Finding the job, you love and building a career is more than just having a resume. Think of your career as a blank canvas, waiting for your first strokes of colour. Whether you are fresh out of college or have some work experience, now’s the time to start shaping it.
This blog covers everything you need, from setting goals to refining key skills and making your resumé stand out.
Get equipped to paint the major chunk of your life, your career.
Start building a career goal
Setting career goals is a journey of self-discovery. Asking yourself what you’re good at or what needs improvement helps you uncover strengths and highlight areas for growth.
For example, during a Master’s in public policy, someone might realise they lack proficiency in statistical tools like R. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, they can close the gap by taking courses, seeking mentorship, and practicing the skill. This proactive approach strengthens their competitive edge in the job market.
By setting goals, you create a clear path for growth. It is not just about aspirations but actively taking responsibility for achieving them. Planning becomes a bridge between where you are and where you want to be, ensuring skill gaps will not hold you back.
Marry power skills with technical skills
Combining people skills with technical expertise gives you an edge in any workplace. Technical know-how helps you get the job done, but power skills—like collaboration and communication—take you further.
Companies are increasingly looking for a mix of both power and technical skills. Whether you’re in sales, data analysis, or managing a team, it’s this balance that sets you apart.
Say you’re an analyst aiming for a senior role, it’s not enough to just crunch the numbers. You need to be able to lead a team and explain your findings to decision-makers.
When you master both the skills, you will also carve out more growth opportunities.
Growth mindset: It’s all about the attitude
Right from when you start your master’s or bachelor’s degree, it’s crucial to begin exploring your options and interests.
This is where having a growth mindset becomes incredibly important. Simply put, growth mindset is about how you view opportunities and challenges around you.
| Growth mindset | Fixed mindset |
| Believes that abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. | Thinks that abilities are fixed and cannot be changed. |
| Views challenges as opportunities to grow and learn. | Sees challenges as obstacles to be avoided. |
| Understands that skills can improve over time with practice and dedication. | Believes that skills are either innate or not, with little room for growth. |
| Approaches skill gaps with a learning mindset. | Views gaps in skills as permanent limitations that are hard to overcome. |
| Actively pursues improvement and sets new personal and professional goals | Has a limited belief in long-term growth and sees little potential for improvement. |
Clear communication makes things way easier at work
The way you interact with your professors, internship coordinators, or placement officers can really shape those relationships. How you say something is equally important as what you say. The tone you set can make a big difference in how others perceive you.
Suppose you want to know about an opening in an organisation. Don’t write an 800-word essay.
When asking for guidance, clearly state what you need; ensure it’s feasible for them to help. This shows respect for their time and smoothens the process for everyone.
Clear communication leaves a strong impression, opening doors to new opportunities.
Problem solving: Life’s greatest skill
At its core, problem-solving is about thinking on your feet, staying calm under pressure, and contributing meaningfully to the solution process.
Across industries, the need for strong problem-solving skills is ever-present. Whether navigating regulatory changes in banking or adapting to tech shifts at IT companies, a structured approach to problem-solving is invaluable. Even a small improvement, like a 1% process boost, can significantly impact both your career and the success of the organisation.
Problem-solving draws on various competencies, such as logic, creativity, resilience, and determination. These skills are often highlighted in job descriptions, even if indirectly.
While stating it in your resume, instead of saying that you’re a great problem solver, showcase specific examples of how you’ve applied this skill. For instance, if you’ve worked in a college society or taken on a leadership role, highlight a challenge you faced and explain how you resolved it. Specificity impresses people.
How to talk about the leader inside you
Remember being a school prefect or leading college activities? Those roles were more than managing teams, they were your first steps in developing leadership skills.
In the workplace, companies recognise the value of these experiences. During the hiring process, they often use small assessments and tasks to evaluate whether you have these innate leadership skills. They are looking for qualities like initiative, problem-solving, and the ability to guide others, as these traits are crucial for long-term growth within any organisation.
When showcasing leadership on your resume, be specific. Instead of saying “good at leadership,” provide examples like, ‘Led a team of 5 to organise a college event, increasing attendance by 30%.’ This demonstrates your leadership abilities with clear evidence of your impact.
Employers appreciate examples that show how you’ve led and motivated others, as they give a solid picture of your leadership potential.
Cracking the code of an ATS-friendly resume
Move beyond a generic summary
A generic summary that merely states your desired position and years of experience fails to grab attention. Instead, stand out by highlighting your key achievements and unique skills. Focus on what you bring to the table and how you’ve added value in your previous roles – if any – rather than just listing what you are seeking.
Research and incorporate keywords for ATS-friendliness
To make your resumé ATS-friendly, research job descriptions for the role you’re targeting. Identify frequently used keywords, such as Java, Spring Boot, RESTful APIs, and Agile Methodologies for a Java Developer position. These keywords are what recruiters and ATS systems look for when filtering candidates.
Consult industry experts for insight
Beyond your own research, seek insights from mentors, professors, or industry experts. They can help you understand which keywords and terms are most relevant to the current job market, ensuring your resumé reflects the latest industry trends and standards.
Natural keyword integration
Once you’ve identified the relevant keywords, integrate them seamlessly into your resumé. Instead of generic phrases like “Developed software applications,” opt for specifics such as “Developed Java-based applications using Spring Boot and RESTful APIs in an Agile environment.” This ensures your expertise is clear to both ATS systems and recruiters.
Test and iterate your resumé
After optimizing your resumé with the right keywords, test it by applying it to several roles and monitoring the response. If you’re not getting results, adjust the keywords or refine your content. Iteration ensures your resumé resonates with both ATS filters and human recruiters.
Ensure professional formatting and error-free content
A well-formatted, error-free resumé is essential. Make sure your core competencies are clearly highlighted and easy to find. Proper formatting and flawless writing increase the likelihood of your resumé passing ATS systems and catching a recruiter’s attention.
Turning your career dreams into reality: All action steps in one place
So, where do we go from here? Start by setting career goals—what do you love, and where can you improve? Then, combine your soft skills with some tech know-how for a powerful career boost.
Communication and problem-solving are key, and don’t forget to highlight your leadership—whether in a group project or managing a team. Ensure your resumé impresses both recruiters and ATS systems. Now, here’s a challenge: jot down a skill you’re proud of—it could unlock your next big opportunity!
