How Early Should I Apply?

[jmwilso3]

Hello all,

I'm will be graduating college with my BA in August of 09, Id like to start working immediately afterwards. Should I start putting out resumes in the spring, summer? How many months before I can actually start working?

Thanks.

[Roger Dat]

Could be years. No one can say for sure.

[DeltaV]

It's extremely doubtful that you'll be able to get a job as soon as you graduate, as everything hinges on when an agency is hiring a new class. Some hire every few months, others hire once a year. It all depends.

Since some agencies have hiring processes that can last up to a year, I'd start looking now and seeing what different agencies' hiring schedules are looking like for next year. On average, you're going to be looking at between six and 12 months for the time line for the entire hiring process at most agencies.