Tuffy Luv Kicks the Economy’s A*s

Questiony for Tuffy? Email her at tuffylove@collegecandy.com to be featured in her column, which runs every other Tuesday! ASK. ANYTHING.

By Sara

Dear Tuffy Luv,

I’m graduating from a small liberal arts college in May and I’m starting to get realllllly nervous about job hunting. Everyone says this is a terrible time to start looking for a job. What am I supposed to do?????????

Thanks for your help!

Terrified Senior

Dear Senorita Senior,

Honey, boy do I feel your pain. You think there’s a lotta work out there for stylized advice columnists? Hint: There ain’t.

The economy here in the US definitely sucks right now. As of December, the unemployment rate was up to a very frightening 7.2%. But, listen. Tuffy’s got a few tricks up her sleeve for you. And it’s a very large sleeve. Bell, maybe. Or perhaps kimono.

(1) Consider staying in school.

I know this seems counterintuitive, but look at it this way: The job market’s bad. It might be slightly better in a couple of years when you come out of grad or professional school–and you’ll have a better degree. Just a thought.

(2) Choose your field wisely.

Maybe getting that degree in mortgage lending ain’t such a good idea right now. You know what we always need? Teachers. Health care providers. Target your job search to find occupations that need you as much as you need them.

(3) Rework (and rework and rework) your resume.

Change that shiz for each and every job. Make sure your objectives and all that jazz stay specific to the position and company.

(4) Email your friends.

And your family. And any other contacts you have. Send them your resume and a couple of paragraphs about your skills and goals. The idea is to ask them if they can pass your info along to someone who can help you, or even if they can help you themselves.

(5) Stay positive.

It’s easy to get discouraged, Terrified Senior. But keep your chin high and keep sending out that stuff and stay confident and you’ll eventually land something. Be nice to everyone. Always be polite to any and all contacts. And do one thing for your job hunt every day. Believe me, it’ll be much less overwhelming.

Honey, good luck to you. And good luck to everyone else out there searching for a job in this sh*tty economy.

Hearts & Skulls,

Tuffy Luv