The median time a job seeker spends looking for a job has increased from 3.6 months to 4.4 months from the second to third quarter of 2008. In fact, it’s not unusual to hear of perfectly qualified individuals remaining out-of-work for six months. Additionally, in the third quarter of 2008, 13.4% of job seekers relocated to find work (which is up from 8.9% in the first quarter). Despite these grim statistics, one recruiter reminds us that “All too often, job seekers allow themselves to get mired in the doom and gloom of a failing job market. However, if they can remember to approach a job search with a mindset of ‘all I need is a single job offer’ then they will undoubtedly be successful. Once the glamour of the summer internship and college experience has worn off and it’s time to get a job, it’s time to have a realistic assessment of your skills.

First, do you have the education? The conventional wisdom was always that this meant a four-year degree at minimum. While college assistance is invaluable at providing networking contacts and possible internship opportunities, today’s job seeker doesn’t necessarily need to spend all their pennies on the college experience. “Most of the jobs for tomorrow don’t require a baccalaureate degree,” states Michael D. Moye, president of Lanier Technical College, “but they do require training beyond high school. You’d be amazed at the skill sets needed in today’s industries.” Technical schools range from two-month certificates to two-year associate’s degrees and provide more hands-on training than traditional universities. Air traffic controller, glazier, auto installer, refinery operator, customer service representative, sales rep, longshoreman, lineman, pipe fitter and truck driver are just a few jobs that require just a high school education or GED.

Next, you need to ask yourself if you have experience. What matters most to an employer examining a job seeker’s record is that the individual knows what it’s like to work on a team, as well as individually. They want you to have a track record of interacting with clients, accomplishing tasks and working under pressure. It seems like a catch-22, doesn’t it? “How do I get experience if I have no experience,” you may ask? Internship opportunities are an ideal place to start. Many are unpaid and offer only college credit, but if you’re looking in the accounting, consulting, insurance, consumer goods, hospitality, engineering or science fields, then you’ll likely find a paid internship to help you acquire the skills you need. Typically, when you finish your interning, the company will ask you to stay and all your problems will be solved! For a list of the best internships, check out Business Week’s list of “Top 50 Internships.”

Education and experience are the two most important identifiers of a promising job seeker. However, job seekers must also be able to present themselves in a marketable way. They must convey that they are competent communicators, hard workers who are willing to go over and beyond for their companies, and are intelligent individuals. Much of this is done through a resume, which shows (in bullet point format) the quantifiable strengths you can bring to the company, with regard to sales volume, dollar signs, company savings or leadership numbers. Some of this is also demonstrated through a cover letter, which is your first chance to impress a prospective boss. You’ll want to use language from the job description to tailor your letter to their needs and suggest why you’re the candidate for the job. If you need help, you can find college assistance in the campus career center or community assistance at a job placement center.

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