Top Tips for Graduates Trying to Get Their Foot in the Door

Graduating is a major achievement, but it is not enough to possess a degree to find a job. It requires much more. According to research, it was found that one in four Australians without a job are graduates. While it seems impossible for graduates to find a job in today’s saturated market, it is not impossible with some hard work.

• Complete internships and get work experience

Getting an internship is a great way to make yourself stand out. Interning in a company within your industry gives you practical experience in your field in addition to showcasing to prospective employers that you are a proactive learner. It helps you develop relevant skills such as problem-solving and effective communication, provides you with networking opportunities, and serves as a platform to gain first-hand industry knowledge in your field. There are many companies out there that have internship programs that can result in full-time employment. Many recent grads use the contacts they built during their internships to land their first job. 

• Think about further studies

Further education can be a very effective strategy to improve your employability in various areas. To increase your competitiveness in the market, you might enhance your knowledge and credentials through postgraduate degrees or online courses. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey will look different. The path a graduate of a nursing course online takes will be completely different to that of a marketing graduate. Doing a short course in your field, for example, will allow you to learn technical skills that are essential in your industry. 

• Volunteer to build skills and connections

Developing a solid network of contacts and getting hands-on experience can also be achieved through volunteering. While volunteering opportunities are not paid, they can still be rewarding, specially when it is connected to your industry. If you are seeking to land a job in the fashion industry for example, volunteering at fashion events, trade fairs, and fashion shows could be a great stepping stone. It demonstrates your potential to employers and your willingness to learn. Moreover, volunteering might help you build a larger network that may open doors for your first professional position.

• Leverage networking for career growth

A key element of success in your career is networking. Begin by engaging in conversations with others on social networking platforms such as LinkedIn, attending industry events, and joining professional associations. Developing genuine connections with people in your industry may open up unexpected career prospects. For example, graduates can network with professionals in their field, learn about industry trends, and find unadvertised job openings by participating in local meetups, industry seminars, or alumni events.

• Create a portfolio to showcase your work

A solid portfolio can help you stand out, especially if you work in a creative field like marketing, design, or content production. Presenting real-world examples of your work has a lot more impact than just putting your credentials on a resume. You can showcase projects, assignments, and any freelance work you’ve done with a digital portfolio. Use platforms like Behance or Canva for example, which are great platforms to create a personalised portfolio showcasing your work and giving a visual representation of your abilities. 

• Be willing to adapt to entry-level positions

Higher-level positions can be eventually reached by starting out at entry-level positions. Even if a job doesn’t quite fit your long-term objectives, it might still be an excellent opportunity to learn and grow. It acts as a stepping stone to where you want to be, teaching you all the necessary technical and soft skills which will give you experiences to add to your resume. This can help you advance your career by giving you access to valuable knowledge, abilities, and contacts. Hence, when considering employment possibilities, have an open mind since they may influence your prospects for the future in unanticipated ways.

• Customise your cover letter and resume for every application

Make sure to customise your application for every job application rather than sending the same resume and cover letter to every job posting. Do a research on the business and identify certain qualifications that fit the job description. Demonstrate to employers that you are committed to the position and are aware of its requirements. This personal touch makes them stand out and increases their chances of getting hired. 

• Stay positive and persistent

It can take some time to get your foot in the door, so perseverance is vital. Although rejection is a natural part of the process, it’s crucial to keep going. Every application, interview, and encounter advances you toward your objective. Remain flexible and never stop taking advantage of new opportunities. Consider every rejection as a teaching opportunity, and improve your strategy with each submission.

It takes more than just a degree to get a job as a recent graduate; it also takes time, perseverance, and work. You can differentiate yourself from the competitors by accumulating work experience, expanding your network, showing your abilities, and customising your applications. Though every person’s journey is unique, you’ll be well-equipped to start your career off well with these pointers and get your foot in the door.

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