Finding a post-college job in a slumping economy

The personal touch
Networking isn't just for the already employed. In fact, new graduates can exploit the informational interview ploy better than more experienced job hunters, says Fran Katzanek, author of "Reality 101: The Ultimate Goal to Life After College."

Call a professional in your industry and ask to spend a few hours learning about the job from a real-world perspective. "Most people are happy to play Dear Abby," she notes, "as long as it isn't a direct job solicitation."

Arrive loaded with questions:

• Why and how did you get into this field?
  
  
• What do you like about this position?
  
  
• What are the negatives?
  
  
• What college courses did you find most helpful?
  
  
• What is a realistic starting salary range for this career?

At the end of your session, hand this person your business card or resume with permission to pass them along should they hear of an appropriate opening for you. "Employers would far rather hire someone recommended to them by an acquaintance than take someone cold off the street," Krannich says.

Plus, says Katzanek, five to six informational interviews generally lead to an unadvertised job position.

When it comes time for an actual job interview, Krueger says prepared candidates usually don't have much to worry about. But he cautions younger job seekers to double-check clothing choices.

"One area of weakness for this group is that they fail to realize they're no longer on campus," he says. "What may be appropriate for college dress up many not be appropriate for people in a work mindset."

If you don't clear the interview hurdle, resubmit a tweaked resume (based on what you learned during your visit, of course) and ask to be considered for similar jobs. After all, the new hire might not work out.

Consider compromise
A graduate's ultimate goal is, of course, a good-paying job. But sometimes, the road to a paycheck begins with an internship, either paid or uncompensated, before a diploma is awarded.

Companies that work with the National Association of Colleges and Employers rate this strategy as the No. 1 recruiting method for the past two years. Case in point: Michael Lackey's position at Lockheed Martin evolved from a paid summer stint at the company.

The "any port in a storm" approach also can pay off, as long as you apply some degree of sense.

"Certain skills are useful across many different careers," says Krannich. "A manager-trainee position at Burger King could end up as a plus if you want a career in management." Ditto waiting tables. Think of the range of customers you could network with during a shift.

Krueger's favorite compromise job is office messenger, better known as gofer.

"We belittle the type of work where you are at someone's beck and call, but the reality is workers have a boss. You need to be able to submit to that, and submission isn't something we're teaching at universities," he says. "Companies look for team players who step up when the boss makes a request. How better to demonstrate your ability to serve others' needs?"

The tradeoff mindset benefited Laina Pinella, who took a part-time job last semester at The Coastal Group full-service marketing agency. After she wowed the owners with her dedication, they offered to hold a permanent position for her if she could commit to 30 hours a week during her final semester at Fordham.

"To be quite honest, this is definitely not the type of place I envisioned myself," says the business administration major. "The Coastal Group's main specialty is the home gift and decorating industry. I'm definitely more into fashion and music.

"But I have a respectable job, the people are great and I'm getting my feet wet," Pinella says. "I have the rest of my life to reach my goal."

Julie Sturgeon is a freelance writer based in Indiana.