Launching a Career in Recessionary Times
According to the U. S. Labor Department, private employers cut payrolls by 101,000 jobs in February, the third consecutive month they cut jobs. Small and medium-size firms, which are feeling the pressure of rising costs and tighter lending standards, also may put recruitment on hold, according to the latest Michigan State Institute report. (February 2008)
Oxford, Massachusetts March 18, 2008--It's never encouraging to be graduating from college when the economy shows signs of a recession. Landing a job this year will not be easy, especially if companies in the industries being hit the hardest by the economic downturn -- financial services, housing and retail, for example -- have to continue to scale back hiring.
Dave Bedard is the author of a newly released book:
“Graduate and Grow Rich: The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Journey.” (
http://www.graduateandgrowrich.com/) He offers these tips for soon-to-be grads coming out in these challenging times:
Know Your Company- “Be familiar with what the company does, its’ position in the marketplace and their brand-perception. Spend some time on their website, as well as business and trade journals to prepare yourself.”
Go Beyond the Online Search- “To just post an online resume’ and expect to land the ‘ultimate job’, is just plain unrealistic.” According to Lois Meerdink, assistant dean of business career services at the University of Illinois, "Now it's most important to use a multifaceted approach." With less than five percent of jobs landed coming purely from online jobsites, you need to network with friends, family and on-campus career centers to find your Career of Dreams.”
The National Center for Educational Statistics
(www.nces.ed.gov) reports that there will be nearly three million graduates coming out with new college degrees this year, and all are looking to land a better position in the marketplace. So, with the economic times being a bit shaky and the pool of new graduates being quite large, it is most important to bring your “A Game” when seeking that most important first position after graduation.
Bedard offers one more essential tip to the soon-to-be-grad: “Stay optimistic. Employers list a winning attitude as the most important attribute they look for in a new hire. So, give yourself a nice graduation gift by preparing to put your best foot forward in seeking the next step in your pursuit of success.”
Dave Bedard is an author, entrepreneur and guest speaker. His new book Graduate and Grow Rich is now available. Starting in broadcasting, then in his own companies, he has conducted leadership training in over 25 countries. Settings have ranged in size from intimate academic classrooms to business audiences of over 15,000 people.
He is an active contributor on college campuses, serving on numerous Boards as a Director, Advisor and Guest Lecturer. He is also a proud member of the Junior Achievement board in Massachusetts. He is also the producer and co-host of "The Success Journey," a television show featuring interviews with successful people from all walks of life.