Why the mislabeling of jobs? Money is probably the main reason for the trend. If a job is classified as  “entry-level”, a company can try to justify paying less, no matter how much experience is required of candidates. Companies are also reluctant to spend time and money training new employees when they can leave at any minute, taking their knowledge and skills to competitors.

So how to recent graduates get experience in a world without entry-level opportunities? The best option is to get as much experience through internships as possible, because internships are the new entry-level jobs. Many companies hire interns, and internships can count towards experience when applying for a job. Although it’s better to get internship experience throughout college, it’s still not too late to apply for internships after graduation. Even experienced professionals are starting to use internships as a way to break into new industries.

For advice on getting your first job, read  Seven Simple Steps to Landing Your First Job .

Related Posts:

• Essential Skills for Entry Level Job Seekers
• Advice on Finding a Job After College
• Getting the Most out of a College Job Fair
• Top 10 Job Hunting Sites for Recent Graduates
• Changing Careers? Get College Credit for Life Experience

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Vault.com Employment Tracker

Vault’s employment tracker lists significant layoffs and hires from small and large companies in a variety of industries.  New hiring and layoff events are listed daily, along with other information such as location of events and specific departments affected.

Indeed.com Stats

Check Indeed.com’s statistics feature to find out if your skills are in demand, what the job market competition is like in your city, or hiring changes in your industry.  Indeed reports the top trends based on percentage of matching job postings from thousands of job boards.  The job market competition statistic compares the number of jobs to the number of job seekers in each city.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information including state and local unemployment rates, international unemployment rates, employment by occupation, employment projections and mass layoff events.  You’ll also find statistics regarding pay and benefits, workplace injuries, and productivity.

Layoff Watch

LayoffWatch.com reports details of major layoff events at companies and organizations in the United States.  Reasons for layoffs, quotes from management, and location of layoffs are included in reports.

Career One Stop

Fastest growing occupations, occupations with most openings, and fastest growing occupations are a few statistics reported at Careeronestop.org. The site also offers the detailed statistics for each state.

PayScale

For wage and benefit trends, including compensation by company size and location, visit PayScale.com.  The PayScale Index tracks changes in compensation over time.  You can also view compensation trends based on city, company size, and industry.  PayScale offers several other useful features and tools, including a cost-of-living calculator and personalized salary reports.

Related Posts:

• Hiring Trends for 2010 College Graduates
• Five More High Demand Jobs for the Future
• Jobs for Analytical Types
• Getting the Most out of a College Job Fair
• Tips for Using Job Boards

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Accountants and Auditors

Accountants prepare and maintain financial records; report on financial conditions to management; and establish and modify accounting systems. Auditors collect and analyze data in order to ensure the accuracy of reported financial information. Most accountants and auditors have a bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, business administration or finance. Several certifications are available for professionals in the accounting field,  including Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).  Accountants and auditors earned an average annual wage of $60,340 in 2009.

Biomedical Engineers

Biomedical engineers design medical diagnostic machinery, prosthetic devices, clinical instrumentation, and imaging equipment . They also conduct research on biological systems and may contribute to the development of pharmaceutical drugs. A bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering is the minimum education requirement, and over half of biomedical engineers have a master’s degree or higher.  Growth of 72% is expected for the field through 2018.  Biomedical engineers earned a median annual wage of $78,860 in 2009.

Computer Security Specialists

Computer security specialists install security software, monitor programs for security breaches, and implement application controls to prevent unauthorized access to information. They also perform risk assessments, keep back-up files, and train users. The majority of computer security specialists have a bachelor’s degree or higher.  A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designation, awarded to those who pass an exam on computer security, provides further qualification. Computer security specialists earned an average annual wage of $67,710 in 2009.

Physician Assistants

Physician assistants perform duties similar to those of medical doctors, including patient examinations and interpretation of test results.  They also make tentative diagnoses, prescribe treatments with physician approval, and assist physicians during medical procedures.  Physician assistants must be graduates of an accredited physician assistant program and must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination.  Thirty-nine percent growth is expected through 2018 and the median annual wage for physician assistants was $84,420 in 2009.

Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers work with students who have learning or physical disabilities. They modify the general curriculum to meet the individual needs of their students. Special education teachers must develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student, outlining goals and steps to achieving those goals.  They work closely with parents, administrators, therapists and other teachers to ensure that each student’s educational needs are met. Special education teachers must be licensed, and licensing requirements vary from state to state. Traditional licensing requires completion of a bachelor’s degree and an approved teacher preparation program.  Many states offer alternative routes to licensing in which candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree can complete training through a partnered university along with supervised teacher for a period of one or two years.  Special education teachers earned a median annual wage of $50,950 in 2009.

