The crucial question being asked by today’s graduates is how to make yourself stand out when you graduate in such a competitive environment where everyone has a degree. In lieu of this information, here's are my advice for standing out in a crowded market as a graduate student!
1. Volunteering
Volunteering is a valuable way to learn more about something that you are passionate about while developing experience. For me, it was bad housing and homelessness in London. Volunteering introduced me to new skills, people, and perspectives. This unlocked new opportunities: upskilling in housing and homelessness law, attending conferences, and shadowing caseworkers. There are so many Benefits of Working and Volunteering. The labour market is fiercely competitive, and so volunteering is a rewarding way to gain substance.
2. World travel
My top tip is to travel the world and explore other cultures. Travelling is an exhilarating way to learn new life skills and meet new people. It gives you the freedom to go outside your comfort zone. I have completed many global exchange programmes and travelled solo since. The Erasmus + programme was incredible. I have friends from many different countries. Erasmus has certainly given me the edge that some graduates do not have, and it's the first thing recruiters notice on my CV! If you want to stand out when you graduate, go and find a global opportunity to work, volunteer, or study.
3. Upskill
Upskill, Upskill, Upskill! Upskilling is essential, especially if you are trying to specialise and enter a niche field. There are many ways to upskill. For example, you could take on a new challenge at work, start a project, find new hobbies or start a course. Enhancing your skills can spark new interests and benefit your development.
There are also virtual ways to upskill. Last year, I started learning a new language online at university. Watching foreign television shows has also introduced me to new vocabulary and phrases. I have really interesting chats with natives at work!
4. Embrace change
Everyone should embrace change, and it also demonstrates adapptability and resilience. Life can get in the way and it can suddenly derail your plans without warning. I found life after graduation challenging, but it's important to remember that your circumstances are temporary. Change is a positive force and you should go with the flow of things.
5. Say Yes to Temporary Employment
Graduates should say yes to temporary work. Temporary work is a smart way to gain practical experience! After graduating, I registered with several recruitment agencies in London. This really helped me source work quickly. Having a permanent job does not always make you happier and more secure. Temporary work gives you the freedom to move around and be versatile.
6. Build a strong online presence
Employers often research candidates online, so ensure your LinkedIn profile is polished and up-to-date. Showcase your skills, experiences, and projects while engaging with industry-specific content. Consider creating a personal website or portfolio if applicable.
7. Expand your professional network
Use LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a social media platform for professionals. It allows you to connect with other like-minded people. Most recruiters hiring nowadays use LinkedIn to advertise jobs and find matches.
8. Avoid comparing yourself to others
Do not compare yourself to others! Be kind to yourself and focus on your personal development. This is easier said than done because many graduates maintain active social media accounts and fall into a negative mindset. Remember social media is a curated version of reality; sometimes a misrepresentation of the world we live in.
9. Visual CVs
Bland Microsoft Word CVs are out of fashion. This took me a while to realise. Design or purchase a visual CV template so your application stands out. My team work directly with employers and agree that visual CVs tend to help candidates stand out as graduates. It immediately ticks the box for effort and creativity. More and more employers are demanding applicants to have digital skills, which is why it is so important to ask yourself: Does your CV showcase you?
10. Be Yourself
Most importantly, be yourself, be authentic and be unique! Avoid pretending to be someone else. Recruiters want to see the real you and not what you are not. Your goal is to portray the real you and to stay away from cliché answers during the recruitment process.
Hence why I believe graduates should seek opportunities with organisations that match their personality and values. I have walked away from some horrible interviews regretting my application because the company did not align with the real me.
If you are a graduate reading this post, I truly hope that this article on the ten ways of how to stand out when you graduate will inspire your next steps.
Did you enjoy reading this? Why not try: A Winning Personality in the Eyes of a Graduate Employer
