Whether you’re a recent graduate, young professional, or college student, you’re probably wondering why you never had a formal class for career advice. Luckily, I spent 3 years working in a Career Services Office, guiding hundreds of students through the entire job search process.
I met SO MANY people with questions, myths, and total confusion at the whole process.
And I totally understand where they’re coming from: no one ever taught us this stuff in high school, college professors usually have outdated advice, and your random relative who’s a recruiter probably isn’t giving you the best tips.
This list is the 15 pieces of professional career advice I gave the most!
First, I just want to say: This process isn’t as confusing & stressful as it might seem, I promise! You just need to learn the basics, which this list covers (it also has my absolute best career advice!)
We’ll go over how to master your resume and cover letters, simplify the entire application process, and totally crush job interviews and networking.
Let’s dive in, so you can start creating your career!
1. The best career advice: Networking
I want to start with the most powerful career tool there is: networking. This is essential career advice for women, especially young professionals.
Studies have demonstrated women tend to network less than men, even though over 80% of jobs are only found through networking.
Networking is crucial to a successful career long-term- and your network is bigger than you think! Check out my top 10 strategies to network with confidence (& totally transform your career!)
80% OF JOBS ARE ON THE HIDDEN MARKET—
LEARN HOW TO FIND THEM IN THIS FREE WORKSHOP
Are online job apps making your career sour? The key to candy coating your career is networking!
In this FREE workshop, I’ll teach you how to ditch your resume & grow the best resource you have as a job seeker: your network!
2. Learn the resume essentials
I had so many clients just say, “I know I need a resume, but I have no idea where to start. I used this random template I found, and I just don’t know what to do with it”
My response will probably surprise you- it won’t be the career advice you’re expecting! So, don’t miss A Career Expert’s Guide to the Best Resume Templates– it has my insider trick to writing an outstanding resume!
3. Learn how to write a resume with no experience
One of the most common questions from clients was how to write a good resume with little or no experience.
It’s a totally fair question, especially since “entry-level” seems to be a loose term for a ton employers (aka requiring 3-5 years of experience)…
This is essential career advice for graduates and young professionals!
It’s still completely possible to have an impressive resume without any experience, so don’t feel defeated here! Check out this guide on How to Write a Resume with Little or No Experience.
4. Learn the cover letter essentials
Cover letters are def the most confusing part of job applications: when to send one, what to write about, and what the hell is the point of this anyway?
Once you master the basics of writing a cover letter, they become a breeze! Click here to learn How to Write a Perfect Cover Letter, and get ready to crush your cover letters!
5. Use a side hustle to improve your resume
Did you know you can get a side hustle to earn extra money AND better your resume at the same time? The right side hustle can (and should) do both, so you don’t waste your time or degree on something that isn’t also working FOR you!
Check out this list of 4 Side Hustles that will Improve your Resume– including my current (and favorite) side hustle, teaching with VIPKID!
6. Use the STAR method during job interviews
Would you believe me if I told you there’s a formula for amazing answers during job interviews?
Well believe it, friend! It’s totally a thing, and it’s so simple. Don’t worry about feeling stumped or lost for words during your job interview- click here to learn The Best Way to Answer Job Interview Questions!
7. Customize your resume for every job
I’ve had so many clients roll their eyes at me when I tell them this, but the rumors are true: You have to submit a custom resume for every job you apply for.
The good news?
It’s not at all as hard as it sounds!
By using a few insider tricks, you’ll be able to easily match your resume to every job you apply for! Check out How to Customize your Resume to a Job to learn how!
80% OF JOBS ARE ON THE HIDDEN MARKET—
LEARN HOW TO FIND THEM IN THIS FREE WORKSHOP
Are online job apps making your career sour? The key to candy coating your career is networking!
In this FREE workshop, I’ll teach you how to ditch your resume & grow the best resource you have as a job seeker: your network!
8. Starting a new job?
This career advice for graduates is essential!
Starting a new job can be super scary, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you!
Learn how to overcome your nerves and stand out when you’re starting a new job! Click here to read How to Quickly Stand Out when Starting a New Job.
9. Choose the best fonts for your resume
Have you been putting a lot of thought into the fonts you use on your resume? My guess is… probably not. And that’s totally okay- but it ends now!
The fonts on your resume can 100% help you- whether you want to emphasize the important information or need to fill a bit more space. Check out How to Choose the Best Fonts for your Resume to learn more about picking the right fonts!
10. Address your cover letter correctly
Cover letters are an important part of your job applications, so you want to make sure you get the details right.
Click here to learn How to Start and Address your Cover Letter, so you can make a great first impression!
11. Use a master resume (make your life WAY easier)
If you take the time to make and use a master resume, your life will be forever changed. I’m not kidding- a master resume makes applying for jobs easier than you could imagine.
It does take some time to create, but once you make it and implement the system, you’ll be amazed at how effective it is.
Check out my entire guide on How to Make and Use a Master Resume!
12. Explore different networking resources
Like I mentioned earlier, over 80% of jobs aren’t openly advertised. Aka, you can only access them through networking.
It might seem like networking is about having fancy family connections, but it’s actually not. Honestly, it’ll surprise you how easy it is to find and make new connections!
This is another piece of the best career advice I have: these professional (and surprising!) networking resources that’ll accelerate your career!
13. List your side hustle(s) on your resume
We’ve already talked about how some side hustles can improve your resume. For them to really help, you also need to know how to write about them!
You work hard on your side hustle, so it should work hard on your resume! Click here to learn all my tips on How to List your Side Hustle on your Resume.
14. Be confident during job interviews
You’ve worked hard on your resume, wrote a killer cover letter, and landed a job interview. Now, it’s time to crush it in person (or virtually)!
Check out these tips on How to be Confident during Job Interviews– even if you’re totally faking it (we’ve all been there!)
15. Fix these common resume mistakes
Before you officially press send, make sure your resume doesn’t have any of the most common mistakes.
I’ve edited more resumes than I could count, and these are the mistakes I saw the most (some of them are even deal breakers!)
Don’t get caught making these major errors, check out Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid and How to Fix Them!
This process doesn’t have to be as confusing as it usually is, and this professional career advice will help you succeed. By improving your applications, interviewing, and networking skills, you’ll land more high quality (kickass) jobs!
Let’s make sure your job search is sweet as an all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet, with these 10 sugary networking strategies!