Recent College Grad Gets Creative Searching for a Job
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: On the job front, stock market woes, recent corporate scandals and layoffs have many people concerned about their financial futures. Carolyn Mungo with CNN affiliate KHOU in Houston says it's forcing many to get quite creative.</s>CAROLYN MUNGO, KHOU CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Just when you thought you've encountered every possible panhandler working a street corner on a sunny afternoon...</s>TIFFANY FOX: Tiffany Fox. Nice to meet you.</s>MUNGO: Meet the one in hose and high heels.</s>FOX: I've been out since 10:00 a.m. this morning. And I was out yesterday for two hours down the road.</s>MUNGO: Tiffany Fox, a recent masters graduate who has spent three months trying to get a job, is now hitting the streets. Literally.</s>FOX: Thank you for stopping by. And I'll call you. And I have a full resume I can get to you, et cetera. If you'll call and leave me a number and a name, or even a fax number, I'll definitely get it to you. Thank you so much for stopping.</s>MUNGO: When they don't stop and talk, they are writing down her cell number.</s>FOX: People have been great, honestly. I get a lot of thumbs ups. I get waves. I get people stop buying to hand me business cards. I do have the occasional unprofessional phone call.</s>MUNGO: She graduated with a 3.9 grade point, but when times are tough, well, you know, the tough get going.</s>FOX: I need something with pay, because I have over $40,000 in school loans to pay back. I need benefits.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm proud of her. I don't know her, but it takes hutspa.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It shows a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of guts to stand out here, and shows she's willing to do whatever it takes.</s>FOX: It's important to look professional. So I'm doing my best.</s>MUNGO: Every car is a potential employer.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Give me a call. My wife and I will be in town all weekend.</s>MUNGO: She is getting noticed. With a sluggish economy, this may just be the sign of the times.