The spring is a great time to be job searching. Most of the graduate programs are closed, making it time to focus on what is called “ad-hoc recruitment”.
Ad-hoc recruitment is just what structured recruitment is not, i.e. it is the opposite of graduate schemes and the like. Needs that arise organically fall into the category. They may come about because the position is newly created, or indeed have any other potential cause.
The reason they happen in abundance in the spring is that companies have their budgets approved by then, and they are more or less aware of their needs regarding headcounts for full-time positions.
If you are graduating from your master’s program this autumn, applying now gives recruiters the perfect timing to consider you for a role starting in the fall.
Here is some advice for applying for such an opening.
Make A Record Of It All
Keeping a record of the companies you’re interested in, the people you’re going to approach, whether you have contacted them and when, what the current situation with them is, and what the next steps are is key.
Make a format that works for you, whatever that may be – a spreadsheet, a notebook, or audio clips. It will keep you motivated and it is also necessary as this is, after all, an ad-hoc search…
Network Actively
Networking is closely linked to the ability to get an “in” at a company. On average, referred candidates lead to 29% of hires, which is the highest, followed by online sites at 23.5%.
So don’t neglect this activity, however tedious it may seem. Also, network with everyone –from the top to the bottom of the chain.
Apply To Locations You’re Unsure Of
Reach out to companies in locations that are not necessarily the most popular. What’s the harm done? You might even end up liking it there.
“One reason for going off the beaten track is that most people are on it, which means less competition for you!” says Lassi Viljakainen, a career coach and formerly part of IESE’s Career Development Center.
Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket
It’s a mistake to apply to your dream job and wait for them to get back to you before you’ve put other irons in the fire. Even if you do end up getting an interview, the process itself might tell you it’s not what you thought it was. So use your time wisely and apply widely.
Take It On The Chin
“Be comfortable getting rejected,” advises Viljakainen. Indeed, you should assume it will happen, because everyone gets rejected if they put themselves out there enough. Getting told we are not a fit also helps us to improve and pay specific attention to the details of the steps we are taking so that we get closer to avoiding being rejected again. Or indeed, so that we avoid applying for unsuitable roles again.
The more you prepare for possible reasons for rejection, the more resilient you will be.
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