A Letter to Upcoming College Graduates From Fuel Talent’s CEO

Dear Upcoming College Graduates, 

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! Here is some advice after almost 30 years of recruiting. These are ways to set yourself apart from the competition and stand out to hiring managers.

Stay current on job market trends:

Before starting your job search, ensure you understand the market and the top industries currently hiring. According to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare, and technology are among the fastest-growing industries in the United States. 

Tailor your resume and cover letter:

You should tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for. Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds of applications for a single position, so it's crucial for you to stand out from the crowd. According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 58% of hiring managers said they would be more likely to consider a candidate who customized their resume for the specific job they applied for. If you haven’t had a ton of corporate experience, find ways that your current experience translates. When you interview, you can reference your experience in any leadership position, such as a club, to showcase things like attention to detail, ability to organize information, and handle complex financial modeling. Another example would be if you have been a nanny, worked on a fishing boat, or worked in a service industry role, you can highlight your work ethic, attitude, and grit.  Many of these roles above can translate into having front-facing exposure to customer service which translates to every industry and role. Be sure to include any team experience you have had as well, whether this includes being an athlete, in a club, or participating on a team.

Leverage your network:

You should utilize your personal and professional network in your job search. According to a survey by LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. I want you to reach out to your professors, alumni network, family friends, and industry contacts for job leads and referrals. 

Connect online:

Many online job boards are available that can help with your search. Some that I recommend include Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Additionally, I would track what is going on by reading GeekWire and Puget Sound Business Journal since you are looking in Seattle - you will learn about companies being funded and people moving companies, etc. Use this as an opportunity to reach out and congratulate them. Once you get some experience and have 3+ years in the job market, you can use a recruiter.

Prepare for interviews:

Once you get interview requests, ensure you are overly prepared. Research the company and the job you are applying for, and practice answering common interview questions. The next level of preparation is to research the competitors, the person you will be meeting, and review their Glassdoor and overall mission, culture, about us, story, etc. According to a survey by Glassdoor, the average interview process in the United States takes 23.8 days, so stay patient and persistent. 

Dress for success:

You want to dress professionally for every interview. Dress somewhat according to the industry so if it is an investment bank, wear a suit; if it is a startup, don’t wear a suit, and don’t wear ripped jeans and a sweatshirt. Land somewhere in between. Always good to again look on Glassdoor and the website to get a sense of the company culture.

Stay positive:

It’s important to stay positive and persistent throughout your job search. A survey by Monster states that it takes the average job-seeker 5 months to find a job. I want to remind you that rejection is a normal part of the job search process, and you should continue to learn from each interview and application. One thing that has helped candidates in the past has been to take notes directly following the interview so that you can keep clear-headed about how you feel about the opportunity and make notes about specific things discussed.

Stand out:

Write a personal thank you note to each person you meet. This gives you a chance to stand out by referencing the specific discussion points and re-iterating your interest and qualifications. 

I hope you have a ton of fun finding great opportunities that align with your goals. My thoughts around the first job out of school are that you should choose a company that interests you, working with people that inspire you. Don’t get too hung up on money or title- the rest will follow. Your job right now is to prove yourself.

Wishing you the Best,

Shauna Swerland