Job Discussion Forums

[MarkM]

It seems being in the right place at the right time is important. So in this game, how long before becoming available (the end of the current contract) should one start looking for the next job?

[Otterman Ollie]

I think once you know that you going to need another one, generally this just after you have been informed your services are no longer required. get your c.v out dust it down and put any thing extra that has happened since the last time you went job hunting.

[naturegirl321]

I think it depends on the job and the country. I've heard that in the MIddle East and parts of Asia it can take months to get all the paperwork together for the visa. Speaking from experience, my first job in China took 2 months to get me my paperwork. This past year I renewed my visa in Korea and it took 4 months just for one little piece of paper.

Also, entry level jobs will be probably easier to get. If you're looking for a higher salary with more responsiblity, you'll have to look further ahead.

Where I am now, for university jobs, places start advertising in April for a September start. So about 5 months. BUt there are also last minute jobs available. those may or not be good. They could be last minute because some one dropped out, or because they're bad jobs. Or maybe a teacher pulled a runner.

I'd honestly look sooner rather than later. It gives you an idea about the job market and gives you more options.

[scot47]

I remember the bad old days, pre-Internet when you had to get your hands on the "Jobs:International" section of the Times Educational Supplement and start posting letters the old-fashioned way.

[naturegirl321]

[mstiff84]

I'm continuously applying for jobs! I think if you wait til the last min. then you are left with a gap of time without work...unless thats what you want.

I'm currently working and when applying I don't look for things that want someone ASAP, but maybe in a couple of months...or, I let employers know when I'll be able to start working.

I was always told: " When you don't have a job, apply to everything. When you have a job, apply to a job you want." You can be more selective if you have a job. This has worked for me. I've been working since I was 16 and Ive only not worked for a total of a year in that time.

Good Luck

[fluffyhamster]

I like to keep an eye on the jobs market by browsing ads every week or two, and when planning to switch jobs I try to apply months rather than weeks in advance (and most reputable employers will have similarly allowed at least a few weeks if not months in order to find suitable candidates to interview etc). Then, once in the new job, I add the new employer to my CV (except for the exact 'date worked until') so that the CV will be roughly ready for whenever the next change of job is necessary and imminent.