Are you just out of college and looking for a job? If so, here’s some good news: Job openings are almost at an all-time high of 11.3 million. Plus, U.S. employers plan to hire 32% more new college graduates from the class of 2022 than they hired from the class of 2021, according to a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
On the flip side, as of March 2022, 41.4% of recent college grads were actually in jobs that don’t require a degree, according to a recent analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. So when looking for a job this autumn and winter, you’ll need to have a few tricks up your sleeve to ensure you’re at the top of the pile to get the best jobs.
Having top-notch skills and qualifications is the best route to getting a great job, but if you can’t get those in front of an employer, you’ll never even get to the interview stage. So, how can you ensure that your resume hits all the right notes, and lands at the top of a hiring manager’s inbox instead of falling into a black hole and never being seen again?
Electronic gatekeepers
HR professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers are busy professionals, and many use what’s known as applicant tracking systems (ATS). In fact, 99% of large corporations use these systems, which act as “electronic gatekeepers.” These machines scan resumes and applications for specific and relevant keywords related to the job. This helps determine if your job application should be passed along to the recruiter.
You’ve guessed it: if you don’t use the keywords, your resume will enter the black hole of doom, and your application will go no further, even if, in reality, you are actually the best candidate for the job.
So what can you do? When reading a job application, take careful note of the skills required to do the role. Make sure that you include as many of these as keywords within your application as you can – as long as they match your capabilities, of course. The ATS software is literally looking to match like for like here, and if your application is a match, it’ll be sent on.
Additionally, avoid non-standard file formats or fancy templates which may become garbled. A Word document is best. Avoid embedding important information in graphics, charts, or tables, as it won’t be read. Instead, stick to plain text and present information in easy-to-scan bullet points.
If you’re ready to go ahead now and apply for a graduate job, we have three below worth checking out and plenty more on the GradCafe Job Board.
Software Engineer – Recent Graduate, PayPal, Chicago
The Software Engineer must have graduated within the past 12 months or will be graduating by spring 2023 with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science or related field from an accredited college or university.
Engineers solve some of the most complex technical problems in the world of connected payments across all business units, including PayPal, Braintree, Venmo, Paydiant, and others. You’ll work alongside the best and the brightest engineering talent in the industry, with opportunities in a wide range of areas, including development, design, search, platform, test, quality, big data, front end, and back end.
You’ll need a working knowledge of web technologies and a familiarity with any or multiple of the following: Node.js applications, Java, C++, Python, and an understanding of concepts like Web Services, SOA, REST APIs. Find out more here.
Siemens Graduate Program: Financial Analyst (Global Rotational Program for MS / MBA Graduates), Siemens, Plano
The Siemens Graduate Program offers an excellent springboard for a successful career with Siemens, in attractive roles helping you to design your career.
Over two years, you will run three result-oriented assignments, and one of your three rotations will include living abroad at one of Siemens’ 1,700 worldwide locations. You’ll also have an experienced mentor during the program as well as comprehensive and state-of-the-art training.
You’ll need an above-average Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the following fields of study: Finance, MBA, or a closely related field, as well as a strong background in data analytics, statistics, engineering, and software. Get full information here.
Leadership Track Graduate Program, Maple Leaf Foods, Mississauga
The Leadership Track Graduate Program is Maple Leaf Foods’ early leadership rotational development program for talented, driven, and ambitious graduates. Participants in this three-year rotational program will develop leadership and cross-functional expertise in preparation to be a future Maple Leaf Foods leader.
To apply, you’ll need to be in your final year at college, with a minimum of an overall B average, have a strong affiliation with Maple Leaf’s leadership values, an intense curiosity to learn key areas of the business, and be willing to relocate across Canada and the U.S. Get the full details here.
Discover hundreds more just-out-of-college job opportunities via the GradCafe Job Board
Kirstie works for our job board partner, Jobbio. Based in Dublin, she has been a writer and editor
across print and digital platforms for over 15 years.
