When were you hired
 

For all of you alums who went to work right out of college, when were you hired? I am a senior in college and looking for a job that I can start right away after graduation. Am I starting my job search too early?

I totally feel your pain! I'm graduating in May and I'm getting so scared!

In this market, no, you are not starting the 'hunt' too early.

I graduated in an August and found my first 'real' job by October. I really should have started looking earlier, although I did sporadic interviewing over the summer in a variety of careers. I didn't have a focused goal based on my major at the time.

FWIW, I'm not even working in my major anymore. My second 'real' job after college got me into the computer industry and except for a short-lived desperate retail stint, I've been here every since.

You can never start job searching too early!!

I guaduated in May and interviews on our campus started the previous September. I had my job by January. Most of my friends that didn't start looking for jobs until school ended still don't have jobs. If a company really wants you to work for them they will wait until you graduate.

I graduated in December and started my "real" job in March. I had been looking since the September/October before I graduated. I did have a couple of job offers but I was holding out for the one I am currently in (thank God I got hired!)

Don't stress out about finding a job this second. Now is a good time to get a feel for your market and to look at regional job availability. Good luck!

I graduated in December 2000. I didn't actively start looking for a job until April 2001. I interviewed for 2 jobs and one offered me the position right away.

It's never too early to start looking for a job.

I was fortunate enough to have an internship in the same town as my college. It lasted up until 4 months before I graduated, at which time they turned me into a full-time employee.

The downside to that was not having any time off after graduation, but otherwise I can't complain. Besides, it wasn't a big change at all - just another day at the office. I am actually less stressed now than I was in school because my schedule is suddenly free of garbage.

* ...and now playing left field, Jon Sagara... *

Sorry, got sidetracked. As has been said already, it is never too early to start looking. The sooner you can secure something, the less pressure you'll have near the end of the term when finals are approaching. Just one less thing to worry about.