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Last updated: October 18, 2025
Whether you are a student looking for your first job opportunity or an experienced professional searching for a new
Many of you will be competing against hundreds of other candidates all aiming to secure the same position. You may be a bright and capable individual, however, something is preventing you from obtaining the job you want – so how exactly do you get your foot in the door?
Landing an Internship
For those looking for their first taste of an opportunity, an
Internships allow you to gain invaluable transferable skills including time management, communications, and teamwork within a real working environment, where you may be required to take on responsibility.
However, I’m sure those who have already tried this path know, that internships aren’t typically handed out to just anyone. You must research the company that is hiring and discover what they are looking for, and remember you will be competing against several other candidates.
Make your Resume stand out
Submitting your resume will usually be the first time you have any direct contact with a company. However, with so many other applicants all gunning for the same position, you need to take this opportunity to differentiate yourself from the other applicants to ensure that
Of course, your resume must always follow the fundamental rules – it should be clear, concise, and illustrate the relevant skills you possess to become a strong member of the team you’re applying for. As well as ensuring that it is easy to read and tailored to the position that you are applying for.
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Many people are also trying unique and creative ways to get noticed ahead of all the others, often using different forms of communication when attempting to sell their skills and achievements. Consider all of your options, and look at the different avenues that you have available to you – with constant advancements in technology they are changing all of the time. Stories that I’ve come across include attaching a QR code to business cards that load up your resume, sending a personal message via video, and using social media to build up your own network of contacts.
Whether you are a student looking for your first job opportunity or an experienced professional searching for a new career path it can be tough standing out from the crowd and getting noticed for the right reasons.Click To Tweet
One thing I would advise that you review is the privacy policies on your social media accounts – prospective employers really don’t need to see photos of you with your mates in the pub on a Saturday night!
Be smart in your approach and work hard to differentiate yourself – it will pay off.
Take the additional step
Often getting that initial foot in the door is down to you taking the additional steps to minimize the chances of your
- Invest time in finding an internal referral that’ll get your resume into the right hands
- Use the sources available to you including alumni contacts, previous employers, and
recruitment agencies - Maximize the potential of social networks and get connected with similar groups associated with similar careers
Discover insider secrets to scoring the perfect internship, building invaluable connections, boosting transferable skills, and ultimately moving toward your dream career.
Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
