Graduating senior feeling hopeless

bioNGNR
Fri, 15 Mar 2013 02:42:57 +0000

I feel that we’re much alike. Not top students by any means but ones with a decent background and the ability to talk a good interview. It just seems that, at this point in time, it’s awful tough out there.

I’ve been to at least three interviews where I left their offices thinking I nailed it! Only to get rejected a week down the line. I even got turned away by the company I did my co-op with, despite having glowing recs from my advisors as well as a manager on the inside. I had some success getting colleagues to circulate my resume, but applying for jobs online felt like talking to a brick wall.

I recently decided to target jobs outside my field (engineering) and received an enormous response from marketing/account executive positions. In fact, most of the entry level positions I applied for immediately called me back requesting an interview. I’m not sure how relevant these positions are to you, but it certainly seems “hot” right now.

I’ve tried temp agencies as well. I don’t feel that entry level work is their strong suit; YMMV. Though one thing I would suggest against is signing up for multiple agencies. Most agencies WILL contact your references regardless of whether they land you a job or not. You don’t want to tire out your references, because they will be less enthusiastic about you with each repeat reccomendation.