Every summer, hordes of new graduates appear on the recruitment scene. Many will have gone to excellent schools and achieved impressive grades (maybe better than yours), so it’s time to stand out from the crowd and grab that dream job before someone else beats you to it.

It can be a daunting task to build a career from scratch. How can you show a potential employer what you are made of when you’ve never had a high level job?

Relax. You do have skills and experience that employers will value. Here are some “dos”  to get you on your way—enjoy the excitement of being at the threshold of your career!

• Do listen to as much free (good quality) advice as you can. Most universities have dedicated careers departments, with advisors and comprehensive databases of companies who recruit at graduate level. Apart from the information about actual companies, careers advisors can help you with the bigger picture, with programs that assess your strengths and weakness to suggest careers that might appeal and suit you.

• Do get some work experience to set you apart from the rest. Many of the large, multinational corporations run formal summer internship programs which are extremely competitive to get onto. Also consider interning with a smaller company, where your skills and talents have a better chance to get noticed. Interns get a good idea about real working life, and recruiters get to know the students. If you don’t manage to secure a place on a formal scheme like this, try to arrange an informal placement with a local business. Even an unpaid week spent shadowing someone in your preferred profession shows enthusiasm and initiative.

• Do mine your college experience for suitable activities for your resume. For example, if you were treasurer of a college society or held another position of responsibility, this shows that you are a reliable person who has the respect of her peers. Add in any volunteer work you did – maybe tutoring children in math or science. Sporting achievements can show commitment and teamwork; both important qualities in the business world.

So you’ve listened to some sound advice, got some work experience and recognized that you do have something to give from your college activities.

Now, stay tuned for what NOT to do….....