9 Tools You’re Definitely Going to Need When Building Your Post-Grad Resume
It’s time to talk about your post-grad resume. I know time flies, but it’s okay. You’re on your unique timeline and everything will work out!
I have had my fair share of resume do’s and don’ts over the years. However, I was able to learn a thing or two on how to build a competitive resume. Not only did I use the power of Google to construct it, but I also thought outside the box when searching for support and guidance throughout this process. So, let’s go ahead and get started on the nine tools you are going to need when building your post-grad resume.
University Resources
Yup, you read that right. If you do your research, most universities have a Career Services Center where you can make an appointment to speak with career counselors about your resume, CV, LinkedIn and more. Most of these career centers also allow students to continue using their services up to a year after graduation. All you must do is keep your ID card, call ahead and go from there.
Resume Templates
Personally, resume templates from Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Canva have been very helpful for me, giving me a sense of direction on how I want to outline my experiences, skills, honors and awards, etc. I wouldn’t say you should copy and paste directly from these platforms because then you won’t be able to make it your own and truly highlight your strengths. However, use them to your advantage to develop an eye-catching framework, so the hiring manager will want to keep reading your resume after seven seconds.
Research
My resilient first-gen graduate, you are literally an expert at this. You spent most of your studies researching and learning material to pass your classes. If you can do that, you can most definitely research the companies you would like to work for. It is important that you research the different roles and responsibilities of the company. That way you can figure out how to make your skills correlate with the skills needed for your future role. Remember, you want to stand out as much as possible; the more research, the better.
YouTube
I’m serious! After you figure out what role you want to apply to, you will want to learn from an expert who already has experience working in that field. It’ll give you the upper hand because you will gain insight into what to expect from that role. Also, you can find out if you don’t want to apply to that position or company anymore. Then you can continue working on your resume to cater to a different role that suits you better!
Grammarly
Having extra support when it comes to your writing and editing skills is a huge plus. You’re human, when we spend a lot of time on our screens, reading the same thing repeatedly, it can get overwhelming. I honestly don’t know what I would do without Grammarly. It has been a huge help for me with my most recent resume and cover letter submissions.
This is my favorite section, and it is important to understand how LinkedIn is essential to your resume-building process. When your resume is nice and neat on your Word document, you will want to hyperlink your LinkedIn profile to your contact information section. Not only will it have you stand out, but it will allow recruiters to learn more about you at the click of a button. You will want to keep your LinkedIn up to date and add a professional headshot picture.
Although your graduation pictures are stunning, I would highly recommend not using those in your LinkedIn headshot. You want employers to see you as a well-rounded professional candidate with all the skills needed to succeed in the role, which you do! If you need assistance capturing your professional moment, contact Miguel Maravilla Mendoza at mmaravillaphotography@gmail.com, a fellow first-gen photographer for all professional headshot needs!
Indeed or Glassdoor
I kept this section separate from LinkedIn, but you can use all these platforms to apply for jobs. With Indeed and Glassdoor, I want you to pay attention to the keywords that are used to describe the essential roles of each job position you are interested in. That way, you can add the keywords that align best with your skills onto your resume. Most employers use resume filters to sift out resumes throughout the hiring process when important keywords aren’t mentioned and vice versa.
Affirmations
As a first-generation Latina, affirmations and words of encouragement play a huge role in boosting my confidence. I already know I have the professional and social skills needed to be considered a competitive job applicant, but sometimes I don’t make myself sound as outstanding on paper. It happens to the best of us! This is why I highly advise that while you continue building your resume, write your self-affirmations in a cute journal, then say them out loud to yourself. Preferably in front of a mirror so you can feel all the self-love. The job-hunting process can take some time, so be kind to yourself!
Accountability Buddy
Again, we know you are fantastic and have the desired skill set for these positions. Now make sure you have an accountability buddy. It can be your parent or friend who you can check in with frequently to talk about your job-hunting process. A lot of the time it helps having someone to talk to when you are going through new experiences. Holding in your thoughts and feelings never really works out because you become more stressed. So yes, sharing is good!
Bonus: Career Coach
I couldn’t help myself—I had to include a bonus because job-hunting can be overwhelming. It’s nice to know what tools you could use to help! Two years after I graduated from undergrad, I wanted to change career roles to explore new options. I was applying but was not getting any new job offers. I was feeling discouraged and that’s when I came across Melba Tellez’s Career Coach Services at www.mujeresontherise.com. We rearranged a meeting and took a deep dive into my resume to see what could be adjusted or taken out! After my first few sessions, I landed a better paying position in the school district I was applying to!
I am so excited for your new job-hunting adventure, and I would love to know how it’s going. If you are open to sharing, please don’t hesitate to email me at hola@cafeconestrellita.com If it’s okay with you, I would be honored to share your message on an upcoming podcast episode.
Con mucho amor y cariño,
Your Estrellita
