Ms Tabor (26), who recently graduated from the University of Otago with a double degree in commerce and physical education, has a full-time job in a Dunedin cafe but wants to begin a career.
"I would really like to do something in sports event co-ordination. But I'm prepared to do anything."
She was one of thousands of students who checked out potential careers and employers at the university's annual careers fair yesterday.
While she left with plenty of information, she said she was not sure the fair had uncovered any career possibilities for her.
"A lot of the jobs were in quite specialist fields like science, or for summer jobs overseas. After six years of study I'm looking for . . . a full-time career which pays."
Ms Tabor said she "was jealous" of friends with vocational degrees. "My flatmates have been teachers and doctors. They definitely find it easier to find work."
She said she planned to seek work in New Zealand or Australia. Job prospects seemed to be worse in the northern hemisphere, according to her parents, who lived in the United Kingdom, and friends living in the United States.
"I think I've got better chances here."
Careers fair convener Robyn Bridges, from the university career development centre, said there was no doubt the job market was tighter for students and graduates this year.
That was reflected in the number of employers attending the fair - 31 this year, down from 43 last year.
Companies such as Frucor, Contact Energy, ASB Band and Silver Ferns Farms, which had been coming for years, had pulled out this year because they were not hiring new staff or did not want to buy stand space.
Many government departments were also missing, she said.
Foreign Affairs and Trade had a stand, but representative Martin Wakaira, of Wellington, said his department was not hiring staff this year and would not be hiring again until at least next year.
However, he said the department believed it was worthwhile to be at the fair to raise its profile and to talk to students about job opportunities.
Career development centre manager Mark Cumisky offered students some advice for securing a job in a recession - radiate enthusiasm and passion, approach employers with a professional attitude, never make out you know more than you do and, if you get a job, always turn up for work on time.
"It is very old-fashioned advice, but it will take you a long way."
Employers echoed that advice, saying they were looking for people who really wanted a job and had people and communication skills as well as academic qualifications.
Emillie McKenna, of Wellington, people and performance manager for IT company Intergen, said her company hired 11 graduates this year and would hire more next year, although the final number had not been decided.
"I'm looking for really passionate computer geeky people . . . people with a sparkle in their eye."
