"While recent college graduates are facing a highly competitive job market right now, there are still opportunities out there," says Brent Rasmussen, president of CareerBuilder North America.
"The biggest challenge is showing relevant experience, which employers say is one of the most important factors they look for in applications from recent college graduates. This isn't limited to professional work experience, so don't get discouraged."
Employers say that they will look at these types of activities as relevant work experience for grads:
-- Internships
-- Part-time positions in a different area
-- Volunteer work
-- Participation in school organizations
-- Class work
-- Involvement in sports
During the application and interview procedures, employers say the top mistake made by recent college grads is acting bored or overconfident. Dressing inappropriately comes in at a close second and no knowledge of the company ends in third.
Other errors by grads include:
-- Not turning off cell phones or electronic devices.
-- Asking the wrong questions at the interview.
-- Inquiring about the salary before the company even considers the candidate for the job.
-- Leaving unprofessional photos and content on social networking sites, blogs, etc.
-- Forgetting to send a thank-you note after the interview.