Graduating and No Job: Now What?

Published on Wednesday, 25 May 2011 21:30

By Thom Rakes, Michelle B. Gjerde, Linda W. Bowie

In this Graduation Issue of our special anniversary edition, Diversity Employers asked knowledgeable career services directors at a number of colleges to share their insights for 2011 graduates transitioning from campus life to the world of work.  We specifically wanted to get their advice for students who were preparing for graduation and had not secured a job, and were headed into an unusually tough job market. Here's what they said.

Diversity Employers: What advice would you offer students who are preparing for graduation and have not secured a job?

“First, make sure you are using all the resources available through your campus career center.  They will have unique -- and free -- resources, services and staff to help with your resumes, cover letters, interview preparation and job search strategies.  Most campuses provide these services to you as an alum as well.

“Second, do whatever you can to focus your job search.  It is overwhelming, and usually unproductive, to cast a net for any job, anywhere.  Clarify the marketable skills you have developed in your academic program, your internships or other work experiences, and your involvement on campus or in the community.  What industries or organizations are suggested by your skill set?  Then focus your job search in those areas that most utilize the skills you possess, and that you enjoy using.  This process will make for a more successful job search, and a more successful first job.”  Thom Rakes, UNCW Career Center Director

“College students that are graduating today and have not secured a job should be prepared to face a tough job market.  They must be on top of their self-directed job search, which means they will need a strong professional resume, good references, and a great cover letter.  They need to make sure their social networking sites are cleaned up, professional, and scream CEO material.  Make sure their cell phone message is professional and their email is not nasty or tacky.   Students need to know that just having a degree doesn’t mean they will automatically find a job…the university has given a base, and a piece of paper to prove they completed the requirements… now is the tough part, they need to market themselves to those employers.  Research what you want, where you want to be, actually visualize seeing yourself in that position, purchasing some conservative interview clothing.  Research is key after completing all these tasks.  Statistics from the National Association of Colleges and Employers say it takes 3-6 months to land a job, in a good job market.  Anyone living in the USA knows we have high unemployment areas, and this is not a good job market, but there are actually employers that are hiring recent college graduates.  So, graduates need to be flexible, willing to relocate, travel if necessary, and be open to other opportunities.  They shouldn’t put themselves in a box and think they can only do this one thing with this degree.  A recent graduate might be completely surprised to find out that many people are finding employment in fields they never thought they would be in when they started their degree path.  Finding a job is your first job.” - Michelle B. Gjerde, Director, Colorado State University-Pueblo Career Center

“Students who have not secured a job should not despair.  If they are willing to invest the time and energy required to execute a proactive and focused job search with patience, they can be successful.

“Soon to be graduates must evaluate their interests and experiences, identify transferable skills, and decide on the type of job they want.  They will need to conduct in-depth research of employers in their desired field(s) and the qualifications employers seek.  Students who are able to articulate how they can contribute to achieving the employer’s goals will set themselves apart from the masses.

“Students should not attempt to conduct a job search alone but request help from individuals in their network; and identify mentors who can provide guidance and candid feedback.  In addition, excellent resumes, a professional appearance, great interviewing skills and appropriate use of social networking sites will contribute to a successful job search.” - Linda W. Bowie, Career Services Center, Coppin State University

Diversity Employers: What resources should students take advantage of in their job search?

“Your campus career center resources are mentioned above.  The other resource I strongly recommend are the people resources in your targeted industries or career fields.  These days it is too easy to spend hours on the Internet without making any real connection to people doing the type of work you are seeking.  Use your career center staff, faculty, professional associations, LinkedIn and job listings to identify professionals in the field who can provide valuable insider information and contacts to make your job search more targeted and productive. - Thom Rakes, UNCW Career Center Director

“Students should take advantage of all the resources they can while starting their job search: professors, family, career centers, employment agencies, social sites, cold calling, libraries, and Chamber of Commerce.  Most universities offer career center services to their students and many students never utilize those services.  Most have online job posting systems and career fairs.” - Michelle B. Gjerde, Director, Colorado State University-Pueblo Career Center

“Students should take advantage of their career center, employment agencies, professional organizations’ websites and publications, job search sites, social networking sites (i.e. LinkedIn), employers’ websites, career and job fairs.” - Linda W. Bowie, Career Services Center, Coppin State University

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