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Kate Hi! I am currently a college senior who is looking for a full-time job. I understand that most recruiting occur in the fall semester; however, I missed the fall career fair due to an internship, and now the spring career fair has much less opportunities. What can I do to increase my chances of landing an offer with my companies of interest?
Answered by Mike, Hiring Expert at Avery Dennison Corporation, on Sunday, January 20, 2019
Hi!
Thanks for the questions. Spring is definitely a lighter time for recruitment, but there are still plenty of opportunities, so I wouldn't get discouraged. Some companies often times don't get their hiring/budget approvals until after the new year, so it could be a really good time to search depending on the companies.
With any job search, the more you invest into it, the more likely you will get a better outcome. That means, I would recommend taking several approaches toward networking and getting your name in front of companies that you are interested in as much as possible. Some suggestions include:
Hi!
Thanks for the questions. Spring is definitely a lighter time for recruitment, but there are still plenty of opportunities, so I wouldn't get discouraged. Some companies often times don't get their hiring/budget approvals until after the new year, so it could be a really good time to search depending on the companies.
With any job search, the more you invest into it, the more likely you will get a better outcome. That means, I would recommend taking several approaches toward networking and getting your name in front of companies that you are interested in as much as possible. Some suggestions include:
- Connect with alumni or other individuals currently working at your target companies indicating your interest in joining their team.
- Talk with professors or your career center to see if they have any contacts at those companies they could put you in touch with.
- Attend other on-campus events that might be hosted by the companies you are interested in (student chapter meetings, speakers, etc.).
- Be clear with companies why you waited this long to attack your job hunt. You might want to add a comment or opening on your cover letter and/or resume that explains your reasoning.
Lastly, I would also recommend you take the time to research other companies that will be on your campus in the spring. You never know if you might find something else you would really be interested in joining.
Thanks and good luck with your search!
Thanks and good luck with your search!
Answered by Stephanie, Hiring Expert at AT&T Inc., on Monday, January 28, 2019
Congrats on wrapping up your last year of school! Now is the time to get your self out there and let people know what you're looking for! Information interview, talk to family and friends, talk to professors and peers. You aren't limited to one spring career fair. There are likely events happening in professional organizations, with employers, with philanthropic organizations etc.
You will increase your chances by getting more exposure. Another option is to check out groups on LinkedIn and to try and make direct contact with recruiters who are working on openings in your companies of interest.
Best of luck!
Answered by Ashley, Hiring Expert at Cardinal Health, on Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Spring recruiting is certainly lighter but don't be discouraged. Several companies are still actively recruiting and still have great job opportunities. You may benefit from attending your school's spring career fair because jobs are likely less competitive than the fall. However, I wouldn't rely solely on the career fair to secure a job. A career fair is a great starting point to see what is available, but likely doesn't include all current job openings. You should also proactively seek out opportunities through your school job board, career center, connections through student organizations, and other job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.). If there are any companies that interest you, seek our opportunities directly on their website or try connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn.
Good luck with your job search!
Spring recruiting is certainly lighter but don't be discouraged. Several companies are still actively recruiting and still have great job opportunities. You may benefit from attending your school's spring career fair because jobs are likely less competitive than the fall. However, I wouldn't rely solely on the career fair to secure a job. A career fair is a great starting point to see what is available, but likely doesn't include all current job openings. You should also proactively seek out opportunities through your school job board, career center, connections through student organizations, and other job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.). If there are any companies that interest you, seek our opportunities directly on their website or try connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn.
Good luck with your job search!
Answered by Jenna, Hiring Expert at Emerson, on Thursday, February 14, 2019
While there may be "fewer opportunities" don't be discouraged! Many of those same businesses will still be in attendance, and even if there isn't a current opening, there could be one that comes available in the next few months prior to graduation. Go to the career fairs and get face-time with those representatives! Be sure to talk to them about your interest and have a meaningful conversation - what they like, where they see the business going, why they chose the organization, etc. Recruiters like getting to know candidates, so make sure you know the organization well enough to spend more time talking about yourself, the business, or the representative, rather than taking that time to learn "what the organization does."
While there may be "fewer opportunities" don't be discouraged! Many of those same businesses will still be in attendance, and even if there isn't a current opening, there could be one that comes available in the next few months prior to graduation. Go to the career fairs and get face-time with those representatives! Be sure to talk to them about your interest and have a meaningful conversation - what they like, where they see the business going, why they chose the organization, etc. Recruiters like getting to know candidates, so make sure you know the organization well enough to spend more time talking about yourself, the business, or the representative, rather than taking that time to learn "what the organization does."
