6 Avoidable Errors New College Grads Should Watch for in 2007

Overall, 52 percent of employers responding to the Job Outlook 2007 Fall Preview Survey, conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that they expect to hire more new college graduates in 2006-07 recruiting season than they hired in the 2005-06 recruiting season. This number is actually down from the 66.5 percent of employers that planned to increase hiring last year. However, it is still good news considering that the number of employers that expect to decrease hiring this year is just 5.4 percent compared to 18.2 percent last year. The remaining employers, 42.6 percent are planning to maintain their hiring numbers, which is up from 15.3 percent reported last year.

What does all this mean to the 2007 crop of new college graduates seeking to get started on careers? It means that opportunities are available for the prepared job seeker who manages to steer clear of the following, easily avoidable errors.

1. Not including impressive membership or affiliation information on the resume. This is not the time to be shy about meaningful activities outside of the classroom. Companies are looking for candidates who have successfully demonstrated that they can go beyond academics and take on leadership roles while in school. Keep in mind that recruiters are looking at hundreds of candidates all with the same degree as the one you have worked hard to get. The new college grads who make a lasting impression are those that can distinguish themselves in other ways - not just by completing the degree program.

2. Not proof-reading resumes and job search communication for spelling, grammar or factual errors. If you are in college, chances are your campus has a career planning office with professional staff designated to help you as a new college grad put your best foot forward. Most have walk-in hours and in about 10-15 minutes can help you whip your resume into shape. In addition, numerous resume sites might be able to offer you a FREE resume critique to help you create a great first impression with a good resume by avoiding easy to miss errors.