It’s that time of year: This is the season of graduation, and a great time for anyone searching for a professional position in tech. Here at Market Street Talent, we know that the spring months heat up with an increase in job openings and a fresh field of qualified candidates, both new graduates and seasoned professionals searching for professional growth.
That’s why today, we wanted to share a list of tips to help job seekers look ahead and get ready for the future opportunities they’ve been preparing for. The following is a schedule of job search timing tips and what to expect this season, as well as in the coming months. You can use this list as a quick reference or bookmark it for a general guide to the year-in-hiring ahead, and share it with someone who might need the info.
1) Starting today: Speed up your job hunt by polishing your resume and social media sites. It’s standby wisdom that rings true: Words will hurt you, if they’re typos that send the wrong (unprofessional, sloppy) impression to potential employers. Be sure your social media sites are professional and polished.
2) This month: If you’re heading toward college graduation, don’t put off your job search until after you’ve received your diploma. After you walk, don’t take a break if you want to earn a competitive edge. For tech professionals, It’s true what they say about getting out there early. Also, consider that while spring is a great time for job seekers, the market sometimes slows over the summer months.
3) Over the coming weeks / months: Working tech professionals should keep in mind that any slow periods – on the job, or in your personal life – are the best time to update your job skills. Volunteer for a new project, or use your downtime to start a side project. You might also enroll in a class, or join a professional organization. Be on the lookout to get involved in any activity that will keep your skills sharp and up to date.
4) Hiring timelines:
- As a general rule, most employers are seeking to fill posted positions within 30 to 90 days. A longer timeline will usually only occur if some kind of hiccup happens during the initial process.
- The interview process can last anywhere from two to three weeks, or as many as six to eight weeks, depending on the size of the organization and the position available.
- Candidates are generally invited to interview anywhere from one to three weeks after the initial job posting.
5) The year ahead: Experts say the two best seasons to search for a job are spring and fall. In the spring, employers are searching for candidates to take them through a strong second half of the year. During the fall, end-of-year budgets fuel new hiring. Keep this timeframe in mind when planning your search to maximize opportunities.
6) A good idea any time: Networking is a perennial activity for savvy professionals. It’s always the right time for all candidates to be networking, regardless of whether or not you’re actively seeking a job. Your professional connections are the best capital you have – period. (Graduates should be searching for mentors, joining professional alumni organizations, and seeking out connections through social media.)
A bonus tip to add to your schedule — It’s always the right time to check out job listings page and share your resume with us! Market Street Talent works with our partners to find the best talent for their organizations. We invite you to get in touch with us today!