Getting a Gig in a Bad Economy

With graduation fast approaching for many of the nation's young people, the questionable economy is no doubt a concern for the hundreds of thousands of soon-to-be-minted grads about to enter the job market. And with many economists and other prognosticators predicting the economy won't bounce back until 2010, such trepidation is completely understandable.

While the current job market is less than ideal, prospective grads should recognize there's nothing they can do to improve the job market. There are, however, a handful of things those about to enter the work force can do improve their standing. It just takes some persistence and some willingness to try new things in an effort to get that first job.

* Seek internships. While it's common to associate internships with undergraduates, in the current economy grads should be willing to take anything that can help them get their foot in the door. An internship offers an insider's view to a company and a field of work, allowing interns to get a better grasp of how a given business works and what they can bring to such a business. Such a view from inside could help new graduates in an interview down the road when being considered for a full-time position.

With unemployment rates so high, internship opportunities, though unpaid, could be on the rise, as companies seek help to meet customer demands with smaller staffs. And with the economy widely expected to bounce back in 2010, interns could be among the first to get job offers once the economy does take a turn for the better.

* Go the extra mile. When sending a resume, especially in the current economy, you run the very real risk of being among thousands of applicants. Simply sending the bare minimum won't make you stand out, and will likely land your resume in a human resource department's scrap heap.

When responding to an ad, rather than sending out a form letter and resume, tailor each depending on the prospective employer. Other materials, such as writing samples for writing-based jobs or design samples (professional or from class) for graphic design positions, can be included as well to help you stand out from the rest.

* Network. Networking can be difficult, particularly for recent graduates, but many people end up finding work through word of mouth from friends, family members or business associates of parents or even professors. Those about to enter the job market should use their school's alumni network to the fullest of their advantage. Also, discussing a job search with university advisors can be a good way to gain perspective on job hunts, such as how past students might have found jobs. When looking for a job, it never hurts recent graduates to discuss the search with as many people as possible. One never knows from where their next opportunity might come.