It’s that time of year again—recruitment season is here! Whether you’re a senior in college preparing to leap into the professional world or a recent graduate looking for your next opportunity, the job search season is officially on.
Recent articles I’ve read suggest that while the economy is strong, and layoffs are low, new hiring has slowed from the explosive rates we saw during the pandemic recovery. Not only that, but the rate of employee turnover has declined. People are no longer moving from job to job as frequently and easily as they were a couple of years ago. As a result, competition is fierce and your job search may take longer.
So…what’s the winning game plan?
It’s important to have a strategy. It’s not just about applying to as many jobs as you can—it’s about being able to show employers that you’re the right candidate. This means being prepared to clearly articulate the value you bring to the table, aligning your online presence with your professional goals, and using every tool at your disposal to stand out.
Here are some steps you can take to execute your game plan regardless of whether you are a college senior or a recent graduate.
Seniors: Start Your Search Now, Don’t Wait!
Recruitment season aligns with the academic calendar, and companies start their hunt for fresh talent in August/September. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can wait until the second semester of senior year to get started on your job search. Otherwise, you’ll be scrambling while your peers are landing interviews.
Now is the time to get serious. Dedicate some time to research the industries and companies that interest you. Tailor your resume to showcase your skills and experiences in a way that speaks directly to the roles you’re applying for. Employers want to see the ‘impact’ you made. So, think about what you have achieved, and how you made a difference. Practice making your case with an opening statement that is brief but impactful.
Recent Graduates: Time to Get Back in the Game
Recruitment season isn’t just for college seniors. If you’ve been out of school for a few months (or even longer), now is the time to jump back into the job market. Employers are actively seeking recent graduates, especially those who are ready to hit the ground running.
But before you start sending out resumes, make sure you’re prepared. Update your resume and refresh your LinkedIn profile to make sure they both reflect your activities since graduation. Include all of your internships, volunteer work, and part-time jobs, and show how they contribute to you being ready for your next step. Your ability to clearly communicate your value can be the difference between getting a callback or being passed over.
Optimize and Align Your Resume and Profiles
A good resume is a “must-have.” However, employers don’t want to see a generic resume – a list of jobs and titles. They want to see how your experience fits the specific role they’re hiring for. So, ditch the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach and consider tailoring your resume for the industry and the job. Focus on how you contributed and your quantifiable achievements (for example, “increased social media engagement by 25%” rather than “managed social media accounts”). Numbers and results matter. Think of this as the difference between a task-driven resume vs. a results/outcomes-driven resume; the latter approach provides the hard evidence of the skills you have outlined in your resume.
Recruiters are heavily leveraging online job search platforms. Whether it’s LinkedIn, Handshake, or another professional platform, ensure these profiles align with your resume. If a recruiter sees inconsistencies between your resume and your online profile, it’s a red flag. Fill out every section completely, upload supporting documentation (work product, writing samples, etc.), and ensure your summary reflects who you are and what you bring to the table. These platforms should be able to stand on their own as a representation of your skills without the aid of your resume.
Just Get Started
Job hunting can feel overwhelming, but once you start the process you’ll find that you’ll be able to adjust to each new opportunity more quickly than the last, and you’ll become more comfortable talking about what you can contribute to a job. The bottom line is that you can expect to land your dream job at some point, but in this competitive job market, preparation by taking the steps I’ve outlined above will be critically important.
At Command the Interview, I specialize in helping seniors and recent grads hone the necessary skills to interview successfully so they can win their dream job. I collaborate with college and university placement officers to deliver customized programs designed to get students ready to interview for internships and full-time positions. If you’d like to learn more about my services, reach out to me at Kerrie@CommandtheInterview.com.