Job tips for recent college grads

Many college graduates are growing weary as they become just another number in the crowded job market. The four or five years spent studying — not to mention thousands of dollars spent on tuition — may seem to be in vain to those who haven’t yet found a job in their field.

Luckily, there are strategies that can help set recent grads apart and move them in the right direction. We caught up with two experts who gave advice about what how to find a job.

Ralph Mobley, director of career services at Georgia Tech, works closely with new alums, advising and directing them toward resources for job searches.

“I think the market is improving,” he said. “People should get in where they can fit in [the work force] related to their career.”

Here are a few tips from Mobley.

Network by joining professional organizations and societies related to your career. If you graduated with a degree in architecture, for example, join the American Institute of Architects.

Build a good profile and network on professional Web sites like LinkedIn.

Utilize career services at your school. For example, Georgia Tech Career Services supports its alums for up to two years after graduation.

Apply for entry-level positions related to your career when your dream job is not available.

Remember to get out and meet people, and not just network on the Internet.

Do your research before an interview. What does the employer actually do? Draw a direct parallel between what the company does and what your personal skills are.

Randy Hain, managing partner for Bell Oaks Executive Search in Atlanta, recently wrote an article with tips for new grads, because so many of his clients were worried about their children. In the article, he discussed the generation gap in the work force.

“Generation Y should recognize that they have much to learn from older generations and must be willing to respect and meet them half way,” he wrote.

Here are some of his most useful tips.

Network with parents, friends of parents and church members. They may be able to make a phone call or a face-to-face connection on your behalf.

Ask questions of current professionals that you know personally. What does it take to be successful today? What does it take to get hired?

In an interview, make the employer know that taking a chance on hiring you is a good idea. Make the case that you are both affordable and a good investment to the company. Let them know you can be a bridge-builder from a communication aspect [between generations in the company].