Job search poses real problem to students

With unemployment reaching ten-year highs and the economy continuing on its downward slide, the job searches for this year's graduating class are turning into frustrating tasks. This year over 7,000 students are set to graduate from IU Bloomington, but fewer and fewer of them have employment lined up for after graduation. \n"I interviewed with Owens Corning, Kimberly Clark, Ford Motor Company and Kraft," senior Jade Gentry said. "Interviewing was five times as hard this year. With the economy as it is companies are interviewing for between three and seven slots, compared to 20 or more in previous years. The economy is in a slump, and that is definitely showing in searching for a job."\nUnemployment rose to over 5.7 percent in March, with higher unemployment expected in the future. Despite the disheartening employment figures, economists believe a recovery is imminent. Unemployment is a lagging indicator, meaning unemployment may continue to rise after the economy starts to recover.\nAlso affected by the recent economic slump are sophomores and juniors searching for internships to build job experience.\n"I interviewed for several internship positions," sophomore Rebekah Rankin said. "But since the economy is awful companies are only taking seniors or maybe juniors."\nPlacement offices on campus have been working overtime to help students get employment, but fewer positions are available for interviewing.\n"Recruiting is down about twenty percent," said Randy Powell, director of business placement for the Kelley School of Business. "But a high percentage of students graduating took interviews. It is turning out to be a slower, but not necessarily a bad year for the Kelley graduates that we serve."\nMarcia Debnam, in the School of Journalism placement office, suggested job hunters to examine every option.\n"Cast your net widely," she said. "Be willing to go wherever the job is if that is all that is possible. Have the best possible resume, cover letter and portfolio you can. Follow up on all contacts. Be patient. Be politely persistent. Be willing to take a job that is not your dream job."\nHarriet Castrataro, academic and career advisor for the department of applied health science, offered similar advice.\n"Polish your interview skills any way you can," she said. "Broaden your job search to include Web sites, newspapers, faculty and advisor mentors. Above all, communicate your goals to everyone you meet"