There are a number of factors that influence how successful your first job search will be, whether it’s for a summer internship or that all important first post collegiate professional role. By far the most effective thing you can do to improve your success rate is to start early. 

Fall is recruiting season on campus. College career offices know this and host career fairs and employer visits starting as early as September. If you have yet to visit your career office, run, don’t walk, there. The staff there can help you with your resume, interview prep and it’s all included in your tuition. Most colleges also offer free LinkedIn head shots. Taking advantage of these services is not only a smart move, it will save you time and money. Not sure where to start? Check out my tips for 9 smart moves you can make now.

According to NACE, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average job search for recent college graduates is 7.4 months. If you wait until after you graduate, you’ll likely have a lot of uncomfortable dinner conversations with your parents about your job search. So help your success rate, and your stress level, by starting EARLY.