When launching your career, emphasizing your soft skills, relevant internship experience and passion for professional growth can help you stand out in a competitive job market.Getty Images
When successful people talk about getting their “big break,” it often sounds like sheer luck. Maybe a friend or family member made a crucial introduction to an employer ready to bring on fresh talent, or they landed the job because the employer’s first choice went elsewhere.
Breaking into almost any industry can feel like you need luck on your side, even if you’re a graduate looking for an entry-level position. Data from Statistics Canada shows overall job vacancies fell by 59,000 (-9.2 per cent) to 582,600 in the second quarter of 2024. The drop marks the eighth consecutive quarterly decline from the record high of 983,000 reached in the second quarter of 2022.
Over the past year, new grads have also been competing against workers with a proven track record who got laid off. An Express Employment Professionals survey shows 71 per cent of employers report more older workers applying for entry-level positions than three years ago, and 54 per cent prefer to hire older workers. This could explain why some entry-level job postings demand three to five years’ experience.
Getting your foot in the door will therefore take some strategy. Here are a few tips to help your job search turn into a job offer.
Highlight interpersonal skills, not just technical ones
For Tricia Williams, director of research, evaluation and knowledge mobilization at Future Skills Centre, the current environment feels similar to when she entered the workforce in the late 1990s, when poor economic conditions made even part-time positions difficult to find. She suggests entry-level job seekers emphasize their soft skills in addition to any technical competencies.
“There are things that maybe we took for granted in the past, like how to have a conversation with somebody, or how to greet them,” she says, adding that applicants should call out any volunteer work or activities that showcase their ability to connect with coworkers and customers. “Being able to highlight those kinds of communication and collaboration skills is really important.”
Speak to experience outside traditional employment
Laurie Cure, chief executive officer of Fort Collins, Colo.-based executive coaching firm Innovative Connections and the author of Leading Without Fear, says job seekers should be aware of how companies use automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumés based on keywords. Employers asking for multiple years of experience could be one tactic to weed out candidates, but there are still ways new grads can work around that.
Including time spent in internships, co-op placements and even community service work is all valuable information to include in an application, for example. If you’ve led a school sports team or debate team, make sure your cover letter and CV reflects that, says Ms. Cure.
Additionally, don’t be limited to your CV and cover letter. “I’ve seen a number of individuals put together an online portfolio or a website that employers can go to that highlights all of these different skills that they offer,” Ms. Cure suggests. “This can not only include their direct experience, but some of the other skills they might offer.”
Articulate the long-term ROI of training
The need for employers to fill vacant roles without breaking the bank could be a silver lining for entry-level job seekers. Research from recruiting firm Robert Walters found 71 per cent of Canadian employers are hiring what they consider “underqualified” staff because of cost concerns around hiring. That means you should demonstrate you’re worth being taught and mentored if you get offered a role.
Canadian employers spend less on upskilling employees compared to U.S. and other OECD countries, Ms. Williams says. So, it’s vital for applicants to articulate the benefits of their career development.
“From what we’ve seen, employers will invest in training if they believe it’s going to have a return,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know that software program but here’s why I’m excited to learn.”
Employers might be swayed to hire entry-level applicants if they put forward “case studies” of how they’ve put their skills and experience to use at school or during internships, Ms. Cure adds.
Most importantly, Ms. Williams says, don’t fall into the trap of self-selecting yourself out of the running for a job. Postings don’t always tell the full story about how open and willing an employer is to someone whose application shows promise.
“Even if you don’t meet all the quality qualifications, apply,” she advises.