College seniors graduate in 3 months. Students and their families hope they will be offered employment before it is time to start making student loan payments. There are steps current college seniors and their parents can take now to increase the likelihood that they will be employed before the end of summer.

Students need to check in with the career center at their college and register as a job seeker if required. Some colleges have a user id and password system that allows students to view current job openings listed with the career centers by companies. Students also need to make the career center at their college their new best friend.

Talking to faculty in their career field about their employment recommendations is also an activity students should consider. This is a way to get some direction about where to apply. Faculty know which companies hired former students and may have contacts. Any contacts students have from internships should also be interviewed for recommendations and information.

Parents can think about who they know who might have information about where their son or daughter should apply for employment in their field or general professional employment. Parents can also encourage their seniors to actively seek employment now and serve as a partner in the job search process. If the student wants to work near their home town, parents can provide valuable assistance by letting their contacts know that the student is currently looking for a position.

The current job market is a tough one. Read Bill Holland's book, Cracking The New Job Market, to get expert information on strategies you can use as a family to increase the likelihood that your college graduate gets employment sooner rather than later.