Your Fall Job Search Checklist: What to Do Before Thanksgiving

September sneaks up fast. Classes are back in full swing, career fairs are popping up on campus, and for many employers, fall is the prime recruiting season. If you’re a senior or recent grad, the moves you make this semester can set the tone for your entire job search.

To help you stay on track, here’s a step-by-step checklist to tackle before Thanksgiving:

1. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn
- Swap out outdated campus jobs or freshman-year clubs for your most recent, relevant
experiences.
- Focus your bullet points on results (“Increased attendance by 30%” vs. “Planned
events”).
- Add a professional headshot and short, punchy summary to LinkedIn.

2. Build Your Target List
- Research 10–15 companies or industries you’re genuinely interested in.
- Look at their career pages and LinkedIn posts to see if they’re hiring entry-level roles.
- Keep a simple spreadsheet to track applications, deadlines, and contacts.

3. Prep for Career Fairs
- Have at least 10 printed resumes ready to go.
- Draft a quick 30-second intro: who you are, your major, what you’re looking for.
- Follow up with recruiters within 48 hours — most students don’t, which means you’ll
stand out.

4. Tap Into Your Network
- Reach out to professors, coaches, or alumni — they can make warm introductions.
- Message 2–3 professionals a week on LinkedIn with a simple note: “I admire your career
path in [industry]. Would you be open to sharing advice?”
- Informational interviews often lead to opportunities you won’t find online.

5. Practice Interviewing
- Book a mock interview at your career center.
- Record yourself answering common questions (like “Tell me about yourself”) and watch
for filler words or rambling.
- Keep a list of 3–4 stories you can adapt to different behavioral interview questions.

6. Apply Early and Often
- Many large companies close applications before Thanksgiving.
- Don’t wait for the “perfect” job description — apply, then adjust your approach as you
go.
- Set a weekly goal (e.g., 3–5 applications) so progress doesn’t stall.

7. Take Care of Yourself
The job search can feel overwhelming. Make time for sleep, exercise, and things that energize
you. A clear mind helps you interview better and network more confidently.

Final Thought
By Thanksgiving, you want to feel like you’ve laid the groundwork: updated materials, started networking, sent out applications, and practiced interviews. That way, when finals hit in December, you’re not scrambling. Future you will thank present you for starting early.