7 answers
Grace
Student
Madison, South Dakota
1
Question
Asked
1480 views
When should I start applying for jobs before I graduate?
#elementaryeducation #graduate2021 #southdakota
Login to comment
7 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1366
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Grace a major part of any job search is figuring out exactly what you're looking for. There's a lot that goes into narrowing down job prospects: industry, title, salary, commute, and work schedule.
FEBRUARY/MARCH
• CREATE YOUR RESUME & COVER LETTER – Now’s the time to craft the resume and cover letter that will get you hired by graduation. Do your research to make sure you’re following best practices, and definitely take advantage of everything your career center offers. Your schools career center will help you with resume templates and guidance, and then you should show it to a few trusted professionals to get their feedback.
• SET UP JOB ALERTS – Just because you’re not ready to apply to a job right this second, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be looking. Job alerts will deliver relevant jobs right to your email inbox so you won’t miss an opportunity. Then, when you are in “active hunt mode,” you can spend less time searching for jobs and more time actually applying to them, because you’ll have a pipeline of jobs in your email queue. Reading job ads for positions you’re interested in will show you the keywords that hiring managers are looking for on your resume. Take advantage of knowing what to look for and updating your resume for each job.
APRIL/MAY
• APPLY – Now that you’ve narrowed down your job title, honed in on some companies you’d like to work for and seen some jobs online, it’s time to apply! Most applications these days are online, so be sure that your resume is flawless and in a format that online screening software can read. It’s a numbers game, so don’t be shy. Apply to as many jobs as you can to increase the odds of getting a response—and an interview.
• BE READY – Practiced the most common interview questions, now make sure you have answers to all of the company-specific questions like “Why do you want to work here?” and “Do you have any questions?” Start following the companies you’ll be interviewing with on social media and with Google alerts so you’ll be up-to-date on company news prior to any job interviews.
Happy Job Hunting Grace
SPRUCE UP YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA – Just as there is a good chance someone will Google you before a date, there's a good chance that employers are going to check out your online profiles—both personal and professional. Assume that all of your social media profiles and every single post is fair game for future employers.
FEBRUARY/MARCH
• CREATE YOUR RESUME & COVER LETTER – Now’s the time to craft the resume and cover letter that will get you hired by graduation. Do your research to make sure you’re following best practices, and definitely take advantage of everything your career center offers. Your schools career center will help you with resume templates and guidance, and then you should show it to a few trusted professionals to get their feedback.
• SET UP JOB ALERTS – Just because you’re not ready to apply to a job right this second, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be looking. Job alerts will deliver relevant jobs right to your email inbox so you won’t miss an opportunity. Then, when you are in “active hunt mode,” you can spend less time searching for jobs and more time actually applying to them, because you’ll have a pipeline of jobs in your email queue. Reading job ads for positions you’re interested in will show you the keywords that hiring managers are looking for on your resume. Take advantage of knowing what to look for and updating your resume for each job.
APRIL/MAY
• APPLY – Now that you’ve narrowed down your job title, honed in on some companies you’d like to work for and seen some jobs online, it’s time to apply! Most applications these days are online, so be sure that your resume is flawless and in a format that online screening software can read. It’s a numbers game, so don’t be shy. Apply to as many jobs as you can to increase the odds of getting a response—and an interview.
• BE READY – Practiced the most common interview questions, now make sure you have answers to all of the company-specific questions like “Why do you want to work here?” and “Do you have any questions?” Start following the companies you’ll be interviewing with on social media and with Google alerts so you’ll be up-to-date on company news prior to any job interviews.
Happy Job Hunting Grace
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Mike. “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — William Shakespeare
Doc Frick
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
234
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Grace,
You should applying for jobs sooner than later. I'm not sure if you're in college or graduating high school, but I've had plenty of friends who all applied and secured jobs before they graduated school with a start date after graduation. Personally, I've never been lucky to secure a job before graduation, but it wasn't for a lack of trying.
