As a recent college grad, you are either working or in the process of looking for a job. I’m in the same boat as you, and it is a struggle. It’s difficult to make yourself set apart from everyone else who is applying for the same position as you, which is why you need to make yourself more marketable. I never really thought about making myself more marketable until I joined Alpha Kappa Psi, a business fraternity, where I learned so much about making myself more unique. Here are some ways to make yourself more appealing to your future employer.
Create a Website:
Creating a website is very beneficial for you. Having a website not only looks professional, but also makes you more marketable to your audience. Whether you have a blog or an art portfolio, having something to showcase your work allows future employers to see what you bring to the table. Here is a website you can consider using: www.wix.com
Create a startup or app:
Creating a startup or app doesn’t mean you have to wait until you graduate; in fact, many of my friends have started their own while in school, such as Christian Hanish OpenRun. If you have ever wanted to start your own business, now is definitely a good time. Yes, I know a lot of us don’t have the time nor the funding, but don’t let that stop you from accomplishing your goals. It might take a while, but as long as you are willing to commit and see it through, then you’ll succeed!
Internships:
Internships are important as you gain acquired skills and experience. Having an internship gives you an upper hand, whether it be in having a future career with the company you interned for or having the experienced needed for the job you are applying for. My advice is to definitely find an internship, either during the academic year or in the summer.
Resume:
Make sure your resume looks not only presentable, but also professional. If you need help creating your resume go to the Career Center. There they will help you edit your resume to not only look better, but also to sound better. Use your resources.
Cover letter:
As annoying as cover letters are, it’s important to have someone look over your letter. Make sure you explain how eager you are to work there and what you can contributor to their company.
Resources/ Networking:
Taking advantage of your resources and networking can help you in more ways than you realize. Sometimes having a connection to someone in the company you wish to work for can help you out in so many ways. For example, that person can put in a good word for you and endorse your skills. Networking is not an easy skill, it takes time to get connected, but it’s a skill that is very important to learn. Reach out to recruiters and keep in touch.
LinkedIn:
If you don’t have a LinkedIn already, go and make one right now. Having a LinkedIn is basically an online resume, but it also helps you network on a professional level. On LinkedIn, you can look for jobs that fit the career path you want to go on. Make sure you keep updating your LinkedIn and making it look presentable.