Finding a full-time job can take a lot of time and a lot of energy, so it’s best to start early. As is true with internship recruiting, the timeline for full-time recruiting varies depending on the industry. The majority of recruiting takes place in the Spring, while select industries like Finance, Banking, Accounting, Insurance and Sales start to recruit in the Fall semester. If you’re interested in one of these industries, it’s best to start preparing for your job search upon returning to campus in the Fall.
Types of Recruiting
On Campus Recruiting (OCR): A handful of companies choose to recruit on campus for select openings at their organization. These positions are always posted on Handshake are are labeled as On-Campus Interview positions. Typically, companies choose to interview on campus for positions that they have successfully hired Crusaders into in the past. We recommend that students give special consideration to OCR positions, as employers are already vested in hiring a Holy Cross student.
Resume Referral: Most companies prefer to recruit students through resume referral postings to Handshake. Students are asked to apply via Handshake and sometimes also through the company’s website. Their resume is then referred to the recruiter responsible, who manages the application screening and interview scheduling on their own. Interviews are not held on campus, but are conducted via phone, Skype, or at the company’s office.
Even though Resume Referral employers don’t interview on campus, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t serious about hiring Holy Cross candidates. Give special attention to Handshake job postings, because those employers still go through the effort to post their opening to the Holy Cross network.
Networking
Networking, or building connections, is a key aspect to looking for a full-time opportunity. Hiring is a risky business, and networking helps decrease the risk by making you an educated, screened applicant. The goal of networking is to gain knowledge about a particular field, company or position, and develop a relationship with those who work in an area that interests you. The person may be able to assist you in finding a job in the long run, but the real value lies in the industry knowledge and mentorship you will gain by connecting with someone in your field of interest.
Holy Cross recommends three great resources for students to network with alumni:
• HC Network
• LinkedIn College of the Holy Cross Alumni Group
Resources
• Handshake
• Glassdoor
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
Annual Events
Career Fair: The annual Career Fair takes place in September in the Hogan Ballroom. This is a great way to engage and connect with the employers who are serious about recruiting Holy Cross students. For more information and a list of attending employers, visit Handshake.
Post-Grad Volunteer Fair: The Post-Grad Volunteer Fair offers a chance to learn about the opportunities available to you after Holy Cross and network with service organizations looking to hire you. The event is open to students of all class years.