I’m afraid that some of the people who’ve found their way to this blog did so because they are out of work and need to learn how to live more on less. I know that getting a job in the current economy is probably one of the most challenging tasks a professional person has to deal with, and I can only imagine the obstacles college seniors are going to face.

That’s why I’ve dedicated today’s Suddenly Frugal blog posting to job interviewing and networking tips. While these were designed for graduating college seniors, courtesy of Stevenson University in Maryland, they really are applicable to anyone who is looking for a job. That said, here are those 5 tips:

1. Ditch Facebook, get LinkedIn. Develop a network of contacts that can open doors for you. As a graduate (or soon to be one), think professional networking — not just social. Sign up for LinkedIn, a business-oriented social networking site. Most of the out-of-work people I know have been securing job interviews through LinkedIn. It really does work.
2. Make finding a job a daily routine. When you don’t have a job, guess what your full-time job is? Finding a job. Remember: opportunity no longer comes knocking on your door (or dorm wall). You have to go out and seek it. Develop and execute a regular, organized routine of job searching, sending resumes, and follow-up communications with potential employers.
3. Talk to people you know to start networking. When made aware of your career goals, talents, and job search, they can network for you within their own professional circles. Heck, I found myself networking inside a dugout this weekend during a softball scrimmage (parents versus kids–I hit a home run, by the way), when I discovered one of the dad’s of my daughter’s teammate hires writers from time to time.
4. Practice interviewing. Like, have you heard yourself talk, dude? First impressions count. Your ability to articulate your experience and professional goals intelligently counts even more. Always make your first impression a positive one. Practice answering commonly asked interview questions. Role-play with family, friends, or a career counselor to get into the habit of interviewing.
5. Highlight beyond-the-classroom experiences that prepare you for work. Today’s recruiters look for the collegiate experiences that have shaped you as a new, emerging professional. Internships, study abroad, service learning, and student leadership roles provide an experiential education and preparation for the world of work. Be prepared to articulate the value of your outside-the-classroom learning. This advice applies to stay-at-home moms who are returning to the workforce, too. For example, if you’re a parent who is seeking a corporate job, you should highlight on your resume or in any interviews how volunteering helped you to develop skills you could use in the corporate world.

I hope this advice helps you to avoid subsisting on ramen noodles, and rice and beans forever.