With the troubling headlines that 80% of 2009 college seniors are graduating without a job, parents of incoming 2009 college freshmen are increasingly anxious about the job market their children will encounter when they graduate.  They know that grads lacking direction or job search skills are at a huge disadvantage competing for entry-level jobs, which are down by 22% this year.  In recognition of this challenging situation, college freshmen are trying to secure internships during the school year and in the ...

We all know that the Alternative & Renewable Energy field is our future. President Obama promotes this industry every chance he gets.  The stimulus package authorized $67 Billion to jump-start energy enterprises. These days $67 Billion sounds like peanuts compared to the humongous recent bailout largesse.  But, believe me it's a lot of money!   So what does this mean for you?  Graduating seniors and recent grads have you blown it off because you're not an engineer?  Bad move.  Sure, there's ...

The Obama administration has invested $15 billion dollars to aid small businesses. This investment reflects that President Obama gets it that small businesses will drive economic recovery. A White House statement underscored this by noting that small companies have generated 70% of new jobs annually over the last decade. So the handwriting is on the wall.  Make sure that you target small companies when putting together your job search plan.  Also, you'd be wise to focus on robust industries such as ...

I've been preaching (and reading) about the importance of widening your net when establishing you career goals in a challenging job market.  (Notice I did not say terrble, difficult, etc).  But what about those of you out there who don't know what that means or how to do it? First, determine what your ideal job would be.  Forget the current environment.  Take some time to dream.  Is it a sports marketing job?  A job in advertising?  TV broadcasting? Next, write down the ...

The National Association of Colleges and Employers has just completed a survey of employers to identify the qualities of the perfect job candidate.  They include communications skills, work ethic, the ability to work in a team and initiative. The Examiner has a great summary of the attributes employers are looking for http://www.examiner.com/x-828-Entry-Level-Careers-Examiner~y2009m1d29-Employers-cite-qualities-attributes-of-perfect-job-candidate?cid=examiner-email.  Definitely worth checking out. I would add likeability and preparation to this list .  As a recruiter of entry level professionals, I used to look for preparation: resume, interview, company research likeability work ethic. I ...