I am a PhD student graduating in September 2016. I just started looking for jobs, but I feel that when recruiters look at my CV and see that I am still 5-6 months away from graduation, they'll ignore me.
However, I can't just wait till 1-2 months before graduation, since finding a job is a long process (interviews, etc), and if I graduated without a job then I have to leave the US since I'm not a citizen.
This seems like a never ending problem. What do you think?
Yes apply for jobs. It shouldn't matter if they see you are still 5-6 months away. If they are not interested then move on to the next. You never know, someone might actually have work or a position waiting for you.
It takes approximately 1 month per every 10K of salary to find a job. With a PHD, you should be looking at least in the 60k range, if not much much more. Apply now. You are actually BEHIND schedule.
Absolutely apply. It is the CV that will be on file so make it a good one. In your cover letter maybe even state your situation - you need a job to stay in the US. They may low ball you but a job is a job.
Recruiters may ignore you as they want quick paycheck. Apply directly with companies. With a PhD you probably have limited target group. 5-6 months out if they are looking for a PhD in your field will get their attention.
