Class of 2024 - Are you ready for what's coming next?

by Rebecca Mooliesingh | 5 April 2024

University Graduates (and Current Students)

Your big day is nearing! The end of one chapter and the exciting, new, scary beginning of another, on to the World of Work. Have you started preparing for the next steps after graduating? Are you going to take a gap year and travel the world or are you aiming for immediate employment?

If your answer is the latter, then this article will help you get ready, from now. Yes, that's right. Even though you may have quite a few months until your final exam and graduation date, now is the time to invest in job hunting and building valuable connections with recruiters and professionals of impact.

You should start applying for jobs by March 2024, which gives you an average of 3-months before the hiring season for graduates and current university students begins.

Here are 3 tips that can help you get your foot in the door from now:

1. Sit and think- 

• What will be your ideal 'stepping stone' job based on your qualifications and experience?

• What organization and industry are your first preferences? Do some research, make a list of the positions and companies of interest that you would like to target.

• Take note of companies that offer Graduate Internships. If you're not good at resume writing, ask for help.

• Reach out to your University student services department, make a connection on LinkedIn who can help you or use a free online resource.

2. Update and tailor your resume- ensure you update your resume with your final projects duties and skills, extracurricular activities, any leadership roles held while at University, internship and volunteer experiences.

3. Become visible -

• Make a list of popular job boards like Jobs | Recruit Caribbean and create a profile on as many reputable job boards as you can.

• Create a dynamic and memorable LinkedIn Profile.

• Upload your updated resume on the job board and actively apply to suitable jobs. This is important because recruiters go over to these job boards to filter through resumes and contact candidates directly from there. You want to be part of that easily accessible pool.

Following these steps increases your chances of being ahead of the game, being in the early batch of applicants and getting you an internship or job.

It is imperative you remain proactive, dedicated and passionate, to reduce your chances of long term unemployment after graduating.

These tips are applicable to current students and those interested in applying for valuable, vacation internships within reputable organizations.

Current students should start reaching out to companies and searching job boards Jobs | Recruit Caribbean actively for vacation internships. Begin to do so by February, 2024 for internships that may begin in June/July. 

Keep actively looking for postings

The job market can seem saturated and may be tough. It may also seem like there is an inundation of candidates and few positions but proactivity is key.

So, let's get this done! The sooner you start to invest in job hunting, the more opportunities come your way.

What are you waiting on (other than your certificate)?

Stand out and give recruiters on Jobs | Recruit Caribbean a reason to look your way instead of the other applicant. 

The #Recruit #Caribbean team wishes you the best of luck!!

Look out for more tips on the "how to's" of the job application process and career planning The Importance of Career Planning and Online Presence for Job Seekers | Recruit Caribbean