CAREFUL PREPARATION

MAKE AN EFFORT WITH YOUR RESUME

A solid resume is the first step to finding a first full-time job or co-op position.

To lend credibility to your application, you should present your background in a clear and coherent manner, focusing on your professional experience, your education, and everything you know how to do outside of work!

As a matter of fact, according to a survey conducted by Miratech, recruiters only spend on average about 40 seconds on each resume they receive! Given that they receive hundreds of applications, the goal is to stand out from the crowd! Remember to adapt your resume to the job and the company you are applying to and include everything that makes you different from other applicants. Maybe your soft skills set you apart (90% of recruiters focus more on behavioral skills than on technical skills), or maybe your mad skills will help get you noticed.

And, of course, be sure to include your contact details and important information in an easy-to-read, easy-to-find format.

TAKE YOUR TIME WHEN WRITING YOUR COVER LETTER

Even if not all recruiters read cover letters, this step should not be overlooked, as 73% of recruiters interviewed still felt they were important. Also, if your resume grabs a recruiter’s attention, there is a very good chance he or she will be reading your cover letter too.

• And if you want your cover letter to catch his eye, here are some tips to remember:
• Structure your paragraphs correctly - don’t fall into the trap of trying too hard to prove your abilities;
• Be clear, concise, and relevant - one page is usually enough;

Believe in yourself and be confident in your knowledge and your abilities. Feel free to mention specific projects that you’ve been involved with in past work experiences or in your personal life.
 

6 TIPS TO HELP YOU ASSERT YOURSELF

BE PREPARED

Preparation is an important step! This is when you will decide where you want to work and what your expectations are. This is also the time to research the average salary for the position you are targeting (and don’t forget that expected salary is always expressed in gross pay). Being well prepared will, firstly, allow you to negotiate effectively, and secondly, better understand the figures connected to the industry and the companies you are applying to.

SHOW YOUR WORTH

Although it can sometimes be difficult to stand out in an entry-level position, don’t hesitate to demonstrate the added value you can bring to the position and the company. A new, fresh perspective, your experience, and the up-to-date skills you possess as a recent graduate are all valuable assets!

TALK ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT AND YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION

Be sure to ask for the job description so that you understand the tasks and responsibilities that will be assigned to you. It’s a good idea to go over everything during an initial interview as soon as you’ve been recruited. If you want, you can also ask about the atmosphere at work because that’s important too!

COMMUNICATE!

When you start a position, you might find that many companies can abuse their position of power and exploit the skills of young employees without giving credit where credit is due. As is often the case, however, clear communication is the key! Make sure you voice your expectations in terms of management during annual performance reviews or during regularly scheduled meetings.

BUILD TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS

Coming into a company as a recent graduate can be rough going for a while. Experienced professionals will all say the same thing – they too started out handling basic tasks that weren’t very rewarding, but they were able to prove their worth through perseverance. As you gain your manager’s trust, he or she will be more apt to assign you more challenging work in the future. Put your ego to the side for the moment and show your boss he or she can trust you by creating new opportunities for yourself to shine.

SET LIMITS

If, after a while, you feel that the position isn’t a good fit for you or that you are being undervalued, talk to your direct manager or the HR manager. If you can’t find some common ground, start looking elsewhere! There are lots of companies that recognize the value of recruiting recent graduates where you can thrive!

A RECENT GRAD – WITH EXPERIENCE!

Is it possible to enter the job market as a recent graduate who already has significant professional experience? Yes! That’s the clear advantage of cooperative education programs that bring together theoretical education and practical application of skills in a professional setting. This is why Groupe IGENSIA Education (formerly Groupe IGS) has been committed since its creation to promoting co-op programs and successful transition into the workforce.