Good news for this year's crop of college graduates: The job market for entry-level workers hasn't been hit hard by recession worries. Employers plan to hire 8% more grads from the class of 2008 than were hired from the class of 2007.
"Employers will still be hiring, but they will be more cautious so as to not get ahead of themselves in this slowing economy," says John Challenger of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a premier job placement agency.
Hiring plans can change quickly in uncertain times, so it pays to be prepared and search smart, whether you're fresh out of school or you're ready to move up or move on from your current position. And even if you aren't actively looking for a job, it's a good idea to keep your job-hunting skills sharp. You never know when a great opportunity will present itself -- or when the ax could fall.
Article continues belowFrom just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Take our QUIZ to see how sharp your job-hunting skills are. You might learn something that'll boost your odds of getting hired.
Then, take a look at this collection of our best advice for job seekers. You'll find all the basics from writing your résumé to acing an interview. Plus, if you're considering a career switch, we've identified some good choices to help you find a good fit. And for those of you who bristle at the thought of working for someone else, you'll find advice on starting your own business.
Happy hunting!
Find a job
- QUIZ: How Sharp Are Your Job-Hunting Skills?
- Polish Your Résumé
- Ten Job-Hunting Myths
- What Not to Say at a Job Interview
- Help for the Long-Term Unemployed
- Undercover Job Hunting
- TOOL: Compare Job Offers
Choose a new career
- Hot Career Trends for 2008
- Recession-Proof Careers
- Should You Work for Uncle Sam?
- Top Ten Hottest Jobs
- How to Choose the Right Job
- TOOL: What Does That Job Pay?