However, there are some ways recent grads can increase their chance of pulling through this troubling recession and landing that all important first job.
Here are 5 tips for survival:
Go Back To School
The idea of taking out more school loans may fill you with horror, but it might just prove to be more economically beneficial in the long run. Studies continually show that the higher the level of education, the more money you are likely to earn.
In addition, a great way to avoid further major financial debts is to be proactive. Research the cost of your education before you begin it. Of course issues will arise that might increase the price, but you can never be too informed.
Look for things like a college tuition guarantee, which allows you to lock in a tuition rate for your entire academic career, even if the school that you attend raises tuition rates on incoming students.
Take Anything
Take any job offer that comes your way, even if you feel it is beneath you. Apply for the best and the worst jobs and accept whatever is offered.
You can always continue to look for the better jobs once you gain a job, and the saying goes that it is always easier to get a new job when you already have one.
Move in With Your Folks
Although you probably envisioned your own apartment and a cushy entry level job straight out of college – times have changed! Many recent grads have been forced to move back in with their parents while they try to find work.
It may not sound like a lot of fun, but if your parents don’t charge you rent and help out with your food expenses, you will be saving a generous amount of money. Even when you get your first job, you may want to continue living with your folks for the first few months so you can effectively save up for your deposit and the first few months of rent etc.
Volunteer
If you can’t get a job, volunteer. There are many charities and non profits that are really struggling to make ends meet in this challenging economy, and they can do with all the help they can get!
Not only will you be helping them out, but employers will be happy to see that you were doing something useful and responsible during your period of unemployment and not simply hanging out on the couch and playing video games. Volunteering also has the potential to give you a new set of skills, which always boosts a resume.
Don’t Give Up
It is very easy to give up in these bleak times, but don’t! All recessions pull through and a silver lining is definitely around the corner. Even if the phone doesn’t ring for weeks on end, keep on applying and keep on pounding the pavements in search of work.
They say nothing comes easy in life, and this recession is definitely a testimony for that. If you dedicate all of your time and resources to finding work and you are willing to at least temporarily take positions that you are over-qualified for – you will find work in the end.
As you can see, there are various ways you can optimize your chance of gaining employment. There’s no quick-fix solution, but as a recent grad you already have a heads up in having the level of education many sort after entry level jobs require. Just remember to stay positive, continuously put yourself out there and keep an open mind. Good luck!