As a resume writer, I find May and June particularly busy. Whether because of my experience, role as a mom, or profession, I am asked for advice with almost every resume I write.
I do not consider myself a wise old sage, but I have been around the track a few times, once or twice, perhaps missing a wheel, but it all brought me to this point in life. So, let me share a bit of what I’ve learned, just like I would if we were grabbing coffee together. So here are six tidbits of advice for college graduates.
Number one: And most importantly, Shakespeare was very wise when he said, “To thine own self be true, from Hamlet. If you are true to yourself, you will also be true to others. Do not try to please others, forsaking your happiness and success. Know yourself first, what you are good at, not so good at, and what you love to do. Now, truth be told, your first job may not check all the boxes, but that doesn’t mean you should jump at an opportunity that may not suit you.
Number two: Listen to your Spidey sense, from the superpower of the fictional character Spider-Man (introduced by Marvel Comics in August 1962), nicknamed Spidey, who is able to preternaturally sense danger before other senses can perceive it. Your inner Spidey is there to alert you, guide you, and strongly suggest that you do your homework before and after any interviews. Which takes us to Number three…
Number three: Research is critical. When I graduated from Siena College in Loudonville, New York, in 1984, there was no Internet, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor. There was a career center or library. Yikes.
I understand and remember that there’s a lot of pressure to interview and land a job quickly, but not at the cost of your early career development. Make sure to use the tools I mentioned to do your homework. Reach out to people on LinkedIn who are in the department or have the job title you’re after and ask if you can have a few minutes of their time. Their insights will be incredibly valuable. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Number four: Remember where you came from. Every summer job as a camp counselor, waitress, or barista has built the arsenal of skills you currently possess. These are transferrable skills, skills that make a foundation for the education you received, and together, they can be unbeatable.
- Dealing with difficult people.
- Working under pressure.
- Multitasking
- Mentoring, hiring, and firing.
- Building oral and written communication abilities.
Number five: Network! I know you all think parents are old and don’t understand much, but we know people. People we network, play golf with, take a Spin class, or meet daily. If a friend’s parent works at a company you are dying to get into, ask them for help.
Many professional organizations offer discounted rates to college students or graduates. Search Eventbrite for Zoom meetings and webinars on topics of interest.
Finally, make your LinkedIn profile look professional. Your headshot should not be of you, cropped from a spring break in Daytona. Invest in a professional headshot. Update your resume, and be sure the experience section of your LinkedIn profile matches what you have in your resume.
Number six: You are your own ambassador, so get out there. My husband was a printer, and when the kids were little, they wanted business cards: Amelia, a babysitter, and Jack, a dog walker. Those simple business cards were effective, and they carried them with them, resulting in a few babysitting jobs and a dog walk or two!
Your resume serves as a powerful introduction, making a memorable impact on hiring managers and HR professionals by showcasing your skills and experiences before you even meet them. It acts as your ambassador, offering a virtual handshake and preparing the groundwork for future interactions. We understand the nuances of industry-specific requirements and customize your resume to meet the expectations of potential employers. A well-executed resume is crucial—it can be the deciding factor in whether you secure a first-round interview or are passed over. We are dedicated to ensuring you get that interview opportunity. Schedule a free call with me and see what we can do to get you that job interview.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024. Welcome.
Resources: Wikipedia,
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