Although not a comprehensive list, the jobs above represent good options to consider if you want to be an in-demand worker. Location, experience, and technological changes are a few factors that can affect demand for a given job. Read Where the Jobs Are Now: The Fastest-Growing Industries and How to Break Into Them for more on fast-growing industries.

*Employment projections from the Occupational Outlook Handbook , salary data from O*Net Online.

Getting a doctoral degree could be extremely helpful to broaden your knowledge in your area of interest and achieve career success.

Related Posts:

• Five High Demand Jobs for the Future
• Top Sites for Employment Trends and Statistics
• Green Jobs in High Demand
• Jobs for Analytical Types
• What Happened to the Entry-Level Job?

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No Follow-Up

With so many applicants for each position, a followup isn’t possible for each application.  However, failing to followup after an interview is inexcusable.  Candidates that have spent time and effort interviewing deserve a timely followup.

Too Many Hoops

Never-ending applications, assessments, texts, and multiple rounds of interviews are frustratingly common experiences for today’s job-seekers.  A bad hiring decision can be costly for an organization, but over-thinking a decision doesn’t guarantee the best pick.  Plus, employers are often turning off the best candidates.

Unrealistic Expectations

Candidate must have ten years experience in abc software, five years of experience with xyz software, speak Japanese, and possess a Ph.D. in plant pathology. MBA strongly preferred but not required. If this sounds familiar, you’ve probably searched for a job recently.  These job listings make you wonder- does the perfect candidate for this job even exist?

Discrimination Against Unemployed

Reports of overt discrimination against the unemployed have made news recently.  Some employers have been so bold (and stupid) as to put employment as a qualification in their ads.  For other employers, discrimination is less obvious but very real.  The long-term unemployed often have poor credit and large resume gaps, giving employed candidates a huge edge.

Solutions for the Frustrated Job-Seeker

• Try smaller companies because small companies usually hire only when they really need someone.  They won’t waste time with unnecessary procedures.
• Get your foot in the door with an internship.  Some companies offer jobs to a high percentage of former interns.  Interning will not only help you gain experience, it can also prevent a long and frustrating job search.
• If you’re an experienced candidate, temping is an alternative to an internship and can reduce resume gaps while providing networking opportunities.  Do well in your temporary position and you may be offered a permanent job.

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Related Posts:

• Getting the Most out of a College Job Fair
• Five Job Scam Red Flags
• New Book Helps Job-Seekers Crack the New Market
• Essential Skills for Entry Level Job Seekers
• What Happened to the Entry-Level Job?

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When the economy is bad, employers are hesitant to invest in inexperienced applicants, and older workers delay retirement.  Campus recruiting has also dried up, eliminating a way for graduates to find real entry-level jobs.   These factors create significant barriers for new graduates. But it’s not all bad news.  Hiring of 2010 graduates is greater than hiring for 2009 graduates, and SimplyHired’s blog reports increased opportunities in a variety of industries.

I found a job in a bad economy after changing careers.  If I can do it, so can you.  Some advice from someone who has actually been there:

Keep looking

The number one key to finding a job is to just keep looking, even when you think you’ve exhausted all possibilities or even if you’re expecting an offer.  A few years ago, a large percentage of graduates had a job upon graduation.  The realities have changed and you’ll need to adjust your expectations.  A difficult job search is not a reflection on you, but on circumstances beyond your control.  Many talented people are out of work now, so don’t doubt your abilities.

Take a break

Some people say that job searching is like a job, but it really isn’t.  During a job, you get paid to work.  In a job search, you don’t get paid and may even spend your own financial resources on interview clothes or travel expenses.  It’s fine to take a break from looking for a few days.  Constantly searching without any responses can lead to depression, which will reduce your motivation.  When you start to feel discouraged, stop and do something fun.

Stay busy

Not only will keeping active help ward off depression, but you can also increase your chances of finding a job.  I briefly did temporary work in an unrelated field, but still gained skills that I can use throughout my career.  Temping also exposes you to a variety of workplace environments, which helps you identify your preferences and develop more specific career goals.  You can also volunteer, obtain certifications, or get an internship.  Potential employers will admire your motivation and work ethic.

Don’t be picky

Even as a recent graduate, you’ll need to have standards.  You probably have loans to pay off and you don’t want to take such a low salary that it will set you up for lower salaries throughout your career.  However, being too picky can hurt your chances of finding a job.  Many companies don’t have the money to pay the same entry-level salaries they did several years ago.  It’s not fair that because of your graduation year you’ll start out with less money (and probably higher student loan debt) but a lower salary than you expected is better than none at all.   Visit PayScale.com to find out what you’re worth, based on your specific qualifications and company characteristics.  Also, be open to taking a job in a less-desirable location or at a company you haven’t considered.

