Custom Resumes, Cover Letter, LinkedInProfiles. Job Search Tips, Career Advice
I see an abundance of college resumes. Why most of these documents do not include classes, class - related projects (internships, research papers, group presentations) as related to the major field of study is mindblowing.
To all students - your resume is a marketing document about YOU! Showcase why you are qualified. Don't make the hiring manager have to guess. And yes, be certain that the document is ATS compliant and customized for each role. The customization should take 2-3 minutes TOPs.
College Grads - Don't Spray and Pray
Looking for work on Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn and other job boards can be overwhelming and if you do not have an ATS-compliant resume, a poor use of time. REJECTION, REJECTION, REJECTION and more REJECTION leads to DEPRESSION, LOW SELF-ESTEEM AND DOUBT.
Try this - - - - Target Your Job Search. Select 20 companies you’d like to work for. "Google" the company every morning and see what is in the news. Go to their websites (not LinkedIn company page) to find relevant openings and apply there, submitting a resume and cover letter (yes a cover letter) that is tailored to each job and mentions any news that comes out today. Customize the resume, making certain your skills and experience align with what they want in that entry-level job. Be selective. Only apply if it’s a good fit to avoid unnecessary rejections.
College Grads - More Professional Associations
In relation to my post this morning, professional associations can provide access to activities designed to build teamwork and other soft skills when working as part of a group. These organizations also offer training, certifications and courses for building business skills. Equally as important, newsletters that these groups publish help members stay current with market / industry trends and other related information.
New College Grads - Professional Associations
As you begin your job search, have you conducted your research to find the right professional association? These organizations are great for networking, building your knowledge base and most have an online job board of jobs specific to your career direction. These organizations also have regular meetings (in-person and virtual) and will offer opportunities (classes, seminars) for professional / career development.
Overall US unemployment has stabilized at ~4.2-4.3%, unemployment for recent college graduates is only trending higher.
The labor market for new grads has weakened consistently since 2022, with new hiring down 16% in 2025 YOY, according to payroll firm Gusto.
Analysts say the trend is likely a result of cyclical post-pandemic hiring slowdowns—particularly in new-grad-heavy sectors like technology, finance, and business information—and overall economic uncertainty in the tumultuous early days of the Trump administration.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The above analysis is fine but how about the strategies that new grads need to understand. Factors:
Do new grads understand the importance of networking? How to address ATS requirements? Follow-up after interviews? Why they need to be in the office and not work remote or hybrid? Are they writing AI driven resumes?
In short, do new grads know how to manage a job search? I am suspect.
Job Market Issue - New College Grad
Even the uneven state of the economy, incumbents are not actively seeking to change companies because of less opportunities, longer hiring cycles and the fear of being "last in-first out (LIFO) should the new company start unexpected layoffs. The lack of movement "suffocates" job opportunities, making find new opportunities at the entry / junior level more challenging.
Instagram - Resume Preparation:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DAXA36py7hw/
Another Way Hiring Managers Detect AI-Driven Resumes
Please note that AI -generated resumes are negatively viewed upon my hiring managers. I speak with hiring managers as well as applicants daily and not one has told me that they want to see / write an AI resume.
Why is that, you may ask? The next series of posts will focus on this topic.
1. Keyword Stuffing: AI-centric resumes concentrate too heavily on the use of keywords and not enough on success stories and proper planning / execution of functions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Resumes - Inconsistent with industry jargon.
There are plenty of reasons why you should not use an AI generated resume. I have been posting this information for the last several business days and will continue to post the issues (pro and con) about AI resumes
AI-generated content can sometimes include factual errors or phrases that don't align with the terminology used in your industry, let alone your actual experiences. Therefore, you must proofread your resume to avoid confusion / making your resume read like it was AI - written, which is a big NEGATIVE in the viewpoint of hiring managers and recruiters who want to read resumes written by people, not a robot obeying an algorithm.
LinkedIn Recommendation Tip - Using for Networking / Reconnecting
Hiring season is kicking in and you are better suited to network for finding new opportunities as opposed to the job boards (aka - black hole).
Here is a great way to reconnect with old colleagues who you have not spoken with in recent times.
For the next five days, go to your LI profile, pick five (5) colleagues that you had a good relationship with and write a 3- 5 line (not paragraph) recommendation. Don’t ask – JUST DO IT!
The vast majority will not only write one back on your behalf but will engage in written / verbal conversation.
This is a great way to reconnect / reopen / even expand your network.
