Looking for your first job or considering a career switch? Here’s how to get noticed by recruiters

Finding the right job opportunity can be challenging, whether you are looking for your first job or planning a career change. In today’s competitive job market, having relevant qualifications is important, but knowing how to present your skills, experience and potential to recruiters also matters.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with universities and organisations in different countries in international higher education, partnerships and consulting. I have also served as a Director of Career Services, worked as a faculty member and delivered training. These roles have given me different perspectives on career development as an educator, trainer, career services professional and someone who works with people and organisations internationally.

Recently, I attended “What Recruiters and Search Professionals Really Want,” organised by The Job Forum and sponsored by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce in the United States. I am currently in Australia, and opportunities like this help me continue learning from professionals in different markets. The session offered practical tips on LinkedIn, CVs, interviews, networking and the use of AI in recruitment. Here are a few takeaways that students, graduates and working professionals can apply.

Use LinkedIn effectively

LinkedIn is not just another social network. It is a professional platform with a different purpose from Facebook. Facebook is often used for family events, celebrations and everyday moments. LinkedIn, on the other hand, is a place to build your professional identity and showcase what you do, what you learn and what you can contribute.

Use a clear, professional profile photo that is easy to recognise. Choose a headline that tells people what you do or what you are working towards. Add a brief introduction, describe your responsibilities and highlight examples of your achievements. Make sure your LinkedIn profile matches your CV and that the information is consistent.

If you attend a conference, seminar, workshop or training session, consider sharing it on LinkedIn. Share more than just a picture or certificate. Write a few lines about an idea you found useful, why it matters to your work and how you plan to apply it. For example, after a leadership workshop, you could explain which approach you would like to try with your team. After a conference, you could share an insight that strengthened or changed your thinking.

These posts help people understand not only where you have been but also what you have learned and how you apply new knowledge. Over time, they can reflect your professional interests, achievements and commitment to continuous learning.

Recommendations and skill endorsements can also add value to your profile. Where appropriate, ask former supervisors, colleagues, clients, faculty members or others you have worked with to endorse relevant skills or write a recommendation. You can also endorse a colleague whose work you know well. Keep recommendations and endorsements honest and based on real experience. They are most useful when they reflect skills and contributions that the person has actually observed.

Do not leave your LinkedIn profile empty simply because you are a student or recent graduate. Build it gradually by including internships, university projects, volunteering, research, student clubs and leadership activities. These experiences can demonstrate initiative, teamwork, analytical thinking and practical skills. If you have published an article or completed a meaningful project, share it and explain your contribution.

Be selective when applying

Applying for every vacancy is not always the best use of your time. Read the job description carefully and identify the main responsibilities and essential requirements. Then explain how your experience relates to the role.

You do not have to meet every requirement in every job advertisement, but you should be able to demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate and which skills you can develop further.

Write your CV in your own words. Nobody knows your experience better than you do. You can use AI for guidance, but do not rely on it to write your entire CV without reviewing and personalising it. Never copy another person's CV. Your CV should reflect your own experience, skills and achievements.

Adjust your CV for each suitable position. Use relevant words from the job advertisement when they accurately describe your experience. Never add skills, qualifications or achievements you do not have. You may secure an interview by presenting yourself well, but you must be able to substantiate what you have written.

Give examples, not just job titles

A job title does not tell the whole story. Explain what you were responsible for, what you helped improve, which problems you worked on and what results you achieved.

Students can draw on examples from group assignments, research, volunteering or campus activities. You do not need years of employment experience to demonstrate teamwork, communication, initiative or problem-solving. What matters is being able to explain your contribution clearly and honestly.

Before an interview, learn about the organisation or institution. Think about why you want to work there, what you can contribute and what you would like to ask the interview panel. Good preparation helps you give specific answers rather than general statements.

A career does not always follow a straight line

People take career breaks, change fields, return to further study or move between different types of work. These experiences do not automatically make someone a weaker candidate. The important thing is to explain your career path honestly and connect it to the opportunity you are pursuing.

Consider what you learned, which skills you developed and how those experiences may help you in the new role. A short explanation in your application or interview can help an employer understand your career journey.

Use AI as a support tool

AI can help you compare your CV with a job description, identify areas that need more detail and practise interview questions. Use it to prepare, not to create a version of yourself that does not reflect your real experience.

Check every suggestion carefully, protect personal or confidential information, and remove any claim you cannot substantiate. Your final application should sound like you and accurately reflect your experience.

Recruitment processes vary between organisations. Some employers use technology to organise applications or identify potential matches, while people may also review candidates and make decisions. Instead of trying to guess how every system works, focus on submitting an accurate, relevant and easy-to-read application.

Build connections before you need a job

Networking should not begin only when you are unemployed or ready to change jobs. Students can connect with alumni and professionals in their fields. Graduates can stay in touch with faculty members, career services professionals and internship supervisors. Working professionals can continue building relationships with people in their industries.

Ask thoughtful questions, show interest in other people's work and request an informational conversation when appropriate. A genuine professional relationship takes time to develop. It is not simply about asking someone to find you a job.

Recognise your value and keep going

Continuously searching for work can be tiring, and rejection can sometimes feel personal. However, a few unsuccessful applications do not define your ability or your future. Review what you can improve, keep learning and break the process into smaller steps when it starts to feel overwhelming.

While in Australia, I also attended “Make the Ask,” a session conducted by Patricia Kaziro, Director of Impact Business School. The session highlighted the importance of preparing for salary discussions and being able to explain your value confidently, using evidence. Whether you are negotiating your starting salary or discussing a salary increase in your current role, it is important to understand your contribution and communicate it clearly and professionally.

My main takeaway is simple. Whether you are still at university, entering the job market or planning your next career move, make your experience visible and explain what you can offer. You do not need a perfect career history. You need to understand your strengths, be honest about your experience and keep building meaningful connections.

Author: Jennifer Hossain is an Advisor at The Daily Campus and the Founder of Think with Jen.