Focus on local positions

I got a much higher rate of response from local employers, or employers in nearby cities (within 50 miles of my address).  Many companies aren’t paying relocation expenses of non-local candidates and many limit the applicants they consider to local candidates. This doesn’t mean you should ignore jobs in other locations, but spend at least half of your job search time applying to local jobs.  When applying to non-local jobs, use the address of a relative on your resume if it’s closer to the job to which you are applying.

Diversify your search

I got my first job through an online job board, but I also searched local newspapers, sent out resumes cold to nearby employers, and contacted recruiters.  Don’t rely on just one (or two) job search methods.  If you don’t want to apply to a position through an online job board, try to find the hiring manager’s email or apply directly through the company’s career site.  Aggregator sites like Indeed and SimplyHired are especially helpful because you don’t have to visit individual job boards or company websites.

Bypass HR

When applying to large companies, resumes are often filtered significantly by computers or by human resources staff.   At smaller companies, hiring decisions are usually made by the department that has an opening.  For larger companies, you can search for a department manager’s contact information on LinkedIn and other professional sites.  Your goal should be to get your resume into the hands of a professional in your industry.

Tell people you’re looking

As you’ve probably heard, most jobs are never advertised.  The more people you tell about your job search, the greater your chances of hearing about potential openings.  Some people might even be nice enough to put in a good word for you at their company. Recommendations from insiders prove much more influential than outside references.  If you don’t like networking, just casually mention that you’re looking for a job instead of asking directly.  This gives people the opportunity to help without putting too much pressure on them.

There is no formula for finding a job.  An offer may come when you least expect it, so don’t give up on your search.  See the Online Resources page for websites where you can research employers, craft a good resume, and brush up on interview skills.

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Related Posts:

• Essential Skills for Entry Level Job Seekers
• What Happened to the Entry-Level Job?
• New Book Helps Job-Seekers Crack the New Market
• Interviewing the Interviewer
• You CAN Find a Job Online – Here's How

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Recent articles have questioned the benefits of a college degree.  Tuition costs are rising every year, while colleges continue to churn out thousands of graduates each year in fields where there is known to be a glut of professionals.   This practice is more noticeable during a tight job market, but it’s nothing new.

Although prospective students have a responsibility to weigh the costs and benefits of a given degree, colleges are guilty of admitting students that are obviously not prepared for college and for not being honest about job prospects.  Some might argue that students who graduate from college are better off than without an education, even if they don’t find a job in their chosen field.  Maybe if they didn’t have to take out mountains of loans to finance it, but most students graduate with significant debt.  It’s doubtful that these students would burden themselves with tremendous debt if they were told upfront about their career prospects.  Yes, some of these graduates will find work related to their degrees , but many won’t (especially those without connections).

If universities are going to charge such high tuition rates, they need to be more accountable to students, parents, donors and taxpayers.  First, universities should be more selective. The drop-out rates at many public universities are shameful.  These students likely borrowed thousands of dollars and are no better off for it.  Secondly, job placement statistics should be honestly reported and prominently published.  Finally, colleges should do more to offer internships and other opportunities that increase graduates’ marketability.

A small percentage of lucky students can go to college just for the experience and don’t have to worry about paying off loans after graduation.  However, middle and lower class students can’t afford that luxury.  These students invest considerable time and money obtaining a college education and need a return on the investment.  It’s time for colleges to put ethics and concern for students ahead of money.

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The great thing about being in college is that any good university career center organizes a job fair once every semester—or at least once a year. These job fairs can be an absolute goldmine—after all, how often do employers gather in one place and reach out to you, instead of the other way around? It is important to take advantage of these job fairs any chance you get. To help you toward that end, I will discuss a game plan that will help you get the most out of your college’s next job fair.

First of all, as soon as you get wind that a job fair is headed your way, go online and find out about it. Register for the fair if necessary, and if the fair lasts more than one day, make plans to attend both days. Some employers can only send a recruiter out for one day. If you only attend one day, you may miss out on an opportunity. Print out any lists of employers that plan on attending. Circle any that catch your eye so you can do a little research on the company ahead of time and make plans to visit their booth. If you go into a job fair ignorant of who will be there, you may end up wasting a lot of valuable time.

Next, update your resume, print off several copies, and prepare a portfolio of work you’ve done in college or in previous jobs that might be relevant to the jobs you are seeking. You may even want to copy your resume and samples of your work to a portable flash drive so you can easily transfer it to a computer. After all, many career representatives bring laptops so students can apply for jobs online.

The day before, prepare a brief statement about yourself that lets career representatives know your skills and strengths in a nutshell. Keep in mind that these recruiters will be speaking with hundreds of students, and you will need to find ways to stand out from the crowd. Most recruiters will be ready and waiting to sell you on how great their company is, but don’t let them do all the talking. Be prepared to ask questions, like “What type of degree is needed for this position?” or “What positions are available?”

