How To Stand Out In An Entry-Level Job As A Recent College Grad​

Job Search How To Stand Out In An Entry-Level Job As A Recent College Grad​ Jenna Arcand April 20, 2022 {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

For recent college grads, it's incredibly difficult in today's labor market to land a job interview for an entry-level job, and it's even more challenging to move on in the process and get a job offer. But let's say you did finally get an interview—and the job offer—after a long and tedious job search. And you accept, excited to start your first real job out of college. Although you're relieved that you found employment, there's one question that keeps popping up in your head: Now what?

You've been so focused on finding a job that you haven't thought about what you'll do once get one. Naturally, you know you'll do your job to the best of your ability. You'll work hard and complete your tasks and assignments in a timely manner. You want to make a good first impression, after all. But this is an entry-level job; you won't work, and certainly don't want to work, this job forever. So how can you ensure you'll be successful in your new job so you get promoted? How can you stand out and impress your manager? How do you prove your value as a young employee?

Here are some tips all recent college grads should follow if they want to stand out in an entry-level job:

Prioritize Skill Development

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When you're fresh out of college, you have limited work experience. You probably have a handful of skills you've developed from part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer work. Whatever the case, you were valuable enough to hire. The company thought you had the potential to make or save them money. It's your job to prove them right. But it's not just enough to do your job and do it well. In order to stand out and grow your career and get that promotion, you need to continue to prove your value. You need to focus on developing your skills.

One of the best things you can do as a recent college grad in an entry-level job is prioritize skill development. Take online courses, volunteer to help on projects, and look for ways to challenge yourself. Be proactive and take initiative. Try to get as much experience as you can on the job. Developing your skills and proving how valuable you are to your employer will help you stand out and get promoted over your peers, even if you're the newest member on the team.

Under Promise & Over Deliver

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As a recent college grad looking to stand out in an entry-level job, sometimes it takes a little finessing to get the results you want. Our second tip is to find ways to under promise and over deliver on every assignment that's given to you. It's actually the best advice J.T. O'Donnell, Work It Daily's founder and CEO, was given when she was a recent college grad. "When I regularly exceeded expectations it helped me to stand out and get promoted faster," she says.

Whatever you do, don't be too eager in your new job when it comes to promising a certain level of productivity. You don't want to over promise and under deliver. You want to manage your boss's expectations, and then exceed them whenever you can.

Keep Track Of Your Accomplishments

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When it comes time for your performance review, or when you decide to ask your boss for a raise or promotion, you'll want to have hard evidence of your value as an employee. This is why you should keep track of your accomplishments.

Keeping track of your accomplishments will help you stand out because you'll be able to prove to your manager just how valuable you really are as an employee. And the best way to document your value as a business-of-one is to quantify your work experience and accomplishments, specifically on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile every month with quantified bullet points so you don't forget any important information. This way, when it comes time for your performance review, you'll be able to show your boss how you made or saved the company money and, therefore, justify a raise or promotion.

As a recent college grad looking for a job, what you lack in experience, you can make up for with enthusiasm. But once you land your first job out of school, that won't be enough to stand out at work. If you want to stand out in an entry-level job as a recent college grad, follow these three tips.

Good luck! We're here for you if you need any more help navigating the post-grad work life.

In fact, we'd love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

It's time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

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recent college grads {"customDimensions": {"1":"Jenna Arcand","2":"job-search","3":"recent college grads, recent college graduates, recent grad, recent grads, entry-level jobs, entry-level job, college students, first job, how to stand out at work, new job, stand out, job search, young professionals, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29703314, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29703304, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29703282, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29703303","4":"04/20/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 543270555, 376550212, 473333499, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [19836096]} } Get Some LeverageSign up for The Work It Daily NewsletterEnter emailSubscribeFollow window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_multiplex', ['fluid'], 'wit_multiplex').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display('wit_multiplex'); }); Live What's The Secret Power That The Most Loved Brands Have? Their Personality. Lisa Perry April 18, 2022 {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

A dear friend of mine, who I've known for decades now, has an amazing personality. She’s fun (ready for a good time), outgoing (can easily engage in conversation with just about anyone), and personable (people just like her). She’s also a talented and successful marketing executive. On top of all this, she’s an unbelievable athlete. She’s run numerous marathons, but if that wasn’t enough, will throw in a couple of Ironman competitions to sprinkle on top for some excitement, courage, and inspiration. If I was to define her personality as a brand, she would be Starbucks (fun, outgoing, & personable), Google (confident & successful), and Red Bull (courageous, exciting, athletic, who happens to be a redhead) all rolled into one. And by the way, these combined brands generated over $263 BILLION in revenue last year.

When someone has a great personality we are drawn to them. We want to be with them because they make us feel good. A brand’s personality works the same way. Brands, just like humans, have personality traits that help make them relatable, mirroring the characteristics you value. Let’s explore further what a brand personality is, why a brand personality matters, and how to create your brand personality.

