How to Find a Job With No Experience in a Recession

By Monica O'Brien | Published: April 22, 2009

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I’m going to start answering reader questions on my blog. If you have a question you can submit via twitter (@monicaobrien) or email me m@twentyset.com.

This one comes from @davidgallant :

“I am very interested to hear what you have to say about college grads finding their first job.”

Okay. So this isn’t really a question, but it sort of is, so I’m going to answer it anyway.

When I graduated from college, I went straight to Caterpillar, a Fortune 500 manufacturing company. It was an awesome experience for a first job and I learned so much about working in corporate and I would recommend it to anyone; but my guess is that many college grads are not going to get that opportunity because most large companies have hiring freezes right now.

The reality for the Class of 2009 is if you don’t have a job lined up yet, it will be very difficult to get one before graduation. I spoke to my sister-in-law who was Class of 2008 over Easter and she said that most of her friends were still having trouble getting jobs a year later, especially if they didn’t have very specific career degrees, like a business degree or a software engineering degree. This is probably even more true for current graduating seniors.

There is not much you can do to change your degree at this point. So here’s my advice:

1. Create your own internship

My friend Nisha Chittal, a political science major, did this. She spoke to some contacts she met on a trip to Cambodia and she is now going to spend 4-5 months after graduation helping start a business there.

You may ask how to get an internship, and the answer is to first figure out something you might like to do. (This is probably the hardest part.) Try to come up with an industry, a target company list within that industry, and a function within each company (like marketing, or sales). Once you have that, start contacting these companies and explain to them how you can add value to their operation.

You may have to offer your work for free. Yes, it sucks. But it is better than spending all summer doing nothing plus a job search. Now you can be gaining valuable work experience while you do a job search.

2. Be willing to move anywhere

There are much fewer jobs in a recession, so in order to find one that’s a good fit for you you must cast your net wide. That means you have to be willing to relocate.

You can take an opportunity somewhere without having to commit too heavily to the location. Most of Generation Y leaves their first job within 2 years of starting. So if you take a job in a crappy place know that it’s not going to last forever, and think of it as an investment in your career.

3. Take your part-time college job full time

Getting a job in a recession is hard for generalists, which is what all entry-level workers are. Every position that’s open is looking for the perfect fit, from executive positions all the way down to the waitressing level.

Yes, waitressing. Right now, you cannot get a waitressing job without having recent years of waitressing experience.

Wait. That’s perfect for college students though. So if you can, take your job as a sales associate, or a bartender full-time to pay the bills while you search for a real job.

4. Do project work

There is a talent agency headquartered in Chicago that I am in love with, because it understands what twentysomethings want, and it is legitimate. It’s called Brill Street. The idea is that you join Brill Street and they find project work for you in your areas of interest at large and mid-sized companies.

And they are looking for social media and tech-savvy types. Like you probably.

It is a contract-to-hire agency that essentially let’s you test drive different jobs and different companies until you find one you like. Perfect for Gen Y. And the company is open to college juniors and seniors as well, so if you are looking for part-time work or want to recession-proof your future, now would be the time to start.

What do you think college grads of 2009 should do on the job-front? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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  • Great article. I think some of my graduating friends could really use it. A few years ago when I was searching for a job in my field (web design) I ran into this problem: The company wanted me to do a full time (40 hour a week) unpaid internship for at least 3 months before they considered hiring me. They also did not want their interns to hold any other job during this period. I ended up finding another company instead, but the story has still stuck with me. The situation made it out to seem that in order to get a good job you had to be willing to gamble with three months worth of living expenses. 
  • Morgan,

    Interesting points. I've noticed that, especially during a recession, employers are very opportunistic. They want to save money, so they look to the surge in unemployed folks and try to offer lower salaries or unpaid internships.

    Of course, this is unfortunate for college graduates. There is nothing more stressful than having a degree and having student loan payments and not having a paycheck. Of course, an unpaid internship is better than nothing at all still. Which is what employers are relying on.

