3 Ways Fresh Graduates Can Fast Track Themselves To A Full-Time Job

Amid the graduation photoshoots and tossing of mortarboards, fresh graduates this year are expected to

have a tougher time landing their ideal job out of university. The job market for year 2016 is more competitive than last year, with unemployment rate among residents currently at 10%(appx) according to a report from CMIE.

Despite slower hiring sentiments, all hopes are not lost. Below are 3 ways proactive fresh graduates can help fast track themselves to a full-time job.

# 1 Be Willing To Accept Internships

Graduates hoping to land themselves an entry-level job in an MNC may have to lower their expectations (for the time being) due to lesser opportunities available. Instead, graduates can avail themselves to internship, and to get their feet wet in the company(s) that they are looking at.

When the economy takes a turn for the better, the company they are working at might start expanding. Well-performing interns may find themselves in a good position to land the permanent role at the company.

# 2 Upgrade Your Skills While You Are On Your Job Search

You can make better use of your time by taking the opportunity to upgrade yourself while waiting for companies to get back on your job application.

This can mean studying for certification programs or heading over to the Skill India website to check out the range of courses that can give you an extra edge over other applicants.

Honestly speaking, your college or university degrees will help little to keep you professionally fit and valid in today’s ever-evolving job landscape. On-job experience, training and workshops do have their own share of benefits. However, when it comes to your professional validation and credibility, certifications will give you the much needed edge.

A study was conducted on the importance of the professional certification. In the survey, 92.3 percent of the respondents have revealed that their professional certifications hold importance when it comes to showing their competency in their respective jobs. On the other hand, 88.7 percent of the respondents have revealed that certifications help them get professional recognition. Besides, many professionals, time and again, have revealed that professional certifications are like a springboard to higher pay and greater score for advancement.

These days, certifications are being preferred by employees across professions.

# 3 SMEs & Startups

Instead of competing with other candidates for a position at a MNC, graduates can consider job opportunities in a small and medium enterprise (SME), or even a startup. Getting a job at a SME or startup usually comes with a much steeper learning curve, as new employees are expected to cover many different job responsibilities. These additional exposure would reflect well on their resume in the future.