Finding a job is hard work

You’ve read about it. You’ve talked about it. You knew finding a job was going to be tough this year, but exactly how hard will it be?

As graduating seniors begin their fall-quarter journey to land jobs at their desired firms, they are faced with the growing truth: Fewer jobs are available in this recession-driven market. In fact, many firms have already ceased their hiring operations for the rest of the year.

As top jobs become scarce and the market becomes even more competitive, students will need to learn how to squeeze value out of every opportunity.

If you are a graduating senior, here are my top five tips on how you can better prepare for fall recruiting:

1. Attend career fairs. Upcoming career fairs include:

Bruin Consulting’s Consulting Expo, which will take place today from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Tom Bradley International Center.

Undergraduate Business Society’s Consulting Night, which will take place on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Tom Bradley International Center.

The Career Center’s Jobs for Bruins Career Fair, which will take place on Oct. 14-15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Ackerman Grand Ballroom.

2. Attend information sessions and meet company representatives.

A number of companies host information sessions at the Career Center, which is located in the Strathmore Building at 501 Westwood Plaza. Check the Career Center Web site, Career.ucla.edu, for more details on which firms will present at UCLA.

3. Schedule mock interviews.

Reach out to friends and family members who are already working and ask them to role-play an interview. This increasingly difficult market leaves no room for behavioral interview mistakes.

4. Participate in case competitions.

Bruin Consulting is hosting its quarterly case competition on Nov. 22. Applications for this competition are online at

BruinCo.com and are due Nov. 8.

Case competitions give practical experience and allow students to network with recruiters and consultants.

5. Prepare resumes and cover letters ahead of time.

The Career Center offers 15-minute drop-in counseling sessions that provide advice on how to improve your resume or write an effective cover letter.

Wang is a fourth-year psychobiology student and president of Bruin Consulting.

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