How Students and Graduates Can Make Themselves an Attractive Hire

Breaking into the competitive job market can feel daunting, especially for students and recent graduates looking to start their careers in tech and networking. The current market is candidate-driven, but standing out requires more than just applying to lots of roles.

So, how can you cut through the noise and position yourself as a strong, attractive candidate? Here are practical tips tailored to help you shine.

Shape Your Application Around Your Desired Role

Research is key. Before applying, look closely at the roles you want and understand what employers are seeking. If the job requires coding skills, consider taking online coding courses to boost your experience. This shows commitment and a willingness to learn.

If you want a role that involves leadership or management, highlight any experience where you demonstrated these skills. You don’t have to have been an official manager — leading a university project or helping train peers also counts. Be creative and think about how you can show communication and organisational abilities.

 Demonstrate Your Interest and Commitment

Keeping your qualifications and certifications up to date shows you’re serious about your career. Employers want candidates who stay ahead of industry developments and are eager to keep learning.

If many candidates have similar qualifications, your extra effort in maintaining or gaining new certifications can help you stand out.

Beyond saying you have a skill, give clear examples of when you used it successfully. For instance, if you’re confident in coding, explain a project where you applied your skills and what you achieved.

 Highlight Transferable Skills

While many network engineer roles value specific degrees or certifications, employers increasingly appreciate candidates with diverse experiences and “soft skills.”

Skills like being a team player, problem solver, or effective communicator matter a lot. Think of examples where you managed a difficult situation, supported your team beyond your usual tasks, or resolved a problem.

You might not include these examples in your CV, but keep them ready for interviews — they demonstrate your practical abilities and attitude.

 Showcase Extra Activities and Volunteering

Involvement outside of study can be a real advantage. Volunteering, freelancing, or participating in team sports shows you can work well with others and handle challenges.

For example, team sports can highlight leadership and resilience, like how you reacted to losing a game or boosted team morale.

These experiences help employers see you as a well-rounded candidate who can thrive in different environments.

Mention Extra Qualifications

Additional courses or qualifications, even if not directly related to the role, can make a difference.

Maybe you’re a trained Mental Health First Aider or hold a general first aid certificate — skills that might be valuable to an employer’s wider team and culture.

While these won’t be the main reason you get hired, they can tip the scales in your favour and show you’re proactive and caring.

Final Thoughts: Employers Want More Than Just Skills

Employers want to know you can do the job — but also that you’ll be a reliable, motivated team member who cares about their work.

They want to understand who you are and what makes you tick. The more you share about your skills, interests, and experiences, the easier it is for them to picture you fitting into their team.

Need Help Standing Out?

Hamilton Barnes has over 30 years’ experience in IT, networking, and security recruitment. We understand the market and can support you in enhancing your application and landing your dream role.

Get in touch with our expert team today:
https://hamilton-barnes.com/