Key Ways You Can Make Yourself Stand Out from Other Graduates

You’ve finally done it; you’re leaving college. Whether you stay for two years or ten, it’s now time to find a job. You have the right qualifications for work in your field and an excellent academic record. The problem is, so do most of the other people in your graduating class. Not only do you have them to deal with, but there are graduates from other colleges who will be after the same jobs as you. A huge chunk of you will look the same to recruiters. So how can you make yourself stand out from the crowd? How can you be a cut above everyone else? Try some of these tips to ensure you’re not just like all the others.

Present Yourself Professionally

You’re no longer a student. You are now a professional adult, even if you haven’t secured your first graduate job yet. As such, you need to start presenting yourself professionally to get noticed. You don’t want to look like an inexperienced child waiting for the adults to let you play with them. You need to show that you can be every bit as professional as they are. These days, an online presence is one of the key parts of your professional image. Many recruiters will look you up on LinkedIn, which is also excellent for networking. It’s also a great idea to join organizations that lend you credence. There might even be some accreditation you should obtain.

Don’t Make It All About Academics

If employers use a graduate recruitment company, they know they can get someone with the right qualifications. But you’re not the only person who meets their criteria in that regard. It isn’t all about your grades anymore. The soft skills you possess are just as important for securing a job. In fact, someone with a better degree than you but no ability to fit in with the company culture probably isn’t going to beat you. Don’t just tell employers about how well you did at college. They also need to know about your communication skills, your ability to work in a team, and more.

Network and Market Yourself

Networking is important if you want to get yourself seen my recruiters and employers. Joining the right professional organizations will get you off to a good start. Look for networking events in your area so you can meet the people that matter. It might seem old-fashioned to some, but business cards can still be extremely useful. You need to market yourself like any other product. Don’t forget to go online too, and make use of social media.

Understand What Matters in Your Industry

You should try to understand what recruiters in your industry are looking for. For example, in some industries, your cover letter will get barely a glance. However, in others, it could be the difference between getting an interview and having your application tossed in the trash. Try to find some tips from recruiters, employers, and employees in your field.

You will face some stiff competition when you start looking for a job. So do your best to make sure you stand out from the crowd.

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