Don’t yet have a job, college grad? Don’t panic. Here are 3 tips to help

IT MAY BE FRUSTRATING AT TIMES TO GET TRACTION IN YOUR JOB SEARCH, BUT YOU CAN MAKE PROGRESS

This year’s college grads are experiencing the warmest welcome to the labor market in years. In the highest outlook since 2007, 65 percent of employers say they plan to hire recent college graduates this year — up from 57 percent last year, according to a CareerBuilder survey.

If you haven’t been able to find a job yet, don’t panic. Here are the three steps that will get you in front of employers and interviewing for lucrative positions quickly.

Highlight desirable and in-demand qualities. Your job search may not have taken off if you’re feeling stumped by job descriptions and requirements. The truth is, even if you’re missing some qualifications, you can still apply to positions. The key to getting a hiring manager’s attention is selling the skills you do have to prove why you’re the right person. Research what areas of knowledge are in-demand, like the most sought-after majors that employers say they’re looking to hire in 2015: • Business and Technical (38 percent) • Computer and information sciences (27 percent) • Engineering (18 percent) • Math and statistics (14 percent) • Health professions/clinicalsciences (14 percent) • Communications technologies (12 percent) • Engineering technologies (9 percent) • Communication and journalism (9 percent) • Liberal arts and sciences, humanities (9 percent) • Science technologies (8 percent) • Education (7 percent)

Next, link your own education and experience, where applicable, to these areas of expertise. Are there past examples you have that can demonstrate expertise? Certifications or classes? Tailoring your resume to job descriptions and in-demand skills will make you stand out to hiring managers.

Look where opportunities abound. If you’re looking for a broader look across the economy, you may consider joining any of the top 20 industries that will grow the fastest over the next five years, like translation and interpretation services, specialty hospitals (except psychiatric and substance abuse), residential remodelers, home health care services, wine and distilled alcoholic beverage merchant wholesalers, electronic shopping and environment, conservation and wildlife organizations. Whether it’s a summer gig or an entry-level job that could lead to something bigger, capitalizing on in-demand positions and industries means going after jobs that employers need to fill quickly.

Network, both on and offline. Don’t be afraid to get offline and out of networking groups, and instead look to less conventional ways to grow your professional network. Engage with industries and organizations you’re interested in or passionate about and show a more human side that often goes unnoticed during more formal networking.