Graduating Soon? Here’s How You Can Stand Out to Employers

What makes a job candidate stand out to future employers? 

In a job market marked by strong competition, employers are placing less emphasis on degree titles and university prestige. Instead, they increasingly prioritize whether candidates can present evidence of the skills that drive strong performance.

Recent employer surveys rank curiosity, analytical thinking, and creativity among the most in-demand skills. Graduate students routinely develop these abilities during their program through advanced research, complex problem solving, teaching, and collaborative projects. The challenge lies in communicating this development in a clear and compelling way.

Students can begin by carefully reading job descriptions to identify the technical and transferable skills that appear most frequently. Align your materials by showcasing specific examples of how you’ve applied those skills in research, data analysis, project management, teaching, or collaborative work. Demonstrating a clear connection between your experience and the position’s requirements can greatly increase your chances of advancing in the hiring process.

As the semester approaches its final weeks, now is a valuable time to pause and assess your career readiness, especially for those preparing to graduate. Taking proactive steps now can help you enter the job market with confidence and a competitive edge. 

Here's how you can start:

• Visit the Career Services Resources page for tools that can help you develop and translate your skills for future employers.
• Schedule a career advising appointment to refine your materials, explore job search strategies, or prepare for interviews.

• Submit your resume/CV, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile for personalized feedback from a Career Services staff member. Please allow 5 to 7 business days for feedback.

   

Looking for guidance on your next steps? 

Book an appointment with the Career services team