I’ll be finishing my master’s degree in May. For the federal jobs I’ll be applying for, I know that I have to meet the hiring criteria by the announcement closing date. I already meet the criteria for some of the jobs I’ll apply for, so I plan on applying for jobs with closing dates in mid-April and later.
However, my question more regarding private employers I’ll be applying for jobs with. If I’m applying as a junior consultant or analyst, it seems reasonable to send my resume and cover letter a bit in advance of graduating. I’d just like some recommendations on how much lead time to give. Input from employers would be greatly appreciated.
If you have any hints for first-time “real job” seekers, that’s welcome, too. I’m kind of nervous about the whole process, though I’ve had several part-time and temporary jobs, some related to my profession, some not. I’m in natural resource management, if it makes any difference.
You sound like you’re in exactly the same situation as me, with finishing a master’s in the spring. FWIW, I was told by the consultancy firms I’ve been looking at (Mercer, BCG, McKinsey, etc.) that they wanted all my stuff by mid-November, for jobs to start at the end of summer 2003. So I would think if you get it in before December, you should be in okay shape; but it would be worth contacting a recruiter from the firms to which you’re applying to make sure.
Guess I’ll be seein’ ya when you join me in the deep end of the applicant pool:)
Federal hiring is notoriously slow. Expect at least six months from the closing date until hearing from them. This also includes hard to fill positions as well.
Given a choice between sending a resume or an OF612 to a federal job, choose the OF612.
A big plus is calling the name(s) listed in the federal announcement notice and ask questions! Express your enthusiasm, and on occasion, not even knowing the specific details of the job. Chances are, you’ll receive quite a bit of info which helps with your federal application.
Natural resource management, eh? Grit your teeth and stick it out. Bush is cutting land management agency budgets right and left. The jobs are there and the Feds are looking for quality, despite Bush and the OMB.
peepthis, wow, that far in advance? I guess I’ll get on the ball and contact them soon.
Duckster, thanks, I’ll be sure to make the calls.
Anyone else? I just wanted to bump this up though I know no one would be here posting during work hours!
Not sure I can answer that, in general. Usually, when a private firm has a position open, it’s posted somewhere like the local classifieds. Most of the time a deadline date is published. In general… I toss resumes that say, “I’m graduating in six months…” because I need to hire NOW, not in six months. This is a private firm dealing with employee benefits (that’s what we sell). YMMV.
I’m in a similar situation. I’m looking for a job starting September 2003. All my classmates already have jobs lined up, but I’m taking a different career path. There are some fellowships that have deadlines around this time, but I’m wondering about the timing for regular jobs. I assume that if an organization posts a position, it’s because they’re looking to fill it now. One career counselor told me to apply for every job I was interested in, even if I had essentially no chance of getting it because of the timing. You never know when the situation is going to change and they’ll remember your resume. Personally, I bet they’re throwing it in the trash, but if you’re desperate you better take advantage of any chance no matter how small.
As one of the non-official retired dopers here at the SDMB I have several tid-bits for you that may be of interest.
First off let me start by saying Duckster hit a nail on the head with:
I spent most of my career - 27 years - in the marketing/public relations field. Starting off in 1974 right out of a brief seven year stint in the navy, I started working here in Hartford for a small at the time, conglomerate of a now very large pharmaceutical
company. The hiring bell curve has changed drastically over the last 15-20 years. Gone are the days when a firm handshake and a sincere glare got you results. Now the market has switched to who you know, and how well you know what you say you know…
I have had to dismiss some very intelligent people in my tenure, not because they did not know how to do what they were hired to do, but because they did not fit as succinctly as they should in the position they applied for.
Ergo, Duckster had some great advice. Call on the phone - a real person - and ask about the jobs they have available in the near to distant future. If you do not get the answers you wish, call again and find the right person to talk to. You are seeking a federal job. Unfortunately I have little experience in the federal realm, but I do know about hiring in the private sector. And if you apply for a job that you are not 100% sure you can do, and do well, someone in management will know it, and either help you or hinder you.
As for hints for ‘first time real job seekers’ remember there are many other people out there in the same boat as you. My eldest daughter waited tables with a masters degree before being picked up…
Separate yourself from the pack, call future bosses, and know that nothing comes as quick as you want it…be patient and results will follow.
Tid-bit - My successor badgered his boss for 6 months before getting the job he wanted…but in the end the main thing that got him the job was his knowledge and perseverance.
