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Career Corner
Top 5 Challenges Facing Graduates In 2010

Gavin Davis -- As a new graduate, you have a good college degree and plenty of enthusiasm to join the workforce. The question is, how do you differentiate yourself from all your college peers in finding a job? Here are some job search tips to consider before and after you graduate.

Here is the scenario… You have graduated college with a good looking degree; you feel on top of the world and ready to pick and choose your dream job. The reality, however, is that you're one of a many in the same boat. While you feel as though you would be best suited for a particular role there can be hundreds of other people who feel the same way as you. I often tell the story about my days as a recruitment consultant where I used to recruit for graduate positions. I would post a graduate position on the job boards and by lunch time I would have 200 applicants in my inbox. So what can you do to differentiate yourself from the rest of the crowd? You need to ensure that your résumé is in the top 5-10% of all résumés. A single mistake in your résumé can be the difference between your résumé ending up in the interview stack or in the deleted folder.

Downturn in the economy

We are all sick and tired of hearing about the global financial situation, sluggish economic growth and rising unemployment. Unfortunately this is the situation which new graduates find themselves facing when looking for a job in 2010. My best advice is to network, stay patient, and increase the effort into the job search. You are going to have setbacks and days when you feel like the whole world is against you. The real challenge will be ones of continuing perseverance and confidence.

Lack of real world experience

My advice to all graduates (and those preparing to graduate) is to seek work experience. I personally hated this advice while I was at university but looking back now my work experience helped me plan out my career and gain vital experience in competitive industries. When the time came to put forward my résumé, my previous work experience set me apart from many of my competitors.

Too high expectations

Many graduates (myself included) complete university and expect to hand pick the job which they want. Furthermore in 2010, graduates have an expectation that they know what is best and should actually be the boss rather than working for the boss. So many times I have had graduates apply for job positions which are so unrealistic and then get despondent because they are not getting interview requests. It’s important for graduates to realize that they need to gain the experience before they can call themselves the boss.

Debate between further higher education and job seeking

Do you continue to study or start straight away with the job seeking? Many graduates don’t have a choice in this matter, but for those who do continuing to study can lead to greater results long term (financial and job position) and also further help distinguish yourself apart form other graduates. On the other hand is it better to start working and get your foot in the door? There’s no better education then real life experience of learning on the job.

For more information on résumés or résumé writing services for college students and graduates, visit RedStarResume at www.redstarresume.com.

© 2010 RedStarResume Publications

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