Experts offer college seniors advice on making the best of a shaky job market

April 10, 2009

Experts offer college seniors advice on making the best of a shaky job market

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By The Associated Press

Advice for college seniors on making the best of a bad job market, based on interviews with experts:

Consider offering to work as an intern rather than a full-time hire. Some companies are reluctant to make long-term commitments; this would get your foot in the door until the economy improves.

Network, network, network. In a down economy, it's more important than ever. Tap into alumni. Try to set up meetings to learn more about a company even if it is not hiring.

If you have to settle for a Plan B, make it a productive one. Look for something that will give you skills that make you a stronger applicant for your first choice a year from now, or that will keep you in networks that will help you get where you want to be.

Going to graduate school just to ride out the recession may be a bad idea. It's expensive, and you may not know yet what you want out of it.

Show enthusiasm. A couple years ago, employers might have settled for applicants who came across as bored or entitled. Not this year.