Job Crunch

Graduating seniors: whether you want a soul crushing desk job or something else, it appears the country's economic slow down is effecting the entry level job market. The Christian Science Monitor is reporting that students graduating this year are facing a much tougher market than last year's graduates.

"While the number of jobs available for college graduates this year increased by 8 percent and average salary offers rose by 5.3 percent, the signs of contraction are clear, reports NACE. The class of 2007 saw a 17.4 percent increase in job openings – one of the best markets since the late 1990s. This fall it appeared that the situation would remain relatively similar for the class of 2008, with a projected 16 percent increase. But by early spring that number had dropped by half."

The report goes on to say that finance and construction are the hardest hit industries with new positions decreasing by 7.5 percent and 2.8 percent respectively.

This news isn't that bad, sure we don't have it as easy as the class of '07, but the economy has net gained jobs. Also, if you like DC, the government is still hiring/spending like crazy. Be sure to check out usajobs.gov if your interested... there are currently 2,808 opening within 25 miles of GW, many of which are entry level.

The government can be a great place to work. The benefits are awesome, pay is good at the entry level and the positions are very stable. This coming week is Public Service Recognition Week (May 5-11) and there will be dozens of agencies/departments with booths on the National Mall. It will be a great opportunity to talk to organizations you may be interested in working for if you're still in the market.