Oh, the Places You’ll Go: Job Hunting as a Recent Grad
Good news, recent grads: It’s the best job market in years for the expected 1.9 million students who will graduate this year. Employers are estimated to hire about 5% more recent graduates than they did in 2015 – great roles are out there, and you have the education you need to grab them. But while things are certainly looking up, don’t expect it to be an easy road… or to land your dream job tomorrow.
The best companies are looking at much more than your hard-earned degree; they want a combination of exceptional talent, up-to-the-minute industry knowledge, and the right culture fit. And with more and more people graduating in these fields, there’s a bigger, brighter crowd than ever to stand out from. This is especially true in the digital marketing and design space – my area of expertise.
As a Talent Manager at Filter, I love helping recent graduates navigate this challenging landscape and reach the first milestones in their post-school careers. I know it’s tough out there, but I also know you’re tougher than you might think; with a focused and resourceful strategy, some patience, and a healthy dose of grit, you’ve absolutely got this.
Every day I see early-career digital marketers and designers thrive in this super-heated job market; here’s how they’re doing it, and how you can, too.
The 6 Biggest Hurdles New Grads Face in the Job Market – and How to Tackle Them
I teamed up with three members of the Filterati – our community of professional freelancers – to dig into the biggest obstacles facing today’s digital marketing and design graduates… and how to take them on with confidence. Meet our talented panel:
- Kitty Moujaes recently graduated from Western Washington University with a BFA in Design and is currently working as a Designer at Microsoft.
- Hattie Straube graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design in 2015 with a BFA in Graphic Design and a Minor in Collaborative Design and is now a Visual Designer at Microsoft.
- Denise Borges recently graduated from the University of Washington with a master’s degree in Human Centered Design and Engineering and is now a UX Designer at IMS health.
If you’re unsure how to leverage your experience and catch the attention of top employers, you’re in good company; even these highly talented professionals encountered plenty of bumps on the path to their current roles (as I did in my own fresh-out-of-school job search!). Together, we’ll give you the inside scoop on maximizing your employability and going after the job you want.
1. “All these ‘entry level’ jobs require years of experience.”
We all know that frustration all too well: you’ve found an entry level or junior position that looks like a perfect match… only to realize that it demands 1–2 (or more) years of relevant experience. Where does that leave a recent graduate?
Here’s what they don’t tell you: hiring managers aren’t necessarily set on that prerequisite, so don’t let it deter you from applying. Ultimately, employers are assessing the whole package – and that means there’s more wiggle room than many job seekers realize. If you have the skills, work ethic and passion they’re looking for, an astute hiring manager can often spot those qualities in other aspects of your application.
Ultimately, employers are assessing the whole package — and that means there’s more wiggle room than many job seekers realize.
Keep in mind that the required experience may have been during school, and that relevant internships or volunteer experience can demonstrate your talent and dedication every bit as much as paid work. If you’re still a student, look for as many opportunities as possible to apply your skills in real-world settings. Hattie emphasizes that students should seek out these experiences far before graduation.
“I can’t stress enough that it’s never too soon to begin looking for internships or jobs. Yes, it’s a lot of work to have an internship and take classes at the same time. But those were the experiences that I enjoyed most, and that made my education worthwhile. If you feel you’re lacking real-world work, connect with a local start-up, non-profit, TEDx, or activist group. Even if it doesn’t pay like some internships, experience is always invaluable.” – Hattie Straube
Between internships, volunteering, and other opportunities, there are many ways to show potential employers that you have a solid background in your area of interest. Denise suggests checking out Catchafire, which helps designers put their talent to use for good causes.
The bottom line? If you think you’re a great fit for the role, go ahead and apply; you might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome. Worst case scenario, you won’t hear back – and you’ll have gotten some more application experience under your belt!
2. “My resume is… a work in progress.”
Even if you’re short on work experience, you can still put together a killer resume. Instead of worrying about what you’re lacking, leverage what you do have – strategically, transparently, and with confidence. Though there’s no single template that works for everyone, these are three of my go-to resume tips for candidates with limited professional backgrounds:
Use a functional rather than a chronological format: Contrary to popular belief, your resume doesn’t need to be organized by date. In fact, this traditional format might bury your most compelling qualifications. Assuming it’s within the last three years, list your most relevant experience first; this allows the person viewing your resume to quickly and easily see why you’re suited for the job.
Instead of worrying about what you’re lacking, leverage what you do have — strategically, transparently, and with confidence.
An “Other Experience” section can work to your advantage: In many cases, featuring seemingly “unrelated” experience can help reinforce the skills and interests you want to convey. Someone applying to Nordstrom should include their work in retail, for instance, and someone applying to Adidas should indicate that they’re a longtime soccer player. Think outside the box, and don’t underestimate how applicable your “Other” experience might actually be.
Keep it simple: Aim for quality rather than quantity; you only have 10-15 seconds to capture a hiring manager’s attention, so make sure your resume is as clear and concise as possible.
“Simplicity is ‘in’! Candidates often try to one-up the competition by including GPAs, high school accomplishments, or a list of every single tool they know how to use – thinking that perhaps more information is better. However, confidence and competency can shine through simplicity. Keep only what is necessary.” – Hattie Straube
3. “My portfolio is all school work.”
School work is work – period! Feature it with pride; just be completely clear about the context of each project. With the right presentation, your student work will demonstrate not just your talent but your approach, your thought process, and your understanding of business objectives.
With the right presentation, your student work will demonstrate not just your talent but your approach, your thought process, and your understanding of business objectives.
