There’s no doubt, job offers are few and far between in these dreary days of layoffs, cutbacks, and hiring freezes. That’s why we can learn a lot from the  list of the 10 jobs most offered to the class of 2009 as reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers in its Fall 2009 Salary Survey. For one thing, it tells us which industries are still hiring in tough times. But it also gives a heads up for those who may be considering a job or career change, or a return to school to learn a new skill or trade.

So without further ado, check out the top jobs:

1. Teaching
2. Management Trainee
3. Financial/Treasury Analysis
4. Consulting
5. Sales
6. Accounting (public)
7. Accounting (private)
8. Software Design & Development
9. Registered Nursing
10. Project Engineering

All of these “safe” jobs have in common the need for good communication skills, analytical thinking, and working well with others. And, of course, some have specific degree and/or licensing requirements (such as teaching and nursing, for instance).

No matter which field you’re in or considering breaking into, you can also see from the list that a working knowledge of business and finance will come in handy as well. My editor says all the time that she never thought she’d be spending work hours toiling with budgets and spreadsheets, but if you work for a company or organization, that is always a real possibility no matter your job title.

Bottom line: Don’t think you have to work toward getting hired in one of these 10 fields, but do think about what these employers are looking for, and how you can strengthen your resume with those same skills. Chances are other employers will value the same qualities and knowledge.

-Dawn Papandrea

On average, new grads are making almost $50k right out of college — not too shabby in this down economy of ours, right? I know I certainly would have been thrilled with that kind of “first job” salary offer back when I graduated. Here are the deets…

NACE’s [National Association of Colleges and Employers] Summer 2009 Salary Survey report shows that the average starting salary offer for new college graduates now stands at $49,307. That’s off less than 1 percent from the average $49,693 that 2008 graduates posted last year at this time…

Seems like a good sign that things may be on the upswing. Of course, job openings may be a little harder to come by, which means that grads need to work slightly harder to edge out their competition.

Start with these tactics:

• Top 5 Tips for Job Seekers
• Social Network Your Way Into a Job
• How to Turn Your Internship Into a Job

Grads: We want to hear from you! Tell us about your job hunting experience, and if you’ve been happy with salary offers.

You recently graduated. You’re still unemployed. You continue the job hunt. Here’s what you need to know…

The Good >> The more schooling you have, the less likely you are to be unemployed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2009 (the most recent month of reporting available), the national unemployment rate was 10 percent for adults over 25 years of age who only had a high school diploma, but just 7.7 percent for those with an associate degree, and 4.8 percent for those with a bachelor’s degree. In other words, your degree was worth all of the effort, even if you are having trouble finding a job at the moment.

The Bad >> Less people are hiring grads this year. The survey stats are in and, yes, 2009 grads are worse off than 2008 grads when it comes to getting hired, according to the Job Outlook 2009 Spring Update survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Employers reported that they expect to hire nearly 22 percent fewer graduates from the Class of 2009 than they hired last year. Not surprisingly, the 2009 NACE Graduating Student Survey indicated that 63 percent of college seniors were worried that the economy would hurt their chances of finding a full-time job. But really — aren’t all grads worried about landing that first job? Keep at it, and eventually, it’ll happen.

The Promising >> If you do get hired, your starting salary will probably be respectable. By respectable, we mean that it won’t be too far below salary expectations. According to the Spring 2009 issue of NACE’s Salary Survey, the overall average offer to 2009 bachelor’s degree graduates stands at $48,515 – down just 2.2 percent from the average of $49,624 posted in Spring 2008.

So now you know the deal. Are you facing a tougher job market than past graduating classes? Sure. But you’re still in better shape having earned your degree. The key is to keep your options opened, remain optimistic, and find ways to set yourself apart from the job applicant pool.

** Share your job hunt story… has it been hard to find a job? Leave a comment here, or message us on twitter: @collegesurfing.

Ready for a career switch? In an uncertain job market, it’s a good idea to consider all your career options — and workers in Washington State are doing just that. According to the Workplace Confidence Survey released in April by Everest College, 57 percent of respondents said they would change careers if nothing stood in their way. And about 65 percent reported suffering from work-related stress about potential pay and job loss.

If you’ve got career-switching on the brain, set yourself apart from the competition by employing these six sure-fire career strategies.

1. Take a career aptitude test.
When you sit around thinking about what you’d like to do and what you’re good at, you may end up going in circles – especially if you’re having trouble seeing past the stress of your current career. That’s where professional services come in handy. Career aptitude tests can help you discover your interests and skills and match them to a specific career field. And you don’t have to go far to access these resources. Some of the most popular career tests are available online for free or a small fee.