I wish you the best Grace!
--
Dexter
You should applying for jobs sooner than later. I'm not sure if you're in college or graduating high school, but I've had plenty of friends who all applied and secured jobs before they graduated school with a start date after graduation. Personally, I've never been lucky to secure a job before graduation, but it wasn't for a lack of trying.
I wish you the best Grace!
--
Dexter
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1792
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
The answer "as soon as possible" is a good one, but I would also recommend getting an internship pre-graduation as soon as possible as well. Go to networking and recruitment events to meet people. Also, let your favorite professors in college know the kind of job openings you're looking for and they might be able to connect with an opportunity, either now or later.
Megan Dehm
Social Worker
6
Answers
Pleasant Hill, Missouri
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Before you do anything ensure you have completed any licensing exams or qualifications that need to be completed to ensure you receive your degree.
Step 1. Begin resume 60 days prior to graduating
Step 2. Begin applying for jobs 30 days prior to graduating.
Megan recommends the following next steps:
Thomas Sutherland
Associate Continuity and Recovery Specialist, CBCP
207
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
"How early in your senior year of college should you start applying for jobs for after graduation? Prospective graduates often wonder when they should begin applying for jobs since they won't be available to start work until after they have graduated.
Recruiting windows for college seniors will vary greatly by employment sector, so the answer is that it depends on the type of job you are applying for—and it's never too late, even if you didn't start your job search early.1
Some students will elect to wait until the spring of their senior year to get serious, while others will begin planning as early as sophomore year.
Companies Are Recruiting
During the coronavirus pandemic, 47% of companies surveyed by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. said that they were hiring right now and an additional 10% reported that they are hiring for critical positions. Only 10% said that they were revoking offers.2
"College grads with in-demand skills, particularly in biosciences, health care, and engineering backgrounds, will find job prospects more easily, especially as many companies in the U.S. work to provide medical equipment, testing, and treatment to COVID patients," said Andrew Challenger, SVP of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, in a statement.
Further, Challenger said, by waiting until the crisis passes, grads may find themselves competing with millions of other applicants.
Employers Are Still Hiring College Grads
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that most employers aren't revoking offers to full-time recruits or interns. In addition, recruiting isn't expected to slow down during the next academic year. Employers plan to recruit the Class of 2021 at the same levels as the Class of 2020, with more of a focus on virtual recruiting.3
Employers With Early Deadlines
Many organizations with competitive training programs will begin recruiting early in the fall and start making offers as early as late November.
Industries such as investment banking, consulting, and accounting are well known as early recruiters.1 Investment banks now recruit very heavily from their own summer internship programs, so juniors should start applying for these opportunities early in their junior year.
Hiring managers from these fields often begin recruiting early because there are multiple rounds of interviews and testing to complete.
Additionally, those typically interested in banking, consulting, and other business management roles are usually involved in a business track with internships or development programs, making it easy for companies to recruit already interested students.
Employers Recruiting Later in the Year
Seniors who start late shouldn't give up hope since there are still many opportunities available during the spring semester:
Smaller companies that don't have training programs tend to recruit later in the year.
Employers in fields such as broadcast communications, advertising, public relations, social media, the arts, and publishing often hire later in the year.
Some employers also prefer to wait until the spring to hire recent graduates, after promoting current employees internally and assessing the company's needs.
In addition, many graduates start out in support positions (as trading assistants, human resources assistants, editorial assistants, gallery assistants, or broker's assistants, for example)that are filled as vacancies occur throughout the year.
These support positions usually are not based around a fiscal year or busy season, so these vacancies are great starting points for students year-round.
Start as Early as Possible
Start your job search as soon as possible, and invest as much time and energy as you can if you are committed to finding a job by graduation. Since many graduates find employment outside of their college's formal recruiting program, which can take time, it makes sense to start as early as the summer before senior year.
If you start early, you will have plenty of time to review job descriptions, understand company missions, and get a better understanding of what you want for your first post-graduate role.
