Careers

Brighter job outlook for Class of 2011

Job and salary offers are on the rise for college graduates.

Early economic indicators show positive signs for the class of 2011 as its seniors prepare to enter the workforce, according to several studies by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Job growth for soon-to-be college graduates is stronger this year than last in nearly every industry sector, says Edwin Koc, director of strategic and foundation research at NACE. Last week, the Bethlehem, Pa.-based organization released that about 53 percent of employers surveyed intend to hire more college graduates from the class of 2011 than from the previous year, a jump from less than 50 percent who reported they would in a fall survey.

And in February, the organization reported that average starting salary offers to college seniors were up about 3.5 percent from the same time last year—the first salary offer increase NACE has reported since 2008.

Sectors that typically recruit and hire earlier, including various business and engineering jobs, posted some of the highest salary increases, according to NACE's Winter 2011 Salary Survey. Offers to accounting majors, on average, have increased 2.2 percent to $49,022; electrical engineer offers are up 4.4 percent to $61,690, the study found.

Though the winter study is a small precursor to more comprehensive reports to be released in April and September, NACE's employment information manager, Andrea Koncz, says the early results are already on track. "We weren't actually too surprised that the salaries are starting to increase because everything else is pointing to a positive market for this year's grads," Koncz says.

Nationwide, some colleges and universities have reported early boosts in recruiting and hiring, compared to the past few years. At the University of Michigan, 47 percent more employers came to fall career fairs in 2010 than in 2009, the school reported to U.S. News. The University of Virginia welcomed 14 percent more companies to fall career fairs and has filled to capacity its new, spring semester small-group career counseling sessions for job-hunting seniors.

"We have seen an uptick in our attendance both by students as well as by employers at our fairs this year," says Kendra Nelsen, director for students services at the UVA Office of University Career Services. "It's not huge and dramatic but it's reflective of the little uptick in the job market."

The state of the U.S. workforce modestly improved in February with the addition of 192,000 more jobs, according to a report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The manufacturing, professional and business services, and healthcare fields saw particularly strong gains last month, highlighted by a spike of 34,000 jobs in the healthcare industry. For the 12 months prior, the healthcare field added an average of 22,000 jobs per month, according to the BLS report.

Despite the improving job prospects, the job market remains competitive. Students should be more proactive in their job searches and flexible with short-term career goals, some counselors advise.

Instead of focusing solely on scoring a dream job, UVA's Nelsen prods her students to be open to positions in fertile industries that use similar skill sets as their ideal position might. Even if a student wishes to become an event planner or work in marketing, for instance, it might be best to consider how those job attributes might fit into positions in the healthcare or technology fields, where jobs are relatively ample, in the hopes that skills acquired there can one day be parlayed into their ideal career, she says. "Of course pursue what might be your ideal [job], but also break it apart and get experience wherever you can get experience," Nelsen recommends. "Any experience that has a piece or two of what you're trying to go for eventually can still be valuable."

And though the college graduate job market looks to be on the upswing, analysts and advisers are hesitant to tout the findings as signs of a full recovery. "We're not at the level that we were in 2007," says Koc from NACE. "Because of the recession years, it's a long way back to that level, and we're not quite there yet. It is a move in a positive direction that shows a lot of indications of coming out of the recession. If the trends were to continue…things could be very positive for the next couple of graduating classes."

Job and salary offers are on the rise for college graduates.

Early economic indicators show positive signs for the class of 2011 as its seniors prepare to enter the workforce, according to several studies by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Job growth for soon-to-be college graduates is stronger this year than last in nearly every industry sector, says Edwin Koc, director of strategic and foundation research at NACE. Last week, the Bethlehem, Pa.-based organization released that about 53 percent of employers surveyed intend to hire more college graduates from the class of 2011 than from the previous year, a jump from less than 50 percent who reported they would in a fall survey.

And in February, the organization reported that average starting salary offers to college seniors were up about 3.5 percent from the same time last year—the first salary offer increase NACE has reported since 2008.

Sectors that typically recruit and hire earlier, including various business and engineering jobs, posted some of the highest salary increases, according to NACE's Winter 2011 Salary Survey. Offers to accounting majors, on average, have increased 2.2 percent to $49,022; electrical engineer offers are up 4.4 percent to $61,690, the study found.
Though the winter study is a small precursor to more comprehensive reports to be released in April and September, NACE's employment information manager, Andrea Koncz, says the early results are already on track. "We weren't actually too surprised that the salaries are starting to increase because everything else is pointing to a positive market for this year's grads," Koncz says.

