May grads gear up for an uncertain job world

It comes as no surprise that seniors graduating this spring are going to have trouble finding a job in their chosen career field.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), an organization that tracks hiring data, reported that firms expect to hire 22 percent fewer graduates from this year’s college classes than they did from last year’s.  Other agencies are reporting equally dismal hiring estimates.

Carol Bosack, the director of Career Services at Wilkes, believes there are a few things students can do to make themselves more attractive on the job market.

 “Students will need to make sure that they have an excellent resume, cover letter and interviewing skills in order to compete,” she said. “It is critical to network with professionals in your field, and to have experience, especially as a volunteer or intern which employers can discuss with you on interviews.”

Candidates may have to think about relocating or taking a position which is not exactly what they envisioned, because it offers an opportunity to build a reputation with an employer. Although it may be difficult to deal with rejection, applying to a large number of organizations, even though you may not hear back from many of them will increase your chances of obtaining an interview.

 Students should do a mock interview with a career education professional or expert in their field before they go on real interviews. Interviews are often behaviorally based, and Bosack reports that recruiters warn that the interviewers may ask students very thought provoking questions for which they have not prepared.

“Some jobs are more available than others.  Indeed, some sectors are actually expanding, increasing employment.  Expanding sectors include federal government service, some tech industries, and health care.  The areas with the fewest jobs include finance, construction, agriculture, and retail sales,” says Robert Jordan, an economics professor at Wilkes.

Steve Felter, a 22-year-old history major who plans to move south toward Florida or South Carolina after graduation, is working on locating jobs in his field.

 “I’m starting to send out my file and resume now,” he said.  “I like the beach scene and I am a big fan of surfing. Also I do not like cold weather or especially snow. I am not certified to teach in the public sector and so I am seeking jobs in the south due to the vast amount of private schools where certification is not mandatory.”

Bosack says, “We sent letters in March to all junior and senior year students, inviting them to visit with us and to enroll in our CAR 198 Life Career Planning course, which deals with professional development and the professional employment/graduate education endeavor. There are two sections offered for the fall 2009 semester. We have offered seminars on job searches in the recession, which I wish more students had attended.”

Cassandra Scarantino, a 22-year-old business administration major with a concentration in marketing plans to spend the summer taking MBA classes. She doesn’t have a job lined up yet.

“I still have two years before graduating with my MBA, and by then the economy should be better, plus I’ll have enough educational background not to worry as much as I would without my MBA or even my bachelor’s degree,” she said. “On the other hand, if the economy is still bad after two year of schooling, I’ll just go for my PhD.”

According to Jordan, not having a job lined up is not unusual in this economy.

 “First, given the tight labor market, firms are being more selective: grades and experience, including internships, matter more than in the past. This trend will continue well into the recovery. Underclassmen and juniors should start preparing for this now,” said Jordan.

Even with the struggle in today’s economy, Jordan stresses that students should follow the traditional advice offered to graduates for years.

“Research should always be your first step. Students should gather information about employers who have granted them interviews,” he said. “Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans can allow a student to differentiate himself from others with similar qualifications.”

However, Jordan points out that students should take advantage of the services provided at Wilkes to help them adjust to the real world.

 “Take advantage of the services provided by the Career Services office, especially mock interviews and resume reviews,” he said. “Understand that they might not get the exact job that they want.  Further, they may not be able to find a position in the major/field. It may be best to take something for now to gain experience and continue searching for the ‘perfect’ job later down the road.”

Students can meet with Career Services to discuss tips about the job process, and can start mock interview practice by using its web-based service, Interview Stream, at www.wilkesuniversity.interviewstream.com. They can also send in their resumes to its resume/job posting site, www.collegecentral.com/wilkesu.

Bosak noted that Career Services officials will be staffing "Resume Express" tables in the Student Center on April 28-29, where they will give out resume guides and offer quick critiques.