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I Graduate in May- When Should I Start Job Applications?

Arkansas Hiring and Employment trends in 2021

Your post-graduation job search should start much sooner than you think.

Congratulations on entering the last year of your degree! The classes are harder, but more applicable. You may have even started managing your online presence in preparation for the job application and interview process. You have also probably been repeatedly asked the question, “What are you going to do after graduation?”

It is okay if you do not have a good answer yet but you may be surprised to find out that you do not have as long as you think to begin applying for jobs.

The Typical Hiring Process Timeline

With the exception of the banking industry and accounting firms who typically begin recruiting up to a year before graduation, most businesses do not begin gathering a pool of new graduate applicants until they can project their hiring needs for the fiscal year. Government agencies and contractors typically begin their fiscal year in October, and retailers begin theirs in February after the holiday rush has subsided. Once their hiring needs have been determined and budgeted for, many large organizations will begin recruiting a pool of potential hires. At this point, they will begin attending job fairs on campuses, usually held during winter semester. After candidates have been identified, interviews can begin and offers can be extended pending graduation.

Patience Pays

Even as the typical hiring process has more than doubled in the last decade, it is important to remember that applying and interviewing for a job is far more comprehensive than it was in just 2010. Rather than sitting back and waiting for the offers to come rolling in, use an employment agency in Little Rock to keep your application pipeline full and possibly snag a competitive offer. Not only will this ensure that you have several prospects by graduation, you will be able to catch a glimpse of what is available in today’s job market.

What if I Do Not Know What I Want to Do?

If you do not have a clear picture of “what you want to be when you grow up”, do not fear. This is one of the main reasons why you should use a staffing agency to find your first job out of college. These agencies are in the business of helping you identify your skills and abilities and matching you with available positions. Even if you do not land in your dream job on the first try, the experience you gain there can help propel you to your next job that will suit your more clearly defined ideal.

If you’re looking for a new job, check out our Job Openings page + to see what’s available. Apex Staffing specializes in connecting talented job seekers with high-quality, local employers. Our service is completely free for job seekers and we are always accepting applications.