Nationwide, some colleges and universities have reported early boosts in recruiting and hiring, compared to the past few years. At the University of Michigan, 47 percent more employers came to fall career fairs in 2010 than in 2009, the school reported to U.S. News. The University of Virginia welcomed 14 percent more companies to fall career fairs and has filled to capacity its new, spring semester small-group career counseling sessions for job-hunting seniors.

"We have seen an uptick in our attendance both by students as well as by employers at our fairs this year," says Kendra Nelsen, director for students services at the UVA Office of University Career Services. "It's not huge and dramatic but it's reflective of the little uptick in the job market."

The state of the U.S. workforce modestly improved in February with the addition of 192,000 more jobs, according to a report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The manufacturing, professional and business services, and healthcare fields saw particularly strong gains last month, highlighted by a spike of 34,000 jobs in the healthcare industry. For the 12 months prior, the healthcare field added an average of 22,000 jobs per month, according to the BLS report.

Despite the improving job prospects, the job market remains competitive. Students should be more proactive in their job searches and flexible with short-term career goals, some counselors advise.

Instead of focusing solely on scoring a dream job, UVA's Nelsen prods her students to be open to positions in fertile industries that use similar skill sets as their ideal position might. Even if a student wishes to become an event planner or work in marketing, for instance, it might be best to consider how those job attributes might fit into positions in the healthcare or technology fields, where jobs are relatively ample, in the hopes that skills acquired there can one day be parlayed into their ideal career, she says. "Of course pursue what might be your ideal [job], but also break it apart and get experience wherever you can get experience," Nelsen recommends. "Any experience that has a piece or two of what you're trying to go for eventually can still be valuable."

And though the college graduate job market looks to be on the upswing, analysts and advisers are hesitant to tout the findings as signs of a full recovery. "We're not at the level that we were in 2007," says Koc from NACE. "Because of the recession years, it's a long way back to that level, and we're not quite there yet. It is a move in a positive direction that shows a lot of indications of coming out of the recession. If the trends were to continue…things could be very positive for the next couple of graduating classes."

Read the article here

Find your first job before graduation

Last Updated on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:14

From College News - Finding your first job after college is hard, so search early.

Finding your first job is an enormous investment of time, effort and research. That’s why you should start your first job search before graduation, so you have a few months to really dig in and find the right opportunity.

In general, be prepared to spend at least a few hours a day searching for and applying to relevant jobs--and even more time researching the companies, opportunities and networking events that might help you move the process along faster. And remember--your first job doesn’t have to be your last job!

Here are some proven ways to improve your chances of nailing a great first job right after college graduation:

Budget plenty of time for your first job search. Finding a job can take several weeks or even months. Plan to spend several hours a day searching for opportunities and networking events in your ideal field. Visit your campus’ career center. Visit early and often, and use all of the tools and counsel that the center offers. You can get valuable insight into jobs you may not have known even existed, and important help with pulling together a good resume, portfolio and other application materials!

Visit your campus’ Career Center. Visit early and often and use all of the tools and counsel they provide. You can get valuable insight into jobs you may not have known even existed--and important help with pulling together a good resume, portfolio, and other application materials!

Post your resume online, and make sure to fill out every field of the profile or form. Recruiters use your answers, and those form fields, to filter out the weak links when they search resume databases. To increase your visibility, post your resume to job sites like Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com, or iGrad.com, which specifically caters to recent college graduates.

Target your application materials to the job. Because you’re still a college student, you may not have all of the qualifications a job description describes. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have some excellent skills worth highlighting in your cover letter. For example, maybe you led a fundraising effort at your part-time volunteer gig. That counts!

Research companies. This is easy on LinkedIn, and through the company’s social marketing materials and website. Find out about your ideal company and employers, who they hire and what they do. You may even want to send a letter of interest to the company’s HR department explaining you’re about to graduate and providing a copy of your resume--even if they’re not technically hiring!

Remember you’re selling what you can do for the company, not what you’ve done. For an entry-level job, companies are looking for people with potential, not just high achievers. Focus your cover letter and resume on what you can bring to the table at a particular company and how you can help that department or business grow.

