Job Search Advice in Difficult Economic Times

As most of us know, the job market is in turmoil. Here are some ideas to consider as you look for an internship or a full-time position.

Starting your job search

• Start early; don’t procrastinate. It will take longer to get a job than in the past. Start now.
• Visit the Department of Career Services in CUE 217 and talk to a career counselor about your job search. Check out www.career.uconn.edu to find out about mock interviews, job search preparation, résumé review, and more!
• Network. Talk to friends, neighbors, parents, uncles and aunts, UConn Alumni, and faculty. Talk to as many people as you can, as each contact you make takes you closer to your goal. Go to the UConn Alumni Association website at www.uconnalumni.com to register for the online community. Seniors can use this resource absolutely free.
• Go to career fairs; go to company information sessions. Employers want to meet you and see you face-to-face. Make a good impression.
• Apply to lots of companies. You need to put yourself out there and make yourself available for interviews, even if the job isn’t your dream job.
• Be flexible. This means being willing to take a job even if it’s not your dream position. Be willing to relocate and be flexible about salary and benefits - you may need to take less than you originally anticipated earning.
• You must have a positive attitude. Things will get better, they always do. Things could be worse, and they have been. Think positively and positive things will happen.

Things to think about

• You need to have a backup plan, and maybe two.
• Jobs are still available; but you have to work harder to get one.
• Certain industries seem to be experiencing growth - such as such as energy, education, health care, some segments of the information technology industry, and the Federal Government.
• Remember: A college education is not a wasted experience, and will always be valued. Your first job is not your last job; it’s only your first job, and your first job will not lock you in to something “for the rest of your life.”
• Even if your first job is not related to your major, and, actually, most jobs are not, this experience can lead to amazing opportunities in future jobs. Take a chance. Jump in there. Things will improve - they always do.
• A recent survey of CEOs in McKinsey Quarterly indicated that the CEOs’ success was not based on their first job after college, but came later after identifying and grasping an opportunity that ultimately led to a major transformation in their career path.

Consider alternatives to traditional jobs

• Consider what’s being called a Year of Discovery, or Gap Year. This usually refers to an experience that is not necessarily related to what you majored in or what you intend to do for your career. It is a time of volunteering, travel, service, study, part-time work, or some other experience that is meaningful and which will make you a stronger job candidate when the time comes for you to start your “real” job search.
• In your Year of Discovery you might join one of the following: the Peace Corps, Teach for America, Vista, Americorps, City Year, or other service organizations.
• If going to graduate school is a possibility, make sure you know clearly why you are going and what it will do for you. In bad economic times, more students decide to apply to graduate school. This means the competition to get accepted increases as the number of applicants rises. Also, in bad economic times, there is less money available in scholarships or graduate assistantships because there is less money flowing into colleges and universities. The result is less opportunity for graduate study if financial assistance is needed.
• Consider joining the military. There is a greater need for college-trained applicants in todays military. Learn about the Military College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP) at www.usmilitary.about.com
• Think about taking an internship after graduation as a way to get your foot in the door.

Advice from employers

Career Services surveyed employers asking them what advice they would give to students in the job search and to help them stand out in these tough economic times. We found that the advice hasn’t changed much from previous conversations with employers, but in these tough times we would recommend that you pay more attention to the suggestions.

• Research the company to which you are applying and make sure your cover letter and résumé reflect that research.
• Be prepared and have an attitude of “what can I do for your company” (research the organization…bullet #1). You should be able to articulate how your skills and past experiences can make a contribution to the organization.
• Be persistent without being rude. This means follow-up, but don’t badger.
• Have prior experience in the field to which you are applying (internships, co-ops, summer jobs, volunteer).
• Be realistic about job opportunities and salaries.
• Consider applying to companies that are stable instead of glamorous.