The Importance of Networking in a Tough Job Market

4/28/10 6:21 PM

Students who are graduating from college this May are already facing the harsh reality of the tough job market.  Lack of experience and more competition for open positions leave many new grads struggling to get a foot in the door.  In these times, it is essential for students to understand the importance of networking in order to help get the job. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, only about 5 percent of people obtain jobs through the "open" job market or through ads on the Internet and in print.  About 24 percent obtain jobs by contacting companies directly, while 23 percent obtain jobs through employment agencies or college career-services offices.  The rest, about 48 percent, obtain jobs through networking. Career development and resource Web...

Internships Serve as Ideal Alternative for New Grads Facing Tough Job Market

4/28/10 6:13 PM

Students who have been searching for a job over the last few months have been faced with the harsh realities of the country’s current economic state.  According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 9.7 percent (roughly over 15 million) of the country’s population is currently without a job. As students count down the days to graduation, this staggering number is proof that many may be accepting diplomas without a job in tow.  However, graduates and students may be able to fully utilize this time by taking on a summer internship. Internships give willing students the ability to enhance classroom learning and gain valuable “real world” experience by being a part of an organization for a limited period of time.  Internship positions are...

The Fair is Over…Now What?

4/28/10 6:00 PM

You took the time to prepare for the job fair; re-organized your resume, wore your best suit and prepared all the right questions.  You may have even had a few great conversations with some of the recruiters, but did you remember to take a business card or any other type of contact information?  An important step most individuals forget at a job fair is to set the stage for a follow up while you are there. When you feel the conversation between you and the recruiter is coming to a close, ask for their business card.  If they do not have one, write down their email address or other contact information.  Politely thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the company and position.  Of all the candidates the recruiter will meet at a job fair,...

Prepare for Your Next Job Fair

4/28/10 5:51 PM

A job fair is an excellent place to find potential jobs and network with people who can help you get your career started and usually feature an impressive amount of employers, looking for some new talent.  With less than two months until graduation, the NYIT All Major’s Job and Internship Fair could be a great place to land a job, but only if you know how to work the limited time you have. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time at a job fair, seek out the right employers and leave a lasting impression. Research the Employers: •    Get an updated list of employers who are scheduled to attend the event; usually this list will also include the positions they are looking to fill. •    Mark off the jobs/employers you are...

Job Interview Do's & Don'ts

3/9/10 9:00 PM

With more competition in the job market today, it’s important for candidates to put their best foot forward in an interview.  Make sure you stand out for the right reasons; stay positive and focus on your strengths. Take a look at some shocking mistakes that candidates have made in job interviews: Candidate wore a business suit with flip flops. Candidate asked if the interviewer wanted to meet for a drink after. Candidate had applied for an accounting job, yet said he was “bad at managing money.” Candidate ate food in the employee break room after the interview. Candidate recited poetry. Candidate applying for a customer service job said “I don’t really like working with people.” Candidate had to go...