Despite the unprecedented challenges facing our generation — unique challenges that no other 
generation has been confronted with — there are actions you can take to increase your chances of landing a job that will help advance your career and put a decent paycheck in your pocket.
Here are a few best practices:
1. Cold network. An incredible 80 percent of available jobs don’t get posted, and thus the ones that are posted have a tremendous amount of competition. Figure out ways to gain access to that 80 percent. Research companies in your field, and send cold emails to their HR departments or managers. Ask for informational interviews. Reach out to colleagues on LinkedIn.
2. Know where you’re headed. The world makes way for people who know what they want. When networking, steer clear of saying, “I’m open to anything,” and start picking two (not one, not three) areas that you’re focused on for your job hunt so you can clearly articulate what your career goals are.
3. Practice your elevator pitch. Not knowing how to talk about yourself can be job hunting poison. The commonplace “tell me about yourself” prompt isn’t going anywhere, so expect to be asked, and do yourself the service of preparing an intentional response. Come up with a few brief lines about your professional strengths and accomplishments, and practice pitching it to a friend.
4. Find a way to gain experience outside of the traditional job. Experience is so much more than the years you spend fetching coffee for someone. Find a volunteer opportunity in your field. Start a blog or a meet-up. This will help you not only stay current in your field, but could also lead to something bigger, like starting your own company, or linking up with a company that’s hiring.
The obstacles facing millennials are tough, but surmountable.
Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at The 5.4 Percent Unemployment Rate Means Nothing for Millennials | Ashley Stahl.
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