Have a target salary and benefits package in mind. Entry level jobs are often low-paying jobs, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. Research salary ranges in your field and know what to expect. Remember, benefits like health insurance, paid time off, company wellness programs and other incentives can make a low-paying job more satisfying.

Network, network, network. Go to young professionals’ events, career development events, events in your field or area of interest and any other activities where you might meet future colleagues, bosses or recruiters. It will help you develop your professional persona and help you hit the ground running. You can network a little bit online too (through Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Brazen Careerist, to name a few) by contacting your ideal companies or mentors in your field. Having a personal contact at a company is still the best way to fast-track a job search!

Finding your first job after college isn’t easy, but if you’re diligent, you will find something, and the experiences and insights you gain in your first job after college are invaluable. Remember, your first few jobs are about gaining real world experience, so seek jobs that appeal to you and help you learn. Be open, be optimistic and get started early, and you’ll be more than ready for this important step!

By Lindsey Donner, iGrad Editor

Public service jobs combat recession

Last Updated on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:08

From College News - Graduates choose public service but what jobs are available?

Working in public service jobs could be the right decision to beat the recession. Since the recession has made finding a job right out of college difficult, many students are turning to a career in public service positions.

As College News previously reported, in 2009, 16 percent more young college graduates worked for the federal government than in the previous year and 11 percent more worked for nonprofit groups.

“It’s not uncommon for me to hear of over 100 applications for a nonprofit position, sometimes many more than that, and many more Ivy League college graduates applying than before,” said Diana Aviv, chief executive of Independent Sector, a trade group for nonprofits. “Some of these people haven’t been employed for a while and are happy to have something. But once they’re there, they’ve recalibrated and reoriented themselves toward public service.”

Although there is a renewed interest in public service jobs, what jobs are actually out there for college students? One route would be to work for AmeriCorps or Teach for America. Both of these after college programs have had record numbers of applicants in the last couple of years.

AmeriCorps is one way that a recent college grad can break into the work force, while also making a difference. According to the AmeriCorps website, they offer 75,000 job opportunities to adults of all ages and backgrounds. Those that work for AmeriCorps could get a job tutoring disadvantaged youth, improve health services, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, and manage or operate after-school programs to name a few.

Another public service job that requires a longer commitment than AmeriCorps is Teach for America. According to the Teach for America website, they recruit outstanding college graduates and professionals to teach for two years in low-income communities. Teach for America employees receive a competitive salary, health insurance and retirement benefits.

If these two options don’t sound appealing, there are jobs working for non-profits available. All degrees acquired at college could be utilized in a non-profit organization. Many college graduates who planned to go into the private sector but ended up working in public service due to the recession say that they love their jobs because they are making a difference.

Alison Sadock is one college grad who thought she would have a corporate job, but ended up getting a job with the Starlight Children’s Foundation and loved it.

“Now I’m serving a purpose,” she told the New York Times, rather than just “helping some large corporation sell more widgets.”

By Lindsey Herzik

Seven interview questions you should ask

From College News - The interviewer isn't the only one asking questions.

Interviews are nerve-wracking, and it’s important to prepare at length for them beforehand. But one often overlooked component of an interview is the questions the interviewee gets to ask, usually after the interviewer is done with their grilling. These questions are important not just to help you, as the interviewee, obtain a better grasp of the job at hand but also to show to the interviewer that you are thoughtful, critical and smart through your pointed and relevant questions. Prepare for your questions through a little self-examination so that you know yourself and what you want out of the position. For further help with all things job search related, check out these tips on Landing the Job.

What career advancement opportunities will the position typically offer? This is one is key. Not only will it show ambition to the interviewer, a trait that is always in high demand, but it will answer a question you want to (and need to) know. Don’t get stuck in a position without much room for career advancement or that won’t help you learn skills you need to advance in similar positions. If the answer isn’t to your liking, start looking elsewhere and give yourself a better chance to keep moving forward.

What do you see ahead for the company in the next five years? Do not just make the interview all about your ambitions. Instead, turn the focus on what you can do to help the company achieve its goals. Find out what those goals are through a question such as this. A good company will have a clear vision of where it wants to go in the relatively near future. Find out what that vision is and immediately start thinking on ways your skills and experience can help get the company there. Also, if the company is going nowhere quick, well, at least now you know.

