Job search 101 for new graduates

If you thought calculus and Russian lit were a challenge —- wait till you hit Job Search 101.

It’s a tough market out there for new college grads. All indicators show that companies are hiring fewer new grads than in 2008.

“It’s tough, but not impossible. There are always opportunities,” said Jason Aldrich, director of the Career Management Center at the Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University.

Cory McDade and Jason Brown are proof. Both are Georgia State graduates in hospitality. McDade will be the general manager of Figo restaurant in Decatur. Brown has been hired on the development team for the luxury Loews Hotel coming to Midtown.

Michael Holtgrewe, a Georgia State finance/accounting graduate, will start an internal analyst job with Accenture in June. “I know I’m fortunate,” said Holtgrewe, who has been preparing for the job search for 18 months by polishing his resume and taking advantage of extracurricular career-related activities.

“It’s really competitive out there now, so you’ve got to learn to market and differentiate yourself,” he said.

Focus and take action

This isn’t the time “to freeze up or put your head in the sand,” Aldrich said. “Take action, because no employer is going to come find you. Make a plan, and work your plan.”

“When I ask students what work they want to do, some will say ‘anything, I’m not picky,’ ” said Ralph Mobley, director of career services at the Georgia Institute of Technology. “That’s a bad answer. If you try to tackle the universe in your job search, you’ll end up spinning your wheels.”

First identify your specific job market —- the kind of work you want to do, and the industries and companies where your skills and abilities would be a good fit. Research, then search and apply strategically.

Expand your network

“With industries and companies identified, step back and think about who you, your parents, their friends and your professors might know in that field, and begin to make contacts,” Aldrich said.

Use your college career services center.

“Georgia Tech alums can get advice, search our jobs listings and come interview up to two years after they graduate,” Mobley said. Many schools offer career services for alumni.

Create an inexpensive business card that lists name, college, career field and contact information. You can print skills and abilities on back.

“It may be easier to start networking using a platform like LinkedIn —-the professional extension of Facebook,” Mobley said.

Join a professional association to meet people in your field.

“A meeting is less intimidating than a cold call,” Mobley said. “Volunteer to serve on a committee; do a good job; get noticed.”

Prepare for interview

“Students tend to relax and try and wing it when they get an interview,” Aldrich said. “You need to prepare like it was a final exam. Research the company and Google the boss, so that you can have an intelligent conversation. It’s your job to let a company know how you can help them. An interview is about the value that you can bring, not what they can do for you.”

Outside the box

Accounting students may be thinking big accounting firms, but all industries need accountants. “The CDC just called needing 30 people with an accounting background,” Aldrich said. “You need to fish where the fish are. Look at industries that are growing.” Healthcare, education, the government, defense and energy are some of the bright spots. Consider an unpaid internship or a part-time job in your field as a stepping stone.

Sustained effort

“Stay dedicated to the search, two-to-three hours a day for three months and the momentum will build. You’ll find something,” Aldrich said.

Mobley reminds students that they have advantages: They’re less expensive to hire than experienced workers, and they bring fresh skills that companies want and need.