For those Fresh Graduates Looking for Jobs

I had been invited for various talks in universities and polytechnics. I spoke to aspiring students and graduands who are ready to enter into the working world. I hear the woes from these young people and urge me to post some comments here. Looking at the outlook of the economy, landing on a job is really tough. Each job posted in the ads, has thousands of CVs pouring in, each screaming for attention. Even jobs which only require fresh graduates, applicants with many years of experience also come knocking. I just recall that I posted for a temporary IT position recently. Since it was just a position for 3 months, I put in the Straits Times Classified, as small as possible to save money, and it was a walk-in interview. Guess what? More than 30 people turned up at my office! Almost all of them armed themselves with beautiful CVs and university certificates. Although I was spoilt for choice, they were mostly foreigners, whom I can't hire for such short timespan. These people who are genuinely well equipped with knowledge and experience, and most importantly not asking for high pay. So for those aspiring job-seekers, you have to lower down your expectations. I can share with you my own experience as a new graduate 11 years ago, what I went through and the lessons I learnt. Also, as an employer today, what I expect and would look out for in an applicant.