Mar 29, 2017 08:26 AM EDT By Emily Marks, UniversityHerald Reporter

There is a lot of competition in the job market today. Fresh graduates, oftentimes, have to set themselves apart from their peers and even experienced professionals.

In a piece for Forbes, founder and CEO of TalentCulture Meghan Biro shared the 10 things that she wished she knew when she was making that transition from student to being part of the professional world. Incoming graduates can follow these tips in their quest to landing their dream job.

Register on job sites

Most recruiters use job sites as their main tools. There are sites specifically created for fresh graduates and those looking for entry-level positions.

Visit the school career office

Career offices can help students in preparing for their application. This can include training on how to conduct one's self during interviews and how to write professional resumes.

Apply for an internship

Internships are a great way for fresh graduates to get their foot in the door of their dream company. In a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 52 percent of respondents said that their internships led to job offers.

Network and build a contact list

Making professional connections should not only be done once graduates have landed a job. It is more important to build one's network while in school with one's peers and build their contact list.

Ensure that one's resume showcases one's skills

Graduates should know what their strengths and weaknesses are and highlight those strengths in the resume. Most employers look for people who can work well with others, solve problems, communicate and have a solid work ethic.

Believe

NACE also conducted a "2017 Job Outlook" survey and asked employers about their college graduate hiring plans. The organization found that employers are planning to hire 5.8 percent more college graduates from this year's graduating class.

Check the employer

Of course, fresh graduates should be strategic and check the work environment that they will be joining. One's first job can determine the career path that graduates take so it's best to be sure about their decision on where they want to work.

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