Hope Exists for Grads Despite Unemployment Spike, Says Workplace Expert, Author

TIMELY TIPS

Get Out and About - "Use social media and trade groups to connect with those in your field," Taylor says. "But don't overlook face-to-face networking opportunities, community groups and organizations. "Write down every friend, relative, social contact you know," Taylor says, "and ask them to spread the word — but always remember to also offer reciprocity — and help them in meaningful ways." Also make a list of references you can produce at an interview.

Volunteer - at hospitals, charitable groups, or ideally, at a job in your field. "If you can afford to volunteer without pay in your field," Taylor says, "that will appear as preferable to waiting tables because of the head start you'll get in your career expertise, as well as references of people who are 'connected.'"

"It is better to be working because you are demonstrating initiative. There are many general job skills that have cross-over skills, regardless of the field, including: learning how to be a team player, meet a boss's objectives, gaining positive references, showing that you have strong character, are reliable and dedicated.

Be Poised and Polished – "Scour job boards and those in your field," Taylor says. Make presentations at professional societies. Learning how to interact with people will give you an edge when interviewing. People skills are critical in today's techno-centric workplace. Consider joining Toastmasters and taking communications classes. "And," she adds, "dress conservatively. You don't have to spend a lot of money to be well groomed and appear neat." Leave the Lady Gaga tee shirt for the company picnic.

Be Confident, But Don't Brag - There's a fine line between being self-assured and sounding conceited in your zeal to sell yourself. "Hiring managers want to know that you can handle the job through facts and poise, not through hyperbole," says Taylor. "At the other end of the extreme, don't harp on any weak areas or be too humble. This is a chance to talk about your successes and how your past can contribute to their enhanced future."

Be Open to Jobs Outside Your Field - "Contact all relevant temporary agencies, even if the jobs aren't exactly in your domain. If you're seeking a corporate job, even getting exposure in an administrative position can be of value," Taylor advises. Use job sites such as Monster, Craigs List and online industry job listings. Use high-level, industry-specific temporary and consulting firms. "And consider becoming a Tempreneur and parlaying project work into a full-time job," she says. Finally, she says, "Don't feel stuck in your hometown. Move to where jobs are if necessary."

Beware of the Overnight Sensation Temptation - “Creating your own business can be a challenge having just graduated, unless you've been developing a proven product or service as a student for some time. So be patient about creating ‘the next best thing,’ despite the overnight 20-something sensations of the past 12 years. And while you put in your proverbial time, just remember not to settle for the world’s worst job in the meantime,” Taylor says.

Job Interview a Key Window - She explains, “The job interview offers a critical window through which to judge the job and your own future work life. “Interviews are windows into your future work life,” Taylor says. “Companies may have ‘TOT zones’ that you can spot at the interview stage. When you know what to look for, then you can save months and even years of time that could be put to a more fulfilling, positive career path,” she says.