    So my thoughts are if you have to take an unpaid internship, negotiate other things. Like a more flexible work schedule, or the ability to create your own project in an area that really interests you. And keep up your job search - definitely don't rely on your internship turning into a full-time job. It's a possibility, but honestly if someone offers an unpaid internship it's usually because they are tight on cash and trying to fill labor gaps as cost effectively as possible.
  • I agree with Point 1! I did something similar after deciding to work for an NGO on Afghan issues. I made a list and contacted every single one until I got a bite that I later turned into a great job. In my opinion it's an entrepreneurial thing to do so it might not be for everyone (like people who love/need structure). Of course this option opens up other issues like how to get health insurance. I think the bottom line is in this economy, you don't have to wait until graduation is looming to put yourself on the job market. Hustle. Be proactive.
  • Sabrina,

    Awesome story. I wouldn't say it's an entrepreneurial thing to do necessarily, just that it's networking intensive. And you have to be confident in your abilities too!

    Health insurance is always a hard one. My husband and I have expensive insurance right now. If you can, stay on your parents.

    You are right about starting the job hunt now! Hopefully most college students already have, especially in this recession.
  • Thanks for mentioning me :) Although I wouldn't say my strategy was really to create my own internship. They were opening up positions and looking for applicants. But what made it easier for me was probably networking and the fact that I already knew the startup team so they were more willing to accept my application than someone's they don't know.
  • Nisha,

    Ahh, I see. I didn't realize that it was a position that was open already. But either way, using your network to get a job is pretty much the only way to get a good job in this economy, since the best jobs aren't posted on job boards!
  • Great points.  I'd also add talk to your local industry associations - try to volunteer and become active on committees, the Board of Directors, etc.  It gets you and your name in front of people who are potential employers. Longer term strategy but it's been very effectively used by people I know.
  • Kris,

    Good addition. That's a great way to network your way to an opportunity in your local area. It's definitely a long-term strategy, yet it will still pay off faster if you start today rather than next week. Thanks for the comment!
  • Great job on the response to my tweet. I was intrigued by #4, "Do project work".   College students do not understand that their class inventory and transcript grades will NOT earn them a job.  College internships, project portfolio's and other sidework that they take on will allow them to succeed in life. I was a blogger for my university, and also ran my own blog for the small college town that I lived in. I am now a 'social media marketer' and working with web 2.0 technologies every day. With that said, my college diploma reads "bachelors of liberal arts: geography".   This is one example that proves the point of "doing project work" in order to succeed. 

    -David Gallant
    http://www.djdavidgallant.com
  • David,

    Thanks for the story! It sounds like you're doing very well. I've found that unless you are getting a major that has a very specific career path (ie: pre-med biology, business, graphic design, etc), the thing that matters most is that you have a bachelor's degree. Only when you get to certain jobs that require a finance or technical background, or when you are applying to grad. school, does the subject you majored in seem to matter more.

    That's not to say you can't get into Finance with an English major, just that it's a lot harder than if you have a Finance degree!
  • Moncia, This has to be one of my favorite posts from ya. :) Unreal, wow... sorry for those word choices but I really am impressed. Looking to start your own internship is a neat idea I've never really thought of. Now my mind is running with all kinds of great sweet ideas. I graduated last year. Now, I'm in Graduate school (part-time), have summer courses lined up and am waiting for an opportunity with TPD. You're definitively on to something... Will share this posts, advice and ideas that spring up (thanks to you!) with others. Cheers! -Mig 
  • Miguel,

    Thanks! Creating your own work is going to be a major trend this recession. It makes sense, because no one is creating jobs for you. Entrepreneurship and Intrepreneurship (see Holly Hoffman) are essential to managing our careers in this economy.
  • Yes indeed. Thanks again, I'm enjoying the topics and feedback here. :)
  • This is one of the better articles I've seen discussing job hunt strategy for entry level workers. I think, however, these ideas can be applied to any job seeker (college grad or not) who is looking for a career change or just a new job. Currently, as a seasoned worker, I have my own projects/"internships" that I do which supply me with new skills as well as additional networking contacts. Also, since you mention project work - I've noticed a lot of agencies are outsourcing their work via temp/staffing agencies...which I guess goes under #4...freelancing via places like www.elance.com doesn't hurt either
  • Raven,

