March 2010

College Grads Face Another Tough Job Market in 2010
By Myles Golden

 Graduation is just around the corner and, unfortunately, the Class of 2010 is not much better off than the Class of 2009.  According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), company recruiters plan to visit 6.6% fewer campuses and hire 6.9% fewer graduates than last year.  The class of 2009 really got pounded when recruiters showed up at 19.4% fewer campuses and hired 21.7% fewer college grads than the previous academic year.  It’s a good news, bad news situation, and mostly bad news for the short term. However, the economy is expected to improve by year’s end.
  
So what’s the class of 2010 to do to find suitable employment in a down economy? For sure it will be the most competitive market for the good jobs in over 30 years. You had better be at the top of your game when competing for the best jobs.   A good plan will be indispensable.

One suggestion is to start out with some realistic expectations.   Early in my career, I was told by the president of a large publishing company, whom I was trying to meet, “Young man, time is my most valuable asset. Why should I meet you? “  So college grads, if you concur, devote some thought towards how you have spent your time during college and how you will use the time you have now in finding that first job when you graduate.  You might spend some time learning as much as you can about what it takes to get “market ready” in a few weeks when you graduate.  How confident are you that your field of study is your primary occupational interest?  Interest, plus skills equals income and will be the key to a successful career.  Career and leadership assessments can be excellent tools to set your career path.

Here are some questions to address and suggestions to consider:

1. How about that resume?  Does it showcase your accomplishments, experience and leadership skills?  Remember the most powerful resume is the one that is put in the hands of the decision maker.
2. That brings up the question of your network…  Did you know that 90-95% of the jobs found are through networking? I’m not talking about social networks like Facebook, Plaxo or LinkedIn. I’m talking about personal networking - meeting people face to face.  In a recent survey by the Society of Human Resource Managers  (SHRM) and www.careerbuilder.com, 95% of HR professionals and job seekers use personal referrals or networking as the preferred method  to hire for a position and say the same for job seekers. And be careful what you have posted on your Facebook or Linked-in account! Too much information can derail you; especially those fraternity party pictures. 
3. How much time have you spent preparing for the actual interview? Most likely you will not get a second chance at interviewing for that position you thought was just perfect.  You might want to get some coaching on phone and Behavioral Event Interviewing.     Remember, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression
4. How about your work experience?  Did you have a summer job, an internship or a part-time job that gave you some practical work experience in your chosen career field?
5. How about your leadership skills? Did you chair a committee or head up a project for a good cause?
6. What’s your marketing plan?  Have you identified your target industries?  Which ones are hiring?  

These questions can be compelling to a young graduate.  The point I’m trying to make is the more prepared you are and the better networked you are will be the key to a successful landing. 
Hopefully you will not be one of those 65% that will have to return home to your parent’s payroll.  And for parents - think about the cultural shock you are about to experience once your child, who is now a young adult, returns to your daily life style.  The thought can strike fear in the hearts of both parents and their children.
 
You can read more about our CareerStart program at www.goldencareerstrategies.com .
Congratulations to you, your family and friends who have supported you in making your graduation day possible.

“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who'll decide where to go.”
~Dr. Seuss