Despite indications that the economy is improving, unemployed Americans now outnumber job openings six to one, the worst ratio since 2000 (www.msnbc.msn.com). According to the latest statistics from the Labor Department, July 2009 saw 2.4 million full-time permanent jobs open and 14.5 million unemployed workers.
Unemployment rates in August reached 9.7 percent nationwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found Iowa’s unemployment rate set at 6.8 percent as of August 2009.
What does this mean for college graduates? Bill Minnick, director of NW’s Career Development Center, said, “On the whole, career development centers are seeing fewer employers posting jobs on their websites and recruiting on campus.”
Minnick is the president of the Iowa College Recruiting Network. He used a recent accounting interview day as an example of how the economy is affecting recruiter turnout. In the past, this event has brought in over 20 employers; this year they only had 12. “All the employers who were there last year but did not come this year said it was because they were not hiring for any positions.”
According to Minnick, recent alumni have reported, “the job search is taking longer than they expected and the positions available are not ideal.”
Minnick encourages students to plan ahead and start the job search early. “Develop a networking system and utilize the resources around you.”
