The Exponent


04-20-2004	Previous edition: 04-19-2004

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Job market demands better resumes

By Paul Glasser
City Editor

New data shows Indiana has lost fewer jobs than anticipated, but the job market for recent graduates is still very competitive.

Preliminary reports showed Indiana lost 157,000 jobs between January 2000 and January 2003, but new data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows only 103,000 jobs were eliminated. One month after being released, unemployment data is revised using updated reports and late submissions.

Patricia Garrott, associate director for the Center for Career Opportunities, said students would have to start looking for jobs sooner and pursue opportunities diligently.

"Students won’t be able to sit back and rely on finding jobs on the computer," she said. "They’ll have to go out and meet people."

The information technology field is one area that has been hit hard, but there are still a few opportunities scattered across many fields, Garrott said.

"Health fields have been strong and education opportunities are still numerous," she said. "Small engineering firms have been hiring, but only for one or two spots at a time."

In order to have a competitive edge, Garrott said students should create focused resumes that present their skills and qualifications well. She also said she sees a lot of students with resumes that have poorly worded or vague objective statements.

"Students need resumes that are well thought-out and explain how their skills and experiences qualify them for the position," Garrott said.

The updated data also showed that Indiana ranked 11th in the nation in job creation. Richard Cosier, dean of the School of Management, said this creates a good outlook.

"I see positive signs that the economy is reviving in this state," he said. "The state is going to pull out of this with a solid showing."

Eliminating the deficit and improving the state’s general financial health of the state would attract capital investment and create more jobs, Cosier said. He also said that improving the state’s economic diversity would also improve the situation.

"We need innovative new ideas, like those found in the life sciences, nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing," he said.

Discovery Park includes a life sciences center, a nanotechnology building, an e-systems department and an entrepreneur center.

"Those are right in line with where economic growth could occur in the state," Cosier said.

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Job market demands better resumes

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