25 Companies Hiring New Grads in 2009

There’s a great article posted on MSN Careers called 25 Employers Hiring the Class of 2009. As the title suggests, it’s a list of employers who will be hiring New Grads for Entry Level Jobs. Not only does it list the companies, it also lists the approximate number of new hires each company will make, the areas for which they are hiring, and the industry they are in.

So Why Does This Matter?

We are in the middle of an economic downturn. Nearly every job-related site has a post or article up regarding how difficult it can be to find a job in a recession. However, even in bad times, companies still need staff. Business must go on. An article like this serves as a launch pad for your job search. Even if you have no previous experience looking for work, a listing like this provides great information to get you started.

How Can I Use This Information?

I would start by looking at which companies are hiring and see if any of their respective industries match your skills and education. If so, some secondary research is in order to find out more about what they do.

Next, I would look at each company’s corporate website. It they are on a list like this (effectively stating that they will be hiring for Entry Level Jobs) then it is safe to say that they will likely be posting these jobs. This is both good and bad. On the up side, it means that here is less ‘digging’ you will have to do to get your foot in the door. The bad news is that there will be increased competition for each job.

After you have found a posted job that you are interested in, apply. Nothing special here. Take some time to create a stellar, targeted application package (resume and cover letter) and pass it along.

Finally, and most importantly, you need to follow up. These are all major companies, so contact information should be available, even if it’s an 800 number. If you don’t have a contact, try calling the main line directly. If that fails, try looking at social networking sites for inside contacts. Do whatever you can to find the person who has the hiring decision. This is the person you need to talk to and the one who will be able to grant you an interview.

Of course, this makes everything sound so easy. It’s not, but a general framework may at least get you started.

What’s Your Take On The List?

I think that this is a seriously helpful tool for a New Grad to have. I don’t remember seeing a list like this when I was graduating.

When I read about the companies on this list, I wonder just how many will still be hiring in the numbers that they state? I’m curious if some of these companies have padded their numbers so that they appear more stable or viable from the outside. You never know in today’s economy. Plans can change quickly.

Take a company like Sun Microsystems for example. They have been all over the media recently with takeover offers from both IBM and Oracle. Does the impending acquisition mean that these new positions are in jeopardy? Only time will tell.

Conclusion

A great list and an excellent starting point for any New Grad looking for an Entry Level Job. Keep in mind that just because they are hiring, it doesn’t mean they will hire ‘you’ specifically. You have to work on your application, prove your value, and stand out from the crowd. Only then will you land your rewarding career.