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Modern Yuppie: Finding a job sooner rather than later

Amber Yake - News Editor

I know what you’re thinking; it’s only January, why on earth should I be looking for a job for the spring now? I have plenty of time.

But in actuality, you don’t. Time is running out quickly. Here are three reasons that you should start your job search sooner rather then later:

1. You’ve got to do the research. The perfect job isn’t going to fall into your lap. When you’re pressed for time with only a few weeks until graduation and a few months before loan payments are due, finding the perfect job might go on the backburner in comparison to finding a job; any job at all. That’s why you should start researching potential companies now.

Do some research to narrow your search down to three to five companies that you think would be a good fit for you, and start investing your time into getting a job at one of those companies. Set up informational interviews with employees there, research them so you know what kind of employees they are looking for and then fine-tune your resumé to show that you are the kind of employee they are looking for.

2. Networking takes time. Networking with people at a company could make or break your chance to get a job there, and as I’m sure you realize, forming relationships takes time. If you wait until a month, or a couple of weeks before you need the job you might not have the time needed, and the student who did start networking three months prior will likely beat you out for the job. Starting this week do your research, narrow down the companies you’re interested in and then start making contacts.

Most employees at a company are probably more than happy to meet with you for an informational interview about their job, and if you have a connection within the company you are one step closer to landing a job there.

Also, find out what kind of conferences and trade shows the company participates in, and then go to them. Bring your business card and a few copies of your resumé and meet people, show them what you’re all about. When you apply for a job opening at that same company a few months later they will be less likely to pass you up since they can put a face to a name.

3. Perfect your resumé. If you’ve got your heart set on a company that is passionate about doing volunteer work or sustainability, then it’s a good idea to have something on your resumé that reflects those same values. You can’t get volunteer hours on your resumé with only a week before the application deadline, so the sooner you know what that company is looking for, the sooner you can make sure your resumé reflects that. When you set up your informational interview with an employee of the company make sure you ask what things the company values.

It may seem too early to job search, but by starting things early you are only setting yourself up for success. Companies can see the difference between an applicant who spent time researching them and putting that effort into fine-tuning their resume, and applicants who threw together an application the night before the deadline. Don’t be the latter.