By Tiffany Cullen
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, you probably know that there is a recession and the job market is steadily falling.
In an economy where jobs are dwindling and more students are choosing graduate school over unemployment, Office of Career Services Dean Sue Hinkin suggested students prepare themselves for the declining job market through ten valuable steps.
1. Start searching early. Never wait to start a job or internship search. Employers want to hire proactive people and have them trained before further cutbacks freeze hiring and expansion aspects.
2. Have a plan. A self-marketing plan needs to be well thought out. Don’t waste time and have a direct approach. Make a long list of companies you want to work for and research them. Collect business cards from everyone and keep a good record of all contacts.
3. Perfect your marketing materials. Update your resume, CV, cover letter and work samples to a flawless perfection. Make everything stand out in a professional and classy manner. Remember to always write a thank you note after an interview.
4. Network with ferocity. Have your 30-second elevator pitch so ingrained that you can recite it in your sleep. Talk to people. You never know who knows who that might have an opportunity for you.
5. Tap the hidden job market. Less than one-fourth of jobs are ever advertised. Move beyond Craigslist and Monster by contacting companies directly, using social networking sites, calling job hot lines, visiting career fairs and seminars and contacting professional organizations and alumni.
6. Be flexible: cast a wide net. Be prepared to accept a job somewhere you hadn’t thought of if that job you really wanted in New York and San Francisco falls through. Get your foot in the door. Although it may not be the exact job you want, it is an opportunity to gain industry experience.
7. Be professional. Present yourself as a professional in your field even as a college student. Be aware of the image you present to an employer. First impressions are lasting ones, even over the Internet.
8. Stay positive. Form a club with friends and have meetings to support each other and share networking opportunities and strategies.
9. Persevere. Be strong and steadfast. Searching for a job is a job in itself.
10. Meet with your career adviser. Take advantage of the connections and ideas your adviser may have to help you connect with future employers.
These job hunting tips are needed even after you land the job of your dreams. Start planning today. Contact Career Services to learn more about what you can do to prepare for your future.
