The transition from student to professional can be overwhelming. Claudia Edith Resendez, an experienced employment specialist and career coach, offered valuable insight into recent graduates' most common mistakes when looking for their first job and how they can prepare for career success.

FAILING TO PLAN AHEAD

One of the most significant mistakes new graduates make is assuming that the job search begins after they've completed their studies. According to Resendez, this is far from the truth.

'Within the programs, students start only knowing a few branches. It would be best if students did their number one market research in that period. Secondly, they should look for volunteers so you can identify what you like,' Resendez explained.

Resendez emphasized that the preparation for your career should start as soon as you enter your program.

'The clock is ticking since you start your first day of school. Talk to your teachers. Sometimes, students don't even show up in class; I don't know how they pass; the exams will be excellent, but the professor is your first point of reference to refer you.”

Establishing connections with professors and attending career workshops provided by the school can lay the groundwork for future job opportunities. Unfortunately, many students overlook these resources.

'I'm involved in many of those and realize participation is meagre. Suppose the college has 3,000 students or more; six, seven, or 20 students are showing up. In that case, you get to those workshops,' Resendez noted, highlighting the missed opportunities for those who do not engage in these preparatory activities to implement the resume or cover letter.

UNDERESTIMATING THE POWER OF INTERNSHIPS

Whether paid or unpaid, internships are often a stepping stone to permanent employment. However, Resendez said that many graduates need to maximize these opportunities.

'A lot of these companies are looking for those people who are doing their training or studying,' Resendez said. However, the key is fully committing to the internship, regardless of the pay or prestige. 'If you go and do your internship lazily, you're not giving everything you should give at that moment and in the end, you know that you wasted your time there.”

Graduates also need to be strategic about their chosen programs, particularly those that offer co-op placements or other forms of hands-on experience.

'The other is that I see many people looking for a program that doesn't have co-op because they don't finish them,' Resendez said, underscoring the importance of practical work experience in today's competitive job market.

LETTING EGO GET IN THE WAY

Another common pitfall for recent graduates is letting ego influence their job search. Resendez has encountered many who feel entitled to certain positions or salaries right out of school.

'It's not that you don't deserve it; it's that an enormous shark is going to come along, that is, a person with more experience and knowledge who is going to take that merit away from you,' Resendez said, reminding graduates that the job market is highly competitive.

Resendez advised graduates to remain open to the first opportunity that comes their way, even if it doesn't align perfectly with their expectations.

'I would take the first opportunity they give me, and it doesn't matter if it's not the salary I'm looking for now because I know I am entering the job market. I always see it as a judo battle where one makes things fall by one's strength, so I'm going to enter that place because they have already allowed me to be there, and I'm going to do all the networking possible,' Resendez explained.

Resendez also stressed the importance of carefully evaluating each opportunity.

'The answer here is to evaluate your profile and what you want. Since the labour market is very complicated right now,' Resendez said. Graduates must weigh the risks of holding out for the perfect job against the benefits of gaining experience.

NEGLECTING LINKEDIN

In today's digital age, having a solid online presence is crucial for job seekers, yet many graduates need to pay more attention to their LinkedIn profiles or use them effectively.

'It's not about publishing, it's about networking,' Resendez said, emphasizing the need for a well-thought-out profile that reflects the individual's achievements and career goals.

Resendez advised graduates to focus on the basics.

'First, it's who you are, where you want to go, and what image you want to project.'

Once the profile is solid, actively engaging with the platform is the next step.

'Start interacting with people; you don't even have to make posts,' Resendez suggested.

Many job seekers shy away from posting on LinkedIn because they fear they are not 'experts' enough. However, Resendez reassured them that LinkedIn is a platform for professionals at all stages.

'Nobody cares that you're an expert,' Resendez said.

Instead, the goal is to make connections and build a network supporting your job search.

AVOIDING ENTRY-LEVEL POSITIONS

A final mistake Resendez highlighted is the reluctance to apply for entry-level positions.

'The mistake is to think that you have no experience and not to look for suitable positions,' Resendez said.

Many graduates need to pay more attention to the value of starting at the bottom and working their way up, often because they believe they are too qualified for these roles. However, Resendez encourages graduates to use entry-level positions as a stepping stone.

'Get into the company, and inside, you do the magic, show your studies, and network,' Resendez advised.

The key is gaining experience as soon as possible, even in school. Resendez said it's never too early to build your resume.

'It's a lack of preparation and knowledge, and you can't get work experience while studying. Because it's possible, it's possible, and you have it a little easier than other people,' Resendez said.

Navigating the job market as a recent graduate is undoubtedly challenging, but avoiding these common mistakes can make the process smoother and more successful.