Its a common notion to be told that its never too early to start looking, and some companies recruit early some recruit late, but as a soon-to-be-graduate I obviously want to maximize my opportunities and to do that it would be helpful to get an idea of where the sweet spot is for December grad recruiting.
My general thought process is that if I start too early and accept an offer too early, I might worry about "leaving something on the table" as far as better offers from larger firms. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I don't want to be too late in the cycle and miss the prime window and not be able to find what I'm looking for, which could leave me scrambling for table scraps at the end of the day.
For reference, I've interned twice at a Fortune 50 CPG company and really like the big company atmosphere and that's the same sort of thing (but not this company) that I'd be looking for in a full time position.
Answers
always good to keep your resume current and go to any and every job opportunity you can -- you never know and if they want you -- they will accommodate
Chris,
Companies hire when they need employees. It does not matter the time of year. Yes, you see company representatives a job fairs just before graduation. That is because they need employees and can use entry level people. It saves them money. Conduct your job search as you would any search. Prepare a list of target companies based on who is hiring. Attend job fairs or look on the internet to find openings and be ready to interview as an entry level person. If you want pointers on how that is different let me know.
Jim Spencer jespencer1@gmail.com
S & P Consulting LLC
So far great answers. Here is a civilian built article with military application at the end for creating that LinkedIn profile. Remember is is used by 95%+ of recruiters now days. Thanks for your service and good luck.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-more-right-jerry-welsh
Hi Chris, the advice John gave is right on about timing and need . To that end, I suggest a few things:
1) Make sure your resume has the right content with education, accomplishments, skills etc. and that it aligns with the needs of the companies and positions that you are applying for at a particular time. ACP has many talented advisors that will be willing to review your resume.
2) You need a LinkedIn profile set up , with a picture, that aligns with your resume. You should include a unique LinkedIn address on your resume as there are quite a few people with your name. LinkedIn is a must for any job seeker.
3) Some opening are posted, others are not and sometimes an exceptional candidate creates so much interest that a position can be created. Identify organizations that you want to apply to and find a senior leader like the HR person or president and send a cover letter and your resume. The cover letter will say WHY you feel that you would be an excellent candidate for that organization. If a job is posted, zero in on the job specs and apply to the hiring manager posted.
4) Check " Articles" written by ACP advisors for cover letters, job boards, resumes etc. --much good info out there already.
Good Luck to you and thank you for your service. Best Regards, Mike
Hiring process for professionals is usually not seasonal. This means that you should negotiate the best deal you can without regard to early or late.
Businesses hire based on need. See the salary guides to determine what specialization will yield the most compensation in your field. There are seven guides, that cover most job categories.
https://www.roberthalf.com/workplace-research/salary-guides
You don't say what degree you will hold, so its difficult to provide specific advice.
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