Today's liberal arts graduates are entering one of the best job markets in the nation's history. Research from employers indicates that liberal arts graduates are well prepared, are successful and frequently excel in the career of their choice. Although national employment is currently very high, job seekers are finding that their job search is very competitive and has changed dramatically from that of their parents. The basic elements of the job search such as a strong resume and effective interviewing skills are still critical; however, a paradigm shift has resulted in the breakdown of the traditional employer and employee contract. Several factors account for this paradigm shift and job seekers will be more successful if they understand the reasons for the change.
The result of "rightsizing," global economic interdependence, a constant eye on Wall Street and the concept of working lean and mean drives the management of today's workers. The "do more with less" concept has increased demands on a reduced workforce. Cost control efforts dictate that employees perform a larger quantity and broader spectrum of tasks. The results of these demands are longer workdays and less opportunity to maintain a healthy balance between professional life and personal life.
Technology has also played a large part in this paradigm shift since it provides instant communication, information technology transfer and access to a phenomenal number of resources. Related to the job search process, employers can access hundreds of resumes daily and interview candidates across the nation without leaving their office, thereby reducing the cost on both human and fiscal resources. Job seekers are able to utilize technology to research job opportunities and make application to multiple and diverse employers all within the comfort of their own homes.
Another aspect of the paradigm shift relates to the concept of new graduates signing on with a company or organization as a life long partnership. Employees believed that with hard work and dedication they could retire from a company in 30 or 40 years with a stable retirement income intact. Mergers and acquisitions with the focus on the bottom line have caused a breakdown of the traditional long-term employer-employee contract. The concepts of having several employers and several different careers, not just jobs, during a lifetime, is a reality that new job seekers need to understand and embrace.
The paradigm shift also requires potential job seekers to understand that they are responsible for their own job search and that they must start preparing as early as their first year in college. Students need to understand that the four-year career development process is intertwined with the four-year academic process. Job applicants are most competitive when they have participated in credit or non-credit internships, related summer or part-time jobs or have sought volunteer experiences that validate their skills and interests.
Job offers are extended to those who have best prepared themselves for the job search. When asked what they seek in new hires, employers in non-profit, business and government tend to respond in a similar manner. The top ranked criteria include: well developed communication skills, related work or volunteer experiences, high GPA and realistic expectations. This includes having an understanding of how the world of work functions regarding ability to work independently, being an effective team member and appreciating work diversity. Understanding and being proactive to the paradigm shift in the job search equates to career success in the new millenium.
-- Jacquelyn Goodman, Assistant Director, Macalester College Career Development Center, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
