Michelle Aikman is a Nationally Certified Résumé Writer and provides career consulting services through Skilled Assets. See her full bio below.
New graduates are fresh, full of energy, and see boundless opportunity in the world. So, why do I continue to hear this broken record?
New grads are the shiznit.
That’s right. I said it. I am an experienced professional myself and I just said that new grads rock. Why? … for all of the reasons stated in the first sentence.
New graduates are primed and ready to go without the external influences that shape us as we move forward in our careers and deal with some of the ugliness that exists out in the world.
But, experience matters.
Yes, new grads lack what most experienced professionals bring to the table – EXPERIENCE. Yes, experience builds our portfolio of tested capabilities. But, is it the most important aspect of what will enable us to be successful in our next role?
This point is arguable and one that you must make as a new grad since in today’s job market, you are competing with experienced professionals for your entry-level job.
Employers consider you different.
There is a reason why most large companies have a separate application process for new graduates and experienced professionals. New graduates do not usually have a track record established out in the professional world so employers must consider potential instead of experience.
Comparing the potential of two people may seem impossible since we are talking about future performance, but there is a science behind this comparison and selection process.
There is risk involved.
For this very reason, employers are attracted to someone with actual experience out in the professional workforce. They often use past experience as a solid indicator for predicting future performance.
But, I am the best bet.
Employers who recognize that betting on potential is sometimes a better choice than going with someone with experience, simply because they have experience, are employers worth considering. These are the employers that will seriously mull over what you have to offer them but they also need to be convinced.
Why should we hire you?
If you are the best bet, it is your responsibility to give them arguments and basis for choosing you over the experienced professionals. Being a new grad from a good school with good grades isn’t enough anymore.
Are you prepared to make that argument? If not, you may find yourself living in your parent’s basement staring at your beautifully framed diploma hanging on the concrete wall above your mattress sitting on the floor as you throw on your smock for work every day.
In the comments section, share reasons why you think a new grad is the best bet.
- “I graduated last year and started working at Staples until I found my first real job but here I am… still working at Staples.”
- “My son is driving me nuts! We just paid for his college and now here he is back at home ‘searching’ for a job. Help!”
- “I don’t understand… I went to a really good school and got good grades. Why can’t I get a decent job?”
New grads are the shiznit.
That’s right. I said it. I am an experienced professional myself and I just said that new grads rock. Why? … for all of the reasons stated in the first sentence.
New graduates are primed and ready to go without the external influences that shape us as we move forward in our careers and deal with some of the ugliness that exists out in the world.
But, experience matters.
Yes, new grads lack what most experienced professionals bring to the table – EXPERIENCE. Yes, experience builds our portfolio of tested capabilities. But, is it the most important aspect of what will enable us to be successful in our next role?
This point is arguable and one that you must make as a new grad since in today’s job market, you are competing with experienced professionals for your entry-level job.
Employers consider you different.
There is a reason why most large companies have a separate application process for new graduates and experienced professionals. New graduates do not usually have a track record established out in the professional world so employers must consider potential instead of experience.
Comparing the potential of two people may seem impossible since we are talking about future performance, but there is a science behind this comparison and selection process.
There is risk involved.
For this very reason, employers are attracted to someone with actual experience out in the professional workforce. They often use past experience as a solid indicator for predicting future performance.
But, I am the best bet.
Employers who recognize that betting on potential is sometimes a better choice than going with someone with experience, simply because they have experience, are employers worth considering. These are the employers that will seriously mull over what you have to offer them but they also need to be convinced.
Why should we hire you?
If you are the best bet, it is your responsibility to give them arguments and basis for choosing you over the experienced professionals. Being a new grad from a good school with good grades isn’t enough anymore.
Are you prepared to make that argument? If not, you may find yourself living in your parent’s basement staring at your beautifully framed diploma hanging on the concrete wall above your mattress sitting on the floor as you throw on your smock for work every day.
In the comments section, share reasons why you think a new grad is the best bet.
| Michelle Aikman, NCRW Lead Career Management Consultant Skilled Assets |
Member of the National Résumé Writing Association and Career Thought Leaders
Michelle Aikman empowers and equips high-performing professionals to advance their career, make difficult transitions, and experience fulfilling careers. She is one of only 38 writers worldwide to hold the coveted Nationally Certified Résumé Writer certification.
Skilled Assets provides premium career management services for professionals who are ready to reach the next step in their career and set themselves up for success now and in the future. The team also works with businesses and organizations to improve the hiring and career advancement process.
Have a question about life after college? Send Michelle your questions and she may feature it in a future article.
Michelle Aikman empowers and equips high-performing professionals to advance their career, make difficult transitions, and experience fulfilling careers. She is one of only 38 writers worldwide to hold the coveted Nationally Certified Résumé Writer certification.
Skilled Assets provides premium career management services for professionals who are ready to reach the next step in their career and set themselves up for success now and in the future. The team also works with businesses and organizations to improve the hiring and career advancement process.
Have a question about life after college? Send Michelle your questions and she may feature it in a future article.
