Recruiting process and season

A lot of companies prefer prospective interns/full timers to apply through their school career center website. My understanding of the process is that the firm posts a job on the school career site, students apply, the firm pre-selects those they want to interview, and then the campus interviews,etc.

I've also thought that the recruiting season (generally) for full time offers are early to mid fall (when the semester starts), and for junior internships towards then end of fall/beginning of second semester.

Am I missing out on something?

I am not able to apply currently as I am taking a semester off and abroad, but I've applied to a few positions (well known firms, online apps through the firm website) and gotten no replies, not even a rejection.

I'm wondering how responsive recruiters and companies are for those who apply through postings on their school. Also, can anyone explain or give a rough timeline of the recruiting process and interviews?

Thanks a bunch and I do apologize for my ignorance as many wso members already seem so knowledgeable about all..

5 Comments
 

"Cast a wide net, for it is better to catch ten fish and throw three back, then catch six fish and yearn for one more - or no fish and f*cking die of starvation." - Wise Fisherman

 

You're generally correct on the timing. Very few firms are going to take resumes submitted only through their internal websites. Generally, you have to have some kind of connection (whether a referral or through OCR).

"For all the tribulations in our lives, for all the troubles that remain in the world, the decline of violence is an accomplishment we can savor, and an impetus to cherish the forces of civilization and enlightenment that made it possible."
 
NorthSiderYou're generally correct on the timing. Very few firms are going to take resumes submitted only through their internal websites. Generally, you have to have some kind of connection (whether a referral or through OCR).

most companies require students to submit a resume through the school's OCR site AND the company's internal website. will the applications from those schools generally get more attention?

 
Best Response
dinomonster
NorthSiderYou're generally correct on the timing. Very few firms are going to take resumes submitted only through their internal websites. Generally, you have to have some kind of connection (whether a referral or through OCR).

most companies require students to submit a resume through the school's OCR site AND the company's internal website. will the applications from those schools generally get more attention?

The only reason they have to submit through the online website is so that they have the resume and personal information in their internal databases. My point is that just dropping your resume on their website without any connection to OCR or a referral isn't very likely to get you an interview.

"For all the tribulations in our lives, for all the troubles that remain in the world, the decline of violence is an accomplishment we can savor, and an impetus to cherish the forces of civilization and enlightenment that made it possible."
 

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