Are you worried about landing an entry-level job after graduation? Or have you been searching for months and had little success? During this webinar, we’ll discuss several alternatives to the “traditional” entry-level job and share how these can help your job search in the future.

1. Unemployed Recent Grads: Alternatives
to the Traditional Entry-Level Job
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com

2. Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com

3. Introduction
• Here’s what we’ll cover today:
– Several alternatives to the “traditional” entry-level job
– How to succeed in each of the entry-level job alternatives
– How to leverage entry-level job alternatives in your long-
term job search
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 3

4. Alternative #1: Part-Time Work
• 2 or 3 part-time jobs can match the pay of one
full-time position
• Hone your skills at different organizations while
still gaining experience in the field
• Meet industry professionals that can help in
your future career
• Can get your foot in the door at an ideal
company, even if they cannot afford a full-time
employee at the moment
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 4

5. Part-Time Work, Cont.
• Downsides:
– Little or no benefits
– Might not pay the bills if you cannot find multiple positions
– Unusual schedule
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 5

6. How to Succeed in Working Part-Time
• Find positions that can help you build upon
your skills in the field
• Search for opportunities at ideal companies
• Look for telecommuting/virtual positions for
more flexibility
• Network within the organization
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 6

7. Alternative #2: Freelancing
• Work for yourself
– You are your own boss
• Work with various & diverse clients
– Hone your skills and gain experience
• Work/life balance
• Exposure to potential future employers
• Flexible schedule
– Work when you are the most productive
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 7

8. Freelancing, Cont.
• Downsides:
– Unreliable/difficult clients
– Often must collect payments & send invoices yourself
– No guarantee of work each month
– You must actively pursue new leads for clients
– Pay for your own benefits
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 8

9. How to Succeed in Freelance Work
• Plan ahead
– Freelancing can be hit and miss & your financial situation
can be difficult because of this
• Be proactive
– Always be on the lookout for potential clients/customers
• Set goals
– How many customers do you need to pay the bills?
• Network
• Don’t burn bridges
– You never know who will give you a great lead!
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 9

10. Alternative #3: Contract Work
• Work for an organization as a temporary or part-
time worker, depending on the contract signed
between you and the company
• Some positions are remote/virtual
– Work from home & finish work when you’re most
productive
• Potential to be brought on as a full-time
employee
• Highly flexible (make your own hours)
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 10

11. Contract Work, Cont.
• Downsides:
– Responsible for paying your own taxes
• Need to be disciplined in saving money or making tax
payments
– Contracts often are month-to-month or only for several
months
– No benefits
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 11

12. How to Succeed in Contract Work
• Prove yourself to the employer
– More potential to be brought on full-time
• Take your job seriously
• Display superior communication skills
• Be flexible
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 12

13. Alternative #4: Entrepreneurship
• Today, starting your own company requires less
time & investment than ever before
– Purchasing a domain name costs as little as $10 per year
• Requires a unique idea, resources & know-how
of running a business
– Additionally, loads of self-motivation & communication
skills
• You can work in the industry or niche that you
are most passionate about
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 13

14. Entrepreneurship, Cont.
• Downsides:
– Funding either must come from you or an outside investor
• If the business goes sour, it’s on your shoulders
– Often requires more than 40 hours per week of your time
– Might not see a profit from your efforts in the first year or
two (if at all)
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 14

15. How to Succeed in Entrepreneurship
• Keep up with the industry
– Read blogs, books & attend conferences
• Offer a product or service with a specific niche
– Your company needs to differentiate itself from the others
already out there
• Network
• Strive to keep your clients/customers happy
• Listen to feedback
• Get a mentor
• Organize a business advisory board
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 15

16. Alternative #5: Internships
• Get a foot in the door at your dream company
• Some internships provide compensation such
as an hourly wage or stipend
• Learn additional skills to add to your resume
• Gain experience in the field
• Make contacts at the company
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 16

17. Internships, Cont.
• Downsides:
– Some internship programs might not be a positive or
meaningful experience
• Do your research to ensure the one you choose is right
for you & your qualifications
– Might still need a part-time paid job to supplement any
income from the internship
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 17

18. How to Succeed in an Internship
• Treat the opportunity as though you’re a “real”
employee at the company
– Many employers hire from their intern pool for full-time
entry-level positions
• Always come into work with a positive, eager
attitude
• Commit to the opportunity
• Build relationships with your supervisor,
colleagues and peers
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 18

19. Alternative #6: Volunteer Work
• Volunteer at a local nonprofit or organization in
need of your skills
• Prevents gaps from forming in your resume
• Create additional pieces to display in your
professional portfolio
• Make connections with other volunteers and
paid workers at the organization
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 19

20. Volunteer Work, Cont.
• Downsides:
– No pay or benefits
– Possible lack of meaningful work
– Might not lead to a full-time paid position with the
organization
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 20

21. How to Succeed in Volunteering
• Make a commitment to the organization
• Communicate with your supervisor about your
level of commitment
• Regularly update colleagues on your job search
• Choose an organization based on its mission &
your connection to it
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 21

22. Entry-Level Alternatives & Your Long-Term Job
Search
• Always strive to do your best work at each
opportunity you get
– Even if it’s working for free or volunteering – you never
know who might be able to direct you to your next job or
employer
• Don’t burn bridges
• Add colleagues & supervisors to your
professional network
– Reach out when you are on the job search
• Build & maintain your professional brand
(online & off)
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 22

23. Entry-Level Alternatives & Your Long-Term Job
Search
• These alternatives can be a great way to land a
job in the future
• You’re able to connect with:
– The company/organization
– It’s employees
– Clients/customers
– Other individuals that can help in your job search
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com 23

24. Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com

25. Thank you!
For more tips: blog.cachinko.com
Join us for our next job seeker webinar on:
June 14, 2011: How to Use Facebook in Your
Job Search
Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com