Listen To The Article What Is A Brand Personality?

https://brandmasteracademy.com/brand-personality/

A brand personality can be defined as the set of human characteristics associated with your brand. It’s communicated through tone of voice, visuals, and even policies. They’re expressed as adjectives that convey how you want people to perceive your brand. For example, is your brand cheerful, funny, friendly, youthful, innovative, spirited, dependable, responsible, credible, sophisticated, rebellious, cunning, powerful, honest, and so on? Here is a list of 200+ adjectives to get you started.

Let’s look at an example. Coca-Cola is considered real and authentic while Pepsi tends to be young, spirited, and exciting, and Dr. Pepper is seen as nonconforming, unique, and fun. Source.

A brand can also be described by demographics (age, gender, social class, and race), lifestyle (activities, interests, and opinions), or human personality traits (extroversion, agreeableness, and dependability). Source.

For example:

• If Harley Davidson were a person? It would be a man. Lululemon? A woman.
• Tesla would be innovative while Red Cross would be traditional.
• Kylie Cosmetics would live in a mansion and Goodwill would rent an apartment.

Why Does Brand Personality Matter?

https://medium.com/ebaqdesign/brand-personality-traits-of-top-brands-19c58890770f

If your brand neglects to define its personality, rest assured that people will form their own perceptions of you whether you like it or not. Take control of your brand by developing a well-defined brand personality. Here's why…

Develops An Emotional Connection: According to Harvard professor Gerald Zaltman, “95% of purchase decision making takes place in the subconscious mind.” People buy emotionally, even if they don’t realize it, and then justify their decisions rationally. Brands that present themselves in a human and personal way will do better than brands that rely on facts and figures.

Drives Competitive Differentiation: A brand personality is an important factor in differentiating you from your competitors, especially when brands are similar with respect to product attributes.

Guides Communication: A brand personality statement provides depth and texture that make it easier to keep the communication effort on target. Source. In fact, your brand personality can help reinforce the way you communicate your story and message to your audience.

Enhances Brand Loyalty: As customers get to know and love your brand personality, their connection to your brand grows stronger, just like getting to know a new friend better. Over time and consistent communication, you will build strong brand loyalty.

How To Create A Brand Personality

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-organizationalbehavior/chapter/situational-influences-on-personality/

There are three approaches on how to find your brand personality; use the one that best fits your needs.

Let’s first look at Jennifer Aaker’s Dimensions of Brand Personality framework which contains 15 traits organized into five factors.

https://www.hausmanmarketingletter.com/the-right-brand-personality/

• Sincerity (Dove, Volvo, Hallmark)

• Down-To-Earth: family-oriented, small-town, conventional, blue-collar, all-American
• Honest: sincere, real, ethical, thoughtful, caring
• Wholesome: original, genuine, ageless, classic, old-fashioned
• Cheerful: sentimental, friendly, warm, happy

• Excitement (BuzzFeed, Nike, Red Bull)

• Daring: trendy, exciting, off-beat, flashy, provocative
• Spirited: cool, young, lively, outgoing, adventurous
• Imaginative: unique, humorous, surprising, artistic, fun
• Up-To-Date: independent, contemporary, innovative, aggressive

• Competence (SpaceX, Rolex, Microsoft)

• Reliable: hardworking, secure, efficient, trustworthy, careful
• Intelligent: technical, corporate, serious
• Successful: leader, confident, influential

• Sophistication (Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Apple)

• Upper Class: glamorous, good-looking, pretentious, sophisticated
• Charming: feminine, smooth, sexy, gentle

• Ruggedness (REI, Old Spice, Harley-Davidson)

• Outdoorsy: masculine, Western, active, athletic
• Tough: rugged, strong, no-nonsense

Here are three steps to developing your brand personality under this model:

• Brainstorm: Begin by brainstorming a list of personality traits (here's a list of 200+ adjectives to get you started) that best represent your brand. Group these traits under one of the five brand personality dimensions. For example, adventure, exploration, and self-discovery represent Patagonia and fall under Ruggedness.
• Rate: Rate each brand personality trait on a scale from one to five. One being the least descriptive and five being the most descriptive of your brand. This process helps determine which of the brand personality traits represents your brand the most.
• Organize: Organize your findings to see where your brand rates on a scale from high to low. Determine where your brand should focus within the five brand personality dimensions.

Next, is Brand Archetypes Framework by Carl Jung. Carl Jung believed that archetypes were models of people, behaviors, or personalities, thus making them more recognizable and relatable to target audiences. Jung identified 12 archetypes. The idea is that any brand can relate to one of the 12 archetypes that help define the brand.

https://iconicfox.com.au/brand-archetypes/

As you evaluate the Brand Archetypes Framework, start by thinking about the following:

• Does your brand connect with one of the archetypes better than another?
• What personality traits do your customers tend to value and aspire to?
• What brand archetype feels right?
• Be sure that your brand messaging supports your brand personality.

Finally, there is the Combo Brand Archetypes & Brand Personality Frameworks. This model combines the Brand Archetypes and the Dimensions of Brand Personality Frameworks mentioned above.

https://conversionminded.com/brand-personality/

The flexibility of this method allows you to create your own framework using your best judgment.

In conclusion, your brand personality is one of the most powerful strategic tools to humanize your brand. Defining your brand personality will help you make better decisions across each aspect of your business. Start building your brand leadership today. You’ve got this!

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