Leveling the Playing Field: How New Grads Can Stand Out Among Experienced Candidates

One of the most common frustrations that AgCareers hears from students looking for their first job out of college is this: How do I get a job without experience? How do I get the experience needed to land a job?  

Young professionals often lament that "All job postings require five years of experience!" This seems like a contradiction for an entry-level position. The job search process can be exasperating for students. Still, I'm here to tell you that you can compete and may even have an advantage over experienced professionals in some circumstances! Stand out even next to seasoned pros! 

Employers see the value in the innovative, resourceful ideas recent graduates bring to their organization. Many organizations have dedicated programs and departments for student internships and recruitment. More than 60 percent of U.S. agricultural and food employers plan to hire new graduates in the coming year. The main reason employers are recruiting recent grads is to remain competitive. Employers also consider new graduates' value as they plan career progression and future leadership. Agriculture and food organizations are preparing for business growth while also considering the retirement of current staff (AgCareers US HR Review). 

To help you identify organizations actively recruiting students and new graduates, start by learning about employers that hire interns and co-op students with development and career exploration programs. Additionally, all the employers advertising in this publication are dedicated to connecting with emerging talent and want to connect with students like you! 

Selling yourself without work experience: What advantages do YOU bring to the workplace? Top five to consider: 

FRESH PERSPECTIVES & OPEN MIND 

As a student or recent graduate, you may have limited internship and student work experience, but that also means that you do not have as many preconceived notions about how the workplace should be and how the new organization compares to prior employers.  

"We've always done it this way…."  

As a long-term employee, I'll admit that it's easy to get stuck in the mindset of "this is how we've always done it" or "we've tried that before." New graduates are often open-minded and eager to try new things right out of school. We, and many other businesses, look to their students, interns and recent graduate hires to think beyond the standard box they've been working in, bringing in fresh perspectives from the outside world.  

TECH SAVVINESS 

Has a parent or grandparent asked you to figure out an app on their cell phone? Have you introduced older friends and family members to social networks?  

Most students and recent graduates today are members of Generation Z, born 1997–2012. Gen Z has always had internet access and is known as the most digitally fluent generation. Therefore, it's no surprise that technology is the most obvious and often-mentioned trait recent graduates bring to the workplace.  

Technology impacts every organization, and employers are seeking tech-savvy employees to join their teams. A prime example is the remarkable AI transformation over the past couple of years. You bring the latest education and unique approaches to social networking and outreach. Express your experience and comfort with digital tools!  

GROWTH MINDSET for the LONG-TERM 

Employers stress the importance of lifelong learning as the industry evolves. As a student, your learning doesn't stop in college and will continue throughout your career (AI is another good example here).  

Your generation demonstrates a growth mindset, adaptability, and dedication to turning setbacks into opportunities for progress. Employers highly value these employability skills, but students often underestimate them. 

Related to growth and longevity, you're just beginning your career and could make a long-term commitment to your employer of choice. Agriculture and food employers report that their most concerning human resource matter is employee retention—keeping their top employees for the long haul. Training and onboarding a new employee are significant financial and time investments. Will you choose to commit, stay, and develop with the employer? If so, the company gains an excellent return on its investment. 

RELOCATION FLEXIBILITY 

When AgCareers polled agriculture and food industry professionals, those with more years of experience often stated that they didn't apply to specific jobs because they were unwilling to relocate. This presents a powerful opportunity for students and recent grads: if you're open to moving, you immediately stand out in a talent pool where many seasoned professionals are geographically limited. 

Often, new graduates are flexible; they do not own a home and have other local commitments preventing them from relocating for a new job. Make it known if you're open to relocating—whether to another city, state, or even country. Flexibility like this significantly increases your marketability. When setting up your free job seeker account on AgCareers.com, be sure to select the "open to relocation" checkbox! 

REASONABLE SALARY EXPECTATIONS 

While it may not be the most exciting news, hiring inexperienced talent is a cost-effective option and an advantage for employers. Even if this doesn't lift your spirits, it should motivate you to apply and compete, even if you don't think you have a chance! When AgCareers polled job seekers, they found that salary wasn't as crucial for inexperienced candidates, and they were more likely to apply for a job than seasoned candidates.  

Your Skills & Experience 

Internships and student work experience in your field are invaluable. But I also encourage you to count any other work towards your total years of experience. Even part-time jobs in high school and college teach you valuable transferable skills in customer service, communication, and dependability. Emphasize volunteer work, class projects and research as well. Agriculture and food employers today prioritize employability skills such as problem-solving and decision-making when hiring and are willing to train for technical skills. A push of positivity: Be confident in highlighting the experiences you've already gained, along with your eagerness to learn and grow. 

One Final Boost 

You are not alone: job seekers of all ages readily admit that lack of experience is a significant personal barrier to completing the application process (AgCareers Application Motivation Survey).  

So, you don't meet all the qualifications listed in the job posting…what do you do? Check if the qualifications are required or preferred. Do you meet some of the criteria? Do you check many of the boxes but not quite all of them? Apply anyway! Start searching and applying today at AgCareers.com.