The good news is that jobs are still available despite the tight economy. But job seekers need to be even more prepared and persistent than ever before because the competition is greater. Following are a few tips compiled by UI career services professionals on the Urbana-Champaign campus.The good news is that jobs are still available despite the tight economy. But job seekers need to be even more prepared and persistent than ever before because the competition is greater.

Following are a few tips compiled by UI career services professionals on the Urbana-Champaign campus.

For a complete list of FAQ’s to guide you through your job search, see: illinois.edu/goto/jobmarket09.

• Read business publications and news sources online to determine which companies and industries are faring better in this economy.
• Look at jobs in government and new industries, such as “green” companies that are addressing energy conservation and alternative energy sources.
• Check out smaller companies. These companies may not post to campus job boards, but you can find job postings on their Web sites by doing keyword searches on sites such as jobcentral.com, simplyhired.com and indeed.com.
• Consider public service opportunities (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Teach for America) that pay you for your service and require a relatively short commitment while providing valuable experience.
• Find an internship if you’re not ready for the permanent job market; internships, job shadows and special projects while a student can help you enhance your resume.
• Make sure your resume demonstrates your experience in areas that are of particular interest to employers, such as interpersonal skills, communication skills, leadership qualities, project management experience, initiative, the ability to develop and maintain relationships, and skills in analyzing and interpreting data.
• Act and look professional – unexpected opportunities may occur at any time, so make a good impression.
• Network. Talk to professors, staff, parents, friends and the people they know, and don’t be hesitant to ask them for help.
• Visit The Career Center (www.careercenter.illinois.edu) and/or your career services office (www.careerservices.illinois.edu) in person and online. There are more than 25 of them on this campus, and they are staffed by professionals who are there to help you (for free).
• Take advantage of career services workshops, seminars and individual appointments for help with your job search via resume reviews, mock interviews, job search strategies, career advice and other services.
• Attend career events on campus, including career fairs, seminars and info sessions.
• If you receive interest from a specific company, do research to see how that company and its industry are faring financially.
• Be prepared for situations you may not have anticipated, such as negotiation and rescinded offers. UI career services professionals are available to help you navigate these issues.
• If you’re considering graduate school, know what you’re likely to find in the job market when you finish your advanced degree. Don’t jump into graduate school impulsively just to avoid the job market.
• Even if you are early in your college career, start networking, looking for internships and becoming involved in campus activities that can further your career ambitions; it’s never too early to lay the foundation for your job search.
• If you graduate soon and you still haven’t found a job, don’t give up. Talk with a career services professional. They will help you explore every possibility, and they may be able to connect you with just the right person and job.
• Be persistent, and be open to new ideas, industries, companies and jobs.

Submitted by the University Career Center staff