Summertime Job Hunt Tips

By Erin Kennedy

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The dog days of summer are here again, but for many, it’s not quite time to relax. Like many, you probably haven’t done any job hunting prior, to or throughout the summer since your teenage years when you just needed something to occupy your time and weren’t quite as interested in building a career. However, now that you are unemployed or just seeking a new position, a summer job hunt looks to be in the cards again, but this time, you’ll have to go about it far differently than you did as a teenager.  Though summer isn’t generally viewed as the best time of year to drum up a new business or make new connections with many people going on vacation and spending more time traveling, the networking events are rarer during the summer. However, this presents a great opportunity for other avenues of networking that could prove to be even more valuable. The thing about personal branding for senior-level managers is you can never stop improving your brand. Here are some reasons why the summer may be the best time for you to do so.

Unique Networking Opportunities

Of all the seasons, summer is by far the most social. With pool parties, backyard BBQs, and summer happy hours, you have plenty of opportunities to socialize. These get-togethers are great ways to meet other people in your field who may be able to help you land your next job. Take advantage of it by going out yourself, especially to any and every function held by coworkers or other industry professionals you can introduce yourself to and speak with. This is incredibly helpful because as you probably know, c-level job searches aren’t just about executive resume writing. They are about connecting with others and knowing the right people. The more socializing and networking you can do, the more doors you can open. You never know where your next job opportunity could come from.

Summer Vacations – Time Off

This may apply more to those who are looking to transfer to careers than to those who currently lack employment. While you may be hard at work this summer looking for new career opportunities and writing resumes that get you hired, most of your office will probably be on vacation. How does that benefit you? Well, since it’s typical vacation season, it’s easier for you to use your vacation time to go on interviews, take time off to do some executive resume writing, or go shopping for the perfect interview outfit. You can also use the time to network with others in your industry at those frequent summer barbeques. So get productive with this extra time and use it wisely.

People Are Generally More Relaxed

Since many businesses hit their slower months during the summer, you’ll notice people are more relaxed than normal. This means they should be more willing to connect with you, whether it’s finally grabbing a cup of coffee or going to brunch. Taking a relaxed and casual approach when networking during the summer can improve personal branding for senior-level managers more than you think.

Longer Days – More Free Time

Daylight savings time always unfolds before the start of summer, meaning you’ll have far more time to work on your job search than you would at any other time of the year. Once you’ve finished writing an effective resume, you still have to get out there and submit your resume, travel to job interviews, and follow up with job leads. Summer won’t last forever, which is why you have to make the most of every second while you can.

Use Downtime to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile

Summer could also prove to be the best time to work on your executive LinkedIn profile. Companies may not be hiring much during the summer, but working on your LinkedIn profile development during the slow periods will help you be prepared when business starts ramping up again. This is also the perfect time to get your name out there by joining LinkedIn groups, reaching out directly to connections, and sending out resumes. Utilize LinkedIn as much as possible now, and you’ll reap the benefits later on.

Managers Will Notice You

Even if most of the office has been relinquished for the summer, the managers in charge of the companies you're looking to work for will still be working as hard as ever! Many managers still are in the process of looking for new employees during the summer months. This is the perfect time to catch their eye with the help of a well-written resume. You won't want to miss any chance to communicate with higher-ups!

If you’re looking to find an exciting new job opportunity, you may not be able to decide when your job hunt begins; however, if you’re fortunate enough to start your job search during the summer, you have several seasonal advantages working in your favor. The longer days, social events, and opportunities to take time off for your job search can help you land your new job more easily than those looking for work during other times of the year.

 

About the Author:
Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes "Top 100 Career Websites". Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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