What are the major hiring trends on campus this year? What are the best strategies for finding an entry-level job? What are the biggest mistakes students make in the job search process? To answer these questions and more, I’ll be speaking with Trudy Steinfeld, Executive Director of the Wasserman Center for Career Development at New York University, and Manny Contomanolis, Associate Vice President and Director of Co-op and Career Services at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear top tips from two of the best career services professionals in the country!

BOTH: I will ask you each to introduce yourselves briefly.

BOTH: By all accounts the job market in the US is still terrible. How bad is it for students right now? Are you feeling optimistic about the Class of 2010?

BOTH: Both of you run top-tier career centers and I know that these offices today are busier than ever. What is your advice to students on how best to interact with their career centers to get the most out of this resource on their campuses?

TRUDY: Something you and I have talked about is the way students spend lots of time clicking through job sites and emailing their resumes “to whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.” Can you talk a bit about why this is not a good strategy and what you recommend instead (networking)?

MANNY: Beyond networking, what are some other smart strategies for students looking to land internships or jobs? Maybe you can share some unique strategies or a story about a student who tried something different and had great results.

TRUDY: A question I’m hearing from students a lot lately is, “Should I settle for any job I can get because the economy is bad?” How would you answer that question?

MANNY: What about American students who want to work overseas? How is the international outlook? We hear so much about India and China — should students consider looking for jobs in those growing economies?

TRUDY: We often have parents listen in to this show. What is your advice for moms and dads who are worried about their kids finding jobs? Can parents do anything to help?

BOTH: Any final thoughts/words of wisdom?