Preparation matters more than ever
A 2024 General Assembly survey found that 66% of executives believe entry-level hires lack the readiness they had just five years ago. Employers want to see you have skills beyond theoretical knowledge. They are looking for employees who have practical problem-solving skills.
1. Gain real work experience before graduation
Pursue internships and externships
Internships and externships are a great way to gain experience and make connections with people that are relevant to your field of interest.
Try part-time or freelance work
Part-time and freelance work can teach you soft skills that you will apply to your future career. You can ask local businesses if they need help, network with professors and other students, and offer services on sites such as Upwork and Fiverr.
Volunteer in your community
Volunteer with organizations that align with your career goals and interests. You can gain relevant experience while giving back to the community.
2. Build in-demand soft skills
Gen-Z professions are great with technology but often struggle with more traditional workplace skills. Employers look for skills such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability in their entry level hires. To stand out in the job market, your hard skills should be matched with soft skills
Knowing how to work well in a team, adapt to changes and new challenges, solve problems logically and creatively, and having high emotional intelligence are skills that employers want to see in candidates.
3. Grow your professional network
There are many ways you can go about growing your professional network. This includes:
- Using LinkedIn effectively
- Attending job fairs and career events
- Joining student organizations
These activities can allow you to make real connections to people in the industry. These connections will follow you after you graduate college.
4. Understand what to expect from employers
Not all companies offer the same level of support to new hires, so it’s important to research their onboarding and training processes. In your interviews, you should ask about how they support their entry level employees during their first few months at work. You can seek a mentor in your field to get first-person advice that allows you to develop skills and gain confidence faster. Once you enter the workforce, you should be prepared for a hands-on learning curve.
5. Stay adaptable and resilient
Your learning shouldn’t stop once you get your first job. It is important to embrace lifelong learning and participate in activities that promote this. Learning from rejection is also an important skill in the job market. Not every application will result in an interview and not every interview will result in a job. Learn from these rejections to become a better candidate.
Finally, be ready to take charge of your future. The 5 tips given in this post are excellent ways to learn what to work on to make you more job ready.
Find the full article at Best Tips for Students and New Grads Entering the Workforce | The Muse