with a bad economy comes bad workers rights the labour standars act changes so much it makes my head spin, and every time it change it just keeps getting worse for employees.

(do CEOs controll every thing?) At first you had maditory 15 min paid break for every 4 hours and they would state how many breaks you would get after 8 hours, now employers olnly have to give you a unpaid half hour and thats only if you work 8 hous. How are employees suposed to know and exercize thier rights if they keep on changing, these new gidlined olny mak it easier for employers to take advanyage of people, espicaly with the ression no one wants to fight the new guidline in fear of getting fired. If any politician wants my vote they better start taking aboout workers right!!!.

When I graduated from engineering in Newfoundland I put out at least 50 to 60 resume and never got a phone call, so I realize you feel unwanted. In my case a move to Calgary flipped things so that multiple companies wanted to hire me.

Because of the current situation I am afraid you will have to wait for the economy to change. Unfortunately you will likely face what a lot of engrs face and eventually end up being paid less than new grads coming out of school after you.

My suggestion is to do what it takes to develop your work experience even if it means volunteering.

Well, you're doing the right thing by aggressively selling yourself. The next thing to do is start your own company. Even if you only get a few small contracts it shows that you're actively doing something in your field.

The worst thing is to look like you've been out of your field for too long.

I honestly think you should have gone the LLB route. I know so many people who have an MBA. Becoming a Chartered Accountant is another option.

Truth be told the job market is cliquey and crazy. Some days I wonder if I'm dealing with grown ups or overgrown children.

If anything became apparent about the financial crisis is that it's mostly about connections and getting in at the right institutions then it is about your performance if you're looking for the green. You need the looks and likability as well as some modicum of ability.

Given the incompetence of many in the financial sector in the US it appears mediocrity and the upper class cliques are going to continue to be rewarded.

I think anyone who's looking for a job should really be reflecting on the large changes that are ahead for our economic model given the advancement of technology is going to increase job displacement at a faster and faster pace.

If AI and Robotics mature within our generation we are going to see significant social upheaval in developed countries, as well as major upheavals in India and China which are two of the largest countries in terms of populace.

I would not be looking for job security in North america and expect high pay. I'd be looking at securing skills and moving to companies and countries that still respect employee loyalty and dedication.

The turn over rate is going to increase from here on out at many institutions, sectors of secure employment are going to be: Police/crime, Healthcare, Science (tech), and Medicine.

Anyone who is looking for job security should really be thinking about what are going to be staples in all economies so they can move if need be if opportunities dry up.

I can't speak to the financial sector, but it seems to me that the job market has always been more about who you know than what you know.

This is why social networking (and not just the online type) really needs to be emphasized in schools (from the junior high level up through college).

You will always need to have some specialized skills for the career you are entering, but it's much more important to know people employed at the firm you want to work at, and to impress them with your personality, intelligence, and competence.

Since I left my school, every job I've gotten has been because I knew someone that worked at the company who was able to vouch for me, and encourage the person hiring that I would be a valuable employee.

Since then, I recognize that a part of my job is to make sure to build good working relationships with my co-workers, to be friendly and courteous at work in addition to doing my job well.

These kinds of skills are inevitably more valuable to the job seeker than the letters at the end of your degree, but also much more difficult to convey to prospective employers outside your zone of influence.

Mat, couldn't agree with you more. It is a very tough situation out there for jobs. I was lucky, and got a job with a company I had worked with before starting my MBA, thanks to the network I had already there.

You just have got to keep plugging away, and good things will happen. I've also got to think that doing this writeup can only help. Very nicely put!!!

I took part in a co-op program and it was the best thing I could have done. One of my co-op employers ended up hiring me into the job I have now, and it has been wonderful (since she knew my work ethic, and abilities through my work as a co-op student, I had the advantage of starting my career with a boss who trusted me from the start).

I COMPLETELY agree with Scott - you need to set yourself apart while you are in school - not afterwards. So many students don't think long-term though (the whole university lifestyle is far too appealing to be bogged down with co-op or jobs that are more complicated than waitressing). It might be more work, but it is 100% worth it in the end.

Good luck.

instead of looking for a job... why dont you start a company? It is much more fun and much more rewarding!

Another case where students dedicate their entire time to school, which takes them away from reality of job market. They deidcate it all to school because they cannot balance school and work.

I got a a job at the bank in first year of school, and working side by side with person who just graduated from uft with degree in economics. I got more seniority and higher pay than him.

You make the conclusions.