Landing the Job After Graduation: How to Stand Out in Today’s Job Market

A recruiter's guide to building a resume that gets noticed in 2025.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! You’ve earned your degree and are preparing to step into the job market, but are you ready for what comes next?

I was fortunate enough to have a resume writing course built into my college curriculum. But I know that’s not the case for most students. Many new graduates are left wondering: How do I build a resume that stands out and gets results in today’s competitive market?

Understanding the 2025 Job Market

There are always ups and downs in hiring, but from my perspective as a recruiter, the last few years have been especially unpredictable. Many companies have scaled back external hiring, instead choosing to promote internally, expand roles, or pause filling open positions altogether. Chances are, you know someone who’s experienced a layoff or job uncertainty recently.

According to Indeed’s 2025 U.S. Jobs and Hiring Trends Report, “Landing a job today is likely noticeably more difficult and time-consuming than it was in 2022, when competition for top talent was red hot.”

However, there’s good news for new grads: Robert Half’s April 2025 Labor Market Update reports that, “Nearly 90% of employers plan to increase or maintain hiring levels for the Class of 2025.” That means opportunities are out there, but you’ll need to stand out to land them.

What Makes a Resume Stand Out in 2025?

A strong resume is your ticket to getting noticed. Here’s what recruiters (like me!) look for:

• A clean, polished layout

  • Use consistent formatting, easy-to-read fonts, and clear section headings.

• A strong professional summary

  • Your summary should quickly highlight who you are, your background, and the value you bring.

• Measurable achievements

  • Go beyond listing responsibilities. Showcase your impact with numbers, results, and outcomes.

• Relevant keywords

  • Optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) by including terms from job descriptions.

• Tailored applications

  • Customize your resume for each role. Generic resumes often get overlooked.

Why Professional Resume Support Matters

Hiring a professional, or at the very least, having a second set of eyes review your resume, can be the difference between landing the interview or getting passed over. Simple formatting errors, typos, or unclear language can cost you an opportunity. That’s where I come in.

How Ocean Notary Can Help

In addition to notary services, Ocean Notary offers resume writing and job search consulting. With over a decade of experience recruiting in both corporate HR and agency settings, I’ve reviewed thousands of resumes. I know exactly what hiring teams look for and what causes resumes to end up in the “no” pile.

Whether you need a light refresh or a full resume revamp, I offer personalized services that get results.

• Free 20-minute consultations to discuss your goals and determine the best plan for you

• Quick turnaround- you’ll receive your first draft within 48 hours

• Affordable options, with basic and advanced plans available

Client Testimonials

“Darcy provides helpful, clear, and thoughtful resume help with care and compassion. I refer anyone I know who needs help updating, polishing, or tailoring their resume to Darcy without hesitation!” – Ruth J.

“Darcy was incredibly helpful and encouraging to boot! She not only helped format my resume but gave tips for going forward. She was incredibly personable and insightful. She showed real interest in making sure I had a killer resume and seemed invested in my success. Thanks Darcy!” – Stacey W.

“I had an amazing experience working with Darcy! She helped me revisit and edit my resume, offering excellent advice on best practices for my job search. Not only did she provide valuable insights, but she also completed the re-write within 48 hours, exceeding my expectations. I couldn't be more impressed with her professionalism and expertise – highly recommend her services!” – Sara S.

Let’s Get You Hired

If you’re ready to create a resume that gets noticed, let’s work together.

Phone: 401-321-4842 (text or call)

Email: ocean.notary.ri@gmail.com