Black Collegian Career Center

Right now, you're probably posting your resume and cover letter to websites like Monster.com and HotJobs.com, satisfied you're doing something, while hoping you get noticed. The problem is-so is everyone else. Companies get hundreds of these resumes a day. Even companies without available positions receive daily resumes … too many jobseekers, not enough jobs.

"Though the Internet provides a robust opportunity for researching companies, there's much more [to finding a job] than just posting resumes on websites," says Tim Luzader, Director of the Center for Career Opportunities at Purdue University.

Needless to say, it's extremely difficult to get noticed. I recommend standing out in rush-hour traffic wearing a sandwich board advertising your resume (You're right, bad idea).

Your career services office can help 
A great resource for the job hunt can be found right on your own college campus. Make sure you take advantage of your career services office. I suggest you schedule time to meet with a career counselor as soon as you can-even if you're two to three years away from graduating.

"Students need to get past the hype and start planning their future early in their academic career, says Terri LaMarco, Associate Director of the Career Center at the University of Michigan. "Career counselors can help you identify what you can offer an employer, as well as strengthen your resume, explain how to write an effective cover letter, and more."

Your career services office can also serve as a gateway for getting interviews. Many times area companies will visit and interview seniors right on campus. This will save you a ton of time trying to find a job as the opportunities will be brought directly to you.

"Over 50 companies visit our campus at our annual job fair," says Milt Colston, Director of Career Services at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. "Companies will set up tables, speak with students and collect résumé's. Then they'll actually interview students later in the afternoon."

"Career fairs give students a step up, says Dr. Chet Rispoli, Director of Career Development at Temple University. "Due to budgetary restraints, companies are selective about the schools they visit; if they visit your school it's based on the college's reputation, giving you an edge for landing a job."

Your career services office also remains a valuable asset even after graduation, says Colston, "Recent grads need to stay in contact with their career center for job leads after graduation. After all, it's not just who you know, but also who knows you."

Internships offer 'real world' experience 
If you're a year or two away from graduating, you should take an internship. This way you can gain some real world experience and sort of audition for a full-time job after graduation.

"Internships are the best way to get into companies and meet people on the inside. Many of our students will continue working after their internship into the summer and part-time, eventually turning the experience into a full-time job after graduation" says Colston.

Networking gives you the edge 
Networking is such an important and effective way to finding a job. This is no time to be proud, people will understand. Just make sure you don't sound pathetically desperate … like a slurring drunk when the lights pop on after last call.

" . . . nothing is more effective than networking, as more than half the jobs available are not advertised in a hidden job market," says Temple's Rispoli. "Make a list of everyone you know and start asking them about available jobs. You can also do a targeted search of employers, identifying the hiring managers, then sending letters and following up with phone calls."

Smiling and dialing 
You can also contact companies directly to find out about work. Try bypassing the human resources department, and get your resume in front of the person actually making the hiring decisions. Look on the company Web site and find some higher-ups' email addresses: "I saw your job posting... here's why I would be a valuable asset..."

If the job posting or company website doesn't provide a person's name, call the company and ask for it. Make up a story like, "I just got off the phone with the VP of Accounting and wanted to verify his email address..." Often the lazy people at the switchboard just want to get off the phone, so they'll quickly give you the information you need. That way, you get through the crowd.

Once you acquire the hiring manager's email address, send a carefully crafted cover letter that's sells you. "It's important to translate your own personal history into benefits to potential employers (e.g., internships, campus activities, leadership roles, community service, etc.), and how your experiences will benefit the company," says Lonnie Dunlap Ph.D., Director of University Career Services at Northwestern University. "Think about how your value-added components will help you stand out from other applicants."

Another way to stand out from the crowd is to maintain a high level of expertise in the industry and/or profession you plan to enter. "Students need to run their careers like a business," says Dr. Al B. Barron, director of Career Services at Southern University. Take the time to research trends in your field, read articles, attend seminars . . . be proactive. Prepare to give yourself a competitive advantage."

Consider industry associations and community groups Another trick for finding job opportunities is contacting industry associations or networking groups in your area. Grab the email addresses off the member directory on the organization's Web site and email everyone -- individually -- explaining that you're graduating college and need advice about getting started and want to know if they are aware of available jobs.

"Students also need to remain open to opportunities. Even though a job may seem too 'entry-level,' as companies downsize these positions are gaining more responsibility quickly. Most of all, you need to keep a sense of humor [throughout your job search] and don't take yourself too seriously," says the University of Michigan's Terri LaMarco.

Remember, most people looking for jobs are going about it the same way. Be clever. Hopefully, you can find something to pay your bills until the economy picks back up. Then it's the employers' turn to need us.

Good luck! 
A Final Thought

The advice in this article focuses mainly on what the students need to do to find employment. But families play a major role in supporting the process.

"Parents need to prepare for what happens after graduation when their child moves back home," advises Dr. Barron of Southern University. "Parents should be patient with the times and understand that their young adult will find a job, and that their education dollars were well spent. Be aware of the added stress and understand that everything will work out."

Fred Pollack is the author of "The College Senior's Survival Guide to Corporate America". For more information about Fred and his book, visit: www.fredpollack.com.