A Job-Search Timeline

Throughout the past couple months, I have been wondering whether or not I was on schedule with the job search process and if I was sending out resumes and cover letters to hopeful employers at the right time. This past Friday I had a phone interview with University of Dreams for a spot on their summer staff in Manhattan for the summer. After reading an article that was posted on FastWeb, I realized that I am on track for landing a job by the time summer approaches. At least that's the plan. Here is the timeline by Peter Vogt that was posted, to help with certain deadlines and to help keep you focused. Within each list of criteria, there are links with further advice from Peter's post.

February and March

In these two months, you should be determining which type of summer job you would like. You should list certain criteria to help with your search:

Where you want or need to get a job.
How much money you'd like to make.
Key skills to build.
Areas of interest and/or organizations to explore.
Assess your current skill set, either by yourself or with a counselor at your school's career center, to determine which key skills an employer might need this summer.
With guidance from a campus career counselor, develop a basic resume and cover letter to apply for summer positions.
Begin looking for specific job opportunities using:
Online resources like MonsterTRAK and Monster.
Friends, family members, relatives, professors and others who can direct you toward job possibilities.
City-specific resources.

April

Continue looking for job opportunities.
Start applying for jobs, being sure to follow the employer's directions. Some companies require a resume and cover letter. Others want you to fill out a company application.
Ask professors, previous coworkers and supervisors, and others who know you professionally if they'll serve as references. If possible, have each person write you a one-page letter of recommendation to give prospective employers.
Follow up with companies you've applied to. Make sure your materials have been received and that each company has everything it needs to consider you.
If possible, schedule interviews with companies of interest.
Start researching housing options for summer if applicable.

May

Practice answering summer job interview questions, either with a friend or a career center counselor at your school. Research companies and jobs before the interview.
Finalize summer living arrangements.
Schedule job interviews.
Go on job interviews, and follow up with thank-you notes.
If the right job is offered, accept it.
If you don't have a solid line on a job, get some help from your school's career center -- preferably before spring semester ends if your summer plans will take you away from campus. You can also step up your networking efforts. Ask your parents, friends, professors and others if they know of available summer jobs.

June

Show up for your first day on time and prepared.
Talk to your new supervisor about the skills you'd like to further develop.
Go beyond the minimum to make a good, lasting impression on your supervisor and coworkers.

And lastly, if you are looking for another place to send out a resume, here's a video that gives an inside look into Google, in which Fortune Magazine describes as the best company to work for in America. Talk about a fun work day!