With June in full swing and July approaching, a new cohort of graduates is preparing to face a new world, that being the professional world and all of the uncertainties that accompany today’s job market.
My Positioning
Now that I am officially one year post-graduate, I have a lot more knowledge of this kind of journey. I feel inclined to spotlight a few specific tips that might help recent graduates navigate their own job-search journey.
One year ago, I thought I had a clear approach, path and target for my desired career. News flash: none of my progress has gone how I “planned.” And yet—I’m standing here employed and fulfilled!
I want to clarify, I’m speaking from the position of an English MA graduate currently working within communications. And though my advice may not be easily applicable to all fields and career paths, I believe my perspective as a semi-recent graduate can provide valuable insights into the reality of searching for a job.
Tip #1: Actively Using LinkedIn
While this isn’t an advertisement for LinkedIn, there is merit in recognizing that the platform has become integral in raising individuals’ professional visibility and creating opportunities for referrals. One of the common themes you’ll find throughout these five tips is the increased importance of becoming a unique applicant.
Creating and actively using a LinkedIn account proves to be one of the best tools for your professional growth. It connects you with dedicated professionals, demonstrates your professional experiences and skills clearly, and allows you to personalize your story.
Inc. recently reported that 89% of recruiters rely on LinkedIn for their talent acquisition, with many opting to search themselves for applicants instead of waiting for job-seekers to find them. This statistic alone shows how our digital innovation is becoming an increasingly integral part of our professional lives.
With some time and dedication, your LinkedIn account can effectively become a place where employers learn about who you are. Your professional experiences, what topics and trends you engage with, and how your personality and attitude can align with their company—details that might not be as apparent through a standard resume.
Tip #2: Creating and Sharing a Digital Portfolio
As I mentioned above, there are some fields and careers that may not benefit as much from these tips. However, digital portfolios are heavily favored in many industries where providing samples of your work, or otherwise illustrating your talents and achievements is a relevant part of your application.
You don’t have to be a coding or digital expert in order to make one either. There are many websites that offer free tools that help even the least tech-savvy people create their unique digital portfolios. Some of the most popular ones used in 2026 include Wix, Canva, Squarespace and Framer. With a little research, you can find which sites offer features that best complement your work.
Much like a LinkedIn account, a digital portfolio is an amazing additional resource alongside your resume that showcases the range of your talents and your biggest achievements to employers and recruiters. Standard components of a digital portfolio include your resume, a summary of your qualifications and skills, samples of your best work, and a point of contact.
At first, it may seem incredibly daunting to create a portfolio of your entire professional history. A recommended first step is looking at some examples of people working within your desired field. Gain an understanding of how they best advertise their projects and work, and follow in their footsteps.
Tufts University shared an article that reviews the importance of a portfolio and key points to help shape yours. Towards the end, they share some reliable resources for you to check out. For those of you interested in freelance work, a portfolio will be a great asset to highlight your best work. There, you can prove how you can deliver on a specific assignment or project.
Tip #3: Gaining Certifications
Continuing on the theme of bolstering your applications, certifications are another point of interest. When employers contemplate the individuals they want on their team, important distinctions are proven ability, motivation and engagement.
Certifications confirm your ability to complete tasks or possess specific skills and convey you are investing time into your industry. By earning a certificate, you are wordlessly explaining to an employer you are genuinely interested in your field. Additionally, that you are remaining current on important industry trends and skills.
Before taking the time to complete, or pay for access to a certification, do some research. Speak to professionals in your field about which certificates have aided their visibility, growth and success. It’s important that you spend your money and time carefully, and get certified from reputable institutions.
Tip #4: Making the Most of Your College Resources
Although you just graduated, that doesn’t necessarily mean your access to college-level resources has also ended. Many universities offer career resources and guidance to their alumni, especially those who have graduated within the past year.
Take the time to research whether your university offers career help to you as you become an alumni. Though this may not be the place for job referrals or opportunities, many universities hire professionals who can help you map out your beginning post-graduate steps.
In addition to providing a space for professional conversation and guidance, your university’s career services may include resume and cover letter review, and interview preparation. Crafting a perfect resume or cover letter can feel daunting, but it remains a fundamental piece of your professional life, and having yours reviewed by a career services professional can positively influence how your materials are viewed by employers.
For example, a cover letter is yet another valuable element of a well-rounded application. Many professionals now advise applicants to never skip out on adding a cover letter to their applications. A well-written cover letter can effectively communicate your experience, skills, and specific interest in a company. Equally important, it can also be a space to explain any gaps or changes in your resume. Otherwise, you might be leaving this up to the employer’s interpretation.
Tip #5: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Networking and Your Community
I know, “networking.” As I suffered through my own job search, I hated when people would stress the importance of networking to me. It took me some time to understand the value and learn a proper approach. But that’s because you truly have to put in the work to create a solid, dependable professional network for yourself.
LinkedIn, alumni resources, general online communities, friends, and family are all wonderful places for you to start building and expanding. When I was first advised to reach out to professionals in my industry, I remember feeling scared and bothersome. I needed to get over my fear of rejection, and understand not everyone will have the time to chat.
At the same time, there are many people who are available and willing to help. They can help you take those first steps in your professional development. One of my earlier calls with a friendly stranger helped me understand a more clear path towards a fulfilling career. Even if your networking doesn’t result in a referral or interview, you may learn more about career paths you would have otherwise never known.
I would advise you to look everywhere and speak to everyone, because you truly don’t know who might know who. As crazy as it sounds, my first freelance opportunity materialized when I was sitting in a dental patient chair and my dentist introduced me to a fellow patient who worked within my field! The more people who know you’re searching for a job, the better.
I Know It’s Not Easy
Despite compiling this information in an easy-to-read list of 5 tips, I understand firsthand that the current climate of the job market is unappealing, challenging and isolating. Even as I write this, I don’t have a solidified career path or a trick to finessing job applications. I myself went through a 9 month period of no tangible progress in my job search.
But after struggling through that time, and taking so many unexpected turns in my professional journey, I truly feel these are a handful of the things I wish I had known before I graduated. Treat my list as just a starting point, and know that the internet is your best resource for elevating your applications and professional persona. Good luck, graduates!
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