive outlook your years of hard work will finally pay off.
*Careerbuilder – Careerrookie.com
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