Advice for College Grads Entering the Workforce
Congratulations graduates! Your hard work and determination has finally paid off and it’s time to enter the next exciting phase of your life. Here at Infinia, we love working with new graduates and are happy to provide some tips to ensure a successful transition into the workforce.
Our goal is to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes commonly made by others, so we have provided a list of tips that will help you navigate the challenges of landing that first position and being a valuable employee when that time comes.
We hope our guidance will lead you through the beginnings of a prosperous career ahead!
Manage your online presence
Oftentimes, employers will look up potential candidates online to determine if their brand aligns with their company values. With that being said, it’s advised to Google yourself to make sure nothing comes up that could jeopardize your chance at the position.
Along those lines, check your social media platforms and clear out any photos on your public accounts that wouldn’t be deemed work friendly. There is a lot of information that employers can access through these accounts, so it’s smart to sift through your content and ask yourself, “What would my employer think?”
The best way to portray yourself and build your brand online is to create a LinkedIn profile. This is a great opportunity for you to highlight your accomplishments and experiences while networking with recruiters.
Tailor your cover letter to each position
When applying for jobs, do not send the same generic resume and cover letter to each employer. Each application should be tailored to the company and the qualifications they are seeking from candidates. Align yourself with the job description and show that you did research on the company. Hiring managers are reviewing a great magnitude of resumes, so it’s important to make yourself stand out.
Before you send out your cover letter and resume, be sure to double check for typos. This is your first impression with the company, so you want to appear as professional and meticulous as possible. You don’t want something as small as a spelling error to minimize your chances at getting the job.
Ace the interview
Now that you have the opportunity to speak to an employer, it’s time to put your best foot forward. Even if you don’t have a lot to show on your resume, you can still show them the type of employee you will be by having a great attitude and being eager to learn.
When discussing past projects, volunteer efforts, or internships, sounding passionate about the cause and what you learned in the process goes a long way. Highlighting your work ethic and the time you devoted to these roles will show the employer that you will work hard and be a reliable employee. Cite the skills that you learned from these experiences and how you can apply them to this position.
Always come prepared with interview questions that would give you insight about the position and company. Show your interest by asking about a typical work day, company culture, or any concerns they have about your resume. This is your chance to learn more about the responsibilities of the role and the direction of the company.
Show initiative
When you finally land the job you want, going above and beyond what you are asked to do will leave a great impression on your supervisor and co-workers. Show that you are a team player by volunteering for tasks that showcase your skills and noticing when a task needs an extra hand. Taking the initiative will open the doors for advancement and make others more inclined to ask for your assistance in a bigger project.
Jumping on board with other projects will provide you with an opportunity to develop professionally and learn more about the inner workings of the business. You will be able to ask questions and gain insight on the industry and how to progress within the company itself.
Learn from your mistakes
It’s important to accept that you don’t have all the answers, and some elements of your job will take time to master. During the early stages of your career, making mistakes and learning from them will be vital in order to improve.
Don’t be afraid to take risks and take on new challenges because it will benefit you in the long run. Now is the time to make these mistakes, so when the stakes are higher, you will be prepared and know how to handle problems that arise. As much as it will disappoint you in the beginning, the only way to grow is through unfortunate circumstances.
Most importantly, soak it all in and have fun! Graduating from college brings a plethora of new experiences and the chance to pursue the career of your dreams. Embrace every up and down and take the time to learn as much as you can.
From our team at Infinia, we wish you a sincere congratulations and the best of luck in your new journey!