Where is the industry heading? Hear from an expert on where the field is going and (hopefully) how the company is going to adapt along with change, or be a front runner in making change happen. This question will show you to have not only a natural curiosity but a perspective that extends beyond your position. Can anyone say, management prospect?

What do you consider to be the most important aspects of the job? Find out what they are and show yourself to be someone looking to understand the position and what it takes to do the best work possible while holding it. If you already have the skills and experience required, promote it to your advantage.

What is a typical day or week like in this position? Is it mostly office-based work? Lots of meetings with clients? A fair amount of time spent out in the field, away from the desk? Find out by gaining a clearer vision of what work life will entail, and whether that truly fits your personality or not.

What is the evaluation process for the company? It is important to learn right away what the company’s expectations will be of you and your work and how your success—or failure—will be measured. Don’t let evaluation methods surprise you later on and factor them in to your decision-making process.

What are the next steps in the application process? This is the perfect note to end on. Learn what to expect, whether it be more interviews or time spent by the phone eagerly awaiting a call from the company. Show that you are enthusiastic about the position and that you want keep moving forward—hopefully to a new position.

By Helen James

Five worst college majors for employment after graduation

With the high cost of college today, making the most of your college education is vital to your career success. The proper selection of a major is one of the most important decisions that a student will have to make during college. While finding something you love is great, being aware of the job market and employment prospects for your degree must be considered as part of the big picture.

If you are going to spend tens of thousands of dollars on your education, you owe it to yourself and your family to get an education that will earn a living commensurate with the cost that was paid. Now there are no guarantees that you will get a job and start a career in any field that you select, but selecting a poor college major is one way to build a large roadblock at the start of any career.

Parents and college advisers should be helping these students with an "employment reality check". Before a student finally decides on a major, they need to engage in a serious discussion about their future job prospects with this degree. If there are no jobs available with this degree, maybe we should be looking harder at our alternatives.

So here are five college majors that provide VERY LITTLE opportunity for employment upon graduation.

1. Religion: Having a degree will be useful if you plan to become a priest, pastor or minister. But most of these positions of God come with free training and offer heavenly rewards, not monetary. It can be hard to pay off your high student loans on a pastor's salary.

2. Latin: If you have chosen to get a Latin degree, you already have a high tolerance for pain. Expect more of it as you enter the job world. Other than teaching Latin, which would require more schooling to get a teaching degree, plus a masters degree later, there aren't too many jobs for a Latin expert.

3. English Literature: It is wonderful to be well versed in English literature, but what positions do you apply for upon graduation. Maybe a book editor or a writer, but they require different skills, so that ma not pan out without additional degrees or training. Unless you have plans for a masters before you even start college, avoid this degree or you may be well versed and working as a book store clerk. And underpaid for sure!

4. Music Therapy: This sounds so refreshing and relaxing. The truth is... it is. But you don't need a degree to listen to music that relaxes you. You just need an I-pod, a radio or a CD. None of these items will cost any more than one semesters books, so why would anyone pay you a living wage to be a music therapist. Please avoid these types of majors, but they are out there.

5. Art History: If you are already the curator of an art museum, then maybe you will want to get a degree as an art history major. But there aren't too many curators out there and they usually have business degrees to help them run the business side of the museum. An art history minor may be great if you think you are destined for the museum. Other wise you might be a clerk or tour guide at the art museum with a very expensive piece of paper that says you are good at it.

Other problematic majors: Dance, Communications, American Studies, Philosophy, and Film. Each of these degrees has such a narrow focus with so few jobs available that you might have a better chance of winning the lottery than landing a good job. Now you can always go to graduate school, spend more money and get a masters degree in something else that would be more marketable, but these degrees by themselves offer very little potential.

Summary: These are five of the worst prospects for jobs upon graduation. So be mindful of your desire to earn a living as well as pursue a passion. Unless you are a trust fund baby that never needs to work a day in your life, the cost of an education needs to help build an enjoyable and prosperous career. One that will provide an income that can help support your needs and allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labor. So make the most of it. Your future will look brighter and your income will help you do the things that you always wanted.

If you would like to discover more about these college choices along with strategies to help increase financial aid and reduce college expenses, you can download our FREE College Cost Savings Kit by clicking here.

