Overview of Recruiting Timelines

Timelines vary even within the same industry, so it is important to plan ahead to assure you don’t miss opportunities. It is also important to designate sufficient time for your search. Think about it as a class, without an exam. If you designate 4-5 hours a week to a class, that is what you should designate for your job search.

  • ‘Advanced’ hiring: Some employers are able to anticipate their entry-level hiring needs months in advance, usually very large employers. These companies are in the minority, and are by no means representative of the range of entry-level opportunities. Employers who recruit 10+ months in advance and/or participate in an On-Campus Recruiting program fall into this category. Some employers with advanced hiring may have established 1-2 year opportunities or programs. In the non-profit sector these are sometimes referred to as fellowships, or may also be listed as internships, such as Teach for America, AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps. The application deadlines vary depending on the opportunity; some have one deadline per year, while larger programs may have multiple deadlines throughout the year.
  • ‘As Needed’ or ‘Just in Time’ hiring: The majority of employers across all sectors – for-profit, non-profit, and government – fall into this category. These employers hire when someone leaves or when the company or organization is growing. When positions become available, employers want to fill the opening quickly; if a position becomes available in February, most employers will not be able to hold it open until June when a graduating student is available to begin working. But that doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t start your job search early. The vast majority of Yale students accept positions with employers that hire closer to graduation, check out the Yale College Outcomes for details.
  • ‘Rolling’ Applications: Employers accepting applications on a rolling basis will review resumes as they are submitted and begin interviewing candidates prior to the application deadline. It’s recommended that you apply to these opportunities earlier rather than later.
By Yale Office of Career Strategy
Yale Office of Career Strategy