Some recruiters are pushy and attempt to draw students in with candy bowls, spinning wheels and other gimmicks, but don’t feel pressured to waste time with those who represent jobs you won’t realistically pursue. You can politely decline to start a conversation with them. If you’re not sure if you’re interested in a job, wait until the recruiter is speaking with another student, then stealthily swipe a brochure, stepping away to consider the job in peace before approaching the recruiter.

Dress professionally and take the job fair seriously. In fact, treat it like an interview—complete with business casual attire, a welcoming smile and a solid handshake. There’s no better way to make an excellent first impression on potential employers.

Finally, follow up on any good leads or connections you make, reminding employers of your interest in the company. Send a thank you note if they took the time to interview you at the fair. Little details go a long way toward landing a great job.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Alvina Lopez, who writes on the topics of accredited online colleges.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: alvina.lopez@gmail.com.

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Related Posts:

• Top 10 Job Hunting Sites for Recent Graduates
• How to Make the Most of Your College Education
• What Happened to the Entry-Level Job?
• Top Sites for Employment Trends and Statistics
• Frustrations of Today's Job Search

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Recent graduates face the most dismal job market since the depression, but thankfully, the internet now makes job searching more convenient and easier than ever. Faced with endless possibilities, those straight out of college need guidance on which sites will help them find employment – and which are just a waste of time. The following list highlights ten of the most useful job-searching sites for recent grads and the unemployed alike.

1. Monster.com – This site, the “granddaddy” of job search sites, features constantly updated job listings, separated by area or field. Job seekers can search by keyword, location, or even pay. Message board are updated daily as are useful articles that provide tips to job hunters.

2. CareerBuilder.com – Similar to Monster, Career Builder is a job listing service that offers endless openings for jobs and careers in a specified area. Both part time and full time gigs are available here, though seekers may find themselves spending a lot of time sorting through which jobs are the most applicable.

3. Craigslist – Not for the traditional job seeker, craigslist acts as a provider of classified ads for any local area. Employers post available jobs on the site with a short description and are then able to interact directly with those seeking to apply. This site is great for niche or hard-market jobs.

3. LinkedIn – This site is the most useful social media tool available for job seekers. Users create a profile, much like on Facebook or MySpace, then use that profile to build meaningful connections with others in their field. Used primarily as a networking tool, LinkedIn is growing in popularity as well as importance in the job sphere.

4. Indeed – A rather unknown site compared to the larger job search engines, indeed.com is a great resource for creative job seekers. Writers, artists, and even musicians can find work here, easily searchable and sortable through the site’s impressive interface.

5. Net Temps - Recent grads may want to consider temporary work as a way to build up funds while looking for a full-time position while gaining valuable experience in a specific area. This site is a database for temp job in the area and field of interest or expertise.

6. College Recruiter – This site, aimed specifically at recent grads, not only offers job postings but expansive resources for job seekers as well. Resume advice, interview tips, and common job hunting mistakes are all topics which find light here.

7. Hound.com- Set up much like traditional search sites, this website allows users to use one central search bar to dig through employer’s corporate websites for job posts, saving time and energy for recent grads and recruiters alike.

8. Beyond.com – This site compiles data from niche sites across the country, such as charlottejobs.com and rodeojobs.net, in an easy to use, scanable form. Beyond saves users time and hassle as they no longer have to visit hundreds of different sites to find what they’re looking for.

9. USA.gov – Students who have just graduated should consider a military or government job. These positions typically pay well, are widely available, and offer unparalleled experience to those who qualify.

10. HotJobs- Capitalizing on the success of Career Builder and Monster, this site compiles all the best jobs Yahoo! has to offer and makes them easy to apply for directly online. Visitors to this site will find information on specific fields as well as data and trends in their marketplace of choice.

Job searching can be a daunting task, but sites such as those listed above make it much more manageable and convenient. Being able to apply online is an instant innovation that has landed thousands, if not millions, of people the position of their dreams, and is only set to continue in the future.

This post was contributed by Melissa Tamura, who recently ranked the top nursing schools for Zen College Life, a directory of online degrees.

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Related Posts:

• Getting the Most out of a College Job Fair
• What Happened to the Entry-Level Job?
• New Book Helps Job-Seekers Crack the New Market
• Essential Skills for Entry Level Job Seekers
• Interviewing the Interviewer

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• Ignore jobs that seem too good to be true and work-at-home ads.  These ads are usually for training programs that charge you a lot of money to get trained in a field that may or may not be in-demand.  They could also be total scams that ask for money up-front but never deliver any materials.

• Ignore nationwide listings.  These are usually work-at-home ads.

• Check for details. What’s the company name and location or recruiting agency?  Is there a detailed job description?  Real companies with real jobs post details.

• Apply through the company website.  You’re much more likely to get a response if you send an email directly to the recruiter/hiring manager, or apply through the company’s career website.

