#JobSearch : How New Graduates Can Stand Out In Today’s Competitive Job Market. Got Kids? Great REad for ALL!

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Universities in the United States are graduating an estimated two million students this month–primarily dominated by undergrads. While some of this spring’s graduates have already secured employment, most are mass-applying for open positions.

To stand out in the crowded entry-level applicant pool, follow these five practical tips for landing a job.

Be Strategic In Your Job Applications

Instead of submitting as many applications as possible, take time to develop a strategy. Working from a plan conserves energy and effort by ensuring increased organization, focus and clarity.

  1. Consider allowing yourself a realistic timeline, such as a 60-day plan. If you need more time, revise the strategy as needed and start again.
  2. Set a job search routine. Designate a consistent number of daily hours to achieve a weekly goal. For example, allocate Monday through Friday between 9 am and 2 pm, allowing for breaks and lunch, with the goal to submit at least five targeted applications weekly. Focus on specific industries most likely to offer the positions you seek.
  3. Customize each resume and cover letter.
  4. Create a spreadsheet or use an AI tool like Notion to track applications, follow-up times and other outreach and network building.

 

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Build Your Professional Network

One advantage that mid- and later-career workers have over those just entering the job market is more time to establish a network. For new graduates, allocating time and energy to growing a relevant circle of acquaintances is especially important. Hands down, personal referrals lead to more job opportunities than online applications. Here are a few creative ways to meet new contacts who may happily support your job search.

  1. Community activities are good for your mental and physical health, keeping you at your best during the stress of job hunting. These community-focused, inclusive gatherings are also an invaluable asset for networking. Consider rock climbing, martial arts, ultimate frisbee or pickleball meet-ups to meet new connections. Remember that not every valuable resource will be employed. Meeting a partner, daughter, father or neighbor of someone on the hunt for talent could be the key.
  2. Volunteer in the community, even when it doesn’t directly align with your job focus. For example, coaching children’s soccer is a great way to meet working parents. It’s also a great way to showcase leadership and team-building skills. VolunteerMatch.org showed 49,354 volunteer opportunities in Austin, Texas, for example.
  3. Social media can be a great way to connect with others who share your interests and passions. Do you love business and finance? Subscribe to the the Daily Bagel or Morning Brew, listen to all their weekly updates and post twice weekly on your favorite social media channel. LinkedIn is an excellent platform for building professional connections. Posting content you care about gets the attention of others who value the topic. Ask questions, run a survey or always engage with commenters. Don’t forget to comment on other people’s posts. People may not respond to a direct message, but many will respond to a well-intentioned, thought-provoking comment. Following companies and leaders who interest you and commenting on their posts, puts you on their radar.

Build Up Your Portfolio During The Job Search

Contract and fractional work can lead to permanent, full-time roles. Don’t hesitate to build your portfolio with intermittent opportunities while waiting for what you want.

  1. Use tools like Upwork for short and long-term projects across various skill sets, or Contra, which is ideal for creatives. These platforms also provide the opportunity to showcase sought-after soft skills such as reliability, communication style and relationship building.
  2. Learn more about soft skills and why employers are keen to recruit talent who demonstrate them.

Leverage AI As You Look For Jobs

Technology is constantly changing, and companies’ use of AI tools is no exception. Employers are increasingly implementing AI tools to streamline operations and increase productivity. Showing even basic knowledge and application of a few tools–many that have wide usage and appeal, can set you apart.

  1. Brainstorm leads and write better applications and cover letters (avoid copy and pasting!) using ChatGPT and Grammarly. Additionally, Youtube creators like ‘Tech with Lucy’ share free videos showing how AI can simplify the job-finding process.
  2. Practice interviewing. Even without AI, recording responses to record role or industry-specific interview questions can help identify nervous habits and opportunities for improved communication.
  3. Make learning and experimenting with AI tools part of your employment strategy, and share your experiences if an interview allows. This demonstrates ongoing curiosity and willingness to keep learning.

Upsell Your Value

If you are the product and your skills are add-ons, consider how to position yourself as offering much more than the job requirements. Highlight the intersection and transferability of additional skills to highlight versatility and differentiate yourself from others.

  1. Add this upsell language to your cover letter, as well as LinkedIn.
  2. When you score an interview, include relevant examples in practice. It’s perfectly acceptable to use a school-related activity as a proof model.
  3. Skill transferability also opens the door for applying for positions outside of one’s primary area of study. Once in the door, set a path to where you want to be.

New graduates may fear competing in the job market, but perspective matters. According to a March 2025 U.S. jobs report, more than three million workers voluntarily quit their jobs in the first three months of the year. Almost two million more left involuntarily. So even with two million fresh graduates in May, that’s not enough to replace the open positions created in the first quarter of this year. Moreover, many of these graduates attended school part-time and are already employed.

 

Forbes.com | May 25, 2025 | Sheila Callaham