Depending on the spin some media have put in their news reports, college graduates may feel the job outlook is pretty grim. But many experts say it’s not all gloom and doom…if the candidate is well prepared.
Though some industries will have a notable decline in hiring during 2009, other fields such as health care, government, distribution and utilities are anticipating growth. In addition, over the next decade more and more Baby Boomers will retire, creating opportunities many grads could be able to grab.
In today’s market, the graduate should be more flexible than other job seekers in a couple of areas:
First is salary expectations. It’s a tight market right now, so you may have to settle for less than you feel you deserve. But remember that it is your first job. Opportunities for advancement or better positions will open up to you along the way.
Second is location. A better paying, more rewarding position may not be in your home town. You may want to consider the many opportunities across the country.
The job search may take a little longer, so be patient. With the right tools in place, the candidate should be successful, but it may mean part-time or temporary work in the interim.
Network effectively. You can post your resume on-line and hope for the best, but networking is a must. Let everyone you know what your goals are and ask them to spread the word. Follow-up with them to be sure they’ve kept you in mind.
When creating a resume, make sure you highlight the skills which coincide with those requested by the employer. With the volume of resumes sent to a company, generic or broadly written resumes are obvious and tossed aside quickly.
When you do get the call, make sure to do your due diligence before your interview to show you’ve learned all you can about the company you’ve applied to.
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