At a target and have heard that gold coast reached out to a few seniors in my class this week, and CPI/HSP had informal chats on campus in the fall.
Was wondering if anyone had advice on what to do if I haven’t yet been contacted, or if holding out contact until I am ready (April/may) to have chats is a good strategy? Any downsides?
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:
If GCSP, HSP, and CPI have already started reaching out to seniors at your school, it’s a clear sign that recruiting is ramping up. Waiting until April/May to engage might not be the best strategy, as these processes often move quickly once they begin. For example, in one WSO thread, it was noted that CPI’s timeline from initial outreach to process launch was just 8 days, with intro calls scheduled within 3 days. Smaller firms may even start earlier.
Here’s what you can do:
Proactively Reach Out: If you haven’t been contacted yet, don’t wait. Reach out to headhunters or firms directly. Even if you’re not fully ready, starting the conversation now can help you get on their radar.
Prepare for Informal Chats: If you’re concerned about not being ready, focus on preparing for informal chats. These are often less intense and can help you build rapport with recruiters.
Avoid Delaying Too Long: Holding out until April/May could mean missing out on opportunities, as many firms may have already filled their pipelines by then. Being proactive now ensures you’re not left behind.
Leverage Your Network: If you know seniors or alumni who have been contacted, ask for advice or introductions. A warm referral can significantly increase your chances of being noticed.
Remember, recruiting is often a fast-paced process, and being proactive is key to staying competitive.
Sources: My on-cycle experience / guide, Should I get straight to the point in my cold email?, Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., Unemployed and living in parents' basement, losing hope
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