2. Position yourself as an industry expert.

Once you’ve solidified a career direction, spend time researching the field. Find out what a career in the industry entails, stay abreast of the latest news in the field, and set up informational interviews with professionals in the industry. In short, make yourself as knowledgeable about the industry as possible so that, when hiring decisions are made, you will have distinguished yourself as someone in the know.

3. Showcase your strengths.
Use the knowledge gained from your research to determine your areas of strength pertaining to the field. The transferable skills you discovered during your initial career assessment will comprise a major part of your personal marketing campaign. When you can demonstrate specific ways that your personality and experience fit a job description, you will capture the attention and interest of any hiring manager.

4. Wipe out your weaknesses.
Your research may also uncover areas in which you are lacking skills or experience. Fill those gaps by taking a class, pursuing certification, or brainstorming creative ways to beef up your skills. Not only will you get yourself up to speed for the career you seek, you’ll also demonstrate proactiveness and dedication — desirable traits in any industry.

5. Infiltrate the industry.
After you’ve learned everything you can about the field from the outside, it’s time to get an inside look at daily operations in the industry. This is something you can do even while working at your current job. Find out about part-time work in the industry, or even opportunities to volunteer. The rewards may not be financial at first, but you will reap benefits in the form of relevant work experience, career confidence, and strong industry contacts.

6. Be like Gumby.
When you’re finding your way into a new career, flexibility is the watchword. In order to make a successful career switch, you may need to accept an entry-level position and a lower salary than what you’ve grown accustomed to. You may even need to relocate or commit to traveling a certain percent of the time. Analyze yourself and your current situation – if you can realistically (and cheerfully) make some concessions, you may find yourself first in line for the career of your dreams.

– Robyn Tellefsen

What do you suggest for those interested in switching career gears?

These days it seems that all people are talking about are lay-offs and reduced hiring rates — so much so that they ignore an important factor in every industry: the retirement rate. While many professions may reduce the amount by which they hire on a yearly basis, the truth is that a fresh crop of employees is always necessary in order to takeover the jobs of workers who have reached retirement age.

It’s an economic factor that is sometimes overlooked, but many in the media are taking notice in light of a new report on the education industry. According to the report by the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future, a nonprofit research advocacy group, a third of the country’s 3.2 million teachers may be retiring during the course of the next four years.

Unfortunately, there’s another problem that adds to this anticipated teaching shortage: the high attrition rate that occurs amongst newly hired teachers. Research has shown that a third of all new teachers choose to leave the teaching world within five years of being hired. Combined this with the cushy retirement plans that many teachers enjoy and you get a high turnover rate.

There is, however, hope for the education industry in the form of a new generation of college graduates eager to get into the teaching game and reap the perks that the profession’s hours, work demands, job security, and health benefits offer. Of course, as with any other career, you should only consider it if it coincides with your passions and goals in life – otherwise, you’ll be amongst that one third of new teachers.

*The original NYTimes article for more stats and info on the matter.

– Genevieve M. Blaber

Internships are a fabulous way for people of all ages to see how they might enjoy a particular field. The downside is that most internships are unpaid; but the upside is networking, getting your foot in the door, and possibly getting a job offer at the end of it all. No, you’re not guaranteed a job with an internship, but you’re more likely to secure one with your internship experience. And although the current state of the economy may have left many unemployed, the key to a new job could be an internship.

CareerBuilder.com recently conducted a survey of employers and 59 percent stated that they are more likely to hire those who have interned for their company over those who have not. That’s a large percentage of employers who are looking within, instead of going with a complete stranger. An intern has already been cultivated to work within the company’s set of standards and it’s much easier to work with this than training someone who is not used to working at the company at all.

In fact, I can attest to the internship-materializing-into-a-job mentality. As a rising college junior I interned here at CollegeSurfing and when it came time for graduation, my editor called me and told me she was looking for another writer. It was through my hard work and dedication that I was able to score my first job out of college. Yes, it may have been perfect timing, but without my internship I may not have been the first one on her list.

So consider an internship – it’s certainly beneficial when you are entering any stage of your profession in any stage of your life. And there are a select few internships that do pay! If you’re proactive enough you’ll find one that will be perfect for you. After all, someone has to score the paid internship — why shouldn’t it be you?

For more information on internships visit:
Internships: The Ultimate Career Tryout
Too Old for an Internship? Career Switchers Say No Way!

