According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is approximately one job-seeking unemployed person for every job opening in America. This is more than the national average of 0.9%. The ratio shows that there are more unemployed people than open job positions. For the average college student, the plan is to sign up for classes while finding a job and hopefully work a decent gig alongside studying for their intended major. However, due to the discrepancy between open job positions and unemployed individuals, it is more challenging to find a job in the first place. Take me, for example. I’ve been looking for a job since last year, and it’s been a chaotic ride to say the least.
Most of it is perusing Indeed, sending in my resume and waiting for a response. Other days I’m taking pictures of help-wanted posters and sending in my resume to the email address scrawled on the posters. As days and weeks pass without a response, I realise that my resume is most likely buried under emails or a stack of papers, never to be seen again.
More students are becoming frustrated over the unprofessional lack of response and improper communication between employers and potential employees. Their frustrations stem from not getting a follow up after an interview or even being ghosted. Time passes as they slowly realize that all the preparation and time invested in being ready for an interview would have been for nothing.
Job seeking has become more about playing the system or a game than it used to, and it doesn’t have to be. Although we can’t control how many job positions will open up, what we can control is how we respond to the situation and make our job search more efficient. If you’re a LMC college student and want to apply for an on-campus job, download Handshake. The college posts its job openings on its website, where you can submit your resume. It’s also a platform where other employers can directly message you with job openings that fit your job specifications and major. We can also ensure constant communication with employers after the interview by sending professional emails to request updates or inquire about additional information via a follow-up call. And there are other ways to make money between job searches, such as utilizing a skill to secure freelance work and commissions online, or finding gently used clothes and selling them to vintage and thrift stores.
I know many of us are concerned about the future, especially given the current state of our economy due to the tariffs. However, the best way to weather any storm is to utilize your resources and lean on your community. Reaching out to friends and asking them if there are any openings at their workplace can help you find leads.
Happy hunting, job seekers.
