Yes - we are a retained search firm. Yes - we work with people who often have substantial work experience (a typical search requires 10 or more years of experience). No - we do not work with entry-level positions. That said, many of our clients and contacts seem to have college-age children that are either coming up on graduation or have recently graduated.

Should a college degree lead toward future employment?

I am a believer that a college degree should result in a graduate who can find and succeed in employment. The expense of a 4-year degree, regardless of how it is funded, is a great investment. The payback is knowledge - but it should also, in my opinion, lead to a position that uses the graduate's skills and abilities.

Can we help?

The clients and contacts referenced above often refer their new graduates to us for advice. We welcome those calls - and hope that we can help. That said, we would like to offer advice through this Blog as well. Stop texting and talk to people

• The job market, at almost all levels, is an extroverted one. While texting works with friends, calling those same people and engaging them in a conversation will be more helpful.

Network

• Nationally, approximately 50% of all positions are found through network contacts. In the twin cities marketplace, that number increases to over 70%. Start talking to people BUT before you do, develop a list of your contacts and 'grade' them in terms of how helpful AND friendly they might be. Call them in order of networking value.

Do NOT have your parents do your job search

• I just got off the phone with the mother of a college student who is working fulltime in a summer position that they want to leave. The student does not have the time during the day to search; the mom is calling on the student's behalf. The impression - we have a helicopter parent!

Make sure your resume tells who you are

• University career centers have strict guidelines on resume format. These guidelines are designed to make it easier for recruiters to review resumes quickly. When a student is networking/using their resume on their own, it can be formatted differently - to show who they are as individuals.

Job searching is a fulltime job

Spend most of your time with or in pursuit of your network. Research people and places. Target what you want to do and where you want to do it. Posted ads get hundreds of responses. Networking leads you to the openings that are not posted - and even if they are, networking will get your resume received AND reviewed.