Tips to Support New Graduates

What's your top piece of advice for new grads entering today's job market? Meri sabse badi advice:- Aapki degree aapko job nahi dilayega, aapka problem solving ability dilayega In the previous year, I reviewed over 500 resumes from fresh graduates last quarter, and only 6% received interview calls. The one thing all successful people had in common? They showed they could solve problems, not just that they had a degree. A recent client came to me devastated after 40+ rejections. His resume was packed with academic achievements—9.2 CGPA, prestigious university, multiple certifications. But companies weren't impressed. Why? Because he failed to answer the ONE question every hiring manager asks: "How can this person solve my business problems?" We transformed his approach. Within 3 weeks, he had 4 interviews. By week 6, he accepted an offer with a package 30% higher than the industry average for freshers. Here's what today's companies actually want from new graduates: ✔️ Practical application over theoretical knowledge - Show how you've applied your learning ✔️ Problem-solving mindset - Demonstrate how you approach challenges ✔️ Communication skills - Technical knowledge means nothing if you can't explain it clearly ✔️ Adaptability - The ability to learn new technologies quickly is more valuable than mastering just one ✔️ Initiative - Evidence that you take action without being told exactly what to do The harsh reality most career counselors won't tell you? Your degree gets you past the ATS (Applicant Tracking System). After that, it's all about proving your worth. Remember these keys to success: 💥 Quantify your achievements (even academic ones) 💥 Showcase projects that demonstrate real-world skills 💥 Build a digital portfolio, even a simple one 💥 Network deliberately, not desperately 💥 Research companies before applying, and customize your approach Looking for your first job isn't about finding employment, it's about solving a company's problem before they even hire you. What's the biggest challenge you're facing in your job search right now? Comment below, I'll personally respond with tailored advice for your situation! If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to like it and share it with someone who’s job hunting or just starting their career journey. And don’t forget to repost ♻️ #Classof2025 #LinkedInNewsIndia #JobSearchTips #CareerSuccess #LinkedInTips

New B-school grads get plenty of advice, but it is the insights from those finishing their crucial 1st year at corporate that are often overlooked. These one-on-one experiences must be shared with those starting out. Firstly, ensure you have a clear understanding of expectations – both your own and those of your employer. Clarify your responsibilities, goals, and the metrics by which your performance will be evaluated. Aligning on these fronts from the onset prevents misunderstandings and lays a strong foundation. This initial year presents an opportune moment to build relationships and expand your network within the organization. Attend company events, volunteer for cross-functional initiatives, and foster connections across teams. A robust professional network provides invaluable insights, support, and prospects. Proactively seek opportunities to showcase your skills and add value. Identify areas for potential impact, propose solutions, and pursue high-visibility projects. Quantify your achievements to construct a compelling case for future advancement. Approach this year with a growth mindset.  Accept that mistakes are inevitable and view them as learning experiences. Actively solicit feedback from your manager, mentors, and colleagues, using it to cultivate a plan for continuous professional development. Lastly, maintain a healthy work-life balance. The demands of this first year can be intense, but prioritizing self-care and establishing boundaries are crucial for sustained high performance and well-being.

Early Lessons That Make a Difference Occasionally, I have the privilege of speaking with new graduates or employees who have just started their first job. The question they most often ask me is, "If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?" I never have enough time to answer this question fully, and I always leave thinking of things I forgot to mention. With that in mind, I wrote down a few pieces of advice that would have made a difference in my career. - Speak up! Don't let being new stop you. The fact that you are new gives you a unique and valuable perspective. Even if something seems obvious, don't hesitate to call it out and voice your opinion. Having a voice at work will strengthen your influence and get you noticed. - Don't prioritize work over your health. You might feel pressured to skip exercise and sleep to complete more work. This is a lousy tradeoff that will ultimately negatively impact your productivity, work quality, and well-being. Well-rested, healthy people perform better. - If you find yourself stuck, step away and return to it later. Taking a break can help refresh your perspective and give your brain a chance to work on the issue subconsciously. It may seem counterintuitive, but doing something else might be the quickest way to solve your problem. - Talk to everyone you can. Now is the time to invest in building your network. The people at the desks next to you are tomorrow's CEOs and industry leaders. It's easy to do. Most people like it when you are curious about their work and are more than happy to converse. - Your teammates are invaluable resources. Get to know the folks around you. Wisdom abounds, so learn from them. Understanding what has worked and not worked for others can be a big career shortcut. - Start making decisions, and try not to introduce new ones. Only ask if you know you have to. "Can I do x?" introduces a new decision, and you risk getting blocked. Instead, do it. Take ownership. It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission, but always weigh the risks. - The best way to learn (from someone) is to offer help. Find someone you want to learn from and be useful to them. People are more inclined to invest in you if you offer them something in return. - Talk to the executives. As a junior engineer, I felt nervous speaking to senior leaders. As a senior, I notice people are nervous to engage with me. Those who do stand out, and we often have the best conversations where we both learn new things. So, be bold and make high-level connections. - Set clear goals. Having a waypoint on which to focus your career will help clarify what you need to do. The more specific your goals are, the better your chances of achieving them. - Success is a team sport. It's hard to be successful without the support of others. That means it's essential for you to be a good teammate. Listen to what others say, try to make others successful, and most importantly–don't be a jerk.

