Employers will hire 19% more graduates this year than last based on a recent study conducted by the National Association of College Employers.

According to a new study from CareerBuilder.com, more than half of employers (54 percent) reported they plan to hire recent college graduates in 2012, up from 46 percent in 2011, 44 percent in 2010 and 43 percent in 2009. 

In some ways, members of the class of 2012 got lucky. They arrived on campus in September 2008, the same month that Wall Street investment bank Lehman Brothers collapsed, touching off a financial crisis that exacerbated the recession. On campus, they were largely insulated from the collapsingU.S.economy. 

Still, the job market remains high competitive especially for those candidates, like recent graduates, with limited work experience. Here are three things recent graduates can do to maximize their chances for success in today’s job market:

1- Employ a focused approach—know what you want.

Conduct some research regarding entry-level positions and know which job titles and occupations represent the best fit per your major, curriculum, experience level, and skills. Targeting a few similar types of positions where you can make a solid case for employment will garner better results as opposed to casting a wide net and seeing what “bites.” Customizing your résumé and cover letter for each opportunity, though tedious, is mandatory and can really give you an edge. Think quality, not quantity.

2- Use your network including your social media sites.

More people are hired via networking than any other technique, so start putting the word out to the people you know even before graduation. Help your networking contacts help you by telling them specifically what type(s) of jobs you are pursuing.  In addition, mentioning certain industries and/or companies will also increase your chances. Use your social networking sites to convey your job search goals, asking for tips, advice, and recommendations. Check out MeetUp.com, alumni groups, and local chapters of industry associations for group networking opportunities.  Employ a networking strategy that includes social media, 1-1 meetings, informational interviews, and group events.

3- Utilize Staffing Agencies.

Enlisting with temporary staffing agencies is a great way to gain visibility to key employers on a “try before you buy” basis.  Even if the positions you are applying to are not directly related to your career goal, working for an organization can be like having a paid internship with the benefits of a recent work entry on your résumé and additional networking opportunities. You’ll also learn real-world skills and be privy to openings within the company which may be conducive to what you’re looking for.  Many staffing agencies also specialize in certain types of positions, i.e., high-tech, healthcare, or finance.

Additional Considerations:

• Applying for an internship through your school. Another NACE survey reveals that paid interns had the most success attracting job offers in 2011.
• Two companies with extensive hiring plans, mostly based on new hires and not on attrition, are accounting firm Ernst & Young and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
• Working abroad
• Gaining additional certifications (online, workshops, week-long courses)

In a recent study, Colorado was ranked 5^th in the nation in a 2011 Clean Energy Leadership Index. Colorado’s combination of high mountains and broad plains adds up to a bounty of renewable resources. The president’s New Energy For America plan calls for a federal investment of $150 billion to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future. Specifically, the plan calls for renewable energy to supply 10% of the nation’s electricity by 2012, rising to 25% by 2025. These are just a few reasons why there is plenty of opportunity for job seekers to land a “green collar” job in the Centennial State by following a few simple steps.

1-     Research target companies and job boards that focus on social or environmental responsibility.

Googling “renewable energy companies + Colorado” will bring up a number of target lists of local companies. Assemble a list of organizations you’re most interested in working for based on their size, business type, and/or location. Use online job boards like GreenJobSearch.org and GreenJobSpider.com to learn about what key positions are available or most in demand and which skills are required for each.

2- Create a green-focused resume and embark on a targeted job search for best results.

You will have better results if you focus you résumé for a specific type of green job and ensure your résumé contains the requisite keywords and phrases that are commonly found in the target job descriptions. Passion is important but skills pay the bills! Embarking on a campaign to utilize your network in reaching out to hiring managers and decision makers from target companies is a highly-effective strategy.  Most renewable energy and related companies are small, so they mainly rely on word of mouth and referrals for hiring.

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3- Get involved!

Joining a renewable energy or green collar professional association is a great way to learn about the hot jobs, hot companies, what skills are required, and to network with people who are currently employed in the industry. Research is always part of the process but talking to people in the front lines can really increase your chances for success. Offer to take someone to coffee or lunch to gain key insights on what it takes to break into the industry. Some associations for consideration are CRES (Colorado Renewable Energy Society) and CCIA (Colorado Cleantech Energy Association). Volunteering is also a great way to learn about the industry, develop key skills, and make connections. NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) in Golden has a number of volunteer opportunities available.

4- Give yourself a competitive advantage by gaining a green degree or certification.

You can give yourself a major advantage over other applicants by gaining a renewable energy or related degree or certification. CU, CSU, Colorado Mountain College, School of Mines, and most local community colleges all offer a number or green and eco-friendly degree and certification programs. There are also many online programs and certifications available. Ensure you showcase any relevant degree or certification early in your resume.

Additional Considerations:

• Renewable energy is a relatively new industry which has experienced tremendous growth. There are few experts, and most employees in this industry have limited tenure or are fairly new.
• Many major corporations are greening their supply lines and are looking for people with training, ideas and experience to assist them.