The scripts are available for printing and for sound bite identification.
Go to http://www.wichita.edu/newsline to get the current Wichita State University Newsline. If you cannot access the Newsline at the Web address above, contact Joe Kleinsasser at (316) 978-3013 or joe.kleinsasser@wichita.edu. Newsline cuts may be edited to suit your needs. If you have additional questions for Jill Pletcher after listening to the WSU Newsline, please contact her at (316) 978-6830 or jill.pletcher@wichita.edu.
Background:
After five years of annual increases in employment, hiring of college graduates is expected to fall by 22 percent in 2009 compared to 2008, according to a survey of businesses by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Jill Pletcher, director of career services at Wichita State University, offers tips to college graduates looking for work in a recession.
Voice wrap:
Announcer: After five years of annual increases in employment, hiring of college graduates is expected to fall by 22 percent in 2009 compared to 2008, according to a survey of businesses by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Jill Pletcher, director of career services at Wichita State University, says college graduates this spring aren't just competing against each other during this tight job market.
Pletcher: "One of the challenges in a down economy is that the competition for jobs is extremely keen. So not only is it difficult to find a job, but the people that you are competing with will be other college graduates as well as very experienced people as well."
Announcer: Pletcher says graduates need to connect the dots between what they've done, in terms of jobs and volunteerism, and how those things can add value for a prospective employer. This is Joe Kleinsasser at Wichita State University.
Sound bite #1
Pletcher says this is the most difficult situation for job seekers in decades. The sound bite is 14 seconds and the outcue is "as well."
Pletcher: "This is definitely one of the most difficult times for job seekers, really in decades. Even since 9/11, it tends to be more widespread. It seems to be deeper cuts, not only on a national level, but a global level as well."
Sound bite #2
Pletcher offers some job search tips. The sound bite is 13 seconds and the outcue is "to hire you."
Pletcher: "In terms of finding a job, certainly to look at online resources, but really that's where everyone is looking, so one of the things that we strongly suggest is that you begin talking with people who have the potential power to hire you."
Sound bite #3
Pletcher explains where the best job opportunities are right now. The sound bite is 19 seconds and the outcue is "some openings available."
Pletcher: "Some of the fields that still have openings would be some of those in health care, for example. Nursing is one that comes to mind. Also some of the education types of fields, special education. Or maybe it will take, rather than working in a large district, perhaps going to some of the smaller districts where there will be still some openings available."
Sound bite #4
Pletcher talks about what someone should do if they can't find work. The sound bite is 25 seconds and the outcue is "dual purpose."
Pletcher: "One of the things, if you cannot find work, would be find other ways to spend time. I think a very productive one would be to find some volunteer opportunities for two reasons. One is that it occupies time and is a very significant way to give back to the community. But it's also a way to build skills, so there would be some volunteer opportunities then that could build on some of the things that you might want to hone skills in anyway. And so it serves a dual purpose."
Sound bite #5
Pletcher says new grads can't be as picky in taking a job as they are in a more favorable job market. The sound bite is 22 seconds and the outcue is "in place."
Pletcher: "I think new grads probably can't afford to be quite as picky as they might have in another economy. So really taking any kind of a job I think can really be beneficial. It shows that you have been employed. I would recommend that people in a job then do a stellar job, so that when they move on to a different position they have a great referral, recommendation kind of a thing in place."