One Month To Graduation: 7 Career Tips To Gain The Edge Over Your Peers - Thailand

It’s becoming increasingly competitive and challenging to secure a job, especially for fresh graduates. In today’s day and age, it’s not always enough to have just your academic qualifications during the job hunting process.

That’s why students need to take the necessary steps to make themselves stand out even before leaving college.With a month left to graduation, what better way to spend the rest of your days by getting ahead in the game?In this article, we’ll take you through 7 effective career tips that will give you a significant headstart among your peers.

7 Career Tips to Help You Get Ahead of Your Peers

1. Set Up Your LinkedIn Account

By now, anyone that is everyone should know how useful LinkedIn can be for networking and job opportunities. It allows graduate students to build a solid network of professional contacts and for recruiters to find you at the same time.

However, it’s not enough to simply set up your LinkedIn account. You need to create a strong profile and optimise it.

Here are a few steps to get you started:

• Get a custom URL: Ideally, one with your full name on it.

• Upload an appropriate photo: No selfies, please.

• Add school or work experiences that are relevant: List your educational accomplishments and work history, if any.

• Complete additional profile sections: Include any certifications, awards, languages, and skills you may want to feature.

• Show examples of your work: From design portfolios, personal projects, analyses, and video edits, doing this helps your show off your skills to recruiters.

• Begin building your connections: Start with your professors, classmates, and colleagues, and slowly expand to people in your dream jobs and companies.

2. Recreate & Update Your Resume

Before you leave college and start applying for jobs, always ensure that your resume is updated with your most recent experiences and skills. This is arguably the most important document you need to have in your job hunting journey post-graduation.

Any time you upgrade your skills set, earn a new certification, gain volunteer experience, or simply need to refresh your contact history, that’s your first sign that it’s time to get updating.

Having an updated resume sets you apart from your counterparts as it shows you took the time to keep your career progress relevant.

3. Start Gathering Testimonials & Letter of Recommendations

Student testimonials and letters of recommendation serve as a form of verification or proof that you are what you say in your resume.

These can be obtained from your previous university professors, ex-colleagues, or hiring managers from past internships.It may seem intrusive to shamelessly ask for a recommendation letter at first. But believe it or not, they would be more than happy to endorse you for your skills and put a good word in.

4. Start Enhancing Your Digital Literacy & Skills

Regardless of whether you’re planning a career in tech or IT, developing your digital literacy skills is becoming an essential trait in today’s day and age.

Some digital skills companies are actively looking out for are basic coding and programming, social media and project management, and data analysis.

This sends a message to recruiters and hiring managers that you no longer require additional training and are already equipped with the necessary skills for the job.

5. Start Networking Within Your Industry & Faculty

Students shouldn’t wait until after graduation to begin expanding their network. This is one of the best ways to get massive post-graduation opportunities.

A 2018 Job Seeker Nation Study reveals that 35% of working professionals secured their current positions thanks to a professional connection they’ve made.

This way, your professors can connect you with their peers and faculty members for potential job opportunities, and maybe even hire you as well.

6. Start Crafting Your Motivation Cover Letter

While certain job listings no longer require a cover letter, having one will definitely set you apart from other candidates applying for the same job.

Having a well-written motivation cover letter is an effective way to reiterate your interest in the company and to get noticed by hiring committees more easily.

Think of it as a chance to show how your skills are aligned with the role, what you can bring to the company, and why they should consider you for the job.

Need some help getting started with your letter? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do just that.

7. Start Picking Up That Second Language You Always Wanted to Learn

Comparing a monolingual and bilingual employee, who do you think is the more employable candidate?

Taking up a second language won’t just do wonders for your personal growth but also your professional career.

Certain companies look for multilingual candidates to help them communicate with foreign clients, partners, and consumers regularly.In other instances, global companies may also invite you to transfer to their regional offices, which opens opportunities for work-related travel; a privilege other colleagues who only speak one language will not have.

Get A Headstart On Your Career With IDP

Navigating the period between graduation and employment can be a daunting process for students. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone.