Who’s hiring new college grads now

You need your head examined. I graduated in 2005 CUM LAUDE and have not found a job. I have not even been invited for an interview. I know many grads that are out of work. Most jobs have been outsourced or companies go broke.

My plight is like “Dane” in NY. I lost my job in the middle of 2005 and have not been able to find full time employment since. I have been helping out with the family business since then, it isn’t much but gets me by. I did some landscaping work last spring but that dried up, people don’t want to spend money mowing their lawns when they can’t pay the mortage.

I also see jobs listed as “entry level” but require “3-5 years experience.” Or they tell me that the job “has been put on hold” but then post the same job a week later. I often times see the same jobs being posted over and over again, they seem to be just window shopping for people. Yet they always claim that they “need good people.” Most of the time I get no response. Some of the job interviews I have gone to have ranged from rude to downright hostile. I walk out of there shaking my head.

I learned a long time ago that my college degree, in Business even, isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.

I graduated from a state school with a BS in Information Systems and a BS in Finance. I was offered a 65k job with 10k signing bonus. Also, I was offered 2 other positions. One was 40k+ and the other 55k+.

Plenty more companies hiring. I was just very very picky about where I applied.

i am about to graduate in may now and job search is frustrating…still no interview…i guess patience is a virtue after all…anyway…keep your fingers crossed.

I’m graduating with a B.A. (Economics) and B.S. (Finance) from a top 20 undergraduate school. I have been flown all over the country to interview. Employers and Alumni are interested in hiring grads from my school. I had at least 15 first round interviews on my campus. I took a job in a 3 year finance rotational program paying more than 50k with a generous signing bonus and generous benefits. Friends who went to other schools are having troubles finding a job. I know many great people who have great experience and have great resumes, but all that separates us is our school choice. I recommend making sacrifices to go to a nationally ranked and recognized university if possible.

Hello, I graduated in late 2005 with an AAS in computer science and find it impossible to get into any type of entry level computer work in my area.

I have applied for countless jobs since 2005 and received countless interviews. When it comes time to answer the salary question, I usually say $9/hour and fully accept minimum wage if it is necessary.

With most technology jobs in my area being in Albany, I cannot make a dollar at the end of a week if I work for minimum wage with a 100 mile round trip to work. (not including on the job travel, that may be reimbursed but I doubt this will include vehicle wear and tear)

Often I am asked whether I can commute to a job 50 miles away after I apply and get the interview. Often the jobs in my field that are listed as entry level require a few years work in the field. Usually my resume is ignored and I receive no contact, and then I continue to see the same job remain posted or get posted again.

I have been told by at least one employer that my college degree means nothing. Unfortunately for me I grew up working in the family business so that immediately puts me at a disadvantage when it comes to work history/references.

Over the past 14 to 15 months I have volunteered my time to an online project that involved software programming and testing. I bring this project up at interviews to combat my disadvantage of coming from a family business. To me, a volunteer says that this person enjoys doing this type of work and or helping people. But so far it does not seem to have any affect on landing a job.

Finally a few months ago I realize that getting in my field may be impossible and so I tried to apply for nearby grocery/retail jobs but I am usually ignored (I assume I am overqualified?) or after an interview I get no further contact.

So for all of the people in my situation, whether here in my area or afar, I can certainly feel it and I feel sorry in general for us and look forward to a brighter future for all of us.

How can an “overeducated and Underemployed” GenXer find work? (And I love the companies that keep posting the same jobs for the last six months, if you’re not hiring please let us know)

Jobs are out there.

Those who do not get good jobs out of college need to stay in school until something comes along. My friend got a BS in business in May 2007. He enrolled in classes for Fall 2007 just in case he didn’t get any good job offers. He had started taking a few classes towards a second bachelor’s degree. He didn’t find a good job until February of this year. Since he was only going part time, he was able to adjust his new work schedule around his classes. He will soon finish with another bachelor’s degree and will have job experience. He plans on finding an even better job after this. The key is to stay busy doing something. Sitting at home and waiting for the phone to ring is not going to cut it.

Annie,

I’m trying to get in to the financial services industry, in the analytics or trading areas. And so far all I can find are jobs that require experience. I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2005 with a degree in Business-Finance.

I know other people in the same situation as myself. What an I missing that other people seem to be finding?
Which companies should I be looking at?