The way you curate your portfolio is as important as the work itself. As with your resume, Denise advises reorganizing your projects as needed to put the most relevant and impressive work front and center.
“Consider the order of how you present your projects. Don’t simply show the latest thing you worked on. Display projects that relate closely to what you want to do.” – Denise Borges
Kitty echoes that sentiment, explaining that it’s wiser to focus on the types of projects that really excite you and bring out your best.
“Don’t include work that you don’t want to pursue – so if you hate packaging, for example, you probably don’t want to include that. Only curate your best work that you are passionate about; your enthusiasm will translate to a much more compelling presentation.” – Kitty Moujaes
If you’re looking for more portfolio pointers, I strongly recommend that you check out our recent article on maintaining an amazing showcase for your work. (If you aren’t familiar with the S.T.A.R. method for framing your projects – which my colleagues and many of our Filterati swear by – you definitely don’t want to miss this read!).
4. “I don’t have much interview experience.”
Job interviews make almost all of us nervous, no matter how long we’ve been in the business, but I know that your first ones out of school can seem particularly daunting. Luckily there are many resources available to help you get ready – here’s a great one: my colleague Stephanie Falls provides a ton of practical, time-tested advice in her in-depth guide to preparing for and nailing your interview.
Denise says (and I definitely agree) that practice makes closer-to-perfect.
“Have someone help you do a mock interview. Go through a list of example behavioral interview questions to test your answers, and show them your portfolio to practice explaining your best projects. Doing a mock interview can help you get over your nervousness and quirks.” – Denise Borges
In addition, interviews can feel less intimidating when we remember that they put us in a position of power as well. Kitty explains that, as a candidate, you’re not the only one being evaluated.
“I think a huge misconception that young designers have is that an interview is a one-sided interrogation, a prospect that can leave them feeling powerless and anxious. However, it’s a two-way street, and it’s just as much an opportunity for you to learn about them. Asking good questions shows critical thought on your part, which is always an attractive quality in a prospective hire.” – Kitty Moujaes
If you’re interested in a specific role or company – even if you’re not (yet) a qualified candidate – requesting an informational interview can be a great way to go. Hiring managers are often happy to talk with recent graduates, so don’t be afraid to reach out. These experiences can provide valuable insight into what your ideal employers are looking for – and sometimes, they can even open the door to future job opportunities.
5. “Networking freaks me out.”
Making connections within your industry is arguably the best way to strengthen your career – both during your current job search and in the long term. Networking may feel uncomfortable at first, but remember that it’s not really a matter of “small talk” or self-promotion; it’s all about being your authentic self and having a genuine interest in what’s going on in your field.
Networking may feel uncomfortable at first, but remember that it’s not really a matter of “small talk” or self-promotion; it’s all about being your authentic self and having a genuine interest in what’s going on in your field.
Kitty has a message for the shy folks out there: even if you’re not a social butterfly, you can still network like a pro.
“The word ‘networking’ can have some stressful connotations, but I’ve found over the years that it isn’t actually that bad. You’re not the only person experiencing discomfort at the idea of working a room and exchanging contact information; you’re not alone! Just get out there, be yourself, and talk to somebody – I promise you won’t explode.” – Kitty Moujaes
Go to meetups, portfolio showings, educational events (like Filter’s Lunch + Learns), and other places where like-minded professionals gather; talk to new people and follow up with the contacts you make. And of course, Hattie reminds us, “don’t be that guy who writes your website and contact information on a drink napkin – always bring your business cards!”
Your networking efforts shouldn’t end once you’ve landed a job. Though she’s settled into her new gig, Denise continues to participate in many industry meetups “to keep learning about the latest and greatest things in UX design.” Networking isn’t a one-off obligation but an opportunity to stay sharp and stay connected throughout your career journey.
Today, a lot of networking happens online; so in addition to in-person interactions, leverage your digital footprint and personal brand to broadcast a strong, cohesive message about who you are, what you’re passionate about, and how others benefit from working with you.
6. “My dream job seems out of reach.”
Your first job out of school may not be the perfectly matched, high-paying gig you’ve been hoping for – and that’s not a bad thing. This is the time to lay the foundation for what’s going to be a long and exciting career: building up your resume, proving your work ethic, and making strong connections.
This is the time to lay the foundation for what’s going to be a long and exciting career: building up your resume, proving your work ethic, and making strong connections.
Yes, there will be discouraging days during your job search – but keep on trucking. Patience and perseverance, Denise believes, are the keys to making it through this sometimes-difficult time.
“Be patient and push forward when times get tough. It’s definitely not always easy trying to find the right job for you. It’s okay to try new things and fail. If you push through the difficult times and work hard, you’ll definitely get closer to finding your dream job.” – Denise Borges
Though I advise recent grads to be somewhat flexible in what jobs they take on during this stage, never forget that you deserve (and should be working toward) what we at Filter call Job Fitness: a role that aligns with your strengths, interests, and lifestyle, and that brings out your best work… making both you and your boss happy! And ultimately, you can only achieve that goal by staying true to who you really are, both as a professional and an individual. Kitty sums it up perfectly:
“At the end of the day, there really is no one like you; think of this as a competition in uniqueness that you’ve already won. Employers are hiring people, not portfolios; so whether you’re in an interview, at a networking event, or designing your personal website, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine.
Your individuality is what’s going to set you apart, so find the things that define you and do them justice. Save yourself the frustration of trying to be someone that you’re not, and just be the best you that you can possibly be.” – Kitty Moujaes
As a recent graduate, your ideal job may be bit farther down the road; but these tips will help set you a course to get there, one challenging and exciting step at a time.