• Organize  your search.  Create a document with information about your usernames/passwords on job boards.  Keep a record of the jobs to which you’ve, including date applied, job title, company, and location.

• Create job alerts.  Job alert is a great feature that delivers relevant jobs to your inbox so you don’t have to visit every job board each day.  It’s best to sign up for daily alerts, so that you’ll have the chance to apply to jobs before they close.

• Be specific. The more specific you are in your search, the more likely you are to find a job that matches your qualifications.  For example, type in “accounts payable specialist”, instead of “accountant”.  You can also type in skills rather than a job title.  This method increases the chance that you’ll find real jobs with detailed descriptions of job requirements.

• Don’t overlook niche job boards.  You should sign up for several niche job boards that target workers in your industry, your geographic location and at your experience level.  See the online resources page for a list of suggested job boards.

Job boards aren’t the only places to find jobs.  Visit company career pages, look in your local newspaper’s classified ads, and visit your campus career center if you’re a student.  For information about job openings in various industries and locations, visit CareerAlley.com.

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Related Posts:

• Top Sites for Employment Trends and Statistics
• Getting the Most out of a College Job Fair
• Hiring Trends for 2010 College Graduates
• What Happened to the Entry-Level Job?
• Five More High Demand Jobs for the Future

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Guru

Guru has 16 subcategories, including graphic design, admin support, engineering, programming, writing, and photography.  A ranking system rates freelancers based on repeat business.   Employer statistics and ratings are shown for each listed project.

iFreelance

iFreelance allows professionals to place bids on projects and buyers choose a provider when the bidding period ends.  You can create a profile, including your portfolio and skills.  The site costs $4.69 a month to post a basic profile and is commission-free.  You can deactivate your account at any time.

Elance

Elance has four levels of membership – free, professional, small business, and large business.  With the free membership, you receive 10 marketplace connects (connects allow you to apply for jobs), plus five keywords and skills. An online workspace of 500MB is available for every membership level.  Each plan has 4-6% service fee plus wire transfer fees.

FlexJobs

FlexJobs.com specializes in telecommuting jobs.  There are a number of freelance opportunities, in addition to part-time and full-time positions.   Membership costs $14.95 per month or $49.95 per year.  The FlexJobs staff screens  for job scams and conducts research on every company.  Extensive search options allow you to search by keyword, location, company, job status, and more.

Sologig

Although Sologig doesn’t have a large variety of employers in each job category, it’s free to join and has a good number of high quality jobs available.  In addition to freelance and contract work,  Sologig also has full-time and part-time jobs. After filling out a profile that includes your skills and salary preferences, matching jobs will be shown. Get email alerts when jobs that match your profile are posted.

Most job boards don’t list legitimate freelance work and there are plenty of scams, so joining one or more freelance sites might be worth the membership fees.   A few sites I found weren’t clear about membership fees and cancellation terms, so they weren’t included in the list.  Be very cautious if a site isn’t up front about costs or if job listings seem too good to be true.

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• Book Giveaway Winner Announced and Poll

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Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow 36 percent through 2018.   The median annual wage for veterinary technologists and technicians was $28,900 in 2008.  Completion of a two-year degree from a college program accredited by American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is required for working as a veterinary technician in the United States.  Every state requires future veterinary technologists to pass a credentialing exam after coursework completion, although regulation varies from state to state.    Careers for Animal Lovers

Pharmacists

Projected growth for pharmacists is 17 percent through 2018.  To practice pharmacy, one must obtain a Pharm.D. degree and pass a series of licensing exams.  Pharmacists earned a median annual wage of $106, 210 in 2008.  Read Opportunities in Pharmacy Careers or visit the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy for more information.

Computer Systems Analysts

Responsibilities of computer systems analysts include determining user requirements, reviewing system capabilities, making software recommendations, and updating existing computer systems and programs.  Projected employment growth for computer systems analysts is 20 percent through 2018 and the median annual wages were $75,500 in 2008.   Top 100 Computer and Technical Careers

Computer Software Engineers

Employment for computer software engineers is projected to grow by 32 percent through 2018.  The median annual wage of computer systems software engineers was $92, 420 in May 2008.  For computer applications software engineers the median annual wage was $85,430.   Making it Big in Software: Get the Job. Work the Org. Become Great.

Optometrists

An aging population contributes to increasing demand for optometrists.  Employment for optometrists is expected to grow much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  In order to become qualified to practice optometry in the United States, one must graduate from an accredited college of optometry and obtain a state license.  There are currently 19 colleges of optometry in the United States, and admission is very competitive.  Optometrists earned a median annual wage of $96,320 in May 2008.  Visit the American Optometric Association website for more information about optometry careers and education.