Companies today are working to make their entry-level roles seem enticing, and many will offer the chance for personal growth both vertically and laterally. However, you can still find a great opportunity late in the game, even if you have not quite decided what you want to do for the rest of your life.
Depending on your interests, for example, you may get hired by a company as a part-time executive assistant, but you could move to a full-time human resources specialist role after an initial probation period.
Applying for Unadvertised Jobs
When reaching out to employers that haven't yet advertised a job, you can send a resume and cover letter indicating your interest in an entry-level job. When you follow up, ask when they might be scheduling interviews for their entry-level jobs.
If the interviewing period is several months away, you can always send an updated communication at that point. It's always better to be early than to miss a deadline.
Introducing yourself early is a networking strategy that can demonstrate your interest, tenacity, and determination to be considered for potential new employment.
Build Your Experience
Not sure how best to use the time before graduation? In addition to applying for jobs, networking with potential contacts, and polishing your resume, you can also continue building your experience:
Volunteer with organizations that are meaningful to you. Challenger says that “volunteer work tells prospective employers a lot about your personality, character, work ethic, and commitment.” So don’t neglect to include your volunteer work on your resume, even if your efforts seem unrelated to your field.
Learn new skills and package the ones you have. While you’re in school, you’re constantly adding to your skill set. Take opportunities to add new job skills, and don’t forget to showcase them on your resume.
Freelance to build expertise and gain experience. Looking for ways to bridge the gap between graduation and landing your first full-time job? Investigate freelancing opportunities in your industry. You can get started freelancing in many fields with very little capital investment. You may even decide that you want to freelance full-time."
Source: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/when-to-start-looking-for-a-job-for-college-seniors-2059851
Recruiting windows for college seniors will vary greatly by employment sector, so the answer is that it depends on the type of job you are applying for—and it's never too late, even if you didn't start your job search early.1
Some students will elect to wait until the spring of their senior year to get serious, while others will begin planning as early as sophomore year.
Companies Are Recruiting
During the coronavirus pandemic, 47% of companies surveyed by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. said that they were hiring right now and an additional 10% reported that they are hiring for critical positions. Only 10% said that they were revoking offers.2
"College grads with in-demand skills, particularly in biosciences, health care, and engineering backgrounds, will find job prospects more easily, especially as many companies in the U.S. work to provide medical equipment, testing, and treatment to COVID patients," said Andrew Challenger, SVP of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, in a statement.
Further, Challenger said, by waiting until the crisis passes, grads may find themselves competing with millions of other applicants.
Employers Are Still Hiring College Grads
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that most employers aren't revoking offers to full-time recruits or interns. In addition, recruiting isn't expected to slow down during the next academic year. Employers plan to recruit the Class of 2021 at the same levels as the Class of 2020, with more of a focus on virtual recruiting.3
Employers With Early Deadlines
Many organizations with competitive training programs will begin recruiting early in the fall and start making offers as early as late November.
Industries such as investment banking, consulting, and accounting are well known as early recruiters.1 Investment banks now recruit very heavily from their own summer internship programs, so juniors should start applying for these opportunities early in their junior year.
Hiring managers from these fields often begin recruiting early because there are multiple rounds of interviews and testing to complete.
Additionally, those typically interested in banking, consulting, and other business management roles are usually involved in a business track with internships or development programs, making it easy for companies to recruit already interested students.
Employers Recruiting Later in the Year
Seniors who start late shouldn't give up hope since there are still many opportunities available during the spring semester:
Smaller companies that don't have training programs tend to recruit later in the year.
Employers in fields such as broadcast communications, advertising, public relations, social media, the arts, and publishing often hire later in the year.
Some employers also prefer to wait until the spring to hire recent graduates, after promoting current employees internally and assessing the company's needs.
In addition, many graduates start out in support positions (as trading assistants, human resources assistants, editorial assistants, gallery assistants, or broker's assistants, for example)that are filled as vacancies occur throughout the year.
