I Can't Find a Job in this Economy....

With graduation right around the corner, many of my collegiate peers are starting to panic about their job search, or lack thereof. I am one of the fortunate ones, I have been on several interviews, networked with exceptional individuals, and will be walking across the stage with a job offer, possibly 2, under my belt. As I observe some of my peers agonize over their lack of career commitment this late into the game, I wonder if I have done something different. I never thought I worked exceedingly hard at finding a job; I just did what was required, put on a brave face, and headed out into an unchartered territory.

This blog post is dedicated to any GenY reader that believes it is impossible to find a job.

Top excuses from GenY peers:

“The economy is bad”: Yeah? So what. This doesn’t give anyone an excuse to slack on finding a job; it should be a kick in the rear to work 10X harder.

“I don't want to do that sort of job.”: I understand that settling for a job is sometimes hard, but your dream job doesn’t happen out of school. Take an opportunity that will broaden your experiences and help you flourish into a profound professional. If the corner office happened right away, it takes the fun out of the journey.

“It’s not like I need a job, I am moving back home with my parents.”: One of the most frustrating comments I have heard. If you wanted to be a bum for the rest of your life, why did you even go to school in the first place?

“I don’t know where to look.”: Many advertising students believe that Leo Burnett is the only opportunity for an advertising job. Marketing/Advertising/Media positions are EVERYWHERE! Start researching in suitable locations and proactively connect to professionals acquire more information about potential opportunities.

“Well, I posted my resume on Monster.com and haven’t heard anything back.”: There are a billion and a half portals to network and connect with professionals, choose just one other than a job site. I have met wonderful people through my professors, speakers, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Monster.com does not differentiate individuals, try to leverage social media to illustrate the dynamics you have to offer.

“Most people don’t start hiring until the spring.”: Although this isn’t completely true, I will hypothetically play along with the situation. This doesn’t mean you couldn’t be researching companies, critiquing your resume, or attempting to network with individuals of choice company before the spring.

To summarize, there will always be an excuse. I don’t care what the unemployment rate portrays, jobs are available. It just depends how focused and determined you are, perseverance is key. 

Please feel free to add any comments, pieces of advice, or other excuses you have heard. Thanks for reading!!!