A quarter a century ago I was a fresh graduate looking for my first job. Since then, I’ve recruited hundreds of people across companies and sectors. Here are the 10 lessons I wish every fresh grad knew: 1. Choose your circle wisely. Friends and mentors shape your vision, ambition, and actions. Pick them carefully. 2. Keep knocking. Apply tirelessly. Show up again and again—nothing resists perseverance. 3. Be sincere and be yourself. Honesty stands out—even over experience. 4. Think career, not job. Study options and trends, know yourself, and choose your first role for learning and trajectory, not brand or comfort. Challenge your limits, don’t limit your challenges. 5. If you don’t find a role, create it. Entrepreneurship is a real path—many started right out of school (or during). 6. Run your job search like a project. Clear objectives, action plan, stakeholders, risks, budget, and time. Be proactive. 7. When stuck, pivot. Change country, language, or industry. Lower expectations temporarily to jump farther later. 8. Prepare years in advance. What you read, learn, and do (and with whom) defines your interviews. Fill spare time with learning, freelancing, and volunteering. Passion and motivation are your best assets. 9. Every job has trade-offs—plan for them. Low salary? Add a side activity. Lacking challenge? Pursue training and certifications. 10. You own your future. A recruiter doesn’t define it—you do. Rejections aren’t endings; they build resilience. Keep a fighter mindset. As long as you give your best, you will reach your goals. It’s always your choice. 👉 What would you add for today’s fresh graduates? #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #EarlyCareer #Recruitment #Mentorship #Mindset #Perseverance #Learning #Growth #Entrepreneurship

Dear May 2025 Grads especially international students, Graduated now.. Excited? Nervous? Wondering how to land a job in the U.S. as visa deadlines loom? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Let’s talk real job search strategy. Here are some out-of-the-box networking + time management tips that worked for me and many others because the "just apply online" route? It’s not enough anymore. Networking tip #1: Become a connector, not a collector Don’t just collect LinkedIn connections. Engage. After every virtual or in-person event, send a thoughtful message: “Hey [Name], I loved your take on [topic]. Would love to stay in touch and learn from your journey.” Then follow their content, leave a meaningful comment weekly. Not just "Great post"—say why it resonated. Real Example? I did this with a speaker from a conference. A week later, they referred me to a role I didn’t know existed. Networking tip #2: DM like a human Cold messaging can work if it’s warm in tone. No one likes “Hi, can you refer me?”. Try this: “Hi [Name], I’m a May 2025 grad, exploring roles in [your field]. Your path at [Company] is inspiring! What advice would you give someone starting out?” You’re not asking for a job— You’re building trust. Jobs often follow. Networking tip #3: Start your own thing No industry events? Create one. Host a 20-minute Zoom chat with peers and invite 1 professional. Call it “Something Creative.” Record it, post snippets on LinkedIn. Now you’re no longer chasing people— They come to you. Time Tip #1: Pick 3 buckets daily Job search feels endless—so make it finite. Every day, pick only 3 things: 10 application 10 follow-up 1-2 learning or networking action Then rest. Your brain needs consistent progress, not burnout. Time Tip #2: Theme your week Mon: Research companies Tue: Tailor resume + apply Wed: Networking messages Thu: Interview prep Fri: Personal branding Sat: Review progress Sun: Rest or reflect Theme = clarity. Clarity = momentum. Bonus Tip: Show your work in public Share your job search journey online. Post about projects, learnings, even rejections. One classmate posted his weekly job goals + learnings. He got a DM from a hiring manager who was watching silently. You never know who’s watching. International students—this road is hard, but it’s not impossible. You just need to play it smart, support each other, and show up consistently. If you’re on this journey, You’ve got this. #May2025Grads #InternationalStudents #JobSearchTips #Networking #TimeManagement #F1VisaJobs #OPT #CPT #CareerGrowth #LevelUp

There’s a big difference between being kind to someone while they’re unemployed… and actually moving the needle for their situation. Here are some support moves that really matter when someone in your network is searching for work: 1. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 If you’ve worked with them before, write a public recommendation. It’s free, takes 5 minutes, and can dramatically increase their credibility during a search. 2. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Think of 1–2 people who might be helpful (a hiring manager, recruiter, or someone in their field). Even a short intro can go a long way. 3. 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 A fresh set of eyes might catch what they’ve been overlooking. You don’t need to be a pro at this, just someone who cares. 4. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧, 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧 No tips. No “Have you tried…” advice. Just, “Thinking about you. Can I take you out for coffee next week?” 5. 𝐁𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 Instead of “Let me know how I can help,” try: “I know a few folks at X company — want me to ask if they’re hiring?” or “Want to practice interview questions together this week?” 6. 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 Offer to mock interview them. Review a cover letter. Or just send them dinner on a weeknight. Support doesn’t always have to be career-shaped to matter. A lot of people say, “Let me know how I can help.” But job seekers are often too tired to figure that out. 😕 So take the first step. Be specific. Be generous. Be the friend you’d want if you were job searching.

