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Home > Career Resources > Students > Job and Internship Opportunities > Tough Economy

How to Job Search in a Tough Economy

The Career Resource Center knows that many students have legitimate concerns about conducting a job search in such uncertain economic times.  What can you do to best position yourself in these market conditions? Follow these three fundamental recommendations for your job search.

Be Flexible

  • Cast a wide net. It is risky to be too narrowly focused on certain jobs, companies, locations or industries. Competition is tough with many employers having new access to previously unavailable, high-qualified candidates turned away from investment banking and other hard-hit industries. Try not to overlook opportunities because they are not what you originally had in mind for your career, or you do not have a full understanding about what the job really is. Instead, research these opportunities to see if they may turn out to be a valuable stepping-stone on the way to your “ideal job”. Our website offers a host of research tools to help you conduct industry, company and career research. In particular, the Vault service that we subscribe to is a tremendous resource for such research, as well as CareerBeam.

Network

  • The larger the network you build, the greater your chances are of getting an “inside track” on job opportunities. Tthe School of Management has 29,000 alumni around the world, and can help match your questions with helpful advice from alums, either one-on-one through the Telementor Program or through networking events. Employers and alumni consistently tell us that they were not necessarily seeking someone for a position, but they met a student that impressed them and could envision them benefiting their company. Keep that in mind when developing your “elevator story” – the summary that briefly, but effectively markets your unique skills and experiences.

Utilize CRC Services

  • The CRC is dedicated to helping you succeed in your job search. The best way to maximize our services is by meeting with our counselors. Call or stop by the office at 716-645-3232 in 308 Alfiero.  Or, if you have a quick question, drop in for open office hours (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.).