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Q: I just received my master's in human resources. I've applied
for 40 jobs or more, but every employer is looking for someone
with three to five years of experience. What frustrates me most
is that the last company where I interned hired a guy, whose
background was similar to mine, because he knew an employee
there. I'm stumped—what can I do to gain experience if no one
will give me a chance?  A: I have no doubt that someone with
connections might have an upper hand in landing an interview,
but no business that wants to stay in business will hire someone
simply because of who they know. So I have to ask: Might it be
that the person who was hired was actually more qualified?
Worrying about a position you didn't get wastes energy you can't
spare in this economy. With one in six Americans currently
unemployed or underemployed, the competition for work is fierce.
So focus on what is in your control—selling yourself and your
skills.  Consider these