Please feel free to print this article and share it with your friends, especially if they are in the early stages of deciding on a career path. You may help them save some headaches and possibly a bundle of cash.

About the Author:

Keith Maderer is the father of five college age students, with three currently in college, and has been a financial, investment and tax adviser in Buffalo, New York since 1981. He is the author of "How To Get Your College Education For Less". Available on Amazon.com - ISBN No: 978-1-4538-2053-7

To get your FREE College Cost Savings Kit, visit http://www.CollegeEducationForLess.com

Five best college majors for employment upon graduation

Last Updated on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:32

Tags: engineering

College is an expensive but important investment in the financial future of each student that chooses to take this route. Selecting a major is one of the most important decisions that a student will have to make during their studies. While finding something you love should always be a top priority, careful thought should be given to the employment opportunities waiting upon graduation.

Too many college students begin their college career with no idea what they want to pursue. All too many colleges push their liberal arts education as the answer to this problem. While taking varied classes in a wide array of subjects can help some students find their focus, it can also provide a false sense of security for students that pick a college major that may not have the marketable employment outlook upon graduation.

Parents and college advisers should be helping these students with an "employment reality check". Before a student finally decides on their major, a serious discussion should be about their future job prospects with this degree. If there are no jobs available with this degree, maybe we should be looking harder at our options.

So here are five college majors that will provide a great opportunity for employment upon graduation.

1. Engineering: Engineers of all disciplines have great job opportunities today. Chemical, electrical and many other engineering fields have a growing need in today's work force. The energy, medical and computer worlds have a high demand for new engineering developments and this should continue strong for the future.

2. Computer Sciences: Knowing how to use a computer is easy today. Knowing how to program, develop and design systems is not. Hardware and software applications are changing every year and we do not see an end in sight. There will always be demand for the newest, the fastest, the most powerful or the most efficient way to do things and computers are usually involved in every area.

3. Finance and Economics: As businesses and families become more involved in their own work, family and life enhancement objectives, financial and economic advice is being handed off to specialists. With the aging baby boomers, expanding emerging markets middle class and growing demand for financial services, this field continues to offer steady employment opportunities for years to come.

4. Nursing and Medical: We have a shortage of qualified nurses and other medical professionals right now. With the expanding longevity of the world population, more people are reaching older ages and the demand for health related services will continue to grow rapidly into the future. Employment prospects are very good here and compensation packages are also growing faster than the averages.

5. Building and Construction Management: As economies around the globe expand, infrastructure and construction is growing with it. Qualified building and construction management leaders are in short supply. Knowing how to take a project from paper to steel and concrete is an area that is no longer left to a labor foreman. Building and construction managers now oversee these projects from start to finish as well as quality control. Demand continues to grow as regulations and safety concerns become more complex.

Summary: These are five of the best areas for students upon graduation. As with everything in life, if you enjoy these fields, you will enjoy your career even more. If you are just doing it to get a job, it will probably be less rewarding. Every individual needs to find their own niche and find something that makes them happy. If you love your job, it will never seem like work.

Please feel free to print this article and share it with your friends, especially if they are in the early stages of deciding on a career path. You may help them save lots of headaches and possibly some cash.

About the Author:

Keith Maderer is the father of five college age students, with three currently in college, and has been a financial, investment and tax adviser in Buffalo, New York since 1981. He is the author of "How To Get Your College Education For Less" . Available on Amazon.com - ISBN No: 978-1-4538-2053-7

US, China agree on $45 billion export deal

From College News - White House asserts agreement would create 235,000 jobs.

President Obama announced a trade deal with China resulting in $45 billion in new US exports. The deal, announced during President Hu Jintao’s visit will include a $19 billion purchase from Boeing. China’s contract with Boeing will send 200 Boeing between 2011 and 2013 according to Reuters.

Altogether, the agreement reaches across 12 states with 70 individual transactions. Notable contracts include purchases from General Electric, Honeywell, Caterpillar and Westinghouse Electric. The White House claims that the $45 billion export deal will result in 235,000 jobs created in the US and will cut in to the record $370 billion trade deficit between the US and China in 2010.

The White House also states that progress will be made towards addressing issues of intellectual property; specifically, the lax enforcement of copyrights with software. China officials agreed to crack down on the widespread piracy but, as Reuters reports, many US software companies are still weary.

