The Economy---Major Suckage

[blak_intelkt]

I graduated in December 2000 majoring in Information Systems. I can't find a job for *hit. It is killing me. I gotta find something quick. I didn't spend 25k in school to be virtually unemployed.

Anyone else feel my pain?

[Grimm]

Not I. I started in my field by taking a job at only $10.50/hour. It's highway robery, but I had to break in. Maybe you are shooting too high. look for a related job and get it. It doesn't have to be a great one, you just need to get some job experience under your belt. Many employers will look for someone that they KNOW can do the job over someone that should be able to do it. This means they will take a kid out of highschool who worked in the field for 2 years part-time over someone who finished a degree with no practical experience.
You also need to consider WHERE you are looking. If you are looking in the Bay Area, for example, hang it up. There are people there with years of experience desperate for IS jobs.
You might have to relocate. A fisherman isn't going to find many opertunities in a desert.
Reconsider your method of attack in finding a job. Consider where someone needs you. Look there. Use the resources at your school for placement. They should have some available. You could get a headhunter in a place you are willing to move to. Personal connections are also paramount in your line. Who do you know that has a job in your field? Can you ask them to check for openings at their company?
How many practice interviews have you done?
How do you present yourself? Too many assume that they can get away with the unshaven, long hair and sandels look when they haven't even proven they can do the job. Even if you are clean cut, you need to consider the image you present. Getting a good job costs money. Get out and buy some new slacks, shirt and tie. Nice shoes won't hurt either (no, I don't mean new Nikies). The worst thing I ever saw was someone wearing cheap polyester pants that were too tight a long sleeve white shirt and a cheap tie. Find out what the people wear at the place you are interviewing, try to drees just a little better. I don't worry about overdressing, but I can pull it off with relaxing and humor. I was told that they wore business casual, I showed up in a suit. The interviewer was wearing shorts, a t-shirt and flip-flops. I quickly pulled out and pinned on my "cleverly disguised as a real person button". Laughed about it, took off my jacket and just talked to the guy. I got an offer 3 days later.

Resume:
If your resume is easy to read and has no spelling errors you are in the top half of the class. It's that easy. Present everything you can do in the best possible light. It is there to get you in the door. But NEVER lie on your resume. It can cost you your job and give you a bad rep in an area.

I can go on with about 100 more tips, but I don't think anyone actualy wants to read all of them.

Good luck.