Solutions for graduation despair

Photo credit: Urbanite

By Lucy Cohen Blatter

This month, recent graduates are finding slim pickings in the job market.

Betsy Richards, director of career resources at Kaplan University — which is affiliated with the test prep company — warns grads against holding out for their optimal job, and advises them to set realistic goals to land a gig.

Here are Richards’ tips for both recent grads and more seasoned job-hunters for finding something fast.Flexibility is key

In this tight job market, willingness to relocate, take a role outside your desired field or work non-traditional hours, is key, Richards said.

If you’re a career changer, Richards said, you’ll likely see a pay cut. “Set realistic expectations.”

Do your research

Richards suggested joining your professional organization for research and networking, and subscribing to the industry’s trade publications, as they often have job listings.

Sound the alarms

You need to get the word out to as many people as possible — relatives, friends, former teachers and bosses, whoever — that you’re looking for work.

“Join professional groups on Facebook and LinkedIn,” Richards advised. “If you follow a company’s Facebook page, you’ll receive postings on job openings. You can also contact companies directly through Twitter,” she said.

Think broadly about your skill set

You want to be creative and realistic. For example, if you’re great at art, think about doing advertising.

“One of my students has a lot of sales experience in mortgage lending, we assumed he could use the same skill set for medical sales, or really any other kind of sales,” Richards said.

Determine your long-term goals

Concentrate on positions in line with your goals. You’ll want to find a position you can stay in for five to 10 years, Richards said.

“If you’re looking for a finance job, you might want to steer clear of Wall Street, but go for finance departments in smaller companies,” Richards said.

“Look at long-term goals and think, ‘Is finance where I want to stay and if so, what areas are open to me?’”

Gain experience in your desired field

There are a number of ways you can gain experience, Richards said.

You should look for an internship in your field (many of which pay, though not a lot).

If you’re working in retail, but have dreams of a desk job, Richards suggested asking the company if you can work a couple of days a week in their corporate offices.

Don’t give up

If you find a job for which you’re overqualified, but that’s within a company you really like, Richards suggests taking it.

“Economics is cyclical,” she said.

“This market is going to turn around, so you want to have yourself positioned right.”

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