A recent survey done by MeritAid.com found that 64% of college students were “very concerned” about finding a job after college. And with good reason. You all know what’s going on out there and it isn’t pretty. Here are some specific things you can do NOW to find the job you want

First, get experience. Internships, volunteer work and temp work all add up to work experience.

Second, create a job search plan which targets specific employers. Bookmark them. Follow them. Be persistent. I recently met with a young entrepeneur. He is a true success story. I asked him what quality he has that makes him so successful. He replied, “I am persistent. I will not give up until they talk to me.” Take a page from his book.

Third, be realistic. It IS tough out there but there ARE jobs. I once worked with a woman who built a fabulous career doing what no one else in the company wanted to do. Be willing to do anything (within reason, of course…)

Make the best use of the social networking sites. Linked In, Twitter and Facebook are great ways to find jobs and to advertise who you are. Just make sure that what you put out there is clean.

Finally, be creative. I am working with a client who wants to get into a running shoe company. He will be dropping off his resume next week and will ask his contact if he wants to go for a run. Not sure what the outcome will be but he will certainly get their attention.