Job Search Tools for Graduates

This extended economic downturn has meant an upturn of recent college graduates with no job prospects. An April survey of human resource executives by Challenger, Gray & Christmas indicates that entry-level hiring is only slightly better this spring than in 2009 for new college grads, and the term most often used last year was "dismal."

If you are more of a numbers person, allow us to define "dismal" in terms you will understand. In the job market as a whole, there are more than five job seekers for every opening, based on the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing there were about 2.7 million job openings at the end of February and about 15 million unemployed Americans. And those numbers don't account for the 2009 – 2010 college grads!

Those of us who have lived through a couple dips on the economic roller coaster know things will get better. Jobs will resurface and employers will start hiring. In the meantime, it's wise to be optimistic and take steps to stay motivated. You can steer the grads you know in this direction with gentle pep talks. For starters, steer them to our job transition resources. It's all free and available any time to anyone.

The online resources include eight self-directed modules focus on the basics of job hunting: resumes, cover letters, social networking, job boards, interviewing, salary negotiation. (Because, when the job market does improve, there will be salaries to negotiate.) There's a quick values exercise (PDF, 58K) to help job seekers learn more about how their values can help shape their future.

Take Action Tip for Today
These job resources aren't solely for the new college grad in your household. If you are seeking employment, check out the modules. Pick up some job hunting skills you didn't know you don't have. And gain some tips for navigating job transition financially and emotionally too.

Go to our job transition page today.

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