College Students/Recent Grads: Build on Your Education During this Challenging Job Market

As an executive recruiter, I see large numbers of resumes and speak to companies daily. There are many job opportunities, but fewer than in recent years and with a larger pool of qualified candidates. Thus, the time spent to secure a new role can easily go beyond 6 months.

Now is the time to consider and evaluate three strategies. First, if you decide to enter the workforce, take full advantage of all available tools. The career center is usually an under utilized resource on the college campus. This is a fantastic place to begin the process.

If you are out of school, the career office is still a valuable resource. They are usually happy to assist alums in their efforts. They can also facilitate connecting with alums in your community and/or area of interest.

A second approach would be to enlist aid on job search from books and web sites. Unfortunately, the quantity of suggestions is great, but the quality varies wildly. One source that may prove helpful is “You’re Hired Actions to Get and Keep the Job You Love.” It is a book designed to assist the reader in all aspects of the job search from resume to negotiations to start up in the new workplace.

This may prove to be a good tool because the author has been a senior corporate executive who hired many professionals, a candidate several times and is a retained executive recruiter. Thus, he provides a broad perspective on the process and provides actions you can implement now to help your search.

The third option is to pursue additional education, full or part time. This is an attractive option. More education and/or training will enable you to develop skills and competencies in an area that you may find appealing. In a two year program, your knowledge will have expanded and you will be exposed to additional possibilities for career pursuits.

If you choose to pursue the educational route, take advantage of internship opportunities during the course of your studies. This combination of experience with academic studies will make you a more attractive candidate for the firm with whom you interned or another firm.

Regardless of your path, now is the time to build on your skills.