I just graduated from college and I’m having a hard time finding a permanent job. What do you think about going to a temp agency? Will that look bad to a prospective employer?

You graduated, like, two minutes ago, and you consider that having a hard time finding a job? Cut yourself some slack. Even though unemployment is at record lows, those numbers don’t mean anything to any specific individual. What matters is the kind of job you are looking for, and whether you can find that right job, which can take some time. Just because you’ve graduated from college doesn’t mean you know what you want to do, so working for a temp agency, where you’re assigned to different jobs in different companies in different industries, is a great way to get started. In fact, it may help you land a permanent job, not hurt you. Just don’t fall into the trap that some temp workers do by treating the job with less professionalism than you would if it’s your career. Conversely, treat it as an audition.

I was laid off last December and have been applying to jobs online ever since. I’ve had a few inquiries from recruiters, but no interviews. How do I go about this at age 58? I wouldn’t even mind a supermarket job, but if I apply, who will look at me with a corporate resume? Do you have any insight? I feel I still have a lot left in the tank.

Of course you have a lot left in the tank, my friend — 58 is still prime time, baby! It’s about how you feel and what you project to others. That’s what employers react to — not the year you were born but whether or not you are current, vibrant, energetic and can be productive, add value and solve their problems. You need to use some of that fuel in the tank for a job search that is more proactive than just applying online. That is passive and the least productive search strategy. Contact friends, family and your professional network and make looking for employment a full-time job. If you really do want to work in a supermarket, then walk into every store in your neighborhood and tell your story to the manager. I have no doubt you’ll be advising on the ripest fruit in no time.

Gregory Giangrande is a chief human resources and communications officer in the media industry. E-mail your career questions to gotogreg@nypost.com. Follow Greg on Twitter: @greggiangrande. His Go to Greg podcast series is available on iTunes.