Landing your dream job can be challenging, especially if you just graduated college and don’t have a lot of professional work experience under your belt.
We’ve been in the staffing business for more than 20 years, and we interview entry-level candidates every day. We’re here to tell you that it’s not impossible.
Here are our expert tips on how to land your dream job out of college:
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1. Be Proactive
Like the generations preceding them, Gen Z is ambitious and purpose-driven. Use that ambition to channel your inner fire, figure out what you want from a job, and then go get it.
Follow up with hiring managers and let them know why you are the right person for the job. What is your superpower, and how can they utilize it? Send them an email to let them know. Don’t forget to proofread all your communications with potential employers!
2. Make Good First Impressions
In every scenario where you meet another professional, you need to present your best self. Whether you’re meeting hiring managers or recruiters at a career fair, or interviewing with a company, remember to dress to impress.
Don’t forget to shake hands, display engaging and enthusiastic body language, and maintain a positive attitude. Always come prepared with intelligent questions that help you understand the role and make informed decisions about your future.
And, of course, make sure your resume is up to date and well-organized! Have a guidance counselor, professor, or a trusted peer proofread it. Work diligently on this list of accomplishments, keep it simple and concise, and be sure to include your contact information, education, previous work experiences, and professional interests.

3. Get internships
This is probably the most important step to remember when you’re considering how to land your dream job.
Whether you’ve just started college or are in your last semester, consider the benefits of internships. Perhaps you’ve had internships with the same company for several summers and have determined what you want or do not want to do in your career.
Internships are excellent opportunities to make connections with employers, learn new transferable skills for future jobs, and understand your professional identity in a work environment. If you can secure internships throughout your college experience, either during the summer or alongside your class schedule, you will significantly enhance your resume and skill set.
When interviewing for your dream job, you will have experiences to discuss, lessons learned, and an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses so you can effectively advocate for yourself.
4. Try new things and stand out
College is a time for discovering yourself personally and professionally.
Are there any exciting clubs or organizations at your school that would teach you something new, even if it’s not work-related? Pursue those opportunities and be sure to include those experience on your resume or talk about them in interviews.
Sometimes, employers don’t need entry-level candidates to have a lot of technical skills. They just want to see a genuine desire to learn and tackle challenges with excitement.
5. Focus on what’s important
College is a time for discovering yourself personally and professionally.
Are there any exciting clubs or organizations at your school that would teach you something new, even if it’s not work-related? Pursue those opportunities and be sure to include those experience on your resume or talk about them in interviews.
Sometimes, employers don’t need entry-level candidates to have a lot of technical skills. They just want to see a genuine desire to learn and tackle challenges with excitement.
Secure Your Dream Job with Insight Global
Your dream job is whatever will make you happy and offer you opportunities to succeed. Have fun trying new things and getting to know yourself as a professional. Your dream job is out there waiting!
Ready to apply? Explore our job board today.