🚫 What NOT to Ask a Recent PhD (and What to Do Instead) In my last post, I shared insights on navigating the job market post-PhD. Since then, I’ve been reflecting on this process and wanted to dive deeper into what not to ask a recent PhD graduate—and what you can do instead. While many job seekers face similar challenges, the job hunt for PhDs can feel uniquely difficult due to the nature of academia and the transition into the workforce. If you have a recent PhD around you, here’s how you can be supportive: ❌ Question 1: "So, what’s next?" If they knew, they’d likely be shouting it from the rooftops. 🏔️ ✅ Instead, try this: 🎉 Congratulate them on their years of hard work and perseverance. Offer a listening ear 👂 if they’re open to talking about how they feel post-PhD. ❌ Question 2: "How’s the job search going? Any updates?" Trust me, they’d tell you if they had updates. If you’ve navigated the job market yourself, did you want to talk about how your search was going until you really had something to look forward to? I suppose not. The same goes for them 🤷🏻♀️ ✅ Instead, try this: Give them space. Talk about things unrelated to jobs—because job searching is likely consuming their every thought. If you’ve been through a similar process, offer practical help like reviewing their CV 📄 or cover letter ✍️, that shows far more care and consideration. ❌ Question 3: "Are you hearing back from anywhere?" They’re already overthinking every step of the process, and this question only adds pressure. ✅ Instead, try this: Gauge whether they even want to discuss the job hunt. If they do, shift the conversation toward understanding the types of roles they’re interested in, and offer to pass along any relevant opportunities 🔗. This shows that you truly want to help than simply wanting to know updates. Most people ask these questions out of genuine care and concern ❤️, but it's important to recognize that intentions don't always land the way we hope. You can be supportive without being direct or pressing for answers. Aim to be resourceful, not just curious. 💡 For those searching jobs, hang in there🌻

I had the previlage of spending time with our global incoming class of #HSBC GPS Graduates last week in London. It was great to meet everyone kicking off their banking careers in the exciting world of #Payments. Having been in their shoes myself (many years ago!) I wanted to share some key pieces of advice that have helped shape my career: 1.) Maximize Rotations: Embrace the chance to explore different roles and teams, even those that weren’t your first choice—you might be pleasantly surprised. 2.) Develop New Skills: Each role presents an opportunity to learn something new, whether it's technical skills, client relationships, or public speaking. Keep growing and get excited about continuous improvement because the opportunities for learning never ends! 3.) Build Your Network: Focus on organic networking by excelling in your work and supporting others. This will create a lasting, positive impression and help you build your personal brand. 4.)Be a Good Teammate: Foster a collaborative environment by being the kind of colleague you’d want to work with. This applies to everyone you interact with, even as you get further along in your career. 5.) Use Your Voice: Don’t hesitate to contribute your thoughts, ideas and questions in meetings. Your unique perspective as a newcomer is valuable and speaking up will help you build your ability to communicate with all levels within the organization. This will be vital as you progress. 6.) Seek Role Models: Look up to those who are excelling and think about what skills you need to build to reach their level. Adapt what you admire to your own style. 7.) Form Bonds with Fellow Grads: These relationships will become an essential part of your support network and may lead to lifelong friendships and professional connections. Thank you Lyndsay Hynd and Ryan H. for putting together a phenomenal program for our Grads in London and to Bonnie Chiu for all of her hard work in running the program globally.

How to Help Your New Graduate (or Almost Graduate) with Their Resume Let’s face it—some college career centers are up with the times and providing great advice (shoutout to my colleague Myles Lofland MS, CPRW, CCMC, CDCS at Texas A&M University-San Antonio) and some are not. Here’s how you can help your student improve their resume. 1. 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬: Encourage them to include academic projects and relevant coursework from their degree program. These are typically rich with keywords. 2. 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐓𝐒: Make sure they’re aware of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and why tailoring their resume to each role is crucial. Also, clarify common ATS myths, such as the misconception that “your resume will get kicked out if…” 3. 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Help them decide which internship, volunteer, and work experiences to include. Sometimes including a college job, like working as a barback at the local bar, makes sense if it showcases relevant skills, but other times it’s better left off. 4. 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬: Teach your graduate to focus on results rather than responsibilities. For example, instead of saying “Assisted with social media campaigns,” they could say “Increased social media engagement by 30% in six months.” 5. 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: Help them write a strong summary or objective statement that quickly communicates who they are and what they’re looking for. This section should highlight their strengths and career goals. 6. 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: Discuss the importance of a clean, modern design. While content is king, a well-organized and visually appealing resume can make a strong first impression. 𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒓 𝒖𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝑰’𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑. 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝑱𝒐𝒃 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒑 𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒂𝒈𝒆. #CareerAdvice #ResumeTips #NewGrad #Graduates #JobHunt