Approximately, 15 million people are unemployed. Simply put, landing a job today is an extreme uphill challenge, considering the large number of graduating students combined with the rising number of the unemployed. Currently, college graduates find themselves competing with other individuals who are more seasoned and experienced for basic entry level positions in their career field. Therefore, emerging leaders need a different type of strategy during economic turbulence.

With the fierce competition for limited jobs, many students wonder if they will be able to land a good job in the marketplace. I understand and see it when talking to my own students. Hope is not lost. William Bailey and I spent several months researching strategies for current and future college graduates. The results were outlined in our new book, Job Strategies for the 21st Century. We have found a huge disconnect between what organizations want in potential employees and what today’s graduates are providing.

Economic troubles in our nation and abroad continue to create an unstable and unpredictable job market. Parents across this country tell their children “get a good education and you will get a good job.” However, in this economic rollercoaster, this is not always true. US manufacturing jobs continue to evaporate as global outsourcing becomes the norm for businesses that seek to increase their profits.

According to some business estimates, employers are expected to cut 2.7 million jobs in 2009 (2 million were cut in 2008). These glooming trends make it difficult for even college students to be optimistic. However, having a good plan can increase the odds for most students in landing a good job. Opportunities will present themselves in some form in the future. Therefore, college students need to be proactive about landing a job.

Below are strategies for college students entering the job market during economic turbulence:

1. Branding
2. Communications
3. Critical Thinking
4. Current & well-versed
5. Flexibility
6. Global Citizen
7. Job Homework
8. Leadership
9. Love & Passion
10. Networking
11. Opportunity
12. Seasoned Worker
13. Uniqueness

Although many people are feeling very pessimistic about future career opportunities, hope is not lost if people are prepared for the future. Bestselling Sci-Fi author H.G. Wells explained, “'We were making the future,' he said, and hardly any of us troubled to think what future we were making. And here it is'.” By taking control of the career strategy, college graduates can make a positive step in navigating these difficult economic times and landing their future jobs.

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About the Author:
Dr. Daryl Green provides motivation, guidance, and training for leaders at critical ages and stages of their development. For more information, visit Dr. Green at www.darylgreen.org

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