You've Got the Degree. Now What?
A recruiter's honest take on why great candidates are getting passed over and what to do differently.
By Nancy Gamble
Every spring, I meet with dozens of recent graduates who are sharp, talented, and genuinely excited about their careers in marketing, design, communications, and PR. And every spring, I watch some of them make the same avoidable mistakes that cost them opportunities they absolutely could have had.
I'm not writing this to be harsh. I'm writing this because I want you to land the job, and because no one else is going to tell you this stuff directly.
Here's the reality: entry-level marketing roles are limited, and employers expect candidates who can contribute immediately. A degree is not enough. You need proof. Whether you graduated in May, have been searching for a few months, or are still finishing your degree, this is the conversation I wish every candidate would have before their first recruiter call or hiring manager interview.