Social networking seen as most helpful job-search tool
To no one’s surprise, this year’s college graduates are finding the job market tough, according to a survey by Right Management. By graduation day, just six per cent had lined up the job they wanted, according to a survey of 300 recent graduates in the United States.
Thirty-eight per cent said they expect to find the job they want within six months, while 15 per cent think it may take up to one year and nine per cent said one year or more. But 16 per cent anticipate landing the desired job in one month or less.
Three out of four (76 per cent) believe it very possible or somewhat possible for them to find the job they want, down from 91 per cent in the same survey one year ago. Twenty-two per cent think it is not very possible or not possible at all.
“No one can ever say this year’s college grads are complacent,” said George Herrmann, CFO of Right Management. “They are facing a sluggish economy and a difficult job market, but the ones we’ve met seemed very determined and will do the hard work they need to get the kind of work they really want. Employers will find these grads eager to learn and get the job done.”
Social networking was regarded as very or somewhat helpful in the job hunt by 85 per cent of the graduates. Likewise, 73 per cent find online job boards very or somewhat helpful.
The hardest part of the job search for recent grads is “figuring out what to do” cited by 37 per cent, asking for help (12 per cent) and keeping track of possible job leads (12 per cent).
When considering a job, survey respondents said work-life balance, opportunity for advancement and opportunity for experience are the most important factors.
And only 16 per cent of graduates expect to stay in their first job for three years or longer.
