When I graduated in December, I did not have a job. It was one of the worst job markets for me to graduate in. You would think that a master’s degree in financial planning would help, but most firms (ones that I would want to work for) just were not hiring. I guess the losses in the market amounted to losses in their revenue.
Because of not having a job in December, I thought of some ways to help others in my position. These are just some quick tips in order for you to stay in the game. Staying in the game (or hunt) is the best advice I can give you.
1. Stay Positive
It’s not the end of the world! You need to relax, be positive and focus on the long run. You may not be able to find something right this instant, but if you keep your mind to it and follow some of these tips, something is bound to open up somewhere. Hopefully, it will be the job of your dreams!
2. Get a Part-time Gig
Bills still need to be paid and you cannot just sit at home on the couch. This is especially true if you are supporting someone else. Even if it’s only temporary, you need to get some type of part-time job that keeps you from going insane. If at all possible, find a job in a field that closely relates to the one you graduated in. For example, I am working part-time at H&R Block for the tax season. It’s obviously not the career path I want, but it relates closely.
3. Set Goals and Visualize
This is where you want to firmly state your goals. If your goal is to work at a top 50 ranked hospital, write it down. Visualize yourself working there and you will work even harder at that goal. As for other goals, list them and then start off with the easier ones and work your way down the list until you have reached them all. These goals can deal with your personal life as well as your career.
4. Network, Network, Network
This is a big one. Networking is a major part of finding your dream job. Knowing people who know the right people will help you get ahead in this world. I know that sounds bad and unfair but it’s the truth. I imagine many of you can agree with that. A great way to network is to join an organization in your community. Rotary is a great place to start as many business owners in your community attend these meetings. Not that great of a speaker? Start attending a local Toastmaster’s meeting. There you can work on your public speaking skills as well as meet local entrepreneurs.
5. Go a Knocking
I will be honest with you in saying that I do not trust web-related job searches. There is something about submitting my resume online that makes me feel like I lost control of my destiny. I know many companies have now gone solely to online submissions but they are just the big companies. Most of the small businesses (where most new jobs come from) still look for people the old fashioned way. I recommend you search around for the company that you would best want to work for, even if they are not hiring. Then, you should just pop in the business and introduce yourself. Bring along your resume as well! This will surely make a great impression on the business owner and if you are qualified enough, they may even make a position for you!
6. Be Willing to Make the Move
Chances are you will not find your dream job in Localtown, USA. You need to be able to say that you are willing to go anywhere. If there is a job open in a neighboring state, go for it! I know you want to stay close to family, but believe me, your future is much more important. Your family cannot support you forever.
7. Do Something Involving Your Field of Study
Another great way to stay involved in your field of study is to volunteer. Many of you may not have that option. It depends on your career choice. For example, I doubt I am going to be able to volunteer my time at the local financial planning office. However, if you are in the medical field you can visit the local nursing home or hospital. Not only will you be around the career that you love, you will also be able to NETWORK!
8. Continue Educating Yourself
I know you just probably graduated and you thought you were done with school. WRONG! In these times, you need to be constantly educating yourself. Things change in an instant now and you should always be at the top of your game. I did this when I decided to attend graduate school. Even if you have reached your peak in terms of education, start reading things in your field of expertise. Go to your local library for a list of good books. You can also search for journals that may be of interest to you. There is no better way to read about your career choice than from the individuals that are already doing it. Those are the people who contribute to journals.
9. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money In Your Field
Have you ever had an idea about something in your field that has not been done before? I sure have. This would make a great opportunity to start a small business. If your idea is great, it could turn into something amazing. Even if you do not have financial ability to start a business, if the idea is good enough you can find some financial backers. You may even want to start a blog about it. When I started this blog I had no idea that you could make money doing it. I just wanted to do it to share my knowledge to the world. Of course my blog is to new to make money but I still love doing it. It also keeps me up-to-date with my profession as I am constantly writing and reading about things in financial planning.
10. Be Frugal
Learning to become frugal is very important when one does not have a job. My fiance and I are working very hard at that right now. Without a steady income, some things are just going to have to wait until you get the right career. Now is not the time to be buying a car, renting that big condo, getting the sports package on TV, etc. You need to learn to buckle down and only live on the necessities. You will find that it will help you later on in your life as well. You will be want to be debt free and you will ultimately have a lot of money in the bank!
What Color Is Your Parachute? 2009: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers
photo by: Jack Duval
Article Written by Adam
Adam is the founder of this site. He is a twenty-something man just trying to spread the word on sound financial planning. You can find him on Twitter! You can also contact him via email if you have specific questions or comments.
Adam has written 132 articles for Your Money Relationship.
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I have a friend looking for a job right now and it is tough out there. He is in the Chicago area.
I am going to send this post to him so he can utilize your tips! 
Thanks!
Good thing I had a Job during the time I was studying at university.
Excellent article.
Consider getting a job as an intern at a growing small business, working for low pay in exchange for on the job training. Then, either quit and start your own competing business after a few years or move up the latter.
@Curt - Thanks for the comment! I agree with you that getting a job as an intern is a major step. I can’t believe I didn’t mention it!
I have recommended “What Color is your Parachute” many times. Good luck with your career!
I didn’t get the chance to attend college as a young person, instead went back in my thirties. It would be a frightening prospect to get out there after college and have to look for a job. Good suggestions for the new graduates, I am bookmarking to Delicious to share with the young people that intern where I work.
Wow, I am in the EXACT situation, I graduated in December with a financial planning degree. I relocated to the largest financial center in the state, but with all the economic issues today, not many people are hiring. I want to start a business as a paraplanner, but I don’t have my advanced degree. Are there ways around that hurdle?
@Curt – That’s about what I did. I got a job before I started university. After 10 months as a full time employee, I started university. Because they wanted to keep me at my job, I took on a part time position. When I was finally done with my learning, I was offered a full time position and good terms.
I am currently looking for 3 Comprehensive Financial Consultants with 1+ year experience to fill 3 positions. Relocation to St George, Utah will be necessary to secure a position as an associate. Series 65 and a Bachelors degree a must. Email me your resume complete with work experience along with your transcript to suzanneh@brockfc.com. Medical Benefits and pay DOE.