China has accumulated nearly $3 trillion in foreign reserves with its trade deficit.

By Michael Bartlett

The Best Job Search Engines

From College Hews - How to use job search engines.

Job searching as a college student or recent graduate can seem arduous and difficult, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for yet—or how to find it. Luckily, the plethora of job search engines out there means that it’s easier than ever to find great jobs and make important connections at your dream companies, all from the comfort of your home computer. This overview will clue you in to the biggest, best, and newest up-and-coming job search engines out there to make your job search easier and more effective.

Let’s start with Indeed, CareerBuilder and Monster. These four sites are probably the biggest job search engines out there, with complex keyword search features, value-added content like blogs and job search checklists and the ability to save your searches, receive alerts and even create your own profile and resume so employers can search for you. No job search should fail to include these search engines. And although it’s not very feature-rich, you should also use your local Craigslist and newspapers to find job listings. You never know what you’ll find and, in some cities, there are hundreds of new posts a day!

Next up is make sure to sign-up—it is the best place to position yourself as a candidate, catch up on industry and company-specific news, and become more visible to employers).

You can also use your LinkedIn login and tap into Jibe, a job search engine that leverages your Facebook and LinkedIn connections to help you find jobs at top companies that you’re already connected with through those social media sites. A lot of the newer search engines leverage all the information you give out on those sites to help deliver a personalized experience – and yes, you can opt out of sharing everything if privacy is a concern!

Current students and grads can benefit from engines catering to them, like iGrad Job Genius, a job search engine created especially for students and recent graduates, with the option to search exclusively for entry-level jobs or internships. And membership (to view premium listings) is completely free. While you search, you can drag and drop your ideal jobs into the “Resume Optimizer” so you can start optimizing your resume with keywords that head hunters, recruiters and scanners use to locate candidates.

If you’re not ready for a full-time job, or want to juggle a few things at a time, FlexJobs is a professional search engine for people who are looking for flexible hours, telecommuting jobs, part-time jobs and more. There are also boatloads of extra features for members, like career aptitude tests, blogs, the ability to upload multiple candidate profiles, etc.

LinkUp is another unique resource for job searchers because, rather than search all the “pay-to-post” boards, it searches actual companies’ websites for job listings—over 20,000 companies, in fact. There is also Yoomly, a job search engine that lets you create a cool profile that specifies, among other things, your minimum hourly salary. Jobfox is another great choice. The Jobfox engine uses its proprietary Jobfox Mutual Suitability System™ Q&A to match you with opportunities that fit your unique skills, needs, and wants, giving you a closer fit in your search results.

Finally, there are also job search engines that target specific careers, fields, or job types. There are too many to name here, but to point out just two, Mashable’s job board focuses on social media and web jobs, from software development to marketing jobs, and USAJOBS.gov lets you search all available federal government jobs.

Having your resume and profile up-to-date on several of the job search engines can be a great way to automate your career search. Don’t forget to sign up for keyword alerts, too—that way, you’ll never be last in line to apply for your dream job!

By Lindsey Donner, iGrad Editor

Six tips for acing the job interview

From College News - Learn these six easy tips to getting through that big interview.

With the spring semester getting almost in full-swing, many students are starting to prepare for the “real world” by tailoring their resumes, putting in applications, and even beginning to get job interviews lined up. A recent article on CNN.com titled “6 Ways Not to Blow Your Interview” by Christine Romans provides six quick tips for landing the big interview.

1. Present yourself as the solution to a problem.

This step is crucial because like many companies that are looking to hire new employees,

there is a lot of competition out there and the employer wants to know why he/she should be picking you over the next person. By showing the interviewers that you recognize there is a problem they are seeking a solution for, and pushing to show that you are that

solution, you are increasing your chances for that callback. Identify what it is that uniquely makes you the solution to their problem.

2.Don’t say, “I really need this job.”

With unemployment still lurking around 9.4 percent, employers understand that everybody is out looking for and needing a job. So by telling them that you really need the job, only makes you seem more desperate. Companies are not looking to hire desperate employees. They want members who in good economic times or bad, are going to put their best work and best efforts forward.

