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While job prospects are more hopeful than last year, 2010 graduates wont have it easy, and students on the hunt really need to keep two things in mind: location and size.

Be Open to Relocation

According to Betsy Richards, Director, Personal Brand Strategy at Kaplan University, recent grads need to be open to relocation.

“If Texas has a six percent increase in jobs, then get out your cowboy boots and head south! This market is too difficult to sit back and wait for your dream job. New grads need to make big moves in order to start their careers and lives post college.”

Richards suggest that students check the career outlook information on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website for job growth by industry and positions.

Grads can also find similar trend information on SimplyHired.com and follow-up with CareerBuilder or Monster to research jobs in cities and states where the most relevant job growth is occurring.

Think Small

Recent grads should really look hard at small companies and organizations. The private sector is leading a gradual jobs recovery, and small-business hiring has increased.

“Just because you havent heard of a particular company, doesnt mean it wont provide you a valuable first step that leads to a successful career,” says Richards.

Richards offers 2010 graduates these additional tips for getting ahead in the job search

Leave no stone unturned.

While its painful to admit, the perfect job will likely not fall into your lap immediately. For many, it will be several months of pounding the pavement.

Dont rely solely on your schools career center. While theyll provide tremendous support, go to both big and small job boards as well as niche sites. Follow professional organizations and career help Web sites via Twitter.

Youll be surprised at what youll learn and the helpful people youll come in contact with.

Never discount the value of the smallest networking connection.

Your hairdresser or old football coach could wind up being the one who helps you land your next job. Youll really want to network consistently and reach out to the biggest possible audience.

Find jobs that need to be filled, and fill them.

Even if a job is not exactly what you had in mind, youll broaden your skill set. Most importantly, youll join the professional world, which will bring you one step closer to finding career satisfaction.

Think broadly, but honestly, about your skills.
Perhaps your artistic talent could help local small businesses with their advertising. Maybe your online savvy could be used in the marketing department of a small company.

You want to think creatively, but realistically, about what makes you desirable as a job candidate and where you might fit.

Consider job openings that fit your skills but may not require your exact major or resemble the career you pictured for yourself.

Strong communications skills may prepare you for customer service positions, and your budgeting or attentiveness to detail could qualify you to be a compliance officer or research analyst.

Experience with cash transactions could qualify you for retail management, and your skills with non-profit organizations might make you an excellent executive administrator.

Gain experience in your desired field.

Consider an internship, part-time, or even volunteer work in your field. Youll gain insight and contacts, but most importantly, youll get your foot in the door.

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