Finding a Job in Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Know Your Resources

It seems that finding a decent-paying job in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a hard feat. The city is the home of three major colleges: LSU, Southern University and Our Lady of the Lake. Even with a college degree, it's still a hard task. It all comes down to one thing: networking. As the old saying goes, "It's not what you know, but who you know." That seems to be the motto for seeking a job. If your family has lived in Baton Rouge for years, you should have no problem. If you're a college graduate who wants to make this your home, you had better been in a ton of organizations, done volunteer or internship work, or know someone who knows someone.

It also depends on your college major. Business or science majors should have no problem finding a job. Liberal arts majors will have a tough time. There are the tons of other liberal arts majors that are aiming for that same job that you are applying. You better have some kind of experience and a great résumé to give you the edge over that other person. If you can, invest in a professional résumé writing service in or around Baton Rouge or online.

Also, make sure to let people know you are looking for a job. Those old friends, college professors, old bosses and co-workers can help you out. Don't forget the job-search engines and your good friend The Advocate newspaper. Get your highlighter and notepad ready and start circling job leads in The Advocate. If you're struggling and can't buy a newspaper go The Advocate's website at www.2theadvocate.com and look up the jobs there. Also go by your university's career center and try to get help there. Don't forget to make good use of the local job fairs.

If none of that works, take the LA State Civil Service Test, there are many different tests for a variety of jobs. There's also the Baton Rouge government that offers many jobs. Baton Rouge may be the land of opportunity for jobs, but you have to know where to dig to find that perfect career for you or just a job to tide you over. If you're really desperate there's always the temporary job agencies and placement agencies.

So remember to network and have an above-average résumé. Human resource officers will probably not spend too much time at first looking at your résumé, so you need something to attract them. First impressions are critical. Finally, when you get the job interview, don't be stiff and uptight. Relax and everything will flow and sooner or later, after a couple of interviews you'll have a job. Let's hope it sooner, rather than later.