3. Be adaptable and be present

Don’t be afraid to be flexible! Show the employer that you can be flexible and work different hours than what may be normal, or that you aren’t just looking for a position

in the office. If you know the company puts on a lot of community-involved events, share

what you could offer to those events outside of the office as well. When it comes to

being present, stay in the moment of the interview. Don’t reflect on past jobs too long,

unless you can tie the skills you’ve learned to the new position.

4. Polish your pitch

This step is a big one for those of us coming out of college. Remember the key phrase

you’ve known since you were little, “practice makes perfect.” This phrase remains so very true today. Find somebody to practice doing Q&A with. Have a friend ask questions that would come up on a typical interview and shape your responses based on what the position you are applying for requires. By practicing your pitch, when it comes time for the big interview you will be polished and ready to answer any question they throw your direction with confidence and poise.

5. Don’t diss your old boss or company.

There is not a single boss or company in the world that wants to hear about how your last

boss was unfair or that you weren’t allowed to participate in your old company’s monthly

get-together. So don’t go blabbing to your new interviewer about how terrible your

previous job was. Again, you’ll look desperate and it will make the interviewer question what you might say about his/her company if you ever have to be let go. Stay positive.

6. Don’t have a stupid e-mail address

Most people of our generation got their first email address back in elementary school or even junior high school. However, it’s been at least 10 years since then so the email address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it are probably not the best contacts to share with your new potential company. For the purpose of looking professional in the corporate world, create an email address such as This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it that incorporates your name but is simplistic and professional. Having this account be solely used for work purposes will make it easy to maintain, and again the professional address looks great to employers. (That is, unless they are pretty princess in pink enthusiasts…)

By following these six easy steps, you really can’t go wrong with an interview. Remember to dress professionally and arrive early to the interview appointment so as to

look prompt and dedicated.

By Andrea Pitt

How to write a cover letter

From College News - A clear, concise cover letter is key to landing an interview.

A cover letter is the FIRST first impression you’ll make on a potential employer or hiring manager. Your resume is important, yes, but no hiring manager will open your resume file attachment if they don’t like your cover letter. There are simply too many candidates per job opening. In three or four succinct, compelling paragraphs, you need to convince them to take a closer look.

If you’re new to writing cover letters – or looking for tips on how to improve – follow the guidelines below to significantly increase your chances of a call back.

1. Make sure the job really is a good fit. Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But hiring managers receive overly-general letters or letters that are not a good fit all the time. Big mistake. Your resume is already in the trash can.

2. Carefully read and use the job description. There may be explicit instructions, e.g. “include a link to your portfolio in your cover letter.” The fastest way to get your letter tossed is to ignore the instructions.

3. When you’re ready to write, choose your format depending on the situation. If you’re sending a paper cover letter, use business letter conventions, including line spacing, date and address. If you’re writing an email cover letter, the date and your contact information will probably suffice. Don’t use fancy formatting, especially in an email.

4. Follow instructions about document type, especially online. If they want you to send the cover letter as an attachment or upload it to their company site, they’re probably printing it, so write it as you would a business letter and send as a PDF or Word document. If they want you to put it in an email, keep it plain text. Their email reader might not render your formatting correctly.

5. Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific contact person at the company. “To Whom It May Concern” should only be used when it’s impossible to determine the contact’s name.

6. Get the first paragraph right. This is your chance to shine. Be specific about why you’re a good fit for the position you’re applying for. Don’t be vague or general. This is not the time to copy out a form letter you found online!

7. Outline your qualifications in the next one or two paragraphs. Numbers or metrics are great (e.g., “I increased sales 23 percent at my last job within 10 months,” or “I won Best Customer Service Rep three times in a row”). But most of all, show enthusiasm for the specific position and outline what you can do to help the company achieve. Flesh out your points with research – use the company website, press articles, and LinkedIn to get some background on what the company’s mission, goals and philosophy are. This really sets you apart.

8. Close with a brief paragraph directing the employer to your enclosed resume. Make your availability known, repeat your contact information, and assert that you’re looking forward to their call. Do not forget to thank them for their time and consideration. (Get your resume interview-ready using iGrad’s Resume Optimizer.

9. Sign with “Sincerely” or “Regards.” Politeness is underrated, especially at this stage in the process.

10. Proofread! Watch out for spelling errors, passive voice, informalities and tone. You want to come across as positive, professional and detail-oriented. Finally, keep it short! Three to four paragraphs is more than enough.

By Lindsey Donner, iGrad Lifestyle Editor