These days many a student is putting a diploma on the wall and contemplating entering the working world. There’s only one thing they didn’t count on when they began their Associates or Bachelors, and that’s the state of the employment market. Make sure you look into a online degree.
The only problem is the graduate is now facing one of the worst economies in several decades. If the former student wants to walk out of school and into a job, he or she is going up against not only a lot of fellow graduates, but those laid off, who not only have degrees, but experience. That said, finding a job is going to be tough.
Monster.com, the nationally recognized job search site, recently posted an article with advice for the new member of the national work force. In a nutshell, it basically says when the going gets tough, the tough get going…and a bit creative. Here’s some of their advice:
Think Horizontally – Just because you got a degree in one field doesn’t mean there aren’t other industries that can’t use them. Computer firms need mechanical engineers. Cruise lines hire nurses. Hit your favorite search engine, your professional society and your school’s career counselor for types of companies who can also use your skills. This can not only double, be even quadruple, the number of places you can wind up working at. Another thing that helps is a online course.
Not Only Target a Company, But Do Some Research On It – The reason for this is to help design an introductory package about yourself. While your resume may be fairly straightforward, use your research to develop a cover letter explaining how your skills, experience and education will benefit the company. Don’t be afraid to be a bit creative here either. For instance, if while going to school you worked at a library, that means you have great secondary research skills.
Network – This is actually something you should have started while you were still studying. The trick is whenever you meet someone already in your profession, start communicating with them regularly. Also attend professional society meetings. You will not only pick up invaluable tips about what the real working world is like, but you now have an in inside wherever that person works. Build a small rolodex of business cards and now that you’re out of school, put that wheel of personal fortune to work.
Keep A Positive Attitude – Yes, it’s a tough economy out there. Just don’t let the news get you down. If it seems too depressing, turn the TV off and get back to doing research, writing cover and follow-up letters. The old bromide of when the going gets tough the tough get going has never been more true than it is today. Also, if you do meet with a recruiter, don’t let them know how tough the market is out there. They’re testing to see how negative you are. Companies want positive attitudes.
Stay Busy At All Costs – Companies don’t like people who are idle. They would love to see people working on an online degree. While you’re under-employed go out and work on a public cause. Get a part time job to pay the bills. Be productive, because that’s what recruiters want. Get more information about online education.
