If you ask any recent college graduate how they feel about the job market or how the job hunt is going you may get a dismal reply. With more college graduates being unemployed now than ever their dismay should come as no surprise. Moving back home with parents and taking jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree can be disheartening to some. Not to mention the cost of graduate school, which has become a resort for those who are unable to find jobs.

But according to The Philadelphia Inquirer the job market is beginning to turn around for new graduates. Two polls conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers has projected that hiring for the class of 2011 is going to be up about 13 percent from last year. Many employers, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car and TD Bank, have announced that they would be hiring numerous entry-level candidates this year.

I know this has been stressed before in this blog, but one of the most beneficial things you can do in a job search is to network. While your education and experience may make you qualified for a position there is a chance that there are dozens of other applicants who are equally as qualified. Networking will keep you a step ahead of the competition when searching for a job. If you know someone who works for your dream company don’t hesitate to ask them to pass on your resume if possible.

With a wealth of jobs opening up this year compared to previous years there is a good chance that the job market will be more competitive than ever. Not only will the class of 2011 be applying for jobs, but also the classes of 2010, 2009 and 2008 who may have a bit more experience than recent graduates. Unfortunately a lot of jobs today, even those that claim to be entry-level, require a year or two of experience. This often means taking internships or fellowships, so do not exclude these types of positions in your search.

Because of this competition it is important to stand out in your interview and to get noticed in a positive way. Interviewers often see dozens, if not more, applicants for one position so it is important to differentiate yourself from the pack. Even though you may not earn the position you will stick in the mind of the interviewer, possibly leading to more networking possibilities.