Rough economy, but jobs are there with some extra effort

If you just pay attention to the headlines it might seem like this year's college graduates have no chance of finding a job. Doom and gloom is the widespread and common perception. While job prospects for this year's graduates are less positive than recent years, for now they are still positive on the whole. The difference is that this year, you may have to work a little harder.

Each fall the National Association of Colleges and Employers publishes a hiring projection for the upcoming year. Each of the last three years has seen a double digit increase over the previous year, making the recent job market one of the best in decades. This fall was no different, with NACE projecting a 16% increase in hiring. In February, NACE downgraded their prediction to a 8% increase...but that is still an increase versus last year. Like the economy in general, there have been real downturns in the finance and construction sectors, where hiring has dropped 7.5% and 2.8% respectively. But hiring in many other areas is up.

A recent article in the Christian Science Monitor gives what is probably the most balanced view I have seen recently. There are challenges out there, but there are still jobs to be had as long as you put in the extra effort to find them and make a compelling case for yourself. Here is probably the most important point to be made: "Gone are the days when blanketing 20 different firms with a generic cover letter and résumé might have resulted in an interview". While prospects are still good for graduates in most areas, the market has gotten more competitive. That means your efforts need to match that reality.

• Develop a targeted list of companies that match with what you want to do and where you want to do it...then pursue them. Don't just submit a resume online and hope for the best. Research and network your way to a decision maker and follow-up.
• Every resume and cover letter must be targeted to the specific position you are after. Employers want focus.
• You need to put extra effort into researching the companies in which you are interested to make your presentation (both on paper in your resume and cover letter, and in your interview) stronger. Demonstrate to the employer that you know about them and that your skills and background can help solve their problems and meet their goals.
• In your resume and cover letter, and in your interviews, focus on your accomplishments even if they aren't related to your desired industry. Lots of people are smart, have good grades and have passion for their field. Show them by example that you can also make an impact.
• Network, network, network. Networking gets you involved in the "hidden job market". The hidden job market refers to the 80% of jobs that are never advertised. These positions are filled by hiring managers before they even need to advertise them based on referrals from friends and colleagues. Candidates must get in this loop. Start by talking with the people you know and have conversations about what you are seeking. Don't worry about the fact that you might not know anyone in the industry you are pursuing. Inevitably, someone in your network will. Get involved with free online professional networking resources like LinkedIn which can help with this process.
• Lastly, do at least one search-related thing everyday. Research a company, make a networking call, apply for a new position...but always keep the momentum going.

Finding a job in today's market will require some extra effort, but there is still opportunity if you conduct an organized, thoughtful search. If you need help planning your search, we are always here to help (even after graduation). It's never too late to come see us!