A much smaller number of the college graduates this year will find jobs. That fact has been over examined in the press along with the fact that the long recession means that those graduates who do find jobs will get them at relatively low wages. Furthermore, those wages will stay low for the next several years while the economy recovers.

What has not received much press is the fate of the young people who are in the 2009 graduating class at U.S. high schools, especially those students who will not go on to college. Unemployment among college graduates is still below 5%. Unemployment among people who have only graduated from high school and have no additional training is over 10%. People who did not graduate from high school at all have greater than a 15% chance to be among the jobless.

Check out why college seniors should feel hopeless.

You can try putting it off by switching majors or reducing your semester workload, but it’s inevitable – eventually you’ll collect enough passing grades to graduate. Our society views this sheet of paper as a marvelous accomplishment, but if you’re a slacker like me, it’s a kiss of death.

Why? Because college is a non-stop party with a refreshingly minimal amount of responsibilities. Dorm life, coeds, beer pong, football, 2 am Taco Bell, coeds – these are the best years of your life, my friend (even your parents will tell you that). And that diploma is going to ruin it all by forcing you to grow up and get a “real” job.

At least, that’s what is supposed to happen. In the famous words of Geoffrey the Giraffe, “I don’t want to grow up,” I’m a lazy ass kid. And lucky for all you other lazy kids out there, I’ve managed to pry myself away from my Arrested Development DVDs long enough to help you avoid being an adult for a few more years. Here are some tips that will keep you coasting and out of that suit and tie: (more…)

After the resume, the most important document in your job search will be the cover letter.  These two documents are what employers will base your potential for employment from.  While the resume highlights your experience the cover letter should focus on what you will bring to the company.  Here are a few tips for a successful cover letter:

1. Short and to the point.  As an eager job candidate you probably realize the the cover letter could be the only communication you have with the employer and you want to make sure that they know everything about you.  The problem is that you don’t want to bore them with your life story.  The cover letter should not go beyond one page.  You want to highlight what you will bring to the company but do not go into excessive detail. (more…)