POCATELLO - With a slumping economy, the job outlook for college graduates isn't as bright as it was a couple of years ago.

"The best advice for people coming out of school is to have good job search skills. Things like a good resume with a cover letter and knowing how to network by using family and friends are the most important factors. Also, post-graduate internships or volunteer work in the field you want to work in may help," says Troy Kase, the Employer Relations and Internship Development Coordinator at ISU's Career Center.

Gordon Raymond of Pocatello, a recent ISU graduate in microbiology, has applied for dozens of jobs.

"I've sent out about 30 resumes, and haven't gotten a bite on any of them. It's pretty discouraging. I don't know whether it's my field, or just the economy."

Raymond touches on an important point, regardless of the economic environment, the availability of jobs depends on the graduate's field of study.

Currently, degrees in accounting and nursing are among those most frequently sought by recruiters. However, Kase warns that just because a particular field is hot today doesn't mean it will be in the future, and that going into a particular field solely for that reason is a mistake.

"Things change, and I hope that people still do what they enjoy."

Another recent graduate, Lori Farnsworth of Idaho Falls, chose the elementary education for just that reason."

"People don't go into education for the money, they go into it because its fulfilling," she said.

Farnsworth has also applied for several positions.

"It's a difficult time with all of the cutbacks in education, but so far, my job hunting experience has been positive," she said. "I had an offer in Shelley, but because of my children's schedules I couldn't accept it."

Kase also said that Pocatello's unemployment rate, which is about 5.4 percent, is not terrible, but graduates will get better results by looking for work outside of the local area.

"Some graduates limit their job search to Pocatello, but we usually recommend that graduates venture to other areas, at least to gain some initial experience. Then, once they have the experience they can always return."