Graduating In Recession?

Published in Wall Street Journal on March 30, 2009;

Graduating With a Major in Go-Getting  :-

Many college students graduating this spring haven't been so lucky to get good job. That's no one surprise given that the number of U.S. job openings sank to below three million in January, according to the Labor Department, the lowest level since 2000.

Worse, employers recruiting on college campuses expect to hire about 22% fewer graduates from this year's class than last year's, according to a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Still, career experts say graduates have some advantages over senior professionals:-

• Youth Has Advantages:

1. Newbie grads are less expensive than job seekers with a few years of work experience. In this economic conditions, getting more for less is an attractive option for many firms. While new graduates might not have the breadth of experience, they usually are wiling to work hard and do what's required to get ahead, says Kerri Day Keller, director Career Services at Kansas State University.
2. Recent graduates tend to be more flexible than more established workers. Without the burden of a mortgage, a spouse and children.
3. Young people tend to be more open to alternatives than professionals already on a well worn career path and would be smart to look at finance jobs outside of banking like at a hospital or transportation company.
4. Don't rule out internships even though they are temporary and pay little or nothing. They are something few experienced workers can afford to pursue. It's a great way to get your foot in the door of a company. This can give graduating students new skills, a broader network and a way to set themselves apart from others. And if the job market improves, an intern who was well regarded is in a good position to be hired.

• Be Creative:

1. College grads need to be more creative than their experienced counterparts. In your resume, focus on and give specifics of the things you have done or accomplished. Do not just describe the position. You shall also want to broaden your definition of experience and highlight it. Mention your internships, sports and volunteer activities. Describe actions and accomplishments that show leadership skills and initiative. If you were the treasurer for your college student government, highlight the size of the budget you managed and any results you delivered.
2. More critical is a strong network of mentors and contacts. It's practically impossible to land a job today without some kind of professional connection. Young people have had less time to build contacts, which means reaching out in unconventional ways. Ask the friends of your parents for advice and information but not a job. Tap your alumni databases to find people at companies you did like to work with. And join networking sites like Linkedln.com to foster relationships with professionals who can get your resume in front of decision makers.

• Reach Out to the Industry:

1. You should attend industry conferences; introduce yourself to more experienced attendees and request their business cards.
2. Email new contacts with your resume.
3. Ask for 20 minutes of their time to get feedback and suggestions on how to move forward with your job search.
4. Introduce yourself to marketing people manning the booths to find out if any company recruiters were in attendance.(I am here today trying to sell myself).