-Amanda Fornecker

In the digital age, cover letters are as antiquated and unnecessary as thank-you notes.

WRONG! (Thank-you notes are important too, but that’s another post.)

It does show some extra effort when you submit a cover letter. After all, anyone can make a bazillion copies of their resume and fax ‘em out to every agency that may or may not be hiring. A customized cover letter, on the other hand, conveys your interest in a particular company and can push your resume to the top of the pile.

Don’t believe me? Check out this excerpt from a recent New York Times article:

Ms. Piotrowski recently had a job opening at her small company, Career Solutions Group, and she was dismayed when about a quarter of the 200 applicants did not send cover letters. Most were within five years of graduating from college, she said, reflecting a more informal mind-set among younger people.

So consider this a mini-course in how to make your cover letter work for you:

>> Get a name.
How hard is it to Google a company and get the decision maker’s name to put on your cover letter? The extra few minutes it takes to procure that info can save your resume from the recycling bin with all the other “To Whom It May Concerns.” Take it from Katharine Hansen, Ph.D., creative director and associate publisher of Quintessential Careers, who wrote: “The largest employer in Central Florida tosses cover letters in the circular file if they are not addressed to him personally.” Wow!

>> Keep it simple.
Three or four paragraphs should suffice. In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing. In the middle paragraph or two, highlight why you are a good candidate for the position, convey a clear story about your career, and detail what you can do to help the company reach its goals. Your closing paragraph should indicate how you will follow up on your submission.

>> Send it twice.
Submit your letter once in the body of your e-mail (with your resume attached), and then go double-duty by mailing a hard copy of your letter and resume. It’s a proven strategy for success:

Attach a handwritten note that says, “Second submission; I’m very interested,” Ms. Piotrowski said. “I’ve had clients double their rate of interviews simply from doing that,” she said.

With a little effort (and lot of proofreading), you can write a cover letter that dazzles potential employers and gets you an interview. Best of luck!

-Robyn Tellefsen

Corporate America is in a tailspin, and if you’re one of the unfortunate who is paying the price by losing your job, you’re certainly not alone. The unemployment rate is now at 7.2 percent –- the highest rate since January 1993, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Yikes! What now? Just because you’re laid off doesn’t mean things are totally hopeless. If you act quickly and keenly — employing these 7 steps for starters — you may be back to work before you know it.

1.    Mourn your loss.
As anxious as you may be about all that lies ahead, stop and take a breath. Losing your job can feel like losing a friend, family member, or lover. You have the right to be hurt, sad, angry, and everything in between. Don’t deny the place your job had in your life. Acknowledge it, and then move on.

2.    Get your social network on.
If you haven’t had time to investigate the online social networking scene, now is your chance. Hit up LinkedIn, Twitter (follow us: @collegesurfing), and Facebook, and let the world know you’re back on the market. Start a professional blog. You’d be amazed how fast opportunities open up via cyber connections.

3.    Hit the gym.
If ever there was a time you needed the endorphin rush that comes with exercise, that time is now. Laying on the couch can make you paunchy, pessimistic, and pokey -– none of which will motivate you to make critical career moves.

4.    Take a class.
Use unemployment to your advantage by taking a class to update your skills. You might want to pursue a computer certification, or even a communications course. Then, when you’re ready to dive back into the workforce, you’ll be even better qualified than when you left.

5.    Volunteer.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to fill your newfound free time. It can take your mind off your own concerns for a while and focus your attention on the people around you. Plus, volunteering may also provide an inroad to a new job — remember, it’s all about networking and making new connections.

6.    Change careers.
Why not try your hand at something that’s always interested you? Sign up for a class or two in a new field and find out if you have what it takes to make a go of a new career. To increase your odds of finding a job fast, consider getting into a high-growth industry like IT or health care.

7.    Work for yourself.
I have a super-talented friend who used her layoff from a graphic design job as motivation to start her own event design business. It wasn’t an easy transition to make, but she has been steadily building her brand and her client base. The result? She’s able to do what she loves on her own terms.

As for all my hard working readers who are plugging away everyday, remember no job is layoff proof. Now is a good time to start socking away some emergency fund money just in case, get back in touch with your networks, update your resume, and work extra hard on the job.

As hard as it may be to see when you’re going through it, a layoff could often be an opportunity in disguise.

-Robyn Tellefsen

Readers, any other layoff surivor tips to share? Shout ‘em out in the comments section!