Annie here — Unfortunately the financial-services industry is a mess right now — as you know if you’ve been keeping up with the news! — and there is not much hiring going on. (In fact, many companies are bracing for layoffs and/or letting attrition cut headcount, i.e., simply not replacing people who quit or retire.) You need to try to tap into the “invisible job market”, the jobs that aren’t advertised anywhere, by calling on your network — friends, relatives, friends of relatives, relatives of friends, your college alumni association, LinkedIn contacts, etc. Also, try doing some informational interviewing: Ask to meet with traders and analysts at as many firms as you can, not to ask for a job (at least not right now) but simply to gather information about how *they* got their jobs and what suggestions they might have for you about where to start. In short, you’ll really have to hustle to get your foot in the door, but it can be done! Readers, anyone out there in financial services with any tips for Douglas?

I am a senior business student who is graduating in May of this year. I have found the job market to be very hospitable. I received 8 job offers – a 100% return on interviews, and signed with a company in November. Of those in my major (Supply Chain Management) at my school, only two students were not committed to a company by the beginning of this semester, and those two are now narrowing down their offers. It was definitely a good year for job seekers!

Hi Annie,

Great article. I think there is an even bigger problem to address regarding the college to career transition…

Many students today graduate without a clear understanding of their professional strengths and interests. Without this vital knowledge, they struggle to narrow down the endless career options, and, subsequently, fail to connect with employers and embark on career paths excite them.

Here’s an interesting fact: college grads today are jumping jobs as many as ten times in the first ten years of their professional lives. All that course correction takes it’s toll – not only on their confidence, but on their wallets too. And with the average college student graduating with more than $17K in debt, in an economy where starting salaries have been severely outpaced by inflation, the result is a young workforce who is unhappy and unable to get ahead. No wonder they call them Boomerang Kids and KIPPERS (Kids In Parents Pockets Eating Retirement Savings).

So, even if the job forecast is good for college grads, until we teach them how to find their professional focus, they’ll continue to struggle to find career satisfaction.

Annie here — I’ve written a couple of columns in past years about how to choose a career (I think they’re in the archive), but it’s hard. Unfortunately, we have to pick a line of work before we really know much about ourselves or about the options that are out there. As a result, what I’ve been seeing lately — in the past, say, 7 or 8 years — is a whole trend toward people changing careers in midlife. Often it takes until age 40 or longer to find what one really wants to do. Considering that people often work until age 70 now, either from financial necessity or from fear of boredom (or both), maybe that’s not so bad — a 30-year second career!

Hi. I actually just graduated in December with my BS in Physics/Chemical Engineering and I had a job 4 days afterwards. I don’t think the job market is that bad…it’s just that it’s much more competitive and employers are looking for the best. The job I’m at now wasn’t my only offer either…I still have people sending me emails/calling me and asking me to interview for their positions. As for the MBA graduate..it depends what market you are trying to get into. In the engineering/science market, there isn’t a real demand for MBA’s because the engineers just end up taking those jobs as they progress through since they’re generally more qualified. i.e. They have the technical know-how to communicate with customers. One exception to this rule is Lockheed Martin…that I know of off the top of my head. Although, one technology sector that you may be able to get into that might have a promising future is alternative fuels..i.e. ethanol and such. Commercialization is right around the corner and MBA’s would be useful to pull all the loose business ends together. Another hot market to check into is the industrialization and commercialization of Chine and India. Lots of companies are looking to export parts of their business and start up pet projects and once again MBA’s would be very useful…hope that helps. :]

It seems that the job market might be good for YOUNG graduates, but if you try to get a job after 40 or return to work after a motherhood stint–fat chance. With experience, good work ethic and a 4.0 for my MS degree in 2006…I still can’t find a job. “Over qualified” is often code for over 40.

Construction is a tough industry to get into when economic times are tough…any ideas for the recent grad to get a decent job in the industry? thanks

What kinds of positions/salaries are expected for the thousands of jobs that Enterprise, Progressive, Walgreen, and BofA expect to open-up for college grads ? These sound like high-turnover / low-pay customer service positions, rather than life-long high-potential careers that a good college education prepares you for.

When I graduated in the mid 80’s, there were a lot of good-paying career positions for 4-year college grads. It seems to me the employment landscape has changed dramatically, and now we are seeing more and more customer-service type positions, and fewer of the high-pay/high-skill careers. I have personally experienced this in the technology sector, which once had one of the brightest occupational futures.

I’m a recent MBA Graduate, and I have found the job market to be extremly stressful to get in, especially with todays economy. I feel as if I applied every where and nothing. I recieved my MBA at the age of 26 so Im not expceting to be a CEO right off but just something to get in the door. I think employers may think I’m over qualified. Any advice?

My son is graduating in May with an A.S. degree in cabinetmaking and wood technology. We was offered a position as a craftsman with a fine Company during his first interview. We are real happy for him.

Dear Annie. Who is hiring people over 50+ now? Would be noce to see.
Thank you,
Natalya