How graduates can stand out in a job search: Tips to help you land your first career break

Stepping into the job market for the first time is daunting to say the least. Where to start? Why aren’t my applications getting a response? After countless attempts, it can all seem very pointless and demoralising.

But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. With the right approach, you can stand out even without years of experience, but you have to change how you approach the job market and get yourself out of your comfort zone to get noticed by the right people.

Here is how…

1. Tell Your Story, even if you think you don’t have one 

You may not have years of work experience, but you do have a story. Employers love a narrative; it helps them understand who you are beyond the bullet points and formality of a CV.

• What motivated you to choose your field of specialism?
• What have you done so far that you're proud of? (including non-work-related things)
• What excites you about the industry you want to work in?
• This doesn’t have to be a novel; just a few solid sentences in your CV and cover letter can make you memorable and personalise you to the reader.

2. Build a simple but strong online presence

A clear, professional online footprint shows employers you’re engaged and proactive.

• Keep your LinkedIn profile tidy, updated, and personable.
• If relevant, showcase projects or code snippets on GitHub.
• Consider a small personal portfolio site, even a single-page site, will help!
• Keep the social pages neutral, and don’t feature photos of you drunk at a party (you get the idea).  
• You don’t need to be everywhere. Just choose one or two platforms that suit the career you’re aiming for.

3. Network without formality and awkwardness

Networking doesn’t mean forcing uncomfortable small talk in crowded rooms. It can be simple, natural, and even enjoyable.

Try:

• Joining industry groups online, there are plenty on LinkedIn.
• Attend low-pressure events like career fairs and webinars.
• Reach out to people who inspire you with a brief, friendly message
• Most professionals want to help new graduates, and remember they’ve been exactly where you are now.

4. Show you’re a learner, not just a job seeker

A growth mindset is one of the most attractive traits for a first-job candidate.

You can demonstrate this by:

• Completing short online courses.
• Sharing what you’re learning.
• Talking about challenges you’ve solved.
• Asking thoughtful questions during interviews.
• You don’t need dozens of certifications; just show curiosity and a willingness to learn more.

5. Customise your applications 

You don’t need to rewrite your CV from scratch every time, but small tweaks here and there could make the difference between the interview reject pile.

Try tailoring:

• Your opening summary with a few words that resonate with the hirer’s values and needs.
• A few bullet points that reflect the skills and behaviours in the job description.
• One sentence in your cover letter showing why you should be hired and what you can do for the employer.
• These small but very important changes can make all the difference from the employer’s perspective.
• Remember, employers are only interested in what’s in it for them, so make sure you speak their language.

6. Let your personality come through

You’re not a robot, and your application shouldn’t read like one.

Friendly, clear language is often more effective than overly formal writing. People buy from people, and employers hire people they want to work with, not just people who “tick boxes.”

7. Don’t underestimate the power of following up

A simple thank-you message after you make an application or attend an interview can set you apart from many other candidates.

It shows:

• Professionalism
• Respect
• Genuine interest in the role
• It’s a tiny gesture with a massive impact

8. Be proactive

You don’t have to wait around for a job to crop up to get one.

Often, taking a proactive approach and reaching out to prospective employers can be just as, if not more effective.

Senior managers and directors love people who show initiative by communicating in person, and in today’s world of emails and messages, you’ll be one of the few actually doing it.

Yes, it’s going to take you outside your comfort zone, but like riding a bike, the more you do it, the easier it gets.

9. Stay positive, even when it’s tough

Looking for your first job is hard and can be stressful, and rejection hurts. But reflecting on every rejection will help you learn, sharpen your skills, and refine your approach for the next time, nudging you closer to the “yes” you have been striving for.

To sum up

Standing out doesn’t mean you have to be the loudest, the most experienced, or the most qualified. It means being authentically you, showing enthusiasm, taking initiative, and demonstrating that you’re ready to learn and grow,

By putting in the effort, you will get something amazing back!!