<p>I know it's never too early to keep your ear to the ground, build contacts and experience, blah blah blah, but how far before your expected graduation date should you start actually inquiring about opportunities and sending out resumes?</p>
<p>I'm graduating in either August or December (depending on class selection over the summer), so is it ridiculously early to start contacting places that are posting openings now? I know it's not likely anyone who needs someone immediately will wait around until I'm available, but would it be obnoxious to reply anyway just in case? I've found a few jobs recently that are really good fits for my interests and experience, so I'm wondering how it would come across if I sent off a few resumes now.</p>
<p>It's never too early to apply. In fact, I'd recommend that you start as soon as possible! Full time offers can sometimes be given 1 year prior to start of work. (ex. getting FT offer after summer internship with a bank)</p>
<p>Most of my friends that were seniors started looking a semester beforehand. Most found a job they like while I know a two or three that haven't found their dream job, mostly due to salary though.</p>
<p>Most of the time when you apply, it says when are you available for employment. Fill that out and you'll be contacted when they deem the time is right.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses so far! I know to include when I'm available for employment on my resume, but part of the problem is I actually don't know right now, because it's dependent on when I can get the classes I need to finish. Any advice on how to deal with that?</p>
<p>CesareBorgia, I don't really think I'm at a huge disadvantage at this point. I should clarify that I'm not looking into fields that really do "fall recruiting", since I'm hoping for a job in biomed research or at a health-related non-profit. The positions I'm looking at are for things like research assistantships, community organizers, etc.</p>