Tough Job Market Calls for Creative Solutions

New grads and college students alike are finding the job market more challenging than ever this year. An article in the Post Tribune.com appeared yesterday
New Grads Use Creativity, Wait for Jobs, discussing this very issue including tips on what students can do to cope with the reality of today’s job market.

Many students hoping to land the job of their dreams right after college are finding they must change their expectations and find ways to cope with the the country’s current recession. Although it’s easy to feel discouraged and somewhat anxious about the future, I’ve listed some specific action steps below that can help students and new grads in the short-term and better prepare them for full-time employment in the future.

What can you do if you can’t get an internship or a job in your field?

1. Be flexible – check out additional career options.
2. Research temporary agencies or jobs – which may eventually turn into full-time job opportunities.
3. Build on your networking skills and learn ways to add to your
   personal network.
4. Become proactive in your job search and be sure to follow up on all job applications and leads.
5. Consider doing an internship to further develop your skills.
6. Target all
   resume and cover letters to each job you apply to.

Also, be sure to check out Alison Doyle’s site, About.com’s Guide to Job Searching, for additional information on resumes, cover letters, networking, interviewing, job searching, and much, much more. You can sign up for Alison’s
newsletter to receive timely tips and advice or join in the ongoing discussions on her
forum.