I have been looking for a new job since July, and it is definitely tough out there.

Not to be a downer, but people who have gone straight through high school through grad school DO have a tougher time because they don't have as much direct experience. As a hiring manager myself I see people coming in, in my field, who want manager or high level positions who have no experience managing a team or raising the kind of gifts (I work in philanthropy) required for the position. So really pushing the point across of how your externship was REAL experience and that you do have a track record of working with clients, etc. is probably the most important thing you can do in an interview. In your cover letters, you should be playing up all the experience you gained at your externship and how that parallels the job description that you are applying for.

I agree with the other poster that you might have success looking for a trainee position. I will tell you that I came out of grad school at 25, same as you, no break in school, although I did work while I was in school, and I had to start at an entry level position. But the plus side is that I was able to move up quickly because I put the skills learned in grad school to use. I found that the grad degree didn't help me get my first job, but it did help me get a manager's position and director level positions later on in my career.

It's okay to take a break for a week or so from the job hunt... I know I've had to do that to stay fresh...but don't let it last too long and be intentional about it. You've been searching very hard for a job, take your break, then get back to it.

Are you contacting the interviewers afterwards to ask for feedback on why you weren't the final choice? That could help you figure out how to hone your interview skills so that in the next interview you can make sure you address those concerns.

Good luck!
Seesaw