I’ve been on a few job interviews in my life, and I’ve fielded all the usual questions: Why do you want to work here? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why did you leave your last job?

But some companies are eager to get beyond the standard rhetoric and capture a true picture of your personality and the way you think. Microsoft, Google, eBay, and Amazon, for instance, have become famous for fun techie interview teasers like these:

• How much does a 747 weigh?
• Why are manhole covers round?
• How many golf balls can fit inside a school bus?
• How much should you charge to wash all the windows in Seattle?
• Describe a chicken using a programming language.

Even in non-technical work environments, creative questions can arise. Here’s a roundup of 10 wacky job interview questions, along with my own off-the-cuff responses.

1. If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Flight, for sure. I often fly in my dreams (what does this mean??).

2. What would you do if you didn’t have to work?
Exactly what I’m doing now. (wink, wink)

3. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?
Bert. He’s always getting a raw deal from Ernie, and I like to root for the underdog.

4. List three words that describe your character.
Analytical. Honest. Melancholy.

5. What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?
Once upon a time I was an aspiring actress and singer.

6. What do you do when you lose your passion for something?
I try to plug away until the passion returns. If I make a commitment to something, it’s up to me to honor it, even when it’s unpleasant.

7. If you were a salad, what kind of dressing would you have?
Chipotle. I just like the sound of that word.

8. What would I find in your refrigerator?
Leftovers, leftovers, leftovers. We’re a frugal bunch here, and we like to recycle meals as much as possible. Especially if that means I don’t have to cook…

9. What makes you laugh?
My kids laughing.

10. What is the last book you read?
“The Juvie Three” by Gordon Korman. Perhaps my enduring love of children’s books reflects simplicity of the heart rather than simplicity of the mind. Here’s hoping.

Use these questions to prep for your next job interview, or just for fun like I did here. Happy interviewing!

-Robyn Tellefsen

Pick one or more of the questions above and share your answers in the comments!

With all of the unemployment statistics out there, there’s a good possibility that you’re reading this in fear of losing your job, or not being able to find one once you finish school. There’s an even greater possibility that one of your parents or older relatives was laid off or took a buyout. What you don’t often hear about, though, is that for the younger workforce, the climate isn’t necessarily as bad as news reports would have you believe, as recently pointed out by fellow blogger, the Brazen Careerist herself, Penelope Trunk:

What I’m saying is that young people shouldn’t be thrown by the bad news that old people are pushing. Things are not that bad if you’re beginning your career. Think big, ask a lot of the world, demand respect and fun and a high learning curve.

In other words, stay positive — your future looks bright! That’s because, as the boomers are offered packages to opt out, or simply asked to leave, many companies are turning to new grads to fill those slots at a cheaper salary than they were paying their longtime loyal employees. Of course, it seems an unfair way to land a job, but it’s the inevitable circle of life these days, so you might as well take advantage of it. Some things to keep in mind…

Companies are still hiring, it’s true: Employers say they will hire about as many new college graduates from the Class of 2009 as they did from the Class of 2008, but plan to keep a watchful eye on those hiring needs, so they can shift gears if necessary, according to the Job Outlook 2009 survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). In such an environment, says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director, “students need to use all the resources available to them to conduct a successful job search, starting with the campus career center.”

Think inside and outside the box. In this case, the box is referring to your computer. You need to diversify the way you market yourself, whether it’s online at job boards, or at social network sites like Twitter (follow us: @collegesurfing), or LinkedIn; or offline at campus recruitment opportunities, job fairs, networking events in your field, or spreading the word to friends. The more you get the word out, the more potential jobs you’ll hear about.

Big opportunities have less to do with salary than you think. I haven’t heard much about students landing six figures and signing bonuses out of college, have you? In other words, keep your expectations down to Earth, and the job offers will come. The most important thing to think about is what a prospective job can do for you beyond your paycheck. Will it get you close to a mentor in the field that you can learn from? Does it serve as a jumping off point to something else you’d like to do down the line? Is it your dream company, and you don’t care how low on the totem pole you start?

Consider both short- and long-term. Despite the last point, money does of course count — let’s be real. The idea is not to think so much about the starting salary offered, that you overlook what that salary has the potential to become over the course of time. Would you rather start off making $35K knowing that the next level up makes $40K and takes a couple of years to reach, or will you take $30K with the promise of a performance review every six months and a better benefits/vacation package? The point is, listen carefully to all offers and then make your decision based on the big picture.

Feeling a little better? I hope you do.

What are your biggest fears about the job market?