How early is too early to apply for jobs?

Mike Danger

As stated in the title. I'll be graduating with my bachelor's in Computer Science in May -- looking to get into system administration-type work (with the understanding that I'll probably have to start out in a help desk type role). I know some people who didn't start until 2 weeks before graduation, and I know some people who were doing interviews in January.

Deebaser

create your resume and start as soon as possible. Even if may is a dealbreaker, this economy is fucking rough and there's no harm in getting fitted for your interview suit and sitting down and practicing.

rocketshipready

I got my first job offer in November of my senior year, and it was a definite relief when all my friends were scrambling in the spring semester. A lot of companies will probably dictate when is "too early", though, just by not posting college grad positions until a certain point (which should still be in September or something anyway).

L Ron Howard

I don't think there is such a thing as too early. I know that there are job fairs in September in October - just as school has barely started. Large corporations start looking at people early in the school year, and then take the rest of the year sorting and interviewing people.
That's for large corporations that attend job fairs and the like.
As for others, start looking in January at the latest. What I mean is, start hitting up the papers and job websites and the like then. And don't forget your school should have some sort of employment assistance program, or whatever you want to call it. Use that too.

Enc

I can't imagine there would be any reason not to apply for jobs should you need one, though for a professional job you might want to consider the times you would be in class in relation to when you would be able to work.

Pariel

I'm in the same boat, and I'm going to be applying for jobs starting September 5th (ie: when I get back to school). Start early, it can't hurt your chances.

Tox

It's never too early to start trying. As others have said, if you've never really done a professional interview before, getting those first few under your belt, even if (and possibly especially if) you're unlikely to get considered for a specific reason, can be a huge help down the line. The more interviews you have, the more confident you tend to become when being interviewed. You learn the types of things you probably shouldn't say, and the types of things you definitely should.

Knowing you're an unlikely hire because of when you'll be available to start should help alleviate some of the pressure of going on your first few interviews, so you'll be even more confident, relaxed, and prepared when you're actually something they're interested in.

Not to mention, companies may not need somebody today, but if you can stay in touch, and maybe even interview for a couple of positions with the same company, down the line when HR needs a quick replacement, and sees you've been proactively seeking their company for a job, they may look into you.

Also, as L Ron said, while large corporations may start interviewing now for a position that will open later, smaller companies won't even start interviewing until early next year. Take this opportunity to "practice" with the larger firms, and when you get that interview with a smaller place, down the line, you'll already have plenty of experience, and they won't be quite as imposing as what you're used to, so you may impress them even more.

And if they offer you a position before you're ready to start, take it anyway. They may want to hire you now, let you get your feet wet, and then jump in when you're done with school stuff. Or they may "hire" you now for a position that won't be available until later. At that point, keep interviewing, because you'll have even less to worry about, and your confidence should be even higher at that point.

MrMonroe

"Never"

EggyToast

You're in CS, so you're fine applying early. You'll go into "the pile" for many companies, who will contact you for contracting work. For companies that are interested in fresh CS talent, they'll contact you closer to graduation. If you get interviews next week yet can't take them until May, so what? Interviewing skills are important and as someone who was recently on the job market, I have one company that has continued to contact me repeatedly despite me turning them down.

Pariel

That sounds like a wonderful ego boost, Eggy.

If you haven't at least gone into your school's career development office, do so. Some schools don't do so well, others are great, but at least use all the resources available. Going to job fairs can be pretty hit or miss, depending on who's there, time of year, or the number of students that show up.

MichaelLC

Another "Now." Yeah, talk to the career office, talk to professors or chairs in your department to see what contacts they have.

When doing your resume, just be sure to put something close to, "CS; expected graduation 05/2012."

grungebox

I agree with everyone, apply now. Interview skills are critical. Also, turning down a job because you have a better job offer is an awesome feeling, and that can't happen unless you interview.

Good luck!

Deebaser

Oh god yes, definitely put "expected graduation dt" on your resume. You do not want to get the "thanks for wasting my time, dickhead" vibe in an interview. It's uncomfortable.