Common Employability challenges Graduates face and how to overcome them

Being a fresh graduate can be a mixture of two extreme feelings. It is both exciting and scary. You’re leaving a familiar place, a place where you were confident and knew everything, and you’re coming out into a new environment, a different environment where you have to start fresh. And sometimes you feel lost and alone. This can be quite challenging. Getting employed is one of the most challenging tasks you are faced with. This is what you are about to find out in this article; the challenges you might be facing now as a fresh graduate or if you are undergraduate, you might face when you leave the four walls of the university. And here is how to overcome them.

Lack of Proactiveness
As a fresh graduate, you are used to being told what to do and being spelt out with clear direct laid out instructions. In school, there is a routine, you know when to go to class, when to submit assignments. But now, you have to make decisions yourself without being spoon-fed. Adjusting to the new system of doing things proactively might be a challenge as you try to make your way into the job marketplace. Networking and meeting people both online and offline will keep you on your toes and help you learn faster all that you need to know about the workplace environment.

Lack of Experience
As a fresh graduate, having your degree and a knowledge of what career path you want to go into or what it entails, is not all you need to be employable. Most recruiters or employers would rather go for candidates who have some form of practical work experience no matter how little. This is why it is important that you create time while in university to volunteer for organizations or causes you are passionate about. This demonstrates your commitment and helps you gain relevant skills and experience. You can also take internship roles even if they are unpaid . However if your course of study demands so much that you don’t have the luxury of time, you can do some freelance jobs that can help build your resume. That way, there is flexibility. Having any of these experiences gives you an edge as a job seeker.

Lack of Skills
Again, your degree is not enough to grant you employability. The skills you learn in university may not always align with the skills needed in the job market. Being technically skilled is also not enough to land you that job. One of the biggest employability challenges that fresh graduates face is lack of soft skills to land them a job role. The best thing you can do for yourself is to equip yourself with these skills before you even dream of needing or utilizing them. Take employability assessment, take soft skill courses as well. Enroll in online courses to gain specific skills that are in demand in the industry you are looking to get into. Lastly, obtain relevant certifications to enhance your qualifications.

Resume, Cover Letter and Interviews
As a fresh graduate, you may struggle with creating an effective resume and cover letter that stands out to an employer. The best way to overcome this is to attend workshops or seek help from experienced people in that field to look through your resume and cover letter. If not, you can watch videos on how to tailor your resume and cover letter for job application, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. This is not where it ends. If your recruiter likes your resume and cover letter, you will be called for an interview. Not having enough experience with job interviews will lead to nervousness and poor performance. The best way to overcome that is to research common interview questions and prepare thoughtful answers ahead before your interview.

Unrealistic Job Expectations
You may have unrealistic expectations about your first job, such as high salaries or top positions. Learn to set realistic job goals. Do not set low expectations, only realistic ones. Be open to entry-level positions as stepping stones to your career. Understand that career growth takes time and be patient with your progress. Seek advice from mentors who can provide guidance on career planning and goal setting.

By addressing these challenges you are facing with practical steps, you can enhance your employability and increase your chances of securing meaningful employment.