In today’s competitive job market, a polished résumé isn’t enough. Employers are looking beyond the bullet points and asking: How does this person show up in the real world? For students entering college—or preparing to graduate—this means every day is an opportunity to stand out, long before a job interview is scheduled.
Parents: Encourage your teen to see that their reputation is being built with every email they send, every professor they meet, and every job or volunteer shift they show up for. Professionalism isn’t something that starts after graduation—it’s a habit formed through everyday behavior.
Students: Here’s a powerful truth—you are always being interviewed. Whether it’s your summer job manager, a guest speaker in class, or a friend’s parent who works in your dream industry, the impression you leave matters. People hire people they know, trust, and remember.
Here are smart ways to stand out from the crowd—starting now:
1. Build a Personal Brand
Your personal brand is the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room. Be the person who follows through, shows up early, communicates clearly, and asks great questions.
2. Clean Up Your Online Presence
Yes, employers check social media. Make sure your digital footprint reflects someone responsible and thoughtful. A strong LinkedIn profile is a great place to start.
3. Practice Email Etiquette
Learn to write clear, polite, professional emails. Whether you’re asking for an extension or thanking someone for an opportunity, your tone and structure matter more than you think.
4. Follow Up
After a conversation, meeting, or event—send a thank-you note. It’s simple, classy, and unforgettable. People remember those who take the extra step.
5. Show Initiative
Join a club. Take on leadership. Offer to help. The students who stand out are the ones who go beyond what’s expected.
Parents can model this too—talk about your own career experiences and how relationships, communication, and consistency played a role in your success. Students, remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present, prepared, and proactive.
Because the truth is, opportunities rarely come from job boards—they come from people. And those people are paying attention every day.