Due to a variety of factors, there is no guarantee that demand will rise as expected for a given profession. Everyone should be prepared to adapt to technological advances and globalization, even those in careers with high growth projections.  Although no one can predict the future with certainty, employment projections provide the best resource for assessing job growth and demand.   50 Best College Majors for a Secure Future

Sources:

The Occupational Outlook Handbook

*Job prospect categories as defined by the OOH. Only careers with very good or excellent opportunities were chosen for this list

Read about Five More High Demand Jobs for the Future.

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Related Posts:

• Five More High Demand Jobs for the Future
• Top Sites for Employment Trends and Statistics
• Green Jobs in High Demand
• Jobs for Analytical Types
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You should get a liberal arts degree if..

• You’re really interested in a particular subject and don’t mind spending five or six years in graduate school.
• You have a certain job or jobs in mind that you would really enjoy and that you can get with a liberal arts degree. See a list of common jobs for graduates with different degrees at PayScale.com.
• You don’t want to be limited to a particular field and like the flexibility that a liberal arts degree provides.  You’re willing to pursue further education if necessary.

You shouldn’t get a liberal arts degree if….

• You want to maintain a high GPA and think it will be easier as a liberal arts major.
• You’re interested in a subject, but not enough to spend many years in graduate school studying it in-depth.
• You love the classes, but aren’t sure you would love the career(s) related to the degree.

An important consideration when choosing a major is financial aid. Determine the maximum amount of loans you should take out based on your major and try not to go over that amount.  If you have a good reason for getting a liberal arts degree, don’t worry about what others think.  Don’t put yourself through four (or more) years of misery because of societal expectations about what degrees are best.

For more information see my recommended books for liberal arts majors or the Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors page.

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Update: Latest hiring trends for the Class of 2010 (from MSNBC): Dim job outlook brightens for the class of 2010.

Summary:

• 5 % increase in hiring of 2010 graduates over 2009 graduates
• most in-demand majors :  accounting, business administration, computer science, engineering, and math
• Survey shows only 40% of graduates have offers, compared to two-thirds of graduates in 2007

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Original Article:

College graduates faced a tough job market in 2009, but will 2010 graduates face similar challenges?  Although layoffs have slowed down,  unemployment is at a 26 year high and a recent survey conducted by Michigan State University’s Collegiate Employment Research Institute doesn’t offer a lot of hope to college seniors.  The survey shows that hiring for 2010 graduates is predicted to decline by 2% from 2009.

According to MSU’s survey, large and medium-sized companies plan to decrease hiring, while smaller companies plan to hire more graduates.  Statistics and environmental science are the most in-demand degrees, but one-third of employers would consider graduates with any degree.  Regions with the most job growth are the South Central, Northwest, and Southwest.

Despite the negative survey results, many companies are thriving.  A great example of growth in the technology industry is Intelius Screening Solutions, a leading provider of on-demand employment and drug screening solutions to thousands of businesses throughout North America. The company has experienced growth of 578% over the last five years and has added over 100 people to its workforce.

I spoke with Intelius Screening Solutions General Manager, Todd Owens, about hiring trends for 2010 graduates.   Mr. Owens advises recent graduates to focus on growing industries such as healthcare, education, energy, and technology.  He also suggests that graduates be open to relocation, since some areas are experiencing job growth.  In addition, graduates should look at the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies for ideas on where to apply.

The greatest differentiator for businesses over the coming years will be customer service, says Mr. Owens.  Sales, account management and customer service jobs are great choices for recent graduates with any degree.  Young workers are ideal candidates for such positions because of their energy and enthusiasm.  According to Mr. Owens, new graduates are a great investment for the future  because they have a willingness to learn and to take on a variety of roles.  He says that this is the best time to be entering the workforce because today’s young, eager, and educated graduates will be well-positioned for the next expansion.

So what should graduates do to improve their chances of finding employment?  Surveys and experts indicate that graduates should focus on smaller companies.  They should also be open to moving to regions where hiring is improving.  Employers are looking for flexibility, so job-seekers need to demonstrate the ability to take on a variety of responsibilities.   Read Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World
for more advice for life after graduation.

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Post tags: advice, business, economy, employment, jobsearch, trends

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Urban Interns – Probably the best internship site I’ve found. Urban Intern allows small business owners and professionals to find assistants and part-time staff.  The only downside is that most of the positions are located in New York and Boston. Luckily, there are some listings  in other areas in addition to virtual opportunities.

CollegeRecruiter – College Recruiter lists entry-level positions and internships.  The internship listing is fairly extensive, with positions in a variety of fields.  Many of the entry-level positions are not truly entry-level, but the site allows you search for internships only.

Internship Programs -  This site allows candidates to search by field, location, date, or employer.  All listings that I found were actual internships (as opposed to jobs) and were in a variety of  locations.

InternshipIN – InternshipIn matches students and start-ups.  My searches yielded a good selection of  jobs in a variety of industries and locations.  However, many of the listings link to other job boards, and some of  them are not entry-level.

