To the Graduating Class of 2022

The world — as your parents and advisors have by now warned you — has changed. The work environment you’re about to enter is unlike any I’ve known in my lifetime. Your generation will be at the forefront of a sudden and stark shift in workforce dynamics that has few equals, except perhaps the introduction of the Cotton Gin, the telephone or the first wave of computers to be introduced in American businesses for everyday use.

In 2020 global businesses learned, with some reasonable exceptions, many workers could do their jobs from anywhere. Lawyers? Yes. Judges? Yes. Personal assistants? Yes. Consultants? That would be a hell yes. Teachers? Yes, but not easily. Marketing and communications professionals? Yes. Surgeons? Not commonly, but there are some interesting developments in robotics that may reimagine how and where surgery is done. A long list of other professions follows a similar pattern.

In early 2021 we learned we were unlikely to return to the before times where everyone needed to be physically in the same workspace for the organization to operate efficiently.

So, you, Class of ’22, will enter a work environment where many of the old rules no longer apply. Having gone through the hiring process in this changed environment, I offer some insights I gathered along the way, some thinking about what no longer applies, and some sage advice that may run counter to what you’ve heard but should only ignore at your professional peril.

Cover Letters Still Matter

In a world of online job platforms and keyword algorithms, what can help a job candidate to stand out from the crowd is a throw-back to what used to be a resume standard: the cover letter. It’s critical that you tailor your cover letter to the employer or job. Tell the employer what you can bring to the position. Demonstrate some knowledge of the company or role for which you are applying. And make it personal; let them know something about you that isn’t in evidence on your resume or GPA. Years ago, I applied for a job in my old hometown. I referenced growing up in the area, noted some career goals, and talked about a desire to “come home” to the town where I grew up. That little nugget helped me land an interview, and ultimately, I was offered the job. Details matter. Be thoughtful about them.

Presentation is Important

Too many graduates report no one told them how to create a resume. So let me share these key insights:

• You absolutely must be on LinkedIn. Period.
• Lose the “Objective” at the top. Your objective is clearly to find employment.
• Use a Summary at the top to highlight experience, skills and personality traits employers may care about.
• Keep it to one page. No recent undergrad needs more than a one page resume.
• With each role, focus on accomplishments rather than a recitation of job functions.
• No typos in your resume. Not one. Employers toss resumes with typos. So proofread the hell out of it and ask others — parents, teachers, friends — to do the same.

Don’t Embellish Your Accomplishments

I recently received a resume from a college graduate who boasted 12 years’ experience as an influencer. While math isn’t my strong suit, it wasn’t hard to figure out her influencer career started when she was about 12 or 13. When you are just out of school, the reality is your practical experience — no matter how good — is limited. Embellishing that experience becomes obvious quickly to any attentive hiring manager and frequently results in your resume being ignored. Instead, focus on accomplishments in whatever work, extracurricular activities or internships you’ve had. If you can tie those accomplishments to skills or personality traits that would be beneficial to the job you’re seeking, do so. No one expects a recent college grad to have 12 years of experience no matter how badly written the job ad may be.

Enthusiasm Counts

Whether it’s your first interview of the day or the 14th, enthusiasm matters. Employers want to see your energy and enthusiasm. To them, it’s a sign of your sincere interest in the job. Balancing between enthusiasm and too much caffeine is a subtle line I can’t appropriately illustrate here. That said, schools seem to rarely teach people how to interview. So, find a family member, neighbor or friendly local business owner who has done some hiring before and ask them to run you through a mock interview. Ask them to offer constructive criticism at the end. This feedback is important. How you speak, dress and present yourself is important; more so in a remote interview because first impressions do count. You want to be ready for the interview and have someone help you to improve in areas where you need improvement on your presentation skills. But always — always — bring your energy and enthusiasm to the fore as you discuss a role with a potential employer.

Don’t Forget: You’re Interviewing Them Too

We find ourselves in a market that favors job seekers. It is important that you come to the interview prepared to interview the employer as well. From experience, I can tell you nothing is more professionally daunting than going to work for the wrong employer. It zaps your energy, your self-confidence and your joy. Often, we make these mistakes because we are inexperienced and we focus on salary alone. To avoid this, get as complete a picture as possible of your potential workplace. Be sure to ask your potential employer about the company culture and priorities. Other questions or concepts to explore during your interview include:

• How does the company encourage team building?
• Is there a formal employee review process, and if so, would they explain how it works?
• If remote work is an option, how does the company foster employee engagement in that environment?
• Is it possible to interview someone in the organization in a similar role to help get a better sense of the job and the organization?
• Does the company give back to the community, and if so, how?
• What, if any, skill building or ongoing training is offered to employees?
• Ask the employer to illustrate potential career paths within the organization for those who perform well.
• If speaking with the manager for the role in question, ask them to describe their management style.

Video Can Be a Game Changer

Where possible, consider submitting a 60-to-90-second introductory video with your application or resume. LinkedIn and other job platforms are offering these as options, and as an employer who requested video intros in 2021 for the first time, I can tell you they can be a game changer.

A structure for these videos I would recommend is introducing yourself and noting the company and role for which you’re applying. Then talk about what you believe you can bring to the role – not your skills, but rather how your skills might apply to the job in question and why you believe you are the right candidate. A bit of personality helps, but it should be applied with subtlety. For example, if you love clowns, maybe remove the 12 clown paintings from the wall behind you before filming and just mention you’ve got a slapstick-style sense of humor that helps lighten the mood in work environments.

We’re All Figuring This Out Together

As I noted at the beginning, the world of work has changed drastically, and we are all figuring it out together.

While a certain etiquette should still be followed in any job interview, equally important is that you bring your authentic self to the interview. Just as the employer is looking for someone who will benefit the organization, you must look for an environment where you will be able to learn, grow and pursue your professional goals. The current environment affords you the opportunity to avoid having to settle for just any job. But remember, it’s a two-way-street. You need to be prepared to demonstrate you will bring your A-game and contribute to the workplace — be it remote, in-person or otherwise.

So, to you, the graduating class of 2022, I offer this final perspective: the horizon before you is wide open and waiting for you. Opportunity in the workplace exists in ways your parents and grandparents could not have imagined, and you have much to offer. Evaluate your options, ask those you respect for advice, and choose carefully. Also, wear sunscreen.