There is often a negative perception of the continuous round. Students might assume that the jobs offered in the continuous round are not as valuable as those offered in the first interview cycle. There is also the pressing fear of not landing employment for the upcoming work term. However, did you know that there are a variety of benefits that the continuous round offers?
According to Jessica Lang, manager at the Centre for Career Action in the Tatham Centre, “it is entirely normal for students to go into the continuous round.” Jessica urges that there are many positives for advancing to the continuous round. One benefit, which can greatly enhance your chances of receiving a job offer, is that you will be competing with less students. Overall, a large number of students on a recruitment term receive employment during the first interview cycle. This means that when you enter the continuous round, you may find that there are fewer students applying to job postings. You might also be competing with fewer students during an interview. “The first interview cycle is quite lengthy; continuous round has matches every Friday, which can be reassuring for students who want to know the outcome of their interviews more quickly.”
During my last recruiting term, I was faced with stress and anxiety after not receiving a job offer in the first interview cycle. Entering the continuous round, I too had a negative perception. I believed that it would be much more difficult to find a valuable employment opportunity. However, within the first week, I secured six job interviews. I personally enjoyed the shorter turn-around time as I received feedback and an offer within a week. Knowing that I was also competing with less students allowed the levels of anxiety to dissipate.
The continuous round allows students to approach the recruiting process differently. “As students know the outcome of their interviews and get feedback more quickly in continuous, it gives them an opportunity to reflect on what may be hindering their progress,” says Jessica. “This can encourage students to make any necessary changes to their résumé, enhance their interview skills, or obtain any other resourceful advice right away.” Jessica suggests that the continuous round inspires students to log into WaterlooWorks more frequently. Employment opportunities posted daily offers a wider variety of jobs in other programs and faculties; some employers are open to hiring students from different disciplines during the continuous round. Jessica encourages students to utilize the filter option in WaterlooWorks during the continuous round. It may optimize and broaden your search, which can maximize your chances of receiving an employment opportunity.
I suggest visiting the Centre for Career Action (CCA). Their fifteen-minute student drop-in session allowed me to recognize where my résumé package required improvement. CCA also offers mock interviews and career advice. If you are looking for a more thorough critique or advice, you are able to book a one-hour session with a career advisor. One resource I found helpful was the CareerHub online portal. This tool is useful for any last-minute questions , it can assist students who are in crunch for time or are commuters.
If you have not found an employment opportunity as of yet, do not worry! You have until February 4th, 2019 to secure a position for the Winter 2019 work term. Go into the continuous round with an open mind, as there are many benefits associated with this stage of recruitment. Being proactive and looking for employment opportunities outside of WaterlooWorks may also increase your chances of employment. Visit a career advisor to stay informed on what you can do to better your chances during the continuous round. One thing that I always remind myself of before an interview is that, “treat the interview like a conversation.”
