Which College Graduates from the Class of 2009 Will Get Hired?

It is those college graduates in the Class of 2009 who are willing to think outside of the box, be creative, be flexible and execute an effective job search strategy.

College career centers will tell you that the typical job search for a new college graduate is about six months long. Because of a tight job market, this year's college graduate should expect a longer and more intense job search in an environment with unemployment over 8%.

There has been a significant contraction this year in the number of on-campus interview schedules. This is where employer recruiters meet new college graduates for early career and entry level jobs. No surprises there with unemployment rate as high as it is and people losing their jobs. Christine Bolzan in an article for Boston.com says "most companies just aren't spending time and money to woo first-time job seekers this year." Why should they have to with a flood of new college graduates competing for fewer and fewer jobs?

Bolzan confirms that the average job search time for a new grad is typically 6 months. However, the Class of 2009 should expect to add another 3 to 6 months to their job search this year.

If you are in the Class of 2009, this information is not meant to scare you, but to help you execute a more effective job search strategy.

Here are three BIG ways to start doing that right now::

1. Look and go where the jobs are. Believe it or not, the following industries are still expanding in some areas and there are and will be early career opportunities for new college graduates for management training programs. Think Health care, Pharmaceuticals, Biotech and Telecommunication. Think "Green Collar Jobs" as the US explores energy independence. Also think government.

2. Think beyond your college major. New college graduates make the big mistake of holding on to college majors. Learn more about making the transition from choosing a major to choosing a career. For example, Political Science majors don't just work in Politics and not all Psychology majors are Psychologists.

3. Remember your "on-land" job search strategy. New college graduates need to remember that the online competition on job boards is high. Think about your own on-land job search as well. Consider pounding the pavement and go to as many job fairs as you can find. Look beyond your own college fair and visit other colleges to meet employers.