Newsflash: It's hard to get a job post-graduation

I would like to thank Greg Burns of the Chicago Tribune for the most obvious article in the world: Recent grads face a horrible job market.

I also find humor that the student's last name is MacPhail.

I applied to over 50 positions in both journalism and public relations. The best piece of advice I received came from the director of Loyola's Career Development Center, Darby Scism. She said I need to look in different industries and job titles I never thought to look before.

For those who don't know, I'm a major in both journalism and political science. I am cum laude in both. I first applied to journalism jobs all across the country. I received rejections from most of them, flat-out. Most were because I was not a local candidate. Despite telling employers I was willing to relocate on my own dime, it did not phase them.

I changed my focus to public relations as well. Since I loved my public relations classes, and I have strong writing skills, it seemed like a natural fit. I interviewed at one of the largest agencies and am waiting to see if I interview with one of the teams. I really think my experience in a news room, along with media knowledge a public relations graduate would not know, makes me a strong candidate.

Getting rejections and no callbacks has taken its toll on me, but I haven't given up. I keep changing my resume and cover letter for the positions I apply for. I know I will find the perfect fit job. There are some bad day where it feels like I will never get hired, but I persevere.

The one thing I wish most employers realized is dozens of us recent graduates WILL relocate to take a position we want. Trust me, so many of us want a new environment and live somewhere different. If you get a good vibe from a candidate, do not pass them over because he/she is not local!

I feel like my graduating year is full of the most passionate people I know. Everyone who is graduating brings something awesome to the table. Let us show you how great we are.

To those still job searching, fear not. You will find the perfect job. The companies that pass you over have no idea what they are missing. Stay strong with your resume, cover letter and interviewing. When you do get hired, and you will, you will blow your employer away.