If you (or your children or grandchildren) are just graduating and looking for your first job, your timing is actually quite good. It may not appear this way because of recent jobless numbers, but looking ahead, the future is bright! In the next seven years, it is estimated that 70 million boomers will retire with only 50 million workers coming in to fill those slots.

The situation is even more dramatic with the Federal Government, so you may want to consider working for Uncle Sam. According to the Office of Personnel Management, about one-third of full-time employees will retire in the next five years, and the turnover could be even higher in the ranks of federal executives and supervisors.

Here's more good news: MonsterTrak.com reports that roughly one-third of employers with hiring plans have said they will increase their starting salaries. The anticipated average salary for grads this year will be $39,500, up a sizable $3,500 from last year's average of $36,000.

Alright!

Chances are there's a good job out there for you or a recent grad that you know. But no matter how bright the job market may be, great jobs don't come looking for you. You need to go find them.

You know us. We tell it to you straight, so prepare yourself now. This will be work, but it will be worth it. Starting your career with the right job lays a foundation that will reap benefits for you the rest of your life.

Dolan Straight Talk Tip: The average first job search lasts four months, which clearly has financial implications. So right now, as you're just graduating, think about how you can earn money while you're looking for your career job. You need to pay your expenses if you live away from home, or contribute if you live at home.

Yes, we're talking about waiting tables, slinging burgers, waxing floors, working in a call center…whatever you need to do. We all did it at one time or another! If you're like most graduates, you already have student loans to pay off, and you don't want the time you're looking for your first "real" job to drive you even deeper into debt.

Now let's get to five smart moves you can make right away to get you the job you want:

Smart Job Move #1: Network. Network. Network. (Oh, and did we mention "network?") Yes, you knew this anyway, but too many people overlook the obvious. Start with your own college's career counseling center. Even if you've graduated, you can still go back for help as an alum. Get in touch with college friends in your major who graduated before you to see if they know of employment opportunities in their companies or elsewhere.

Other good ways to network…joining a trade organization in your chosen field or subscribing to a trade magazine. And don't overlook family and friends!

Smart Job Move #2: Bring on the paycheck! We know it's tempting to focus on how much money you're going to make. After all, you've put in your time, and now you want to start making the dough. 'Fess up. You've had your eye on a nice new car for a few years now, haven't you?

It can be a serious mistake to make salary the main consideration in your first job. Keep your longer-term goals in mind and ask yourself if this is the best first step for you. Is the job in the field you want a career in? How valuable will your experience in landing you future jobs? How much potential is there for advancement? Is the company located where you want to live? All of these questions should be carefully considered.

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