November’s unemployment rates showed a national average of 10%, down just slightly over the previous month. For recent college grads and you adults ranging from 20-24 years, the rates crept up higher to an astounding 16%. Even students that go to high ranked universities and graduate with honors are having a tough time finding employment. Many are sending out hundreds of resumes with no luck.

Colleges and Universities across the country are reporting that this year college graduates are struggling, like no time in the past, to find employment. Many schools have seen a huge decline, up to 40% or more, in companies coming on to campus to recruit. A University report of 5574 four year schools showed that in 2008 67% of graduates were able to find full time employment within 6 months of graduation, down from 75% from 2007. Statistics are not yet available for this year, but many schools are reporting that their numbers are considerable lower than last, even as low as 30%.

History shows that in times of recession, young people looking to enter the work force do have a tough time. They can expect lower entry level salaries and slower mobility within companies. This has a huge impact on family life and on consumer spending. These young people can be expected to wait longer to start families and to make big purchases like cars and homes.

Many recent grads who cannot find employments are being forced to move back home. Others ,who have the means, are applying to continue their education in hopes that once they have a master’s degree or PhD that the job market will have improved.

For those recent grads that are still looking to find a job, there are some things they can do to possibly increase their chances of obtaining employment. First, they need a great resume. Students must be willing to apply for a variety of employment options, even those not in their field. Temporary jobs are also an option, offering experience that may be helpful to obtain full time employment in the future. Being willing to relocate is also a plus. Those attempting to enter the workforce should know that they will most likely have to take a job with lower starting pay and expect to stay at the entry level for the long haul.

Looking ahead to 2010, experts say that job prospects should start to rise in the spring. Just how many more jobs will be available, no one seems to know. Only time will tell.

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