Stand out from the Crowd and Land Yourself in the Real World
MAYNARD, Mass.--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Nov 7, 2002--Today`s college students and recent graduates are facing the toughest entry- evel job market in more than a decade. The nation`s unemployment rate has been over five percent for the past year and currently stands at 5.7 percent for October 2002. Compare that to two years ago when America was at its lowest unemployment rate in 30 years (3.9 percent in October 2000), and you may conclude that the class of 2003 is destined to struggle for income while living with their parents.
If you happen to be the class of 2003, take a deep breath. Your job search may be difficult, but not impossible. Be aware of what you`re up against and be inventive with your job search tactics and you will find a position.
``With few available jobs and a competitive hiring process, today`s graduates need to differentiate themselves and develop creative ways to showcase their experience,`` said Doug Systrom, Vice President, Staffing, TJX Companies. Not only will the class of 2003 be competing with their peers but those that graduated before them. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the number of graduates hired from the class of 2002 dropped a full 36 percent from the previous year. To further complicate matters, recently laid-off workers are crowding the job market. ``Entry-level job seekers are entering the workforce at a time when more experienced applicants may be competing for similar positions,`` said Systrom.
Today`s lean job market calls for extraordinary job search methods. ``It is increasingly important for today`s students to be more proactive and thoughtful in their job search,`` said Eric Weil, managing partner, Student Monitor. ``Tweaking resumes, brushing up on interviewing skills and regularly attending networking events are just a few ways to increase your chances of landing a job.``
These days, everyone - whether already employed or actively seeking work - has a resume ready to show prospective employers. Jobseekers need their resume to stand out from the crowd, but they should also seek out ways to offer tangible evidence of their skills. The pool of jobs has dwindled while the number of candidates has increased so it`s crucial to differentiate yourself from fellow jobseekers. As an example, a portfolio not only showcases one`s personal style, it`s an easy way to feature materials produced for other jobs, internships, classes or volunteer experiences.
Networking is also a job search favorite that requires attention. Networking can and should occur day and night, seven days a week - no longer reserved for the typical job fair. For the beginner, the idea of networking may be somewhat intimidating, but the key is to not make it more than it is. Networking is simply talking to people, starting with those you already know, letting them know you are looking for a job and asking for their advice. Why is it so critical? Because employers, especially in a tight job market, commonly hire people they know - or those who come recommended by people they know and trust. So it`s in a job seeker’s best interest to develop contacts in their field of interest; you can do that by talking to friends and family and setting up informational interviews as well as attending the meetings of professional organizations in a particular industry.
Flexibility is also an essential trait for jobseekers today. If someone is more willing than other candidates to take a temporary or limited-term contract position, they`re in a better position to be considered for a permanent job with that company later on. The same is true for internships - sometimes unpaid, these positions offer an opportunity to establish yourself as a hard worker, critical thinker or whatever reputation you want to create. Job seekers have even begun to look for employment outside of their chosen field. In fact, 90 percent of Monster site visitors said they have considered making a career change within the past year. The message: show employers you`re the most flexible candidate they`ll encounter, and you`ll surely increase your chances of securing an offer.
Whatever your desired field, remember that you are not attempting the impossible. You can - and will - land a job. Perhaps you`ll even find a career you would have never considered if you graduated with the lucky class of 2000, when jobs were plentiful. Who knows, you could even choose to work for yourself. According to outplacement firm Challenger Gray & Christmas, 11.4 percent of unemployed workers started their own business during the first six months of this year. Maybe today`s tough job market is a blessing in disguise and your struggle will lead you to your dream job.
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