Grads on the Hunt: The Good, The Bad, The Promising

You recently graduated. You’re still unemployed. You continue the job hunt. Here’s what you need to know…
The Good >> The more schooling you have, the less likely you are to be unemployed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2009 (the most recent month of reporting available), the national unemployment rate was 10 percent for adults over 25 years of age who only had a high school diploma, but just 7.7 percent for those with an associate degree, and 4.8 percent for those with a bachelor’s degree. In other words, your degree was worth all of the effort, even if you are having trouble finding a job at the moment.
The Bad >> Less people are hiring grads this year. The survey stats are in and, yes, 2009 grads are worse off than 2008 grads when it comes to getting hired, according to the Job Outlook 2009 Spring Update survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Employers reported that they expect to hire nearly 22 percent fewer graduates from the Class of 2009 than they hired last year. Not surprisingly, the 2009 NACE Graduating Student Survey indicated that 63 percent of college seniors were worried that the economy would hurt their chances of finding a full-time job. But really — aren’t all grads worried about landing that first job? Keep at it, and eventually, it’ll happen.

The Promising >> If you do get hired, your starting salary will probably be respectable. By respectable, we mean that it won’t be too far below salary expectations. According to the Spring 2009 issue of NACE’s Salary Survey, the overall average offer to 2009 bachelor’s degree graduates stands at $48,515 – down just 2.2 percent from the average of $49,624 posted in Spring 2008.
So now you know the deal. Are you facing a tougher job market than past graduating classes? Sure. But you’re still in better shape having earned your degree. The key is to keep your options opened, remain optimistic, and find ways to set yourself apart from the job applicant pool.
Article by Dawn Papandrea and courtesy of CollegeSurfing Insider.

Originally posted by Candice A