The following is a guest post by Caroline Ross.
We’ve all seen the reports: around 50% of recent college grads are unemployed or underemployed. Now, before we start pointing fingers and placing blame, let us remember that, even though the recession is supposedly over, our economy still isn’t as strong as it was before. Employers all across the board are still not seeing a significant increase in profit. And when employers aren’t making favorable profits, they protect themselves from financial ruin by decreasing hiring.
This is a realization that is both disheartening but also freeing. Why is it freeing? Well, because it means that the recent college grad unemployment crisis is actually a result of disappointing profit margins, not disappointing resumes. Believe it or not, many college grads believe they aren’t being hired because they lack experience, and while that may be true in some instances, this generation is actually the most educated of any previous generation.
So, for those college grads who are still searching for a good job, keep your heads up and remember you have talent and value. Don’t take this recession personally. Believe me, it’s not you. It’s the economy, stupid!
While you continue to look for your dream job and build your professional network, keep the following three pieces of valuable advice at the forefront of your mind:
1. This too shall pass. This phrase has been around for centuries, due to its unquestionable truth. Although it is a bit melancholy, it helps us remember that all things (positive and negative) don’t last forever. So, while you may have to work as a waitress and live with your parents after college, it doesn’t mean you will be in that situation for the rest of your life. If anything, this phrase reminds us to keep moving on (and up).
2. You’re going to have to make an impression. Today’s job market is much more competitive than it used to be. If college grads expect dream jobs, they are going to have to try a little harder than their predecessors did to get hired. One good thing recent grads have going for them is that they pack a lot of academic knowledge. Whatever your talent is, find a way to make it stand out above the rest — and be ready to show interviewers that, even though you are young and inexperienced, you are still professional, courteous, and intelligent.
3. Do what makes you smile. Yes, it is important to have a job that pays well, but if we live every day working passionless, meaningless, stressful jobs, we will literally waste the precious time we have been given on earth. While looking for work, don’t discount a job you find interesting just because it doesn’t pay well. Good things come from doing what you love and care about. Sometimes you have to start small to grow big.
All job seekers should remember to never let their passion wane. If there is something you enjoy doing, find a way to do it. Also, even though the internet is a great tool for finding and applying for jobs, you need to spend the bulk of your job search outside of your home. Go visit potential employers, find a mentor who can give you valuable advice and be sure to let everyone you meet know you are looking for a job. Good luck!
About the Author:
Caroline Ross is a freelance writer for several education and career websites, including www.AccreditedOnlineUniversities.com. In order to inspire and inform people about the importance of education and seeking your calling in life, Caroline writes many articles about preparing for college, career planning and getting the right training for a job.
