Here are some tips to help recent grads land an IT job:

1. Build a strong foundation of technical skills: Focus on developing a solid understanding of the key technical skills required in the IT industry. This may include programming languages, databases, networking, cybersecurity, and system administration. Take relevant courses, pursue certifications, and work on personal projects to enhance your skills and demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers.
2. Gain practical experience: While academic knowledge is valuable, practical experience is equally important. Seek internships, co-op programs, or part-time positions to gain hands-on experience in the IT field. Additionally, consider contributing to open-source projects, participating in hackathons, or undertaking freelance work to build your portfolio and demonstrate your abilities.
3. Network proactively: Networking plays a crucial role in finding job opportunities. Attend industry events, career fairs, and IT conferences to meet professionals and potential employers. Engage with IT communities online, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and build connections with alumni, professors, and industry experts. Networking can lead to valuable insights, mentorship, and job referrals.
4. Customize your resume and cover letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Emphasize any internships, projects, or coursework that demonstrate your proficiency in specific IT areas. Include relevant keywords from the job description to ensure your application passes through initial screening processes.
5. Showcase your projects and portfolio: Develop a portfolio showcasing your IT projects, such as websites, applications, or software you have developed. Make your projects accessible online, create a personal website or GitHub repository, and provide clear documentation and descriptions of your work. A strong portfolio can differentiate you from other candidates and demonstrate your practical skills.
6. Prepare for technical interviews: Technical interviews are common in the IT industry. Research common interview questions and practice your responses. Brush up on fundamental concepts, algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving techniques. Utilize online coding platforms or participate in coding challenges and mock interviews to improve your coding skills and interview performance.
7. Stay updated on industry trends: IT is a rapidly evolving field, and staying updated on the latest industry trends and technologies is essential. Read industry blogs, follow influential IT professionals on social media, and join relevant online communities to stay abreast of emerging technologies, best practices, and industry news. Demonstrating a passion for learning and keeping up with industry advancements can impress potential employers.
8. Develop soft skills: In addition to technical skills, employers value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Enhance your interpersonal skills, develop effective communication abilities, and demonstrate your ability to work well in a team. Highlight any relevant teamwork or leadership experiences from group projects or extracurricular activities on your resume.
9. Be proactive and persistent: Landing an IT job may take time and effort. Be proactive in your job search by actively applying to positions, reaching out to recruiters, and following up on applications. Be persistent, as rejection is a common part of the job search process. Learn from each experience and seek feedback to improve your future applications and interviews.
10. Prepare for behavioral interviews: Alongside technical interviews, employers often conduct behavioral interviews to assess your fit within the company culture. Prepare examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, adaptability, and decision-making skills. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses and provide specific examples of your accomplishments.

Remember, landing an IT job may require perseverance and continuous learning. Stay motivated, keep expanding your knowledge, and adapt your strategies as needed. Good luck with your job search!