Finding an internship can be as difficult as finding a job, but there are websites that can help you focus your search.  An internship is a great way to get experience and prove yourself to potential employers, so don’t overlook internships if you are a recent graduate or career-changer.

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RealMatch finds jobs by matching your qualifications with those in job listings.

Create and store resumes for free at Emurse.

A list of 50 Standard Interview Questions from CollegeGrad.com.

The OWL at Purdue gives detailed advice about writing cover letters.

FD Career includes company reviews and ratings from current and former employees.

Research companies and occupations at CareerLeak.com.

Find thousands of career resources and links at Job-Hunt.org, including free e-books.

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What doesn’t matter:  job openings

What really matters:  job openings vs. qualified applicants

Although the number of job openings is important, you should consider one other factor: how easy it is to become qualified.  Despite a large number of openings, certain jobs may be hard to come by because so many people qualify for them.  What you should look for is jobs that are in demand because of  limiting factors such as a high level of education (including difficult “weed out” classes) and competitive training programs.  Healthcare is a secure field not only because it is necessary even in a recession, but because most jobs in the field require certian training and/or certification.

What doesn’t matter: job board listings

What really matters: job board listings and recruitment

Most jobs aren’t advertised, so looking at job boards isn’t extremely helpful in assessing the demand for a given occupation.   It is possible to find a job using  these web-sites, but most jobs are filled through recruitment or  connections.   Some college programs have very high placement rates for graduates because of both the quality of the program and need for qualified employees in the field.   Experienced professionals may receive offers through recruiters or directly from a potential employer.  It’s better to talk with  recruiters or professionals in your chosen industry to get a sense of job demand.

What doesn’t matter: demand

What really matters: locations and specialties with highest demand

Demand can be high for a given occupation, but you may still not find a job in your industry if you don’t live where the employers are located.  Many industries, such as information technology, are geographically concentrated.  Certain cities are much better for job seekers.   Also, remember that you may not be able to get a job anywhere you want.  For example, rural and inner-city schools are most in need of teachers, while new teachers may have trouble finding  jobs at suburban schools.

Job statistics can be deceiving and hard to understand.  You may need to look at what isn’t measured or beyond the numbers reported in order to get a better picture.  To help with your research, visit the following links:

Top Entry-Level Employers 2009

America’s 25 Best Places to Move

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1. How do recent graduates get started in a career when they have no relevant experience?

If your experience is minimal or non-existent, you face one of life’s greatest employment challenges.  You need to go into your interviews with a positive attitude and demonstrate your flexibility, your social skills and your ability to get the job done even if you have to learn new skills and meet demanding deadlines.

It’s a tough economy right now, so the job market is hypercompetitive; experience is a key differentiator between candidates.  It’s never too late to start building up relevant experience through intern positions, co-oping, volunteering, etc.  If you have no experience, be willing to take an entry-level job in order to build experience, and then work your way up. Or be willing to work for free in a post-graduation internship.

2. How can job candidates best prepare for an interview?

There are some great books out there, and many web sites, that have tons of advice on general interviewing skills. There are books on common interview questions and how to answer them correctly. In your specific field it is likely that there are sample “stumper” questions available on web sites, as well as advice on how to deal with them. If you have “problem areas” in your resume, research how to talk your way around them and accentuate the positive. Then practice. Assume the first several interviews you do will be a little rough around the edges, so do those with companies you don’t really care about. Get used to answering the questions and smooth out your responses. Ask your friends to interview you. If it’s a possibility, go to the career center and ask for a practice interview. Practice. Then when the “big interview” falls in your lap, it will be easy(er).

3. What are the most important soft skills and technical skills for graduates to have?

Your degree should have covered the technical skills, which you should have been able to perfect with internships in your chosen field. Therefore, technical skills should be solid at this point.

“Soft skills” include things like leadership ability, communication (spoken and written), teamwork, relationship-building, work ethic, problem solving, etc. You should have been building these skills over the last four years by taking on leadership roles (which would look good on a resume), working on team-based projects and extracurricular activities (which would look good on a resume), solving real-world problems in competitions (which would look good on a resume), etc. Assuming you have done none of those things, then your next-best option is to read about these soft skills. Get books on things like leadership, communication, negotiation, team building, business ethics, etc. and become a sponge.

4. What industries should graduates focus on while job searching?

Ideally a graduate should focus on industries in his or her area of expertise. But jobs are so scarce at the moment that graduates may want to cast a wider net. Or you may want to consider working for no money if you have no experience (I.E. a post-graduation internship). There are some startups getting venture funding right now. You might look for a venture-backed company like that since it would be hiring. Some industries (e.g. Green energy) are getting a boost from federal stimulus funding. Do some research and see which companies in your area are getting funding and may be hiring. Some areas are affected less in a recession. For example, people still get sick when the economy drops. Look for recession-proof industries.

