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What You Need to Know About Summer Job Search

When summer rolls around each year we typically caution job seekers to resist sending their job search on vacation. Who doesn’t want to jet set to a relaxing destination and sip refreshing drinks by the pool? Sounds pretty nice right about now, but with holiday weekend travel and summer getaways at a low, traditional summer is canceled for many this year. While you may opt for a staycation or brave a few trips to the beach this summer, salvage the season by investing in your job search.

There’s a myth that hiring goes on hold in the summer. People are off vacationing and nobody is left to drive the hiring process forward, right? Wrong. In the midst of a pandemic or not, hiring does continue throughout the summer season. In fact, it’s often a great time to focus on your job search, as others drop out of the race and open up the playing field. So turn up the heat this summer and put your job search into full gear.

Network and Reconnect

Network, network, and keep networking. Have we said it enough? Summer is a great opportunity to network informally, strengthen connections, and build your web of contacts. Forge new relationships during networking activities and mention you’re looking for new opportunities. Let them know you’d love to follow up by inviting them to a video call or out for a quick drink—you can sit outside and socially distance over a cup of coffee. As people take time off in the summer the workplace tends to slow down, but this can be to your networking advantage! This is a great time to get ahold of people a little easier.

Is there someone you’ve been meaning to reconnect with? Call them up and set a time to get together, whether in-person or virtually. Refresh their memory or inform them you’re in career transition. It’s always beneficial to renew your existing connections—they might even have a potential lead to share with you. The number one way to get a job is through referrals. So don’t let your past networking efforts fall flat and go to waste. Put them to use and reap the benefits of your network.

Refresh Your Marketing Materials

Make sure your marketing materials are up to speed. These include your resume, business card, and social media profiles. Is everything up-to-date, clear, and correct? In many cases, your marketing materials will precede a virtual interview or face-to-face encounter with a recruiter or hiring manager. Ensure they sell your best self and support a positive first impression.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a while to no avail, this is especially important. Take some time to re-group and thoroughly proofread, edit, and rewrite where you can make improvements. Does your resume show what you want to do, versus a list of what you’ve simply done? You might need to revise and refocus with the perspective of a target employer in mind. The network that you’ve been nurturing can serve as an additional set of eyes. Ask them to check your materials and give you feedback. It can take a village to cultivate a successful job search.

Assess Your Skills

Maybe you haven’t heard back from the companies you’ve applied to or you don’t see any momentum in your job search. At this point you’ve made sure your resume sells you, but maybe it still needs a finishing touch—like a commitment to continued learning. Take the initiative to do some industry research and assess your skills against the demands of the market.

If you’re not currently employed, it will benefit you to show you’re doing something to stay sharp and maintain your skillset. Even with many in-person gatherings and events still on hold, there are a number of virtual summits and activities you can attend from the comfort of your home. Consider taking classes, attending seminars, volunteering in your professional community, or obtaining certifications. Exemplify your passion and commitment to your field to enhance your professional persona.

Follow Up

If your job search is underway and you’ve already applied for positions, now is the time to follow up. Be proactive and move the process forward. As people take time off in the summer, there tend to be less office meetings and schedules can free up. Those left manning the fort might have additional time to talk with you and answer questions. Take the opportunity to get in touch and get the ball rolling.

If you’ve already interviewed, follow up and offer to supply any further information they might need. Do you still need to meet with other members of their staff? Do they know when you’re available for a final interview? While you want to stay visible and push the process forward, don’t berate them with demands or your frustrations. Be considerate of their schedule and offer to do what you can to make the process run smoothly. And of course express your continued interest.

Make the Most of the Season

The bottom line is, hiring doesn’t stop in the summer. While others wind down their efforts, you have an advantage to make the most of the season. Keep the momentum flowing and remain vigilant. You’ll regret missed opportunities and the wasted time it takes to get back up and running if you put your hunt on hold. Actively search, network, and apply for jobs this summer to get a jump on everyone else not looking. By staying visible and amping up your game, you will have something to celebrate as you land your next job and conquer summer job search.