Summer is here already. Here's how to amp up your job search for the warm weather.
It seems to be conventional wisdom to take a break from job searching during the summer months. I am not sure what sort of advice that is, to be honest. Most people, especially those who are unemployed right now, can't afford to wait 3 more months to land a job.
I think that the reason why summer generally seems like a bad time to look for a job is because many new projects start up in the fall combined with the difficulty of scheduling meetings and interviews in between employee's vacation time. But, even if you currently have a job and are looking for a new one, the summer months are a great time to get the ball moving in order to be able to hit the ground running in the fall.
The truth is that in this day and age, people aren't taking long vacations anymore. Gone are the days when the boss takes a month off during the summer. For most companies, summertime is business as usual. And, with so many job seekers taking the time off, the competition is slimmer.
Here are 5 ways to get your job search in summer shape:
- Never miss a chance to network – Summer is the time for festivals, cookouts and other gatheringss that give you an opportunity to connect with people you haven't seen in awhile. Be sure to print out some business cards with your name and contact information to have on hand. This way, when you go to your cousin's June wedding, you'll be all set to shake hands and network with extended family.
- Write out a formal schedule – It's tempting to go out and play in the warm weather, but before you hit the pool, plan time for your job search. Even if you have kids home from school or many attractive social opportunities, don't let them distract you from spending at least an hour or two furthering your job search.
- Get outside – The fresh air and sunshine can do your mental health a world of good. It's good to take a break and have some fun. If you have a lot of free time, this might be a great chance to get to know your neighbors and network with them. You may be able to barter services like working on home improvement projects in exchange for vegetables from their summer garden.
- Look for a temporary job – Summer is the perfect time to find a seasonal job just to generate some income. Look at tourist attractions near you such as theme parks and even look at temp agencies. Often companies will hire a temp to pick up the slack during office vacation times. Think about skill sets and what you are passionate about. Use this to guide you into the perfect summer job. For example, if you're an avid golfer, perhaps working at a mini-golf location would be fun. Likewise, if you love crafts, maybe working at a souvenir shop would be a blast.
- Don't get discouraged – Getting interviews scheduled can be a bit of a challenge during the summer months. Also, many times the turn-around time from application to hire for many companies is significantly longer. Just keep doing what you can and be patient. Even though it's a little difficult, remind yourself that you are putting yourself at the front of the line to be hired as the summer winds down.
Summer always brings lots of fun and activities. That doesn't mean your job search needs to be put on hold. Instead, use these tips and get a head start on the competition.
What do you think about looking for a job during the summer months? I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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