Article
During the pandemic, people in various life stages made the decision to work toward a college degree. Some even took this time to step back into the academic world to change career paths entirely. No matter the journey, 2022 college graduates are poised to enter to best candidate-driven job market in years. With 11.5 million job openings and the lowest unemployment rate since 2019, employers are ready to hire.
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are two job openings for every unemployed person in the U.S. — giving job-seeking college graduates the upper hand.
Even in a favorable job market, you’ll face stiff competition for top positions. Building a strong resume and preparing for job interviews can help you differentiate yourself in a competitive field and attract employers in any industry.
A strong resume is essential for any job seeker. With limited work experience, it’s common to feel intimidated when writing a resume. These pro tips can help optimize your resume and improve your chances of landing your first job after graduation.
In addition to your major and minor of study, highlight coursework relevant to the job you’re seeking. Consider including an internship, thesis or capstone project, as well as any academic awards or achievements. This showcases your relevant skills and will help you stand out from other applicants.
Incorporate keywords and phrases from the job description in your resume. Hiring managers, recruiters and automated applicant tracking systems scan for keywords when assessing your qualifications. If those keywords don’t appear, you may be passed over for an opportunity, even if your background makes you a good fit for the job.
A strong resume should outline your hard and soft skills as they relate to the job. In some instances, soft skills can provide you with a competitive edge. Traits such as adaptability, teamwork and problem-solving are highly sought after by employers. As hybrid and remote learning environments became more prominent, don’t forget to highlight your proficiency with technology as an additional hard skill.
Add a section to feature your extracurricular activities and volunteer work. This is an opportunity to show where and how you developed practical skills and experience outside of academics.
Attention to detail matters — ensure your resume is free of grammatical errors. Ask a friend, family member or mentor to review it.
Despite a hiring landscape that widely favors job seekers, preparing for an interview remains crucial. According to Monster’s annual Future of Work survey, interview presence tops the list of key factors that make candidates stand out.
Before your interview, browse the company’s website and social media channels. With a basic understanding of the company’s products or services, mission and culture, you can quickly set yourself apart from other candidates. If possible, check out your interviewer’s LinkedIn profile as well. Putting a face to a name can help ease your nerves and provide insight into the interviewer’s professional background and interests.
Think of the job description as your road map. Compare the job duties with your education and skills and be prepared to explain why you’re the right candidate. Use keywords and phrases from the job description when discussing your qualifications.
Consider how you’ll answer common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want to work here?” Practicing your responses can help you decide what key information you want to emphasize. Just avoid memorizing your answers — you want to sound natural, not like you’re reading from a script.
While it’s nearly impossible to predict exactly what you’ll be asked during a job interview, there are a few common questions that stand the test of time. Considering your responses in advance can boost confidence and help you make a great impression.
This is your opportunity to briefly tell your story. As a recent college graduate, focus on your education and why you decided to pursue your degree. Connect your passion and skills to the job you’re pursuing.
Doing background research on the company is key to explaining why the job and company appeal to you. For example, do your values align with the company’s mission? Will the company’s culture empower you to succeed? Are you passionate about the company’s community impact?
This is a common question that can make any candidate feel uncomfortable. Keep in mind that employers appreciate candidates who are self-aware, and while this question may feel tricky to navigate, there are strategic ways you can frame your response to highlight strengths.
As an example, you may consider your lack of professional experience as a weakness. In that case, one of your strengths may be your ability to learn quickly and adapt in new settings. Whenever possible, start with a weakness and end with a strength.
In addition to questions about your strengths and weaknesses, you should also expect questions about your behavior and problem-solving abilities in work settings. These questions may include:
A job interview is your opportunity to find out if the role and company are the right fit for you. Consider what is most important to you in your first job, then prepare a few thoughtful questions in advance. Here are a few examples.
Throughout the interview, jot down notes if other questions come to mind. Asking questions is an excellent way to show your interest and engage with the interviewer.
While virtual interviews became the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic, 93% of employers plan to continue using them in the future. The convenience and flexibility of remote interviews help employers expand their talent pool — increasing interest among candidates.
Remember, virtual interviews require as much or more preparation than a traditional in-person interview. Use these five pro tips to prepare for your next virtual interview.
Following these five virtual job interview tips can help ensure a successful virtual experience. Good luck!
To explore rewarding career opportunities in a variety of industries, visit our Career Opportunities page.
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