How do I get my first job out of university?
<div class="user-question">HELP! I just graduated from University of Florida and I'm freaking out😭 Most of my friends have already secured their jobs, but I'm now moving back home because I can't find a job. I'm not sure what's happening but I'm not even getting any interviews.. Is it my CV? I don't really have too much experience because of Covid so I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to be putting in there. Do you have any recommendations how to write a CV when you're just trying to get your first job out of university? I'm ideally looking for an entry level marketing position and I'm aiming to get a starting salary of around 45k / year.</div>
Hey everyone! My name is Kristina and I'm a part of the Frich team as a personal finance expert. You haven't heard from me here (yet) but you'll be hearing a lot more from me in the future. Anyways, enough about me! Let's get to today's question⬇️
Sex and The City said it best when SJP said “We’re always looking for a job, a boyfriend, or an apartment”. I may not be able to help you with the last two, but I’m here to help give you tips on entering the job market. Crafting a resume that stands out is crucial for securing coveted job interviews and internship positions. Today I'll help you build a resume that not only captures your academic and professional journey but also positions you as an indispensable asset to potential employers.
Highlight Relevant Courses and Projects
Start with emphasizing technical courses and projects, particularly those that align with the job or internship you are applying for. For instance, if you are eyeing a role in marketing, list courses like Digital Marketing or Data Analysis and detail capstone projects. This demonstrates not only your knowledge but also your practical skills in applying what you have learned. Since you’re applying for a marketing role, highlight your own personal social media, any initiatives you’ve done with your friends and include KPIs (yes attending a PR trip can be a great resume highlight if you can demonstrate how much content you took!)
Showcase Your Role as a Leader
While teamwork is essential, employers also look for individuals who can drive results. Instead of using phrases like "helped in" or “supported”, frame your experiences to highlight your direct contributions. For example, "Led collegiate chess team of 25 to nationals" or “ lead team of 4 for capstone marketing project “ showcases leadership and impact more effectively than merely stating you “assisted in creating a new project” or “participated in x club”. Here is an example taken from my resume: As you can see, I put my work experience as a leader and also used an active voice when describing the results:
List Both Paid and Unpaid Internships
All experiences are valuable, especially when you are starting out. Make sure to list both paid and unpaid internships to provide a full picture of your work history. Even roles in non-profit or lower visibility firms add to your experience and skills palette. Take a look at my example:
I added examples of an unpaid position at Texas Hillel. Although it had nothing to do with my career, this showed leadership skills and transferable skillsets as a leader.
Utilize Your Experience as a Blogger, Content Creator, Club Leader, Volunteer
Being a blogger or a content creator is not just a hobby; it’s a transferable skill set. Volunteering or even leading a small club or being an ambassador shows diversity and a robust skillset. Highlighting these experiences can be especially useful if you are applying to roles that require robust communication skills, content management, or lots of moving pieces.
Take a look at my own example with my social media page:
I started Femme Finance as a content creator for fun, but now it is the first item under my professional experience because many tech clients need content creators despite my more technical engineering experience. Do not discount the work you do for fun ( including TikTok!) because you never know who will need those skill sets.
Technical Proficiency and Extracurricular Activities
Include a section dedicated to your technical skills, such as familiarity with programming languages (Python, Java, JavaScript), database management (SQL), tools (Google Adword, Facebook Analytics), and even languages for my international students. And Yes, knowing how to use cap cut, Instagram reels, Tik Tok green screens are also technical skills to list if it is relevant to your industry! Additionally, don't shy away from listing extracurricular activities where you held leadership roles, like being a captain of a sports team or a coordinator for university events, as these demonstrate your ability to manage, lead, and collaborate.
Honors, Awards, and Certifications
Any distinctions or awards received during your academic and extracurricular tenure should also find a place on your resume. Whether it's being a finalist in a hackathon or receiving a scholarship for academic excellence, such recognitions tell the story of a driven, committed, and competitive individual. For example, I won a scholarship Pageant as Miss Manhattan and included that in my resume because it showcases my speaking ability, poise and ability to speak with clients, and overall interests in performing arts.
Formatting and Clarity
Keep your resume layout professional and easy to read; use bullet points to break down activities and tasks under each role or project. A clear, concise, and well-formatted resume not only looks professional but also makes it
Here's a template that I used for my own resume, when I was just starting out!
Good luck! xx,
Kristina
Btw - here's how others are doing👀
We know you might feel like you're the only one moving back home because you're struggling to find a job, so we went through our data base to pull out some insights on how most Frichies are doing when it comes to job search!
Which one of these stresses you out the most?
💼36% The trajectory of my career and salary
Is your job / internship in the same area as your studies?
👏9% Yes, I’m doing exactly what I studied!
🤔36% Kinda? Not sure...
😅55% No, not at all
