Struggling to get yourself noticed as a graduate? The excitement of graduating can quickly fade when the job application rejections start to come in.

The trouble is, you are up against a lot of other graduates when you apply for a job. Therefore, it’s important to make yourself stand out from the other applicants. Here, you’ll discover the best ways to get noticed as a graduate in order to snag your dream job.

Start networking

One of the best things you can do to increase your chances of standing out, is network. In business, it’s often not necessarily what you know, but who you know that matters.

You can network both online and offline. Use social media to meet influencers in your industry. LinkedIn is a particularly great site for networking. You can also attend networking events. Having high-quality business cards to hand out can boost your chances of standing out. It also ensures you won’t be forgotten after the event.

Gain useful industry insights

One way to stand out in an interview is to show you know the industry. So, when you’re asked, “Why do you want to work for this company?” for example, you can talk about the industry and how they are one of the leaders.

Watch podcasts and YouTube videos of experts in the field. See what issues it is currently facing. The more knowledge of the industry you develop, the more you’ll stand out during your interview. After all, a company would prefer to hire someone who is passionate about the industry, than someone who simply wants a job.

Take up new hobbies

Did you know that having hobbies outside of work can make you stand out? Employers want to know that you have a life outside of the working environment.

Ideally, the hobbies you have should provide some benefits in the industry you’re working in. For example, a position in sales is all about people skills. So, if you have a hobby where people skills are important, it’s going to improve your application.

Spruce up your social media

Finally, you’ll want to start sprucing up your social media before you apply for a job. These days, it isn’t uncommon for employers to search for candidates online. They pay attention to social media, particularly LinkedIn and other professional networks. So, update your pages to ensure they are attractive to potential employers.

These are some of the best tips you can follow to stand out as a graduate. Getting a degree doesn’t guarantee you a job. However, if you can find a way to stand out from your peers, you’ll have a much better chance of beating your competition.