These support positions usually are not based around a fiscal year or busy season, so these vacancies are great starting points for students year-round.
Start as Early as Possible
Start your job search as soon as possible, and invest as much time and energy as you can if you are committed to finding a job by graduation. Since many graduates find employment outside of their college's formal recruiting program, which can take time, it makes sense to start as early as the summer before senior year.
If you start early, you will have plenty of time to review job descriptions, understand company missions, and get a better understanding of what you want for your first post-graduate role.
Companies today are working to make their entry-level roles seem enticing, and many will offer the chance for personal growth both vertically and laterally. However, you can still find a great opportunity late in the game, even if you have not quite decided what you want to do for the rest of your life.
Depending on your interests, for example, you may get hired by a company as a part-time executive assistant, but you could move to a full-time human resources specialist role after an initial probation period.
Applying for Unadvertised Jobs
When reaching out to employers that haven't yet advertised a job, you can send a resume and cover letter indicating your interest in an entry-level job. When you follow up, ask when they might be scheduling interviews for their entry-level jobs.
If the interviewing period is several months away, you can always send an updated communication at that point. It's always better to be early than to miss a deadline.
Introducing yourself early is a networking strategy that can demonstrate your interest, tenacity, and determination to be considered for potential new employment.
Build Your Experience
Not sure how best to use the time before graduation? In addition to applying for jobs, networking with potential contacts, and polishing your resume, you can also continue building your experience:
Volunteer with organizations that are meaningful to you. Challenger says that “volunteer work tells prospective employers a lot about your personality, character, work ethic, and commitment.” So don’t neglect to include your volunteer work on your resume, even if your efforts seem unrelated to your field.
Learn new skills and package the ones you have. While you’re in school, you’re constantly adding to your skill set. Take opportunities to add new job skills, and don’t forget to showcase them on your resume.
Freelance to build expertise and gain experience. Looking for ways to bridge the gap between graduation and landing your first full-time job? Investigate freelancing opportunities in your industry. You can get started freelancing in many fields with very little capital investment. You may even decide that you want to freelance full-time."
Source: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/when-to-start-looking-for-a-job-for-college-seniors-2059851
Ma. Edgie C.
24
Answers
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Ma. Edgie’s Answer
Hi Grace!
I agree to John, Dexter and Gaurav's advices.
It is important that ready your resume, research and know your potential companies where you want to apply.
I think most of the people are already looking for jobs before graduation or before graduating. I also knew some people who wait aftee graduation or wait for atleast 1month to rest because it is like a little reward for them after a long years of studying. Wheteher you plan to apply for jobs before or after graduation you may look to company's website or thru other online websites for you to have an idea. Also, i think some company preffered or wanna make sure you already graduate so that it will not be a hassle on your schedule, or some company hired immediately and want to start you to work right a way.
I hope this helps, all the best and I know you're going to be amazing! :)
I agree to John, Dexter and Gaurav's advices.
It is important that ready your resume, research and know your potential companies where you want to apply.
I think most of the people are already looking for jobs before graduation or before graduating. I also knew some people who wait aftee graduation or wait for atleast 1month to rest because it is like a little reward for them after a long years of studying. Wheteher you plan to apply for jobs before or after graduation you may look to company's website or thru other online websites for you to have an idea. Also, i think some company preffered or wanna make sure you already graduate so that it will not be a hassle on your schedule, or some company hired immediately and want to start you to work right a way.
I hope this helps, all the best and I know you're going to be amazing! :)
Gaurav Rastogi
Cloud Solution Architect, DevOps Consultant
4
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Gaurav’s Answer
Start looking through now, figure out what they want, start building a plan on how you will start applying, research on such topics. There are always 1000s of blogs with advice on such topics, use the top or common ones to begin with.
John's answer is good direction towards that prep for a job hunt.
Good luck. There is nothing you can not accomplish.
John's answer is good direction towards that prep for a job hunt.
Good luck. There is nothing you can not accomplish.