First job out of college

{{whyLabel}}: Employers hire for potential and skills, not just past titles. You need to translate academic and personal projects into professional language.

{{howLabel}}:

• List 5 major university projects, volunteer roles, or hobbies.
• Identify the 'Hard Skills' (e.g., Python, Data Analysis, Copywriting) and 'Soft Skills' (e.g., Stakeholder Management, Conflict Resolution) used in each.
• Use the 'Skills-Based Hiring' framework: focus on what you can do rather than where you have been.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a list of 10-15 verified skills backed by specific examples.

{{whyLabel}}: A broad search is an invisible search. Narrowing your focus allows you to optimize your materials for specific keywords.

{{howLabel}}:

• Use job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed to find 'Entry Level' or 'Junior' roles.
• Pick 3 titles that align with your skill map (e.g., 'Junior Marketing Coordinator', 'Associate Data Analyst', 'Project Coordinator').
• Note the top 5 recurring keywords in these job descriptions.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have 3 specific job titles and a list of 15 keywords to target.

{{whyLabel}}: This book provides a data-driven system for networking that is far more effective than cold-applying to job boards.

{{howLabel}}:

• Focus on the 'LAMP' list method (List, Alumni, Motivation, Posting).
• Learn the 'Curti-6' outreach template to get a 50% response rate on LinkedIn.
• Understand how to prioritize companies based on 'Motivation' rather than just 'Openings'.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have read the core chapters on the LAMP list and outreach strategy.

{{whyLabel}}: When you lack experience, you must show evidence. A portfolio proves you can do the work before you are hired.

{{howLabel}}:

• Select 3 projects (university capstones, personal coding projects, or volunteer work).
• Use a free tool like Notion or GitHub Pages to host them.
• Structure each project: Problem -> Action (Your Role) -> Result (Data/Outcome).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A live URL showcasing at least 3 detailed case studies.

{{whyLabel}}: Standard chronological resumes highlight your lack of experience. A skills-first (functional) layout highlights your capabilities.

{{howLabel}}:

• Place a 'Technical Skills' or 'Core Competencies' section at the top.
• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for project descriptions.
• Ensure the document is ATS-friendly: use standard fonts (Arial/Calibri) and simple headings.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A one-page PDF resume optimized for your 3 target job titles.

{{whyLabel}}: 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn. Your profile must act as a 24/7 landing page for your skills.

{{howLabel}}:

• Headline: '[Target Job Title] | [Key Skill 1] | [Key Skill 2]'.
• About Section: Write in the first person about your passion and the specific problems you solve.
• Turn on 'Open to Work' but set it to 'Recruiters Only' to maintain a professional appearance.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Profile reaches 'All-Star' status with a professional photo and keyword-rich summary.

{{whyLabel}}: This list prevents 'application fatigue' by focusing your energy on the companies most likely to hire you.

{{howLabel}}:

• List 40 companies you would like to work for.
• Column A: Company Name. Column B: Alumni (Do you know someone there?). Column C: Motivation (1-5). Column D: Posting (Are they hiring?).
• Sort by Motivation and Alumni first.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A spreadsheet with 40 target companies ranked by priority.

{{whyLabel}}: Informational interviews are the 'appointments' that lead to referrals. 80% of jobs are filled through networking.

{{howLabel}}:

• Reach out to alumni or professionals in your target roles via LinkedIn.
• Script: 'I’m a recent grad from [University] and I’d love to ask 3 questions about your path at [Company].'
• Keep the meeting to exactly 15-20 minutes. Do NOT ask for a job; ask for advice.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Three confirmed calendar invites for the upcoming week.

{{whyLabel}}: While networking is key, you still need a baseline of formal applications to keep your pipeline full.

{{howLabel}}:

• Only apply to roles where you meet at least 60% of the requirements.
• Customize your cover letter's first paragraph for every single application.
• Mention a specific project from your portfolio that solves a problem mentioned in the job ad.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Five submitted applications tracked in your spreadsheet.

{{whyLabel}}: Behavioral questions ('Tell me about a time...') are the standard. Having pre-set stories prevents freezing.

{{howLabel}}:

• Prepare stories for: A time you failed, a time you led, a technical challenge, a conflict, and a proud achievement.
• Structure: Situation (10%), Task (10%), Action (60%), Result (20%).
• Practice out loud to ensure each story is under 2 minutes.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Five written and rehearsed STAR stories.

{{whyLabel}}: A thank-you note reinforces your interest and professionalism. It is often the tie-breaker between two candidates.

{{howLabel}}:

• Send within 24 hours of any interview or informational chat.
• Mention one specific thing you learned or discussed.
• Reiterate how your skills (referencing your portfolio) can solve their current challenges.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A sent email for every interaction you had this week.