For college graduates the most troubling aspects of a down economy is searching for a career-related job after they graduate. The news on television may be scary and rightly so. However, savvy job seekers and those that spend a little more time with their search can do just fine.  The fact is that employers can still hire. Most people believe that employers can not hire when the economy is bad. Many companies still can, but they are going to be extra, extra careful when making their decisions. This means for the job seeker, you must be even more clear in your job related documents and resumes than ever before. Here are some tips to assist you in your searching:

1. Your resume should be focused. Create and craft your resume to focus on your strengths, accomplishments, involvement and academic success. In a bad economy, you can't afford to put a resume out there just to see what happens. Your resume should be polished and error-free. It should also be detailed in your level of experience, even if it is only in part-time positions.

2. Cover letters should be specific and relevant. This is not the time to pull out the generic cover letters that can be found on any internet website. Write a cover letter that shows your abilities in specific fashion for the job that you are seeking. If you are applying for a Manger in Training program, then your cover letter should discuss your management skills in a part-time or service industry job or the skills that could relate to the job you are applying for.

3. Don't pass up any opportunity to talk to employers. Every career fair, job fair, company presentation could be your next job offer. Think about it, if the company has spent the time and energy to attend a job fair or do a lunchtime presentation on campus, then wouldn't that mean that they are actually hiring? You should attend as many of these events as possible to make some connections. Events like the Mardi Gras Invitational and the Louisiana Statewide Career Fair are excellent opportunities for you to talk to employers who are ACTUALLY hiring.

4. Apply now if you are graduating in May. Most job searches take 3-6 months to be successful and in a down economy, it will take longer. Start now to make your connections with potential employers throough websites and on campus events.

5. Don't rely solely on the faculty "hook up." Yes, there are faculty members that can put in a good word for you with employers that they may deal with on research and other projects. But you need to diversify your search and make connections on your own.

6. Look at national companies and trainee programs. In a down economy, many national companies are able to weather the tough times over smaller organizations. Additionally, Management Trainee programs and other entry level programs are very well-rounded for students who have very little experience. Furthermore, these programs are the entry-way into finding other jobs in the organization that are more suited to your career goals. For example, if you want a job in Public Relations, working for a company like Target in their 6-month Manager-In-Training program may lead to transfering to a position in their corporate PR office after you complete the program.

If you need any further assistance or information in your career search, please use this site or contact the Office of Career Development today to set-up an appointment.

Registration with the Office of Career Development is the first step in finding full-time or internship positions through our office. It is also a requirement if you participating in the On Campus Recruiting program.

To register with Career Development, just visit www.career.uno.edu/register.

If you are seeking part time or on campus jobs, then you can access the jobs database by clicking the link below. Registration is not required and the system is not password protected.

View Part Time and/or On Campus Jobs