Annual Graduation Survey Shows 38% of College Seniors Do Not Send a Thank-You Note or Email after Interview, yet 72% of Employers Expect One
MAYNARD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--May 3, 2005--It`s that time of the year again: graduation season. As college seniors nationwide prepare for this defining moment in their lives, many will also be worrying about that other important task: finding their first job. Though in 2005 graduates face a better market compared to recent years, the competition for entry-level opportunities still remains tough. For example, sixty-two percent of employers expect more than 25 graduates to apply for each entry-level position, according to MonsterTRAK`s Annual Entry-Level Job Outlook (a), a survey of more than 11,000 college students and recent graduates and more than 900 nationwide employers. MonsterTRAK, a unit of Monster Campus, is the student recruitment branch of Monster, the leading global online careers property and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide (NASDAQ: MNST).
''Our survey results confirm that in order to stand out from the crowd, entry-level job seekers must be vigilant about the search process,'' said Michelle Forker, Senior Vice President, Monster Campus. ''For many, the transition from school to the working world can be both exciting and daunting; smart graduates will successfully enter this next phase by approaching the job hunt with gusto and creativity. For example, college seniors looking for a job should begin talking now with counselors at their college or university career centers as well as professors and faculty, as many of them have extensive reach into various industries and companies through past alumni and charitable involvement.''
To increase the chances of securing a satisfying first job, students should execute an organized and thorough job search. MonsterTRAK`s Entry-Level Job Outlook provides valuable employer feedback to help graduates put effective strategies into place today:
-- Build a network of contacts: To start the job search, entry-level seekers should conduct an intensive networking campaign. Connect with as many friends and family, associations, trade and industry groups, alumni chapters, and student organizations as possible.
Fact: 93 percent of 2005 college graduates surveyed view networking as an important part of the job search process.
-- Maximize experience: To catch the eye of employers, be sure to visibly highlight experience and volunteer positions near the top of a resume.
Fact: One-third of employers surveyed consider relevant work experience the most important factor when hiring a candidate. That`s great news for the 59 percent of college seniors surveyed who completed one or more internships during college.
-- Practice interviewing: To make a lasting impression, brush up on interviewing skills - such as how to ask effective questions and provide memorable answers - which will impress recruiters on the phone and in person.
Fact: 23 percent of employers surveyed say recent graduates do not ask enough questions during the first interview, while 16 percent say they focus too much on salary and benefits.
-- Do your research: Prior to an interview, visit the company`s website to learn about the organization`s mission, history and recent news.
Fact: The majority of employers surveyed (32 percent) think the most common mistake college graduates make during interviews is not conducting enough research about the company and its industry.
-- Follow up properly: A thank-you note or email is the final chance to stand apart from all others seeking the same position. In addition to being polite, thank you notes are an important way to remind employers of your enthusiasm and determination.
Fact: 38 percent of college seniors surveyed do not send a thank-you note after a job interview, yet 72 percent of employers surveyed expect either a thank-you letter or email.
Additional results from the MonsterTRAK Annual Entry-Level Job Outlook are available at:
https://pr.monsterworldwide.com/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=PR_131001&
scr
ipt=410&layout;=-6&item;_id=695247
(Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser`s address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)
For detailed survey findings about the graduating classes of 2004, 2005, or 2006, or to learn where your state falls in the data, please contact Kevin Mullins at 978-461-8751 or Kerry Parke at 617-520-7019.
Survey Methodology
(a) The MonsterTRAK Entry-Level Job Outlook was conducted through targeted online distribution to nationwide MonsterTRAK customer companies and college-age students and recent alumni who are MonsterTRAK members. The survey recorded results from more than 900 employers and nearly 11,000 students from February 2nd to February 24th, 2005 and reflects the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate.
About Monster
Monster is the leading global online careers property. A division of Monster Worldwide (NASDAQ: MNST), Monster works for everyone by connecting quality job seekers at all levels with leading employers across all industries. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Maynard, Mass., Monster has 25 local language and content sites in 23 countries worldwide. More information is available at www.monster.com or by calling 1-800-MONSTER. To learn more about Monster`s industry-leading employer products and services, please visit
https://recruiter.monster.com.
Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding Monster Worldwide, Inc.`s strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of Monster Worldwide`s control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward- looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which Monster Worldwide operates, risks associated with acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed in Monster Worldwide`s Form 10-K and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are incorporated in this release by reference.
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