Job search tips for college grads

The launch into adulthood is even more difficult for college grads nowadays than it was for their elders, as facing the job market can be scarier than those impending student loan payments.

The national unemployment level was at 7.6% in May, according to the federal Labor Department.

While that is a slight improvement from the year before, it still isn’t good.
There is a large pool of available labor for employers to choose from, making it harder for college graduates with little or no experience to find work.
If you are a recent grad, or know one who is in need of a job, have a look at these tips:

Or, “if ... maybe you don’t have enough relative work experience, take a look at your life experience,” he said. For example, on your résumé, list hobbies, completed projects, classes you’ve taken, or anything else that demonstrates your interest in a particular field.

Crom also recommended finding a mentor, and said the alumni group from your major department at college is a good place to look.

“Very often this may be someone who may not just give you advice, but may also give you referrals to job interviews,” he said.

She warned about algorithm systems in which employers use programs to look for certain words in résumés and cover letters to screen out candidates.

“You want to make sure that you’re ... using the language and the verbs that these employers are looking for,” Brady advised. “For college graduates, there are jobs to be had out there, but they take a lot of work to find and you’ve got to be willing to do the work.” Our experts also said networking is key, as it helps to know someone who already works at a company you’re interested in.
“Who do you know?” Crom said. “Get involved in social media to see who you can connect with.”

Next, be ready to talk about your skills.

“Interviewers today are looking for people who are assertive, who are able to give examples of how they overcame obstacles,” Crom said.

And after the interview, Brady said, follow up.

Send a “thank you” email note or handwritten letter, and keep searching in the meantime.

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Q&A with Paul Freiberger

Award-winning writer and consultant Paul Freiberger, author of the recent book “When Can You Start? How to Ace the Interview and Win the Job,” understands the frustrations of grads seeking jobs in an uncertain economy.

amNewYork spoke with Freiberger about how college grads can make themselves appealing to employers.

(Anna Sanders)