Our new CollegeRecruiter.com Insights by Candidates Blog launched only a couple of weeks ago, and already there are dozens of entries by college students and recent graduates who are unemployed, underemployed, and employed. When you read through the entries, a common thread emerges. Many seem to recognize the critical importance of getting great work experience prior to graduation and, when presented with a good opportunity, not to get greedy by holding out for the perfect opportunity.

I do not advocate that candidates should automatically accept the first job offered to them. To the contrary, as such jobs are often poorly suited to the candidate's credentials. If they are overqualified for the job, they'll be bored and likely will quit after only weeks or months. Not exactly a great resume builder. On the other hand, if they're underqualified, they'll be stressed and will likely be fired. Again, not exactly a great resume builder. Candidates must research their competencies, interests, and values to determine which industry they wish to target. Then they need to research that industry to determine which organizations to target. Then they need to research those organizations to determine which departments to target. Then they need to identify decisionmakers within those departments and network with them. If that sounds like a lot of work, well, it can be. But professionals spend about one third of their working lives on the job, so isn't it worth the investment in yourself?

Life is simply too short to accept a job which is not a great fit. There are so many jobs out there. And because we live in a free country with a robust economy, we all have choices. Don't settle and don't over reach. Find a good job, not necessarily the perfect job, and invest in yourself. For an investment in yourself is probably the best investment you can ever make.