What Lies Ahead for Today’s College Grads?

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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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Before Your Interview - Things You Must Do

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Thank goodness! Your hard work is paying off...you've landed an interview.

Before you choose what you'll wear, take the necessary time now for due dilligence. This is an opportunity to really score big points by finding out everything you can about the company you're interviewing with.

The information you secure will help you:

A) Ask relevant questions that make the dialogue between you and the interviewer more interesting and significant;

B) Take a more active approach in the interview. The discussion can be more in-depth rather than superficial.

C) Sell yourself as a problem solver and a “doer,” someone who knows how to identify problems and come up with the solutions.

The Internet contains a wealth of information on businesses - large and small. My favorite source of obtaining information on publicly traded companies is through Finance.Yahoo.com. In the search box, just enter the company name (or ticker symbol, if you have it). This will give you a broad look at the company as well as the key executives in charge. You’ll see other helpful things to click on, such as the company financials, charts, and company news.

Another way to seek corporate information is to go into Google News. Put the name of the company in the search box and recent business activity involving the company will come up.
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Posting Your Resume? Wait!!

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You’ve heard it said, “You only have one chance to make a first impression.” For the job seeker, that impression is your resume.

At the end of a job fair held in Greensboro, NC on February 25, 2009, an HR Director was interviewed on one of the local news stations. “The biggest problem applicants have,” he said, “is their resume.”

He went on to indicate how vitally important it is to make sure your resume is:

- worded properly,
- kept concise,
- typed in proper font size and style, and most important,
- matches your objective to the position you’re applying for.

This may mean a few resumes that are tailor made for the specific role you’re going for.

Start Now! Career Guide helps you create the strongest, most effective document that will shoot your resume to the top of the pile.

We’ll help you discover experiences and qualifications you may have overlooked… talents that will have hiring managers take notice. And we’ll show you how to make it look picture perfect.

The guide also contains every letter imaginable that’s needed for an effective search, from networking letters to the thank-you and acceptance letters.

Plus, there’s a full section devoted to sharpening your interviewing strategies and skills.

Visit our website: http://www.startnowcareers.com/

View the samples on the site, and if you don't feel this guide provides what you need in your search, e-mail us at our web link or here on our blog and tell us why. Our goal is to help you get the job you’re seeking!

Start Now!

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It's Lonely Out There

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Even though you know you're among thousands (heck, millions nationwide) of job seekers, it's impossible not to feel isolated and alone.

I ran across a recent post. In it the author wrote, "In a world dominated by self-agrandized agitprop, people need to rely on their own perception and problem solving skills."

I'll have to look up some of those words, but the essence of what he or she said couldn't be more true. As my Mom used to tell me, "Only you are resposible your own direction in life."

Yes, life throws curveballs at us when we least expect them. But it's how we bounce back that matters. Grieve a little. Get a little angry if you must. When the dust settles, be calm, take matters into your own hands, think clearly, work out a strategy, and take action.
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One Bad Experience

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On an AOL job search message board, I found a post from a reader named John. The article he posted to was titled, "Do you still need a cover letter?"

John's experiences seemed very telling as he wrote, "The country is fresh out of CEOs. A resume is sent to people that have a job, and an empty waste basket. They got theirs....you ain't gettin' yours!"

What are your thoughts?
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Talk about it!

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I read a recent article on a job posting site that actually said, "Lost your job? Lie to people." The article was posted just before the holidays and the author felt that it's better not to say anything to friends and relatives, since the individual is probably embarrassed, and if asked how things are going at work, they should lie.

My thought is the complete opposite. Since more jobs are obtained through the "Hidden" job market than the "Advertised," it's to your benefit to let everyone know your situation.

In fact, it is advisable that you begin telling select friends about your new situation as soon as possible. Don’t be afraid to do so.

As you proceed with this career continuation process, you will quickly begin to realize that friends not only provide support, but are your allies in developing an effective marketing force. If your friends are not aware of you situation, they certainly can’t help you.
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Now What?

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So here you are. You've found yourself out of a job, and the search seems overwhelming.

Where do you start?

As you come to grips with your situation, you must turn your attention away from the past and direct it toward the future. There is little, if anything, you can do to change what has happened; however, you are still master of your future.

Thousands of people have faced a similar situation and moved on to better and more satisfying careers than those they left.

Currently, your full-time assignment is finding a new job. Accomplishing this task will require a vast amount of energy, effort, and – most importantly – personal commitment. Positive attitude can and will reward you with positive results.
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