Resumes before Graduation

[DTSMAN]

I have an Assocaites in Applied Science from a technical school like ITT in 1993. I have gone back for my BSIT at night and will graduate around June 2007. I work in the IT field currently but looking for something totally different than I do now. Anything new would be great.

1. What is the appropriate time for a student to start to send out a resume for positions in a field related to their degree?

2. I do not have a specific interest at this time, maybe some of you could share some good one liners for the cover letter that can aid in getting the first interview without being seen as looking for a type-specific position.(Can I do that?)

My current background is setting up windows networks, installing network cabling, setting up and training custmers on a proprietary softwares that we resale for the retail and restaurant industry. My goal upon graduation at this point and time is to obtain a job that isn't 80% hardware work and ladder climbing (the cabling part). My resume will obviously reflect this but I want to convey that I am looking for something new and different.

Bo

Kentucky phone support-
"Mash the Kentrol key and hit scape."

 

[jrbarnett]

Hi Bospruell,

Its several years since I graduated, and I'm UK rather than US based, so there are possible differences, however some general hints:

Send out a resume / completed application form for a post that interests you when you see it advertised, I'd say from about 3 months before you are due to finish. Whatever you do, follow the instructions in the application pack to the letter, or there is a high chance your application will be discarded before it gets looked at.

With regards to letters for speculative applications, whenever you feel ready. I'd start building a list of contact details of recruiters, companies that you feel may give opportunities, organisations etc from now, and then perform a mailmerge of the lot when you feel ready and send them off by post - not email as they are easily lost. Try and aim them at an individual within the organisation rather than "The HR Department" or "The Person in charge of IT Recruitment" as it looks far more professional.

As you have specific knowledge within the retail and restaurant trades, it may be worth targeting companies / organisations in this area as your business knowledge will given you an edge over people who haven't got that.

If you really want to do something very different its worth thinking about it beforehand and seeing if you can get some knowledge about it - perhaps by using the tools/technologies for university coursework etc.

With regards to specific one liners to include in a letter, you need to be able to match your skills with their requirements, so looking at information about the organisation can help tailor your application letter to their requirements. Information such as company reports and public web sites can help you gain information that can aid you in writing something more polished than the others. Also, don't forget contacts - friends, relatives, colleagues, fellow students, neighbours etc - the list goes on as these days a lot of recruitment is based on who you know rather than what you know.

John

 

[jhill7000]

As far as one liners go my boss said I was called in for the interview after reading "I am cursed with a sunny disposition" in my cover letter. Of course if you are not an out going positive person you should maybe put something else.

 

[LadySlinger]

Usually during the last semester is the best time. It doesn't guarantee that you will have a job immediately after getting your diploma, but it beats the other slackers that do wait.
Personally I waited until I knew I was passing all my classes and that I was given the clear to apply for graduation.