Forum Article- 2008

1. A tough economy and the job search: What’s a new grad to do?
As a career counselor it is hard to see students return after graduation because they have spent months
on the job search and are still unemployed. It is even harder to get a graduating class excited about the
future when the unemployment rate is high and companies are scaling back on their workforce. For
those of you graduating in December and May- get excited! The job search is not impossible, there are
opportunities out there. It is important to make sure you conduct your job search in a smart, focused
way. Finding a job will not happen over night. It is important to lay a foundation through connections,
research, patience and perseverance. As they say it is not about working harder, just smarter.
Here are some suggestions on how to search smart:
Network, Network, Network
In a tough job market you are more likely to find out about opportunities through your network. Who
defines your network? Family, friends, faculty, the Career Resource Center on campus, Westminster
alumni, your peers, supervisors, those who have worked with you during your volunteer activities,
anyone you know involved in the same extra curricular activities, all are members of your network. Do
not rely on your resume only. Meeting people and staying in touch will produce more leads and more
activity than your resume alone.
Communicate with your network about what you are working on in your last semester and what types
of opportunities you look forward to after graduation. You are not asking for a job, just keeping in touch.
Attend as many types of events as possible. You never know who you will meet. The person sitting next
to you at the event might prove to be a great connection. Get to know people, learn about their
experiences and tell them about yours.
Break out of the networking mold! If you have tried a couple of networking activities- change it up, try
something new. Join a professional organization and get to know a new group of individuals with similar
interests. Most organizations offer a discount rate for student members.
Take advantage of the great things happening on campus! There are so many great networking
opportunities sponsored by clubs or programs on campus. Everyday there is an opportunity to learn
something new and meet new people outside your classroom. Try attending one new event this month.
See who you meet!
Volunteering is a great way to network and get involved. You will have an opportunity to work on
projects that are important to you, gain new skills and meet new individuals. This is a great way to
showcase and develop your skills and organizations are always in need of extra help.
Don’t lower your expectations, manage your expectations
Remember that a college degree never guarantees a job after you graduate- especially in a struggling
economy. That is not to say that you should just accept anything nor should you feel desperate.

2. However, you are better able to ensure your success if your expectations are reasonable. For example,
don’t expect to come out of school with a degree and job offer in-hand. It takes work, it takes time and
it takes discipline. In other words- plan ahead! Start now! A quality job search will take months, not
days, so don’t wait until you are desperate for money and will take anything to cover your expenses. Get
your resume together now. Practice for interviews. Start doing research on potential companies and
positions which are of interest to you.
Another way to manage expectations is to realize this will not be your only job. This will be your first job
and it is important to get the experience. Money is important of course, but experience is far more
valuable at this stage of your career. You don’t start at the top; you have to work your way up. If you
want to work at a specific company, get a job where you can and work hard to gain mobility. You will
also gain experience, get to know people and take on various projects which can propel you in the
direction you want to go. Your career is a journey with many stops along the way. You won’t start at
your destination. Again, don’t wait until you are desperate and go after jobs that aren’t right for you.
Employers can sense desperation- you want to be calm, collected and confident in your search. So get
started early!
Stay positive. Employers want to hire, excited, positive people. When you share information with your
network- keep it positive. Let the words you share be filled with optimism and excitement. You don’t
want them to know if you are having a difficult time in your search. People are much more inclined to
refer positive, upbeat individuals.
Focus on what you want
In order to conduct a successful search you have to know two things. The first is you have to know
yourself. What are your interests, skills and values? What do you enjoy? What do you hope to gain from
a career? What type of organization or industry appeals to you? These are important questions to ask
yourself. Your objective statement at the top of the resume is a statement of intent. Your objective is to
obtain a specific job with a specific company. You have to know your goal before you can go after it.
Know what you want, then begin your focused search.
In order to reach your goals it is important to be informed. Do your research. Get to know companies
and organizations that are out there. When you find one you like get to know them. Find out their
mission, their vision for the future and understand as much as you can how your desired position fits
into that vision. All employers are looking to fill a need when they hire someone. They have identified
something that they need and seek to find someone to fill it. You want to show the employer you are
the best person to fill that need. You accomplish that by doing research. Find out what areas they are
looking to develop and emphasize your skills that would help in that area. Come up with a plan to
present addressing how they can overcome an area of difficulty. If they are looking to expand their sales
in a certain region, prepare a list of leads to bring with you to a meeting or an interview. The more you
know about the organization the more you know about how you can benefit them. In a slow economy,
employers want to know you will be creative, proactive and invested- research will allow you to bring to
their attention that which you know will be invaluable to them.

3. Graduating from college is a transition. Getting a job is transition. When you are doing both
simultaneously there is bound to be some stress. Add a struggling economy to that mix and stress can
quickly turn to anxiety. There are ways to prevent anxiety. This process is not impossible, just perhaps
more challenging. To overcome those challenges it will take a bit more creativity, more energy and more
focus. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to be creative and to get focused. Most importantly
remember to stay positive. The search might be a bit longer than you planned, but it is possible, you just
have to work smart.