HispanicBusiness

Newly minted 2009 college grads are facing some daunting challenges. Just under 20 percent of college graduates who applied for a job had one lined up by the time of graduation, according to a recent report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. NACE also reports that many grads are worried about their job prospects and recognize that their first job out of college won't be as lucrative as they had hoped.

Betsy Richards, director of career resources at Kaplan University, urges graduates not to be too discouraged.

"The '09 grads really need to measure the learning possibilities offered," she said. "Sometimes the most difficult situations offer the best opportunity for professional development."

Richards offers tips to graduates and others as they pursue their dream jobs.

1. Flexibility Is Key.
In such a tight market, job seekers should be willing to relocate, take a position outside their field or work non-traditional hours.

She also recommends against using a cookie-cutter approach to job applications.

"I encourage everyone to revise and customize their resume for every job that they apply for," Richards told HispanicBusiness.com. "Not changing the basics, but highlighting the relevant experience and using the 'buzz words' appropriate for the job for which you are applying."

2. Do Your Research.
She suggests joining professional organizations and subscribing to trade publications. Find professional groups in LinkedIn and Facebook. "Understanding what is going on in your desired industry is the first step to landing a great job," she said.

3. Sound The Alarms.
Get the word out about your job search to the largest possible audience. For example, Richards said, talk to your parents' friends, your neighbors, teachers from high school and former bosses at part-time jobs. Also utilize social networking sources such as Twitter and Facebook.

4. Think Broadly About Your Skill Set.
Determine where your skills and talents could be applied and put to best use. The jobs may not be ones you had initially thought of, Richards said. Perhaps your artistic talent could be used to assist small businesses with their advertising. Or your online savvy could help the marketing department of a small company. What makes you desirable as a job candidate? Be realistic, Richards said. You may be a good fit for a position that isn't your ultimate dream job.

5. Determine Your Long-Term Goals.
Focus on those positions that are in line with your goals. "It takes as much time and energy to land a good job as it does to land a bad one," she said. However, be mindful of No. 1 (flexibility).

6. Gain Experience In Your Desired Field.
Consider such interim steps as an internship, a part-time job or volunteer work in your field. "You'll gain insight and contacts, but most importantly, you'll get your foot in the door," Richards said.

7. Manage Your Expectations.
Realize that finding a job is going to take more effort than you had imagined. If you must take a job you are overqualified for, she said, don't ever stop your quest for your dream position.

However, she advised, be wary of the consequences if you decide to drop that position you took a few months ago to take the dream job that suddenly came through.

"If you change jobs every six months you can still be seen as an unreliable job hopper," Richards said.

"If you take a job to pay your bills and after a month are offered your dream job, you may decide to take it. You can leave the short-time job off of your resume but need to be realistic that the initial employer will not likely give you a positive job reference or any leniency as you leave," she said. She added that the employee should then make a commitment to be successful in the "dream job" and plan to stay there for at least 2 1/2 to 3 years.

Richards does concede, however, that layoffs are a fact of life now. "In this market," she said, "there is more forgiveness about job changes as most understand that lots of employers are continuously laying people off," she said.

"If you have a strong resume to begin with, employers are more sympathetic about the possibility of recent job changes that were likely done for basic financial necessity."

As for Hispanic job seekers, there are some bright spots, Richards said.

"Nowadays many companies are looking to diversify their employee populations," Richards said. "With the huge representation of Hispanics as consumers and in the workplace, more employers are looking for employees who are bilingual and equally fluent in both English and Spanish speaking and writing."

Education is a key factor in this, however, Richards said. "Hispanic job seekers who have solid education and career experience with excellent communication skills may even have an advantage in their job searches," she said.

But for other Hispanics, there may be different challenges. "First-generation Hispanics in America and those without a college degree and mastery of English may struggle or have limitations on the types of positions they will be considered for."

Although Richards said mid-career professionals are especially desirable because of experience and cost, there is a segment of college graduates who are seen as particularly valuable.

"Those new college graduates with the biggest competitive edge are among those who have returned to school to complete their first degree after working or raising a family or who have sought to advance their education; these graduates are positioning themselves to leverage their new degree to retain their job, seek a new one or be promoted," she said.