5. How can new employees make a good impression during their first jobs or internships?

Some general traits that make a good impression with employers: working harder than everyone else, meeting deadlines, exceeding expectations, making friends, helping others, being grateful, figuring out what needs doing and getting it done before being asked, understanding what is important to the bottom line and focusing on that, putting first things first, making customers ecstatic, etc.

6. Many students are going to graduate school to ride out the recession. Is this a good idea?

Graduate school is something to consider regardless of the economy.  The focus should be on making the most of your time and opportunities to fill holes in your resume.  Graduate school is just one proven way to strengthen your professional profile.  Build your soft skills.  Get intern positions.  If you come out of graduate school with a stellar resume and a marketable advanced degree, you are putting yourself in a position to succeed.

7. What options do recent graduates have if they’re having trouble making payments on student loan debt?

Every lender is different, and there are many different types of student loans. So if you are having trouble making payments, you need to communicate with your lender(s) and find out what options may be available. In some cases you can arrange for deferment or forbearance. You may also be able to delay payments with graduate school, military service, AmeriCorps service, etc. Loan consolidation may also help a little. Research all options.

But you might also want to consider sucking it up and getting started with payments. Get two jobs, move in with your parents (or get a couple of roommates to drastically lower rent), ride the bus instead of getting a car, etc. Yes, it’s painful. But the sooner you start paying, the sooner you get done.

8. Any other tips for recent graduates?

You have chosen one of the toughest economies in several decades to graduate. Expect things to be harder than normal in the job search, and do what you can to avoid discouragement. Do not forget that getting rejected is a normal part of job hunting, even in a good economy.

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No information about the company.

Most companies now have web-sites with an About Us page that explains what the company does and where its office(s) are located. If the company is small and doesn’t have a web-site, the posting should have a company name listed that you can look up at the Better Business Bureau’s website .

No specific responsibilities listed.

If you can’t determine what you’ll be doing to contribute to a company, then don’t apply. A posting with no specific duties means that the person posting is afraid of explaining the details for fear that no one will respond.

Asking for bank account information or credit report.

There are lots of money transfer scams that ask for your account information or want you to wire money.  Never give out financial information (bank account, PayPal, etc.)  when applying for a job and never wire money.  A new scam I’ve noticed is scammers asking you to obtain a credit report.  DO NOT click on any links in an email.  If you do want to visit a sight, enter the address into the address bar yourself.

Spelling errors/typos.

Legitimate ads will be well-written because they are posted by businesses wanting to attract qualified applicants, not desperate people applying randomly. 

You have to pay for training materials.

What are you buying?  Probably information about how to scam other people.  Even if you don’t mind participating in these schemes, you probably won’t make a lot of money because most people won’t fall for it.

The best way to avoid scams is to deal with companies or recruiters that you know.  Don’t give out information that allows access to your money or accounts, and don’t pay for mysterious training materials.  Legitimate jobs will require considerable effort on your part, so don’t expect to get a well-paying job that requires very little work.  Finally, don’t ignore your instincts.  If something seems “off”, it’s probably a scam.

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The first major advantage young workers have is that we cost employers less money. When companies are trying to cut costs, candidates with lower salary expectations are a plus. Older workers already have higher salaries and have gotten accustomed to bonuses and other perks. They also cost their employers more in terms of benefits, such as health insurance.

Another big advantage for young workers is that we are more willing to travel and usually open to moving for a job. And since many of us don’t yet have spouses or children, we are usually able to work longer hours and take on more responsibilities than our older co-workers.

Finally, young workers are familiar with technology. Certainly many older workers are very tech-savvy, but today’s college graduates have been raised around computers and have probably taken several computer courses while in school. We understand that technology is constantly changing and that computer skills are essential in almost any occupation.

If you are a recent graduate, don’t be discouraged by the headlines. Just be aware it may take longer to find a job and you may need to compromise a little. Gaining experience is the focus for the first couple of years out of school, so be open to moving to where the jobs are more plentiful or working at a less prestigious organization.

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Some suggestions for what to include in your job search file:

1. Jobs you’ve applied to with information such as company name, job title, date applied, and contact information. You can put a check when you receive a reply.

2. Interviews you have been on including questions that were asked (to practice for future interviews), contacts you made, and when you should hear back.

3. Contact list including job title and company.

4. Reference list of your former co-workers, supervisors, team members, and professors that have agreed to serve as references.

5. Company list including industry, location, and key information (history, recent news, financial performance, and organizational structure).

6. Job boards that you have registered at, usernames, passwords, and what information you have included in your portfolio/profile.

It may seem like extra work to create a job search file, but being organized in your job search will keep you accountable and will ease some of the stress related to job hunting. If you have any suggestions for what other information might be helpful to keep track of in a job search, please comment.

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