From Student to Standout: What You Can Do Now to Get Hired Later

Finding a job after graduation can feel overwhelming, especially if you're entering the workforce for the first time or pivoting to a new career. The good news is that there are concrete steps you can take right now, while you're still in school, to make the transition smoother and set yourself apart from other candidates.

Start with Your Resume

A strong resume is your first impression. According to Indeed, you should include only work experience relevant to the job you're applying for and customize your resume for each position using keywords and qualifications from the job posting. Recruiters and applicant tracking systems both scan for these elements, so tailoring your application matters more than you might think.

Ask a friend, mentor or family member to review your resume for clarity, accuracy and grammar before you send it anywhere. A well-written resume increases your chances of landing an interview.

Build Your LinkedIn Presence Now

LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools in your job search arsenal, and the time to build it is before you need it. According to Herzing's career development team, 95 percent of recruiters report using LinkedIn as a sourcing tool to identify qualified candidates

Here's what to prioritize on your profile:

• A professional photo and a customized headline that reflects your skills and career goals
• A summary that highlights both your transferable skills and the technical skills relevant to your field
• A complete work history with accomplishments, not just tasks
• A skills section with as many relevant skills as possible, since this is how recruiters find you
• Endorsements from professors and colleagues to add credibility

Avoid common LinkedIn mistakes like an incomplete profile, an overly casual tone or ignoring the jobs section entirely. And consider building a LinkedIn portfolio by uploading work samples, presentations or projects that show employers what you're capable of, not just what you claim.

Network Before You Need a Job

Networking is one of the fastest paths to employment. According to Indeed, if someone can introduce you to a hiring manager or HR professional directly, you've skipped a step in the process and moved significantly closer to an offer.

Start building your network now through:

• Industry associations and member events
• Conferences, seminars and workshops
• Reconnecting with former colleagues, professors and mentors
• Engaging with industry professionals on social media

According to Forbes, networking with discretion is key, especially if you're currently employed. Be thoughtful about who you tell and how you use social media during a job search. Employers sometimes monitor public social accounts, so keep your professional and personal presence clean and consistent.

Use Social Media Strategically

LinkedIn should anchor your job search, but it doesn't have to be your only platform. Herzing's career blog explores how to use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to research company culture, follow open positions and build your professional brand. Each platform offers a slightly different window for potential employers and a different avenue for getting noticed.

Apply Strategically, Not Broadly

It's tempting to apply to every open position you find, but quality matters more than quantity. Apply to positions you're genuinely well-qualified for and research the companies you're targeting. According to Indeed, you should also consider reaching out to companies you admire even when they don't have a posted opening. Sometimes the timing is right, and you can move through the process faster without competing against a large applicant pool.

Follow Up and Stay Patient

If you haven't heard back within a week or two of applying or interviewing, send a brief follow-up email to reiterate your interest and thank the hiring manager for their time. And through the whole process, according to Indeed, maintain a positive mindset. Confidence and professionalism during interviews can tip the scales in your favor just as much as your credentials can.

Herzing's Career Development team is available to help students at every stage of the job search process, from polishing a resume to optimizing a LinkedIn profile. You don't have to figure it out alone.