How to get hired 101: Here’s how Riipen can be your secret weapon for finding a job.

Looking for your first job after graduation can feel overwhelming — and for good reason. Today’s job market is more competitive than ever. Advances in AI are reshaping roles faster than schools can update curricula, and economic uncertainty is making companies more cautious about hiring. With the added challenge of limited experience plus a crowded field of qualified applicants, new graduates face a higher unemployment rate year over year, with The Wall Street Journal reporting a 6% increase in U.S.

In this environment, knowing how to get hired means going beyond submitting résumés and hoping for the best. Employers are looking for candidates who bring more than just academic credentials — they want proof you can deliver results, adapt quickly, and work well in professional settings.

This blog will show you how Riipen, the leading experiential learning platform for educators, learners, and employers, can help you build those three essential skills to stand out, impress employers, and help you land your desired role.

Gain real-world experience plus a portfolio of results.

One of the fastest ways to stand out in a competitive job market is to show employers you have already delivered results. Riipen makes that possible by connecting learners with employers who need talented students for real-world projects.

These projects aren’t hypothetical class assignments — they’re actual business challenges.For example, a small biotechnology company hired computer science majors through Riipen to help with website and algorithm development. As the company manager explained, “These students were able to gain real-life experience while we, as the employer, got a lot of work done.”

With thousands of employers across industries, Riipen offers hands-on projects ranging from developing a social media strategy for a small business to writing grant proposals for a nonprofit and calculating carbon emissions for an international organization. This breadth allows you to choose projects matching your skills, interests, and career goals. 

Best of all, projects on Riipen’s platform are designed to build a student’s portfolio, showcasing your work to future employers. Imagine pointing to a live website you helped create, a successful marketing campaign you launched, or a research report you produced — and clearly explain your contribution and its impact. 

Leverage employers for advice, feedback, and networks.

A key benefit of working on real-world projects is the opportunity to interact directly with employers. These interactions can provide:

• Practical advice to help you refine your skills
• Constructive feedback to improve your work
• Networking opportunities that can lead to job referrals or interviews

Some employers even introduce students to their professional contacts or serve as references — both can be game-changers when looking to answer how to get hired. 

Riipen makes it easy for you to connect with employers. All communications are centralized on the platform, making them easy to find. You can schedule regular check-ins, receive timely feedback on milestones, and collect employer references you can share publicly with prospective employers.

Building the confidence to succeed. 

Applying for your first professional role can be intimidating, especially in today’s competitive job market. But experiential learning through Riipen’s platform enables you to overcome these emotions by improving your employability and confidence  — because you’ve already tested your skills in a real workplace. 

James, a student from the University of British Columbia, completed a Riipen project at Greener Solutions and shared:

“I feel more confident working in a professional environment going into the future after this experience.”

And confidence leads to success. Liana, a computer science student from Queens University, landed an internship at Mesh AI through Riipen. Her skills and leadership impressed the CEO so much that she was offered a full-time role — and today, she’s the company’s Chief of Customer Success.

“All of a sudden, I was telling people in the company what to do.” 

Your next step.

If you’re a student wondering how to get hired, the answer is simple: start building your experience, network, and confidence now. Riipen gives you the tools to do all three — and to show employers exactly why you’re the candidate they’ve been looking for.

If you are a student concerned about how to get hired, visit our website to learn how Riipen can help you find a job.

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