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CORTLANDT, N.Y. Newly graduated from college or just on summer vacation, many young adults are looking for employment in a tough economic climate. The national unemployment rate for civilians 16 to 19-years-old is 24.9 percent according to the April 2012 Bureau of Labor Statistics report, but Cortlandt employers say there are some ways people can increase their chances of finding a job.
Dont give up hope, because there are jobs and something will come up. You just have to keep trying, said Luz Corona, a 2010 graduate of SUNY Albany, Corona looked for a full-time position for nearly a year before finding a job in the marketing department of the Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt.
Although Corona was too busy studying for a political science major and business minor to work while in school, she did work during brief breaks, vacations and holidays at the hospital as a per diem receptionist.
Per diem employment is a viable option for those looking for a job now. Many summer positions, such as those in day camps or as life guards are filled in early spring, as are many internships. Per diem positions allow an employee to come and go, but requires them to be flexible, says Barbara Katona, assistant director of human resources at the hospital center.
Positions that might be filled on a per diem basis include receptionists in radiology, a job Corona held before graduating from college. They can just jump into it and theyre meeting and greeting patients and it comes pretty natural, said Katona. Being flexible is the key, as many per diem employees are covering vacation time for other employees.
It was a little bit of a sacrifice because I would have to give up vacations, and weekends and holidays, but it was really helpful to have it during school breaks, said Corona. In the end, the knowledge of the hospital she gained during her per diem employment, and the networking opportunity helped her land her full-time job.
Even though many day camp positions are filled, this shouldnt stop young people from applying. Resumes are kept on file in case a position becomes available during the season, and applicants may not become aware of a position until they apply.
John Palmiotto, director of the Town of Cortlandts Recreation Department, said the town is always looking for senior counselors, who must be 18-years-old and high school graduates. An application is available in the back of the towns summer brochure, and online. These jobs can be an investment in the future, since students are often invited back the next year.
Applicants should have some knowledge of the place to which they are applying, for example, the hospital requires a resume and formal attire during an interview. Bringing a copy of your resume and references are good ways to show youre organized and prepared for an interview with a big employer, said Katona.
Day camps will look for what a perspective employee is interested in, sports, babysitting or clubs, but dont usually expect applicants to wear a suit and tie to an interview. Presentable casual wear, like khaki shorts and a nice shirt would probably be fine, said Recreation Department directors in both Croton and Cortlandt.
There were times that it was really rough and frustrating, but I knew I was fully capable of getting a job, said Corona. As long as youre trying your very best, something will come out of your effort, thats what I had in my mind the whole time, she said.
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