    Thanks! It's probably true that these ideas can be applied to any job seeker. The added strength that more seasoned job seekers have is that they have a history of professional experience to build upon. I left ideas like consulting, speaking, etc. off this list because I don't think an entry-level or recent college graduate has enough experience to get into these things just yet. Just my opinion though.
  • Would be interested to hear your thoughts on this @heatherhuhman : http://tinyurl.com/cwvceu
  • RT @monicaobrien Would be interested to hear your thoughts on this @heatherhuhman : http://tinyurl.com/cwvceu
  • Extends beyond the 20-somethings now. RT @monicaobrien Interested to hear your thoughts on this @heatherhuhman : http://tinyurl.com/cwvceu
  • Finding an entry-level job in a recession by @monicaobrien: http://tinyurl.com/cwvceu #JobAdvice
  • @DLDesign ...and on that note: RT @heatherhuhman Finding an entry-level job in a recession by @monicaobrien: http://tinyurl.com/cwvceu
  • RT @heatherhuhman Finding an entry-level job in a recession by @monicaobrien: http://tinyurl.com/cwvceu #JobAdvice Interesting for grads!
  • RT @heatherhuhman: Finding an entry-level job in a recession by @monicaobrien: http://tinyurl.com/cwvceu #JobAdvice
  • Students! RT @heatherhuhman: Finding an entry-level job in a recession by @monicaobrien: http://tinyurl.com/cwvceu #JobAdvice
  • Reading: "Find a Job With No Experience in a Recession | Twenty Set" ( http://tinyurl.com/cwvceu )
  • Meg
    Has anyone thought of AmeriCorps? You get a monthly stipend, health insurance, great real world experience and an awesome network that may lead to a job after your term. After you serve, you get an education award ($4,725) that goes towards higher education, educational training or even to repay student loans. Check out the AmeriCorps website and also look into Public Allies, a specific program under the AmeriCorps umbrella. AmeriCorps: http://www.americorps.gov/Public Allies: http://www.publicallies.org/
  • Meg,

    Cool. Thanks for sharing! I bet people do forget about those opportunities, but it's definitely a great place to start after college. Now I wish I had put it in my post!
  • Hello, thanks for sharing. When I read your advice about creating an internship, and thought why haven't I heard anyone say that before? Excellent points. Appreciate the input. :)
  • lienmang
    I am a 2009 Accounting major college grad (Accounting) and I am so anxious to start an Accounting career. The problem is, of course, that most companies would rather hire expereinced candidates over those with a degree. Well, I have a plan but its going to take a lot patience and self-motivation to finally land on an entry-level Accounting position. I went through a Staffing agency to get the job I have today. I do office support work and that doesnt relate much to Accounting. However, I try to look out for more temporary assignments (given by Staffing agency), particularly those with any duties that would be relative to Accounting. For example, administrative assistant position that includes the duty of maintain the department budget. Thus, when I update my resume, I'll have these little assignments that lists responsibilities that involves some accounting skill.

    Look out for Staffing agencies in your hometown and start building your career with temporary assignments. Most staffing agencies just lets you take a few tests such as typing and work with you to finally getting a job.
  • I have heard of students also doing freelance and contract work to get a good head start. Creating a job is a great idea as well. The thing to remember in that instance is that you have to be outgoing and willing to market yourself: be bold, this is not the time for modesty. Good luck to all in their job search!
  • itjob123
    They were opening up positions and looking for applicants. But what made it easier for me was probably networking and the fact that I already knew the startup team so they were more willing to accept my application than someone's they don't know.
  • This was a great read indeed, thanks a lot for sharing. a lot of newly grads are having a hard time looking for a job because most of them don't have experience but with these tips in mind it will be easier for them to have one.
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